Japan has launched LignoSat, the world’s first wooden satellite, advancing sustainable space exploration. Jointly developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, LignoSat is crafted from honoki wood (a type of magnolia) and was launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite will be deployed from the International Space Station (ISS) and is expected to orbit Earth for six months.

This mission aims to test wood’s resilience in space, exposing it to extreme temperatures and cosmic rays. Equipped with sensors, LignoSat will gather data on how the wood endures these conditions, offering insights for future space endeavors.

Using wood in satellites offers environmental benefits; unlike metal, which releases harmful aluminum oxide during re-entry, wooden satellites are expected to burn up cleanly, leaving minimal residue. This eco-friendly approach could make wooden satellites a viable option for future missions.

Additionally, this project emphasizes the potential of renewable materials in space, suggesting that wood could eventually be used to build habitats on the Moon and Mars. LignoSat’s success may open doors to more sustainable and environmentally conscious space technology.