Janice R. Andrews
In a groundbreaking step toward eco-friendly space exploration, Japanese researchers have launched the world’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat, into space. Developed by Kyoto University in partnership with Sumitomo Forestry, LignoSat aims to test the viability of wood as a material for space structures.
The satellite, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) thanks to a SpaceX mission, will soon be released into orbit to face the challenges of the space environment. This experiment marks a significant shift in the pursuit of sustainable space technology.
Exploring Wood’s Durability in Space The decision to test wood’s durability in space stems from two primary goals. First, researchers want to observe how wood withstands the harsh conditions beyond Earth’s atmosphere, including radiation and temperature extremes. If successful, this could open up new possibilities for building wooden space habitats.
“With timber, a material we can produce by ourselves, we will be able to build houses, live, and work in space forever,” shared Takao Doi, an astronaut affiliated with Kyoto University. This venture is part of a visionary 50-year plan that envisions timber-based habitats on the moon and Mars.
Advantages of Wood in Space Skeptics may question the use of wood in space, but the material offers several advantages. Unlike on Earth, where wood is susceptible to water and oxygen damage, the space environment provides a more favorable setting with neither element present, preventing rot and reducing fire risk. Additionally, wood offers decent protection from radiation, a critical factor for space applications.
“Early 1900s airplanes were made of wood,” noted Professor Koji Murata, a forest science expert at Kyoto University, “and wooden satellites should be feasible as well.”
Addressing the Space Debris Challenge Another compelling reason for using wooden satellites is their environmental impact. Current metal satellites, when re-entering Earth’s atmosphere, often release harmful aluminum oxide particles. Wood, on the other hand, would naturally burn up on re-entry without contributing to the growing issue of space debris.
Takao Doi envisions a future where metal satellites might even be banned, favoring eco-friendly alternatives like wood.
This test with LignoSat marks a promising start to a sustainable space future, pushing the boundaries of materials science and hinting at a world where wooden structures orbit Earth—or even provide habitation on distant moons and planets.
