World's first wooden satellite launched into space – DW – 11/05/2024
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Researchers from Japan believe that timber is a space-grade material that could on day be used to build houses on Mars. Their satellite was crafted from honoki wood without screws or glue to hold it together.

Summary

Japan launched the world’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat, to test if wood can function as a space-grade material. Developed by Kyoto University, the satellite is made of honoki wood, chosen after a 10-month ISS experiment proved its suitability for space.

Designed without screws or glue, LignoSat will orbit Earth for six months, enduring extreme temperature swings and measuring wood’s resistance to space radiation. Advocates highlight wood’s eco-friendly re-entry properties compared to metal.

Researchers envision wooden structures for future space habitats, potentially boosting the timber industry.

  • apfelwoiSchoppen@lemmy.worldEnglish
    12·
    11 days ago

    Edit well I’d never heard of honoki wood! Learn something new every day. Honoki (朴の木, hou wood, Japanese Bigleaf Magnolia, Magnolia obavata -hinoki wood, from Chamaecyparis obtusa.