Spaceexploration often appeal the idea of long-wearing , cut - edge materials that can withstand uttermost environmental challenge . But scientists in Japan suspect we do n’t call for to abandon one of the oldest building blocks know to humanity to explore the final frontier ; they ’re preparing to launch a wooden satellite into compass .
AccordingtoThe New York Times , the world ’s first satellite manikin made partly from woods was placed into a SpaceX rocket and launch earlier this week en road to the International Space Station ( ISS ) . The orbiter is a cube roughly 4 inches by 4 inches , with wooden panel as well as credit card office . If all goes well , the satellite will be placed into orbit by the final stage of the year , roughly250 nautical mile above Earth .
Why wood ? Kyoto University prof Koji Murata , who specializes in biomaterials science , has long been intrigued by the concept of sustainability in infinite and whether trees might one day be grown outside of Earth as a renewable resourcefulness . Mrs. Henry Wood would also produce fewer spin-off while burning up upon reentry than metal . That led to questions about what eccentric of wood could resist the rigors of space exploration and travel .
Takao Doi , a former NASA spaceman and Kyoto University colleague , began pursuing the melodic theme with a lumber company , Sumitomo Forestry . Samples of magnolia , cherry , and birch rod trees were sent to the ISS in 2022 to analyze their durability in the face of space luck like cosmic ray and temperature shifts . All work well , but magnolia ( orhonoki ) was chosen for the satellite material due to its crack - resistant properties . It ’s the same eccentric of wood used to craft the sheath of samurai steel .
The orbiter , dubbed LignoSat , should reveal how wood responds to extended space pic . In possibility , a lack of oxygen or moisture should forbid the elaboration and contraction typical of wood materials on terra firma . How it perform in field , however , is a question that ’s never been investigate . If all goes well , Doi envisions a future in which humans may be capable to plant trees on the synodic month or on Mars .
“ former 1900s airplanes were made of woodwind instrument , ” Murata toldReuters . “ A wooden satellite should be executable , too . ”
