NASA and Japan Plan to Launch a ‘Wooden Satellite’ into Space in 2024: But Why Wood?

Over the last few years, various projects have been developed on sustainable living for planet Earth. However, these projects seem not to be limited only to the earth. NASA and Japan have an interesting project for the satellite they will launch into space.

NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) plan to launch the world’s first wooden satellite into space with LignoSat in order to make space flight of satellites more sustainable.

According to space agencies, this satellite will be made of magnolia wood and will be only the size of a coffee mug.

The wooden satellite, planned to be launched into space in 2024, can be a source of inspiration for satellites to be launched into space in the future. Because wood is a substance that does not burn, rot or suffer any damage in the vacuum of space. However, from the moment it enters Earth orbit, it begins to burn and disintegrate in the atmosphere. This turns it into an organic waste.

Earlier this year, wooden satellite samples were tested by the International Space Station (ISS) and successful results were obtained. The wooden satellite, which is only the size of a coffee mug, is deemed suitable for launching into space.

So why did they use the magnolia tree and not another tree?

In the studies conducted by scientists in May 2023, three tree species were tested and it was seen that these three species did not show any deformation when exposed to space conditions. These three tree species, which remained in space for 10 months, were not affected by any temperature changes or cosmic rays.

Scientists tested cherry, birch and magnolia trees and decided on the magnolia tree. Because the magnolia tree showed less deformation and bent less than other trees during the production of the satellite. This shows that the magnolia tree can stay in space for longer.

There are already tons of waste in space, and the idea of ​​a wooden satellite could prevent this pollution from increasing in the future.

There is currently a lot of space debris in Earth orbit, such as inoperable satellites and used rocket parts. These wastes, which weigh up to 9,300 tons, further increase the ambient light because they contain materials such as titanium and aluminum. This negatively affects scientists’ space observations.

Additionally, satellites and spacecraft made of metal cost more. These costs are planned to be reduced thanks to wooden satellites, and if humanity sends more spacecraft into space, a great danger for the Earth may be on the way.