Pioneering Japan Launches World’s First Wooden Satellite into Space

The first wooden satellite of Earth, named LignoSat, was launched into space on a past Tuesday as part of a lunar and martian exploration mission. Developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, experts in sustainable construction using wood materials, the satellite was sent to the International Space Station via a SpaceX rocket before being released into a 400-kilometer orbit above the Earth’s surface.

The concept of using a wooden satellite stemmed from research on enabling humans to produce and utilize self-sustaining objects in space. One prospective idea involves planting trees and constructing habitats on the moon, while the satellite aims to demonstrate the durability of wood in such environments. The research team believes that wood may withstand space conditions better than on Earth due to the absence of water and oxygen, factors that contribute to wood decay and less environmental impact when decommissioned.

Source: Reuters Image: Kyoto University

**TLDR:** The wooden satellite LignoSat, created by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, is part of a space exploration mission to showcase wood’s durability in space and its potential for sustainable construction.