A revolutionary experiment launched the first satellite made mostly of wood into space. The device is named LignoSat, whose etymology comes from the Latin word wood which simply means “wood”. The satellite was sent into space thanks SpaceXaircraft manufacturing company Elon Musk. It is on its way to the International Space Station, where it will be received and then launched into orbit to study the effects that space has on wood.
Kyoto University and Japanese timber company Sumitomo Forestry are responsible for the construction of this strange sidereal device. Takao Doiastronaut and professor at the institution, told Reuters that “with woodmaterial that we can make ourselves we will be able to build houses, live and work in space forever“. He added that “if we can prove that our first wooden satellite works, we want to propose it to Elon Musk’s SpaceX”.
LignoSat began its development in 2020, but it was not until 2022 that the first tests were carried out, in which they revealed different types of wood in the vacuum of space. After analyzing the results, it was concluded that Hoonoki, a type of magnolia wood, would be used for his flexibility, durability and dimensional versatility.
According to the institution fhigh water and oxygen content in space will protect the wooden satellite from any type of wear. It remains to be seen how effective wood is at protecting the internal circuitry of the device.
LignoSat’s creators express excitement about discovering the limits of their curious project, because if successful, can drastically reduce space pollution, when replacing traditional metal satellites. That’s what they estimate In about 50 years we could be building wooden houses on other planets and moons our solar system.
Via: NBC News
