World’s first wooden satellite, developed in Japan, heads to space

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The first wooden satellite launched into space

LignoSat: World’s first wooden satellite, developed in Japan, heads to space

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World's first wooden satellite launched into space

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"I don't know how it's possible [to colonize Mars]."

"I don't see it [the possibility of humans colonizing Mars] happening anytime soon."

"I don't think we'll get to Mars in my lifetime."

"I believe a colony on Mars is going to happen, but between 2040 and 2050."

"We are not going to see the first people going to Mars until the 2040s."

"Our [NASA's] plan is for humans to walk on Mars by 2040."

People will be put on Mars "in this decade."

"[W]e want to reach Mars before the end of my term."

"I think 5 years is possible [to have human existence on Mars] and 10 years is highly likely."

Will Humans Land on Mars, and When?

LignoSat, the world's first wood-paneled satellite, was launched into space aboard a SpaceX mission on Tuesday in an early test of using timber in lunar and Mars exploration.

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Researchers from Japan's Kyoto University and homebuilder Sumitomo Forestry developed the palm-sized glue- and screw-less satellite using hinoki magnolia wood and traditional Japanese crafting techniques.

The box-like experimental satellite measures 4 inches (10 centimeters) on each side. It is expected to orbit approximately 250 miles above Earth for a six-month testing period.

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LignoSat will measure wood's endurance in extreme space conditions, where temperatures fluctuate between -100°C and 100°C every 45 minutes during orbit transitions. Space's lack of water or oxygen would protect it from fire or decay.

Japan Times

Researchers will evaluate the wooden structure's ability to shield semiconductors from space radiation, which could potentially lead to applications in data center construction.

The project aims to demonstrate wood's viability as a space-grade material, with researchers envisioning a 50-year plan for building timber structures on the moon and Mars.

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Japanese researchers from Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry launched LignoSat, the world's first wooden satellite, aboard a SpaceX mission to the International Space Station.

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The palm-sized satellite, made from hinoki magnolia wood using traditional Japanese crafting techniques without screws or glue, will orbit approximately 250 miles above Earth for a six-month testing period.

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Scientists selected hinoki wood after a 10-month experiment aboard the International Space Station, noting its durability in space due to the absence of water and oxygen that typically cause decay.

The satellite will measure wood's endurance in extreme space conditions, where temperatures fluctuate between -100 and 100 degrees Celsius every 45 minutes during orbit transitions.

Researchers will evaluate the wooden structure's ability to shield semiconductors from space radiation, potentially leading to applications in data center construction.

Wooden satellites represent an environmentally conscious solution for space exploration, as they burn up cleanly during atmospheric re-entry compared to metal satellites that release aluminum oxide particles. Metal satellites might face future restrictions, making wooden alternatives increasingly important for sustainable space development.

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The use of wood in space technology may seem outdated, but it actually represents cutting-edge innovation that could revolutionize space colonization and reinvigorate the timber industry through new applications and markets.

Japan Launches World's First Wooden Satellite into Space

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World's 1st wooden satellite arrives at ISS for key orbital test

Timber has properties that are hard to control, and from an engineering point of view, it's a complex material to make critical structures like spacecraft parts. Finding ways to make future space exploration sustainable is fine, but the use of wood in space technology is outdated and offers no real solution to reducing the space industry's environmental impact.

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LignoSat: First wood-panelled satellite launched into space

Japan Launches World's First Wooden Satellite into Space

Japan Launches World's First Wooden Satellite into Space

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Japan Launches World's First Wooden Satellite into Space

Japan Launches World's First Wooden Satellite into Space

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