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 the use of timber in lunar and Mars exploration.

Guardian

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.

USA Today

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 will theoretically protect it from fire or decay.

Japantimes

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

The project aims to demonstrate wood's viability as a space-grade material, with researchers reportedly envisioning a five decade plan for the construction of timber structures on the moon and Mars.

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Timber has properties that are hard to control, and from an engineering point of view, it's a complex material with which to make critical structures like spacecraft parts. Prioritizing finding ways to make future space exploration sustainable is fine, but using 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

There's a 1% chance that there will be at least one human fatality in space due to space debris by 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

Metaculus2

Will there be at least one human fatality in space due to space debris by 2025?

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. Indeed, metal satellites might face future restrictions due to their environmental impact, making wooden alternatives an increasingly important part of sustainable space development.

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

The Spin

Metaculus Prediction

The Controversies

Shatner

Tyson

López-Alegría

Saydam

Whitehouse

Nelson

Shotwell

Trump

Musk

Articles on this story

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