PEAKLIFE

By Abhya Adlakha

Leave it to the Japanese to stun the world with their innovations! This time, Japanese scientists have created one of the world’s most unusual spacecraft—a tiny satellite made of timber.

This experimental satellite, called LignoSat, was developed by researchers at Kyoto University and the Japanese logging company Sumitomo Forestry, and is set to launch to the International Space Station (ISS) in September. The satellite was made to test the idea of using biodegradable materials to see if they can act as sustainable alternatives to the metals from which all satellites are currently manufactured.

Crafting the Wooden Wonder

When one thinks of satellites, images of sleek, metallic structures bristling with advanced technology come to mind. So then, why wood? This tiny marvel is carved out of magnolia wood, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of space exploration. Magnolia wood, selected for its strength and stability, emerged as a top contender after rigorous testing on the ISS. Space exposure tests were also performed on cherry and birch wood chips.

Over nearly a year, magnolia wood was exposed to the harsh conditions of space, enduring extreme temperatures and radiation without significant degradation. The wood samples were found to have suffered no measurable changes in their mass and there were no signs of decomposition or damage. This is because in space, there’s no oxygen to fuel combustion and no life forms to induce rot, making wood an unexpectedly resilient material.

LignoSat is a tiny cube that measures 4 inches (10 centimeters) on a side and weighs just over 2 pounds (0.9 kilograms). Built without screws or glue, the satellite’s wooden panels are joined using traditional Japanese techniques. Solar panels clothe its exterior, providing the necessary power for its onboard experiments. Ground tests also confirmed that the wood would not affect the astronauts’ health and safety.

LignoSat is expected to cost around US$ 191,000 to design, manufacture, launch, and to operate. Sensors on the satellite are expected to evaluate the strain on the wood, temperate, and the satellite’s ability to receive and transmit radio signals.

How is it Expected to Combat Space Pollution?

Wood might seem counterintuitive for us in space because of its combustible properties—but that feature is what scientists were looking for. To curb the increasing problem of space junk that threatens space stations, rocket stages and satellites are purposely plunged into the Earth’s atmosphere to burn up. All the satellites that re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere burn and create tiny alumina particles that float in the upper atmosphere for years and affect the environment of the Earth. These particles also affect telecommunications.

The creators of LignoSat expect the wooden material to burn up completely when the device re-enters the atmosphere — potentially providing a way to avoid the generation of metal particles when a satellite returns to Earth. When LignoSat plunges back to Earth, the magnolia wood will burn off completely after six months or a year, leaving only water vapour and carbon dioxide behind.

Moreover, the wood in the satellite does not block out radio waves, making it suitable for enclosing an antenna, one of the researchers said at a press conference.

Launching Into the Future

The excitement around LignoSat is palpable as it prepares for its imminent journey. Slated to launch on a SpaceX rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida this September, the satellite will hitch a ride to the ISS. About a month later, it will be deployed into orbit from Japan’s Kibo module. During its mission, researchers will gather data on how wooden structures will hold up in the harsh environment of space, collecting data on wood expansion, contraction, and degradation, along with internal temperature and electronic equipment performance.

If LignoSat’s mission proves successful, it could herald a new era in satellite design. It is estimated that more than 2,000 spacecraft are expected to launch annually in the coming years, and the aluminum that will be deposited in the upper atmosphere upon re-entry could soon pose major environmental problems.

In a world increasingly conscious of its ecological footprint, LignoSat stands out as a beacon of innovation. It’s a small step for a satellite but a giant leap towards sustainable space exploration. By blending the age-old wisdom of woodcraft with cutting-edge aerospace technology, Japan is showing the world that solutions to modern problems can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places.