Japanese researchers launched the world’s first wooden satellite, “LignoSat,” into space on Tuesday, marking a breakthrough in exploring renewable materials for future lunar and Mars missions.
Developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, LignoSat—a palm-sized satellite made from honoki, a type of magnolia wood—will be flown to the International Space Station (ISS) on a SpaceX mission before being released into orbit about 400 kilometres (250 miles) above Earth.
The satellite’s name derives from the Latin word for “wood,” and it represents an early attempt to demonstrate the potential of timber as a sustainable resource for space exploration. Professor Takao Doi, a former astronaut and space studies researcher at Kyoto University, envisions using wood for structures in space, believing timber could support future habitats on the moon and Mars. “With timber, a material we can produce ourselves, we will be able to build houses, live, and work in space forever,” he said.
LignoSat’s mission will span six months in orbit, where it will be exposed to extreme conditions, from -100 to 100 degrees Celsius during the rapid shifts from darkness to sunlight. The satellite’s onboard electronics will assess the durability of wood in the harsh space environment and its potential to shield semiconductors from space radiation. Professor Koji Murata, a Kyoto University forest scientist, highlighted that wood is surprisingly durable in space as it lacks exposure to oxygen and water, which can degrade it on Earth. Moreover, unlike metal satellites that produce aluminum oxide pollution upon re-entry, wooden satellites are expected to burn up cleanly, offering a more eco-friendly alternative.
The project taps into Japan’s tradition of using honoki wood for its strength and versatility. LignoSat was crafted using traditional Japanese techniques, free from screws or glue, underscoring the adaptability of ancient methods for cutting-edge space technology. Sumitomo Forestry’s Kenji Kariya sees the satellite as not only advancing space exploration but also potentially invigorating the timber industry as humans move toward interplanetary living. “It may seem outdated, but wood is actually cutting-edge technology as civilisation heads to the moon and Mars,” he said.
With plans for expanding the use of timber in space, the LignoSat mission could pave the way for sustainable space solutions and reshape space exploration’s environmental impact. Doi expressed optimism that a successful mission might even lead to partnerships with companies like SpaceX to further advance timber use in the cosmos.
Melissa Enoch
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