As Japan sends a wooden satellite into space, experts say astronauts could one day live in wooden structures
Wooden satellites are taking the space exploration industry by storm after Japanese scientists successfully launched the world’s first wooden satellite into space. The palm-sized LignoSat, made from the wood of a magnolia tree, was sent to the International Space Station for a test run. This groundbreaking project, developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, is paving the way for a more sustainable approach to satellite manufacturing.
Experts in Canada, like Aaron Boley from the Outer Space Institute in Vancouver, are excited about the potential of wood in space exploration. Boley believes that wood could be a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional satellite materials. Most satellites are designed to burn up in the atmosphere at the end of their lifespan, releasing harmful materials. However, wood is less polluting when burning up, making it a promising option for future satellite construction.
Boley emphasizes the importance of testing natural materials like wood in space as humans look towards long-term habitation beyond Earth. He envisions a future where plants play a crucial role in space exploration, changing our relationship with outer space.
Stavros Avramidis, head of the University of British Columbia’s department of wood science, sees potential in using wood as a building material for structures in space. Wood’s natural insulation properties could provide better temperature and moisture control than traditional materials like metal or concrete. Additionally, wood could thrive in space as fungi and wood-eating insects that cause decay cannot survive there.
The main challenge engineers face is protecting wood from radiation in space. Avramidis suggests creating radiation-resistant wood to overcome this obstacle. If successful, even spaceships could be made from wood. The LignoSat project aims to gather data on wood’s durability in space, with electronic components onboard measuring how wood withstands extreme temperatures and conditions.
As wood takes its first steps towards a bigger role in space exploration, Avramidis is optimistic about the future. He believes that even a small drop of water can start an ocean, indicating the potential for wood to revolutionize the way we approach space exploration.
This exciting development in the space industry showcases the innovative and sustainable possibilities of using wood in space exploration. As we continue to push the boundaries of human exploration beyond Earth, wood could play a significant role in shaping the future of space technology.
