Inaugural Wooden Satellites
JAXA and NASA Work Together on the LignoSat Satellite Launch
Amy Duong — February 28, 2024
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, otherwise known as JAXA, works together with NASA as the two prepare the launch of LignoSat. This is the first satellite that is crafted nearly entirely out of wood -- it is set to orbit into space this summer with the mission of exploring sustainable materials in spaceflight.
LignoSat is constructed from magnolia wood by the team at Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry. It measures about a similar size as a coffee mug and the wood was selected due to its resilience and stability under the conditions of space. This mission will be closely studied to see how the wooden structure will withstand in space to apply this information to the potential of wood in future missions.
Image Credit: Kyoto University Space Wood Laboratory
