The world’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat, launched on a SpaceX rocket as part of a resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS), developers from Kyoto University announced on Tuesday. Designed to potentially reduce environmental and telecommunications impacts, LignoSat is made from wooden materials that are expected to burn up upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, avoiding the creation of harmful metal particles. The small, box-like satellite measures just 10 cm on each side and was launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard an unmanned rocket.
Once it reaches the ISS, the satellite will be released into space about a month later to test its durability and resistance to extreme conditions. Data sent back from the satellite will help researchers evaluate its strength and ability to withstand temperature changes. Takao Doi, an astronaut and Kyoto University professor, emphasized that non-metal satellites could become more common in the future, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional space technology. The launch was confirmed successful by Sumitomo Forestry, the satellite’s co-developer.