The world is watching as the world's first fully wooden artificial satellite is scheduled to launch this September. This groundbreaking project is expected to open new horizons in space technology and environmental protection.

Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry have been working on the "Space Timber Project" since 2020. The core of the project was to build an artificial satellite using 100% wood instead of metal. The artificial satellite "LignoSat" is the fruit of this project.

LignoSat is a mini-satellite with sides of 100mm, and it was completed after four years of research. It passed strict safety inspections by NASA and JAXA, achieving the feat of officially recognizing the use of wood in space.

Until now, artificial satellites have been primarily made of metals such as aluminum. However, this can cause environmental problems by releasing oxidized metal particles when re-entering the atmosphere. On the other hand, LignoSat is made entirely of wood, so it burns completely in the atmosphere, significantly reducing the environmental burden.

This innovative concept originated from the idea of Takao Doi, a special professor at Kyoto University. He presented his vision, stating, "In the future, wooden satellites should become the mainstream. We need to expand Earth's carbon neutrality into space."

During the project implementation process, the excellent strength, durability, and safety of wood were proven. It also showed superior performance in a wood exposure experiment conducted for 10 months at the International Space Station.

Wood selection involved the application of wood properties and traditional techniques. Willow from Sumitomo's private forest was used for the satellite structure, and it was assembled robustly using the "Three-beam Structure" technique without glue.

LignoSat is scheduled to be launched into the International Space Station on a SpaceX rocket launched from the Kennedy Space Center in September. It will begin full operation in November, commencing a full-fledged test of the potential for using wood in space.

Project officials expressed their expectations, saying, "It will contribute to solving environmental problems such as reducing space debris and greenhouse gas emissions." In the long term, they plan to utilize wood in various space structures, including not only artificial satellites but also space stations.

From Earth to space, wooden satellites will be a new challenge for humanity towards innovation and sustainability.