Scientists at Kyoto University, Japan, have developed a satellite made of magnolia wood – a world first. With this machine they want to reduce pollution in space, where there are no less than 9,300 tons of space objects in orbit. The “LignoSat” test satellite is scheduled to reach space this summer.
On the way to conquering ecological space? To better understand climate change, scientists are increasingly turning to satellites. But these steel machines in orbit around the Earth are also a significant source of environmental pollution. The European Space Agency (ESA) estimates that there are around a million pieces of satellite or rocket debris in orbit larger than a centimeter, large enough to “disable a spacecraft.” According to a report by the agency, this involves no less than 9,300 tons of space objects.
Given this observation, Japan seems to want to take the lead and launch ecological satellites. Specifically, researchers at Kyoto University have developed a satellite made of magnolia wood. This is a world first and must be launched into space before summer.
Magnolia wood
This NASA-backed project was developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), which aims to launch the world's first wooden satellite into space. The goal of this mission is to make space travel more sustainable. The “LignoSat” test satellite, no larger than a cup of coffee, developed by researchers at Kyoto University, must reach Earth orbit before the summer of 2024.
How researchers decided to use magnolia wood. Because wood is biodegradable, it will allow the LignoSat satellite to completely decompose in the atmosphere at the end of its life. However, in order to know which type of tree to choose, samples of three specimens (magnolia, cherry, birch) were sent aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in early 2023. During their ten-month mission, these samples were housed in a module exposed to the extreme environment of space. After this experience, Japanese researchers decided to use magnolia wood, which is known for its robustness.
“No loss”
In order to reduce pollution of space and Earth, the LignoSat satellite will be “zero waste”, according to scientists. You should know that shiny metals such as titanium or aluminum used for satellite frames can be a source of significant light pollution. While in Earth's orbit, these metals increase the overall brightness of the night sky by 10% across much of the Earth. This reduction in light pollution would benefit the observation of distant space phenomena.
These biodegradable satellites avoid several risks, according to researchers at Kyoto University. For them, the fact that the structure of the machine is deteriorating makes it possible to reduce accidents in orbit and prevent debris from collapsing on the planet. This could save human lives on Earth and in space.
Japanese probe launched to examine space debris
Japan seems to be very committed to protecting space. Like this Monday, when a Japanese company announced the successful launch of what it believes is the first spacecraft with a mission to study the increasingly numerous and potentially dangerous waste in orbit.
The mission of Astroscale-Japan's Active Debris Removal (Adras-J) is to find and examine the remains of a Japanese H-IIA rocket that has been floating in space for 15 years, private Japanese company Astroscale said.