KYOTO, Japan — The world’s first wooden satellite, built by Japanese researchers, was launched into space Tuesday in an early test of using timber in lunar and Mars exploration.
Scientists at Kyoto University show LignoSat, the first satellite made from wood, in May.
STR / Jiji Press / AFP - Getty Images file“Early 1900s airplanes were made of wood,” said Kyoto University forest science professor Koji Murata.
“A wooden satellite should be feasible, too.”Wood is more durable in space than on Earth because there’s no water or oxygen that would rot or inflame it, Murata added.
A wooden satellite also minimizes the environmental impact at the end of its life, the researchers say.
Persons:
”, Takao Doi, Doi’s, Koji Murata, ” Wood, Murata, Doi, ” Doi, LignoSat, Kenji Kariya
Organizations:
Kyoto University, homebuilder Sumitomo Forestry, International, SpaceX, Space Shuttle, NASA, LignoSat, Jiji Press, Getty, Elon, Station, Sumitomo Forestry Tsukuba Research Institute
Locations:
KYOTO, Japan, Kyoto