Japanese researchers at Kyoto University, partnering with Sumitomo Forestry, are developing the world's first wooden telecommunications satellite for launch as early as 2023. While innovative, the project faces significant technical challenges.
As reported by BBC, this "LignoSat" project aims to construct and deploy a satellite primarily from wood. Wood offers unique properties as a building material, but the idea has sparked debate among space experts.
Many view it as a potential solution to the escalating issue of space debris in low Earth orbit.
Over 34,000 human-made objects larger than 10 cm currently orbit Earth, traveling at over 7.8 kilometers per second. These pose serious risks to operational satellites and the International Space Station (ISS). In 2019 alone, the ISS performed three maneuvers to avoid debris.
However, debris velocity remains constant regardless of material—metal, plastic, or wood—maintaining the collision hazard.
A more compelling case lies in atmospheric re-entry. Wooden satellites could disintegrate more readily than metal ones, reducing long-term pollution from exotic or toxic compounds in conventional spacecraft. Yet, internal electronics still require conductive metals, limiting this benefit.
Wood's relative transparency to radio waves is a key benefit, allowing antennas for communication and research to remain embedded within the structure. This eliminates the need for post-launch deployment of bulky instruments—a common failure point in missions.
The wood must also withstand extreme temperature swings in space, requiring low thermal expansion. Specific species are under evaluation.
Researchers plan to reveal multiple prototypes soon, targeting a first launch in 2023. Further details are expected as development progresses.
