- Source: LignoSat
LignoSat is a small Japanese wooden satellite. It is credited as the world's first satellite to be made of wood.
Background
LignoSat was developed by Kyoto University and logging firm Sumitomo Forestry as a demonstration of using wood for space exploration uses.
The satellite is named after the Latin word for "wood" which is "Ligno". LignoSat is made of wood from honoki, a magnolia tree native in Japan. Wood from the tree is customarily used for sword sheaths. The choice of material was determined through a 10-month experiment aboard the International Space Station. The satellite was assembled through a traditional Japanese crafts technique without screws or glue. It still has some traditional aluminium structures and electronic components.
LignoSat 1
The LignoSat 1 is a CubeSat and measures 10 centimetres (3.9 in) on each side, and weighs 900 grams (32 oz)
The satellite was launched to space on November 5, 2024 by SpaceX's Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket inside the uncrewed Cargo Dragon from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida to the International Space Station' LC-39A. It was loaded in a special container by the JAXA. It will be deployed into orbit via the Kibō module sometime within the month.
LignoSat 2
LignoSat 2 is a 2U CubeSat. As of 2023, it is planned for launch in 2026.
