World’s first wooden satellite built by Japan researchers

Japanese researchers have developed the world’s first wooden satellite, a tiny 10cm cuboid craft made from magnolia wood called LignoSat. The wooden satellite, created by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, is expected to burn up completely upon re-entry, avoiding metal debris. It will be launched on a SpaceX rocket to the International Space Station in September to test its durability in space conditions. The researchers aim to promote wooden satellites as an environmentally-friendly alternative to metal ones. Photo: AFP