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LignoSat
Context:
Japanese researchers created the world’s first wooden satellite, “LignoSat”.
More on News:
A team from Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry Co. developed a satellite using environmentally friendly and low-cost wood.
About:
- Material and Design:
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- LignoSat is a cube that measures 10 centimeters on each side.
- The team on the ISS chose magnolia wood due to its durability and strength, as it was the most suitable material for building LignoSat.
- The wood material is significant because it offers a sustainable alternative to traditional metal satellites.
- The creators predict that it will burn up completely upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, leaving no debris behind.
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- Environmental Considerations:
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- Metal-based satellites can emit harmful metal particles during re-entry, posing environmental and telecommunications system risks.
- LignoSat is utilising wood to tackle this problem.
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- Launch and Testing:
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- It is scheduled to be carried into space aboard a SpaceX rocket in September.
- Once in orbit, it will be released from the Japanese International Space Station (ISS) experiment module to test its strength and durability.
- Researchers will monitor data from LignoSat to assess its performance under various conditions, including temperature fluctuations.
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- A New Era for Space Exploration: It is a significant advancement in space technology, offering a cleaner, more sustainable future in space exploration by reducing debris and environmental impact.
- Future Plans:
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- Further development of wood as a sustainable resource for space construction.
- Potential use of wood in human habitats on the Moon and Mars.
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