Satellites made of wood? Japan sees a future in it

It may seem strange to send a satellite made of wood into space. Because wood is not as strong as metal, right? Researchers on the International Space Station have discovered that wood is very strong in space. And the material is much cleaner than metal.

In 2020, Japan announced plans to produce a satellite out of wood for the first time. This is a response to the growing junk space problem. Many organizations do not properly prepare their satellites for re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. This leads to dangerous pieces of metal floating through space.

Wooden satellites for a cleaner atmosphere

The solution could be a wooden satellite. For when he returns to the earth, the wood burns. This means less waste is released into the atmosphere, which is better for human and animal safety.

Although we haven’t run out of space yet, experts say it’s space junk Serious problem Become. The International Space Station has had to avoid space debris several times in recent years. And that will become more dangerous as more space stations and satellites begin to orbit the Earth.

When will the first go to space?

Kyoto University is working with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on a new wooden satellite. the team I tested three different types of wood by floating in space outside the International Space Station.

They found that the material was not affected by cosmic rays or solar particles. The wood was still intact after ten months in space.

Waste from Earth's satellites
Illustration of unwanted space. (Image: NASA ODPO)

satellite now Almost done will be launched. And if he succeeds, wood may actually become a new material for satellites. Then it might just be that we see more wooden satellites take to the air in the future.

NASA is working on its own Star Destroyer to destroy the International Space Station

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