Wooden satellite LignoSat begins space mission

A Japanese team has sent the world’s first wooden satellite into orbit, testing timber’s potential for sustainable space missions and aiming to prove it could reduce environmental impact while opening new avenues for space habitats.
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In a groundbreaking test for sustainable space exploration, Japan has launched the world’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat, aboard a SpaceX mission. Developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, LignoSat will orbit approximately 400 kilometers above Earth to test whether timber can endure the harsh conditions of space, marking an early step toward using wood in lunar and Mars habitats.

LignoSat, crafted from Japanese honoki wood, will remain in orbit for six months, with onboard sensors monitoring the wood’s resilience to extreme space temperatures and radiation. Researchers believe that, unlike metals, wood can burn up cleanly upon reentry, potentially reducing space debris and environmental impact compared to traditional satellites.

Kyoto University astronaut and project leader Takao Doi sees LignoSat as a first step toward a future where timber could be used to build sustainable housing on the moon and Mars. Doi’s team is exploring honoki wood’s effectiveness as a protective material in space, highlighting its role in possibly reinvigorating Japan’s timber industry while opening new paths for green technology in space missions.