World’s First Wooden Satellite to be Launched in 2024
Researchers at Kyoto University in Japan are set to make history with the launch of the world’s first wooden satellite in 2024.
As reported by online media Gijin on the 15th, this innovative artificial satellite made of wood is a pioneering solution to the escalating environmental issues in space. With over 8,400 tons of space debris currently orbiting the Earth, including discarded satellites and rockets, the need for sustainable alternatives has never been more urgent.
The use of wood as a material for the satellite aims to address the environmental impact of space debris, which often consists of highly reflective metals. Not only do these metals contribute to light pollution, increasing the brightness of the night sky by 10%, but they can also lead to air pollution through the emission of metal particles in the atmosphere. In contrast, wood, with its non-reflective properties and ability to completely burn on re-entry into the atmosphere, offers a sustainable solution to these pressing challenges.
Extensive research and space exposure experiments were conducted on the International Space Station from last year to this year, involving three different types of wood materials. Despite exposure to extreme temperature changes and solar energy particle rays, the wooden satellite exhibited remarkable resilience, with no signs of decomposition, deformation, or surface damage. The research identified Hoonoki, a particularly durable wood material, as the frontrunner for satellite development.
The launch of this groundbreaking satellite in 2024 marks a significant milestone in space exploration. If successful, it will pave the way for the use of biodegradable materials in space development, making a meaningful contribution to the reduction of space waste.
Expect a satellite using some wood [사진: 일본 교토대학교]
[디지털투데이 AI리포터] Researchers at Kyoto University in Japan will launch the world’s first wooden satellite in 2024.
According to online media Gijin on the 15th, the artificial satellite made of wood is an attempt to solve environmental problems in space. As of this year, there are more than 8,400 tons of space debris, including unused satellites and derelict rockets, orbiting the Earth.
Because these space debris are made of shiny metals such as titanium and aluminum, problems such as light pollution that increases the brightness of the night sky by 10% or the emission of metal particles as they fall into the atmosphere can affect air pollution. There are. Accordingly, researchers are conducting research using wood, a material that has no luster and can burn completely even when falling into the atmosphere.
Researchers conducted space exposure experiments with three types of wood materials on the International Space Station for a total of 10 months from last year to this year. As a result, it is said that the wooden satellite did not decompose or deform, such as cracks, bending, peeling, or damage to the surface, despite being exposed to extreme temperature changes or solar energy particle rays. In addition, it is said that among the three materials, a material called Hoonoki, which is difficult to break, is used to develop artificial satellites.
This satellite is due to be launched in the summer of 2024, and if successful, the world’s first wooden satellite will be created. In addition, it is expected to be the first step in the use of biodegradable materials in space development and contribute to the reduction of space waste.
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