posted 01-07-2025 10:00 PM               

JAXA's First Wooden Satellite Deploys from Space Station

LignoSat, a wooden satellite from JAXA (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency), was deployed into Earth orbit from the International Space Station in December 2024. Findings could offer a more sustainable alternative to conventional satellites.

Above: Internal view of LignoSat's structure shows the relationship among wooden panels, aluminum frames, and stainless-steel shafts. (Kyoto University)

A previous experiment aboard the station exposed three species of wood to the space environment to help researchers determine the best option for LignoSat. The final design used 4-inch-long (10-centimeter) Honoki Magnolia wood panels assembled with a Japanese wood-joinery method.

Researchers will use the data from sensors to evaluate strain on the wood and measure its responses to temperature and radiation in space. Geomagnetic levels will also be monitored to determine whether the field can penetrate the body of the wooden satellite and interfere with its technological capabilities.

Investigating uses for wood in space could lead to innovative solutions in the future.

Above: The traditional Japanese wooden joint method called "Blind Miter Dovetail Joint" is used for the LignoSat to connect two wooden panels without using glue or nails. (Kyoto University)

Above: A trio of CubeSats, including JAXA's LignoSat, is ejected into Earth orbit from a small satellite orbital deployer attached to the International Space Station's Kibo laboratory module. (NASA/Butch Wilmore)