Humanity has explored long distances throughout history of wood It played a special role: wheels, horse-drawn carriages, galleons, galleys… Scientists have now launched into space a wooden satellite, which they developed to understand whether wood is durable enough for the conditions of space.

Wooden satellite called LignoSat, To the International Space Station It was launched into space during a SpaceX mission. The satellite, which will orbit about 400 kilometers above our planet, will be observed for six months to reveal the effect of space conditions on wood. observational studies Instruments on the satellite will be used for this.

The project started in 2020

Researchers and timber company from Kyoto University Sumitomo Forestry In the project launched in 2020, they came together to work on the development of ‘space wood’. The first wood samples developed in 2022 On the International Space Station He was tested for 240 days. A type of magnolia tree called Hoonoki was used in this study.

Professor and astronaut Takao Doi of Kyoto University, “We can produce these ourselves “We can build houses with wood, which is a material, and live and work in space forever.” he said. Doi stated that they plan to submit an offer to SpaceX when they prove the usability of wood.

Doi’s team, wooden satellites It does not cause the release of aluminum oxide particles during re-entry into the atmosphere. The team wants to grow trees so that wooden houses can be built on the moon and Mars within 50 years.