Summary
Japan launched the world’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat, to test if wood can function as a space-grade material. Developed by Kyoto University, the satellite is made of honoki wood, chosen after a 10-month ISS experiment proved its suitability for space.
Designed without screws or glue, LignoSat will orbit Earth for six months, enduring extreme temperature swings and measuring wood’s resistance to space radiation. Advocates highlight wood’s eco-friendly re-entry properties compared to metal.
Researchers envision wooden structures for future space habitats, potentially boosting the timber industry.
We can’t let Japan get ahead of America on this! NASA, send your finest recruiters to Pennsylvania right now and find the most capable Amish!
We need to send them into low earth orbit in a horse drawn spacecraft!
Stop trying to normalize Amish. They are unethical as fuck and have child labor in dangerous unpaid conditions.
I am sorry your people do not have the concept of humor, but I hope it does come to your planet someday.
Edit well I’d never heard of honoki wood! Learn something new every day. Honoki (朴の木, hou wood, Japanese Bigleaf Magnolia, Magnolia obavata
-hinoki wood, from Chamaecyparis obtusa.iirc wood was used by the chinese for their heat shield’s ablator or something?
A treehouse in space is all my inner child has ever wanted.
Strong Outer Wilds vibes :) :)
All Hearthian interlopers would be proud.
Stone age Thag would be proud…
Thag not make moving star from wood! Wood weak! Only good for spear shaft! Thag make moving star from flint!
I’m curious how much the wood will expand and contract each hour going through the extreme heat and cold constantly.
