Humans have long relied on wood for transportation, building boats, chariots, and even the first aeroplanes from it. However, since the 20th century, wood has been largely phased out due to its susceptibility to rot in varying temperatures and moisture.
But, last week, wood made a historic comeback as Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry researchers launched LignoSat, the world’s first wooden satellite.
The palm-sized satellite, built from timber, was transported aboard a SpaceX mission and will orbit Earth at 400 kilometres above ground from the International Space Station.
Beyond the impressive feat of engineering, LignoSat, named after the Latin word for “wood,” aims to demonstrate wood’s viability as a sustainable alternative to conventional metals in space structures—a move that could redefine future lunar and Mars missions.
Timber holds unique advantages in space, resisting rotting and inflammation due to the absence of water and oxygen. As Takao Doi, a Kyoto University astronaut, said, “With timber…we will be able to build houses, live, and work in space forever.” Imagine a future where wood might even be used to ship humans to Mars.
Not only does wood offer potential longevity, but it also lessens environmental impacts. Unlike traditional metal satellites that produce polluting aluminium oxide on re-entry, wooden satellites like LignoSat would simply burn up, leaving no harmful particles.
Could wooden satellites be the answer to sustainable, debris-free space exploration or will this just be a failed experiment?
