Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry on Tuesday announced the completion of LignoSat, the world’s first wooden artificial satellite.
LignoSat will launch to the International Space Station from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida in September, with the deployment of Japan’s Experiment Module Kibo taking place about a month later.
Development will start in April 2020 and LignoSat is made from magnolia wood, selected for its strength and workability after space exposure tests were conducted on cherry, birch and magnolia wood chips. The wood came from the corporate forest of Sumitomo Forestry.
