LignoSat
| COSPAR ID | 1998-067XD |
|---|---|
| SATCAT no. | 62297 |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Manufacturer | Kyoto University Sumitomo Forestry |
| Dimensions | 10 x 10 x 10 cm |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 02:29, November 5, 2024 (UTC) |
| Rocket | Falcon 9 Block 5 |
| Launch site | Kennedy LC-39A |
| Contractor | SpaceX |
| Deployed from | ISS |
| Deployment date | 9 December 2024 |
LignoSat is a small Japanese wooden satellite. It is credited as the world's first satellite to be made of wood.[1][2][3][4]
Background
[edit]LignoSat was developed by Kyoto University and logging firm Sumitomo Forestry as a demonstration of using wood for space exploration uses.[4]
The satellite is named after the Latin word for "wood" which is "Ligno". LignoSat is made of wood from honoki, a magnolia tree native in Japan. Wood from the tree is customarily used for sword sheaths. The choice of material was determined through a 10-month experiment aboard the International Space Station. The satellite was assembled through a traditional Japanese crafts technique without screws or glue.[4] It still has some traditional aluminium structures and electronic components.[3]
LignoSat 1
[edit]The LignoSat 1 is a CubeSat and measures 10 centimetres (3.9 in) on each side,[5] and weighs 900 grams (32 oz)[3]
The satellite was launched to space on November 5, 2024 by SpaceX's Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket inside the uncrewed Cargo Dragon from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida to the International Space Station.[6][7]
It was deployed into orbit from the ISS on 9 December 2024,[8] but it could not establish communication with ground station.[9] During the time in orbit the satellite stayed in one piece.[10]
LignoSat 2
[edit]LignoSat 2 is a 2U CubeSat. As of 2023[update], it is planned for launch in 2026.[11]
References
[edit]- ↑ "World's first wooden satellite launched into space". The Guardian. Agence France-Presse. 5 November 2024. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
- ↑ "World's first wooden satellite launched into space". DW News. Deutsche Welle. 5 November 2024. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
- 1 2 3 Natarajan, Swaminathan (5 November 2024). "LignoSat: First wood-panelled satellite launched into space". BBC News. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
- 1 2 3 Komiya, Kantaro; Wang, Irene (5 November 2024). "World's first wooden satellite, developed in Japan, heads to space". Reuters. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
- ↑ Wall, Mike (5 November 2024). "World's 1st wooden satellite arrives at ISS for key orbital test". Space.com. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
- ↑ Wall, Mike (4 November 2024). "SpaceX launches 3 tons of cargo on 31st ISS resupply flight for NASA (video)". Space.com. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
- ↑ "World's first wooden satellite launched into space". Space Daily. 5 November 2024. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
- ↑ これまでに放出された超小型衛星 (in Japanese). JAXA. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
- ↑ 世界初の木造人工衛星を再び宇宙へ クラファンに力を入れる京都大学の「でっかい計画」 (in Japanese). Kyoto Shimbun. 25 February 2025. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
- ↑ "A New Satellite Material Comes Out of the Woodwork". Retrieved 18 July 2025.
- ↑ 宇宙から戻り、今挑戦する夢のつづき。｜SIC有人宇宙学研究センター. readyfor.jp (in Japanese). Retrieved 7 November 2024.