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https://www.japantimes.co.jp/environment/2023/12/17/sustainability/space-environmentally-sustainable-satellites/>
"Out in the depths of snowy Hokkaido, where bears and foxes lurk, there is a
material that Japanese scientists believe could transform the space industry:
magnolia wood.
The natural resource, which is used for everything from knife handles to
chopsticks, has a new cutting-edge application in the form of space satellites.
Koji Murata, a Kyoto University professor who specializes in wooden materials
and agriculture, jokes that the frigid conditions of Hokkaido prepare the trees
for low temperatures, although “outer space is an even more severe
temperature.”
The project is more than just an idea. Back in 2022, Kyoto scientists sent
wooden samples — cherry, birch and magnolia — into space. Magnolia, which is a
hardwood, is relatively light and has dimensional stability that is superior to
other species, Murata says, making it a winning candidate for the project.
In addition to testing wooden materials, the scientists have developed a wooden
prototype satellite called the LingoSat with the support of the Japan Aerospace
Exploration Agency and NASA. The device is contained in an aluminum frame that
is only 10 cubic centimeters, while the wooden panel is less than 10
millimeters thick.
Sending wooden materials into space may seem strange — something the scientists
concede — but amid growing concern about metal space clutter and a brewing
space race, particularly between Asian nations, those working on the project
hope that it will help combat space clutter and show the way forward for less
environmentally detrimental space activity.
Scientists have also raised the alarm about increased rocket launches damaging
the ozone layer — which absorbs ultraviolet light, protecting life on Earth —
and contributing to climate change."
Via Wayne Radinsky.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
