<
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/nov/05/worlds-first-wooden-satellite-launched-into-space>
"The world’s first wooden satellite has been launched into space as part of
study on using timber to help reduce the creation of space junk.
Scientists at Kyoto University expect the wooden material to burn up when the
device re-enters the atmosphere – potentially providing a way to avoid
generating metal particles when a retired satellite returns to Earth.
These particles may negatively affect the environment and telecommunications,
the developers say.
Each side of the box-like experimental satellite, named LignoSat, measures just
10cm (4in).
It was launched on an unmanned SpaceX rocket from Nasa’s Kennedy Space Center
in Florida, Kyoto University’s Human Spaceology Center said on Tuesday.
The satellite, installed in a special container prepared by the Japan Aerospace
Exploration Agency, “flew into space safely”, it said in a post on X.
A spokesperson for LignoSat’s co-developer Sumitomo Forestry told AFP the
launch had been successful.
She said the satellite would “arrive at the ISS soon, and will be released to
outer space about a month later” to test its strength and durability."
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
