LignoSat facts for kids
| 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 | TBA |
LignoSat is a special Japanese satellite that is mostly made of wood. It is known as the world's first satellite to be built using wood. This small satellite helps scientists learn if wood can be a good material for spacecraft in the future.
Contents
Why Build a Wooden Satellite?
LignoSat was created by Kyoto University and a logging company called Sumitomo Forestry. They wanted to test if wood could be used for space exploration. Using wood might be better for the environment. When satellites made of metal fall back to Earth, they can create tiny pieces of metal that float in the atmosphere. Wooden satellites might burn up completely, causing less pollution.
Choosing the Right Wood
The name "LignoSat" comes from "Ligno," which is the Latin word for "wood." The satellite is made from honoki wood. This wood comes from a type of magnolia tree that grows in Japan. People in Japan traditionally use honoki wood to make sword sheaths.
Scientists tested different types of wood for 10 months. They did this experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This helped them choose the best wood that could handle the harsh conditions of space.
How LignoSat Was Built
LignoSat was put together using a traditional Japanese crafting method. This means it was built without using screws or glue. Even though it's mostly wood, it still has some regular aluminum parts and electronic pieces inside.
The satellite is a CubeSat. This means it's a very small, cube-shaped satellite. LignoSat measures 10 centimetres (3.9 in) (about 4 inches) on each side. It weighs 900 grams (32 oz) (about 2 pounds).
Launching LignoSat into Space
LignoSat began its journey to space on November 5, 2024. It was launched by SpaceX's Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket. The rocket took off from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The satellite traveled inside an uncrewed (no people on board) Cargo Dragon spacecraft. This spacecraft was heading to the International Space Station (ISS). The JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) loaded LignoSat into a special container for its trip.
Deployment from the ISS
Once it arrived at the ISS, LignoSat was stored there. It will be deployed into orbit sometime in the future. It will be released from the Kibō module, which is the Japanese experiment module on the ISS.
