Japan’s timber-based LignoSat takes flight, aiming to reduce environmental impact as it tests durability in space.

In a pioneering step for eco-friendly space technology, Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry have launched the world’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. This unique satellite, designed to burn up completely during re-entry, hopes to prevent the scattering of harmful metal particles into Earth’s atmosphere—a significant problem posed by conventional satellites.

Developed in Japan, LignoSat is a small, cube-shaped device with 10 cm sides, constructed primarily from specially treated timber. This revolutionary approach is intended to help curb the growing environmental issues linked to space junk and traditional metal-based satellite debris. Scientists believe that, if successful, this could pave the way for more sustainable materials in space tech, reducing the risks of toxic residue.

The unmanned SpaceX rocket launched LignoSat towards the International Space Station (ISS), where it will undergo critical tests on its resilience. Housed in a specialised container from Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the satellite will spend several weeks docked to the ISS before being deployed into orbit for a series of endurance trials. These experiments are aimed at understanding how the timber material withstands the harsh conditions of space, from intense solar radiation to rapid temperature changes.

Kyoto University astronaut and professor Takao Doi has been instrumental in championing this innovation, stating in a press conference earlier this year, “Satellites made from non-metal materials could redefine space exploration, making it more sustainable.” Doi explained that if wooden materials can withstand space’s rigorous environment, they may offer a feasible solution to reduce the environmental costs associated with retiring satellites.

As it orbits, LignoSat will transmit data back to scientists at Kyoto University. The research team will monitor the satellite’s condition closely, noting any signs of damage or degradation. Their analysis will contribute to a larger understanding of how wooden materials behave in zero gravity, under extreme pressures, and during temperature fluctuations. If LignoSat proves durable, future satellites could be constructed from similar sustainable materials, providing a greener alternative for space-bound devices.

Japan’s move towards timber-based satellites aligns with its broader environmental initiatives. Space junk, comprising over 9,000 tonnes of decommissioned equipment, debris, and abandoned spacecraft parts, poses a pressing risk to both planetary and atmospheric health. When metallic satellites re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, they often shed tiny particles that can interfere with atmospheric conditions and telecommunications infrastructure. Timber, however, burns completely upon re-entry, avoiding the creation of this harmful particulate matter.

Doi highlighted the importance of this feature, noting that LignoSat’s wooden composition would eliminate metallic fragments, lessening space exploration’s environmental footprint. The satellite’s construction also used techniques to strengthen the timber, which was developed in collaboration with Sumitomo Forestry. This step was crucial to ensure that the wood could withstand forces experienced during launch, as well as the prolonged exposure to cosmic rays and thermal shocks.

Japan’s bold leap with LignoSat is already sparking interest worldwide. Space agencies and environmental researchers alike are watching closely to see if the satellite meets durability expectations. If successful, timber-based satellites may open new doors for space exploration, providing an alternative material that could minimise pollution. This innovation underscores Japan’s commitment to sustainability in an increasingly crowded and complex orbit.

LignoSat’s journey is just beginning. After a month of testing aboard the ISS, it will be released to complete a full orbital cycle. Observers from the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency and Kyoto University will continue to evaluate how LignoSat handles prolonged space exposure. As the satellite completes its mission, it will eventually re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, where it’s expected to burn up fully, demonstrating the key advantage of using timber: no residual debris.

While the mission progresses, researchers are confident that timber could eventually become a preferred material for certain satellites, particularly those with shorter operational lifespans. Its use, coupled with innovative research like that being conducted on LignoSat, could significantly reduce the challenges posed by the accumulation of space debris. Additionally, the findings from this mission could influence future policies around satellite construction, pushing for sustainable materials that promote eco-responsibility within the aerospace industry.

LignoSat represents a vision for greener space exploration, embodying the principle that high technology can coexist with ecological responsibility. Its journey to and around Earth is a glimpse into a future where space advancements do not have to come at a cost to our planet.