For the first time in history, a satellite made out of wood was launched into space late Monday, Nov. 4. The small box was launched as part of a SpaceX mission bound for the International Space Station.
The satellite will then be released into orbit. Scientists from Kyoto University plan to measure what the vacuum of space does to the material. Without water and air, wood won’t decay like it does on Earth.
“If we can use materials that humans can make and bring them to outer space, people will be able to create a sustainable society,” Takao Doi, an astronaut and current professor at Kyoto University, said. “Therefore, we want to find out if wood can be used in space or not, and that’s why we made this wooden satellite.”
The group is using Japanese magnolia wood, a material known for its high resistance to shattering. Doi says if the satellite works, the group wants to pitch it to Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
Wooden satellites would also reportedly be good for the climate. Once the satellites are decommissioned, they would burn up in the atmosphere, lessening pollution caused by regular metal satellites.
If successful, the group sees a long-term future for wooden projects in space. Doi says the satellite could be a stepping stone towards growing wood for homes on the moon or even Mars some time in the future.
