Apparently, space wood He is something. Japanese researchers are preparing to launch The world’s first artificial satellite made of wood After a successful experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS), suggesting Lumber can be very strong in outdoor space.
In partnership with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), a team of researchers from Kyoto University exposed three types of wood to the harsh environment outside the International Space Station, and found that the material had not been affected by surrounding cosmic rays or incoming solar particles after a period of 10 months, according For the researchers behind the experiment. The experiment began in March 2022 aboard the Japanese Kibo module of the International Space Station.
The orbital experiment paves the way for the research team, along with Japanese logging company Sumitomo Forestry, to send a wooden satellite into orbit next year. The satellite, dubbed the LignoStella, won’t be entirely made of wood, of course, just parts that are usually made of aluminum.
after examination Three different types of wood aboard the International Space Station, the team concluded that magnolia wood is the most durable type due to its overall strength, and thus will be used to build the experimental satellite.
When you think of building a spaceship that will orbit in space, hauling wood into outer space might be the last thing that comes to mind. And as the latest experiment showed, the wood didn’t crack, peel, warp, or suffer any surface damage after being in low Earth orbit for about a year.
Wood even has some advantages because it will burn completely upon entering Earth’s atmosphere, unlike metal satellites which can shatter into bits of space junk or result in burning aluminum which would have a negative environmental impact on the atmosphere.
Another advantage is that wood does not Blocking electromagnetic waves, so that the satellite can place its antennas inside its wooden body instead of outside. So, instead of thinking of it as such Futurama Bender tries to cut back by rebuilding himself out of wooden components, the insolent Japanese spacecraft It will really get an upgrade because of its wooden construction.
Yes, nature’s wood is seen as more fragile than other types of materials, but that’s me no Just count it.
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