| 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 | 9 December 2024 |
LignoSat is a small Japanese wooden satellite. It is credited as the world's first satellite to be made of wood. [1] [2] [3] [4]
LignoSat was developed by Kyoto University and logging firm Sumitomo Forestry as a demonstration of using wood for space exploration uses. [4]
The satellite is named after the Latin word for "wood" which is "Ligno". LignoSat is made of wood from honoki, a magnolia tree native in Japan. Wood from the tree is customarily used for sword sheaths. The choice of material was determined through a 10-month experiment aboard the International Space Station. The satellite was assembled through a traditional Japanese crafts technique without screws or glue. [4] It still has some traditional aluminium structures and electronic components. [3]
The LignoSat 1 is a CubeSat and measures 10 centimetres (3.9 in) on each side, [5] and weighs 900 grams (32 oz) [3]
The satellite was launched to space on November 5, 2024 by SpaceX's Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket inside the uncrewed Cargo Dragon from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida to the International Space Station. [6] [7]
It was deployed into orbit from the ISS on 9 December 2024, [8] but it could not establish communication with ground station. [9] During the time in orbit the satellite stayed in one piece. [10]
LignoSat 2 is a 2U CubeSat. As of 2023 [update] , it is planned for launch in 2026. [11]