Lignosat: World's First Wooden Satellite

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Questions and Answers

What type of tree is used to construct the Lignosat satellite?

  • Norwegian Pine
  • Siberian Larch
  • Japanese Hanoki (correct)
  • American Oak

What is one of the primary advantages of using wood for the construction of satellites like Lignosat?

  • It can withstand extreme temperatures.
  • It burns up harmlessly in the Earth's atmosphere. (correct)
  • It is lighter than metals.
  • It is cheaper to produce than metals.

What is one expectation of Professor Koji Morita regarding the performance of wood in space?

  • Wood is likely to rot in the absence of moisture.
  • Wood will expand significantly under vacuum conditions.
  • Wood will be unaffected by rot or fire in space. (correct)
  • Wood will be more prone to shattering than metals.

Which organization is responsible for launching the Lignosat satellite?

<p>SpaceX (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the envisioned future use of wood in space, as proposed by former astronaut Taka Doi?

<p>Establishing Timber houses on the Moon and Mars. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Lignosat

A satellite made entirely from wood, developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, designed to test the viability of wood in space.

Japanese Hanoki

Magnolia tree species known for its strong, durable wood, used to build Lignosat.

Wood's Potential in Space

Professor Koji Morita proposes wood as a sustainable and effective material for space exploration, highlighting its resistance to decay and fire.

Timber Homes on the Moon and Mars

A vision for constructing habitable structures on the Moon and Mars using wood, grown and processed on-site, ultimately paving the way for sustainable space settlements.

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Safe Re-entry

The process of a satellite burning up harmlessly in Earth's atmosphere after the end of its mission, releasing minimal pollutants.

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Study Notes

Lignosat, the World's First Wooden Satellite

  • Lignosat is being developed by a team from Kyoto University and homebuilder Sumitomo forestry
  • The satellite is scheduled for launch next week on a SpaceX rocket
  • Once in orbit, Lignosat will be released from the International Space Station and orbit for 6 months
  • The satellite is named after the Latin word for wood, "Lignum"
  • Objective: To test the viability of wood as a material for use in space.

Wood: A Sustainable Option for Space Exploration

  • Professor Koji Morita, a forest science professor, believes wood can perform well in space due to its resistance to rot and fire
  • The wood used for the satellite is from a type of magnolia tree, Japanese Hanoki
  • The wood is easy to process, resistant to shattering, and traditionally used for making swords and sandal blades
  • Wood offers an advantage at the end of the satellite's life as it burns up harmlessly in the Earth's atmosphere, unlike traditional satellites that release polluting metal particles.

A Vision for the Future of Space Exploration

  • Former astronaut Taka Doi envisions building timber houses on the Moon and Mars
  • This vision involves planting trees and building structures using sustainable materials

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