# LignoSat

> wooden CubeSat deployed from the ISS in 2024

**Wikidata**: [Q124728590](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124728590)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LignoSat)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lignosat

## Summary
LignoSat is a wooden research satellite and CubeSat developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry. Notable for being the world's first wood-panelled satellite, it was launched to the International Space Station in November 2024 and deployed into orbit in December 2024 to test the feasibility of timber in space environments.

## Key Facts
*   **Classification:** A 1U CubeSat (10cm x 10cm x 10cm) and research satellite (SCN: 62297).
*   **Mass:** 900 grams.
*   **Primary Material:** Magnolia wood (*Magnolia obovata*); also incorporates aluminium, plastic, and silicon.
*   **Developers:** Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry.
*   **Launch Date:** November 5, 2024 (launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 from Kennedy Space Center).
*   **Deployment:** December 9, 2024, at 11:17 UTC from the JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer on the ISS.
*   **Mission Status:** Experienced a communication failure immediately following deployment on December 9, 2024.
*   **Orbital Decay:** Predicted or actual atmospheric entry on March 11, 2025.

## FAQs
### Q: What material is LignoSat made of?
A: LignoSat is constructed primarily from magnolia wood (specifically *Magnolia obovata*). It also utilizes standard satellite components made of aluminium, plastic, and silicon.

### Q: When was LignoSat launched and deployed?
A: LignoSat launched on November 5, 2024, aboard the SpaceX CRS-31 mission. It was deployed from the International Space Station approximately one month later on December 9, 2024.

### Q: Did LignoSat successfully communicate with Earth?
A: No. Following its deployment from the ISS on December 9, 2024, the satellite encountered a communication failure.

## Why It Matters
LignoSat represents a significant innovation in aerospace engineering by testing wood as a viable structural material for space applications. Historically, satellites have relied on aluminum and other metals, which can contribute to space debris and aluminum oxide pollution upon re-entry. By utilizing magnolia wood—a material that is durable in a vacuum yet biodegradable in the atmosphere—researchers aim to create more environmentally friendly satellites that burn up completely without releasing harmful substances. The mission seeks to verify that wood can withstand the extreme temperature fluctuations and radiation of space, potentially paving the way for cheaper, more sustainable satellite construction in the future. Developed as a joint project between Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, it bridges traditional materials science with modern orbital technology.

## Notable For
*   **First Wooden Satellite:** Recognized as the world's first satellite to use wood for its external panelling.
*   **Eco-friendly Design:** Aims to reduce the environmental impact of re-entering space debris compared to traditional metal satellites.
*   **ISS Deployment:** Deployed manually from the Japanese Experiment Module (Kibo) on the ISS.
*   **Material Selection:** Uses *Magnolia obovata*, chosen for its durability and workability in spacecraft construction.

## Body

### Development and Specifications
LignoSat is a miniaturized satellite conforming to the 1U CubeSat standard, measuring 10 centimeters on all sides and weighing 900 grams. It was developed jointly by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry in Japan. The structure is distinct for its use of magnolia wood (*Magnolia obovata*) for the panels, though it retains elements of aluminium, plastic, and silicon. The satellite is powered by five solar cell panels.

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite was launched on November 5, 2024, at 02:29:30 UTC aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1083.5) from the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A. It arrived at the International Space Station as part of the SpaceX CRS-31 Commercial Resupply mission.
LignoSat was deployed into Earth orbit on December 9, 2024, at 11:17 UTC. It was ejected from the JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD) aboard the station's Kibo module.

### Mission Outcome
Immediately following its deployment on December 9, 2024, ground controllers reported a communication failure with LignoSat. Despite this setback, the satellite's brief operational history provided data on the orbital behavior of wooden structures. According to orbital tracking data, LignoSat had a projected atmospheric entry date of March 11, 2025.

## References

1. [LignoSat. Nanosats Database](https://www.nanosats.eu/sat/lignosat)
2. [World's first wooden satellite, developed in Japan, heads to space. Reuters. 2024](https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/worlds-first-wooden-satellite-developed-japan-heads-space-2024-11-05/)
3. [Space: the wooden frontier. Kyoto University. 2021](https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/research-news/2021-08-31)
4. [World's 1st wooden satellite arrives at ISS for key orbital test. space.com. 2024](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/satellites/worlds-1st-wooden-satellite-arrives-at-iss-for-key-orbital-test)
5. [Japanese Scientists Bet on an Ancient Material for Their New Satellite: Wood. The New York Times. 2024](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/05/science/japan-wooden-satellite.html)
6. [LignoSat: First wood-panelled satellite launched into space. BBC News Online. 2024](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y3qzd5ql9o)
7. Jonathan's Space Report
8. [Source](https://space.innovationkyoto.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Lignosat_CAD_Drawing.pdf)
9. [telex.hu](https://telex.hu/techtud/2024/11/05/fabol-keszult-muhold-japan-lignosat-kiotoi-egyetem)
10. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=62297)
11. [First Wooden Satellite Launches: SpaceX CRS-31 Docks With ISS, Aims to Test Timber in Space. The Science Times. 2024](https://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/51557/20241105/first-wooden-satellite-launches-spacex-crs-31-docks-iss.htm)
12. [Cargo ship brings supplies, science gear and holiday treats for space station crew. 2024](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cargo-ship-launched-to-space-station-with-supplies-science-gear-and-holiday-treats-for-crew/)
13. [Source](https://humans-in-space.jaxa.jp/kibouser/provide/j-ssod/72631.html)
14. [Source](https://eos.org/articles/a-new-satellite-material-comes-out-of-the-woodwork)
15. [「木造」の人工衛星が実現へ　ゆくゆくは月面基地も. 2023](https://forbesjapan.com/articles/detail/63138)