What is the size of LignoSat?
According to the information, the size of Lignoset is equal to a coffee mug. Magnolia wood has been used in making it.
Why choose magnolia wood?
The magnolia wood from which space agencies have made the satellite was first tested in the International Space Station. Scientists tested three types of wood. All were successful in space, meaning there was no breakage in them. However, scientists decided to use magnolia wood because it is less likely to break while making the satellite.
After reaching the space station, Lignosat will be deployed in orbit for 6 months. Electronic instruments have been installed in it, which will measure how the wood withstands the extreme environment of space.
The temperature on the space station fluctuates from -100 to 100 degrees Celsius every 45 minutes as it orbits from darkness to sunlight. According to the report, Kenji Kariya, a manager of Japan’s Sumitomo Forestry Tsukuba Research Institute, said that Lignosat will also assess the ability of wood to reduce the effect of space radiation on semiconductors.
there are other motives too
By sending LignoSat into space, scientists want to know how effective wooden satellites can be. Space agencies around the world have sent thousands of satellites into space in 50 years. These have completed their life and are floating as junk or debris. This is putting other satellites at risk. Wooden satellites can solve these difficulties.
