Japan Sends the World's 1st Wooden Satellite to Space! LignoSat to Prove Wood is a Sustainable Space Material

On this week's episode, Alex dives into Japan's Lignosat mission from JAXA! LignoSat is a wooden CubeSat launched from the International Space Station on December 13, 2024. LignoSat aims to test wood as a sustainable, thermally insulating alternative to traditional space materials like aluminum and titanium. Previous research by Kyoto University showed wood's resilience to space conditions over 10 months. The mission could reduce orbital debris and environmental impacts of re-entry.  We also recognize the major job changes in the space industry since the start of the year and invite space professionals to network here on Today In Space! Email us at [email protected] if you're interested in sharing your Space Industry story and promote what you're working on next in an episode of People of Science. Here to give you a voice and to share your experience to an awesome space community! Sources: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2313374120 https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/nov/05/worlds-first-wooden-satellite-launched-into-space https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y3qzd5ql9o https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/watch-spacex-launch-3-tons-of-cargo-to-iss-today https://youtu.be/u1NJmz5m7zY?si=V7BXQ_OdYhRaDmC9 https://digital.wpi.edu/concern/student_works/xp68kh975?locale=en Keywords: wooden CubeSat, space material, thermal insulation, sustainably sourced, orbital debris, re-entry safety, space industry changes, job opportunities, material science, environmental impact, space exploration, CubeSat project, space research, wood properties, space innovation Timestamps: 00:00 Lignosat Mission Overview 01:42 Background and Launch Details 02:26 Space Industry Job Transitions  03:26 Why Wood is a Great Space Material 05:54 Environmental Benefits of Wood in Space 10:15 Challenges and Future Prospects 11:30 NEW 3D Printing Blog is up from AG3D!   --------------------------  Here's to building a fantastic future - and continued progress in Space (and humanity)!  Spread Love, Spread Science  Alex G. Orphanos  We'd like to thank our sponsors:  AG3D Printing  Follow us: @todayinspacepod on Instagram/Twitter @todayinspace on TikTok /TodayInSpacePodcast on Facebook  Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net #spacecraft #technology #aerospace #spacetechnology #engineer #stem #artemis #astronaut #spacewalk #crewdragon #falcon9 #elonmusk #starship #superheavybooster #blueorigin #newglenn #rocket #jaredisaacman #nasahistory #spaceshuttle #lignosat #woodinspace #iamgroot #jaxa