Abstract
Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd. have developed a wooden satellite called LignoSat. The main objective of the satellite was to investigate the usability of wood in space. We will measure the temperature and strain of the wooden structure in space to clarify the effects of the space environment on the microstructure of the wood. In addition, the geomagnetic levels will be evaluated to study whether the geomagnetic field can penetrate the body of the wooden satellite. The influence of cosmic rays on electric systems will be investigated by counting the number of single-event upsets (SEPs).
After a spacecraft made of aluminum re-enters the upper atmosphere, it disperses small particles of aluminum oxide which float in the atmosphere for a long time. It was found that about 10% of the metal particles in stratospheric aerosols come from burned-out spacecraft. When a wooden satellite re-enters the atmosphere, the wooden parts burn up and turn into carbon dioxide and water. Hence, wooden satellites are environmentally friendly. To design an artificial wooden satellite, three species of wood specimens, cherry (Cerasus jamasakura), birch (Betula ermanii), and Honoki (Magnolia obovata), were exposed to space on-board the International Space Station for about 10 months in 2022. No noticeable deterioration was observed, but deterioration of lignin due to ultraviolet (UV) rays was observed on the surface.
In this study, we turned our attention to wood carbonization, rather than chemical modifications or introducing protection layers with other materials. Wood charring, known in Japan as Yakisugi or Shou-sugi-ban, is a traditional technique to create a charred surface by burning the surface. Such a simple modification has been utilized primarily for the preservation of wood used in outdoor applications. Due to its UV resistance, charred wood applications could be utilized even in outer space. Instead of traditional burning, in this study, the wood surface was carbonized in a controlled manner by means of laser treatment. Thus, a protective layer, originated from wood, can be installed.
After a spacecraft made of aluminum re-enters the upper atmosphere, it disperses small particles of aluminum oxide which float in the atmosphere for a long time. It was found that about 10% of the metal particles in stratospheric aerosols come from burned-out spacecraft. When a wooden satellite re-enters the atmosphere, the wooden parts burn up and turn into carbon dioxide and water. Hence, wooden satellites are environmentally friendly. To design an artificial wooden satellite, three species of wood specimens, cherry (Cerasus jamasakura), birch (Betula ermanii), and Honoki (Magnolia obovata), were exposed to space on-board the International Space Station for about 10 months in 2022. No noticeable deterioration was observed, but deterioration of lignin due to ultraviolet (UV) rays was observed on the surface.
In this study, we turned our attention to wood carbonization, rather than chemical modifications or introducing protection layers with other materials. Wood charring, known in Japan as Yakisugi or Shou-sugi-ban, is a traditional technique to create a charred surface by burning the surface. Such a simple modification has been utilized primarily for the preservation of wood used in outdoor applications. Due to its UV resistance, charred wood applications could be utilized even in outer space. Instead of traditional burning, in this study, the wood surface was carbonized in a controlled manner by means of laser treatment. Thus, a protective layer, originated from wood, can be installed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 23 Jan 2025 |
| MoE publication type | Not Eligible |
| Event | 7th Winter Satellite Workshop: with remote sensing days and space science workshop - Dipoli, Espoo, Finland Duration: 21 Jan 2025 → 23 Jan 2025 https://spaceworkshop.fi/ |
Conference
| Conference | 7th Winter Satellite Workshop |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | WSW 2025 |
| Country/Territory | Finland |
| City | Espoo |
| Period | 21/01/25 → 23/01/25 |
| Internet address |