Wooden Satellite: A Fusion of Japanese Tradition and Innovation in Space Exploration

Kyoto University, in collaboration with several companies, is embarking on a groundbreaking project to launch the world's first wooden satellite. This innovative satellite will be constructed using traditional Japanese carpentry techniques and is scheduled for launch from the United States in March 2024.

The project involves the participation of Kuroda Kobo, a woodworking company based in Otsu, renowned for its expertise in restoring cultural assets and national treasures. Currently, the team at Kuroda Kobo is diligently working on constructing a 10-centimeter square cube (0.61 in³), with the goal of completing it by the end of the month. The construction process demands exceptional precision, as the margin of error for this component is a mere 0.01 millimeters (0.001 cm).

Hiroaki Usui, the President of Kuroda Kobo, emphasized the importance of ensuring the satellite's durability to withstand the harsh conditions of space. He explained, "We need to make sure it's the best it can be so that it can withstand the conditions of space," while meticulously shaving down a piece of Japanese big-leaf magnolia.

The involvement of Kuroda Kobo in this ambitious project dates back to 2019 when a professor from Kyoto University invited them to join the development team. Despite the immense challenge, the company embraced the opportunity to contribute to the construction of the world's first wooden satellite. In recent years, the launch of numerous small satellites has served various purposes, such as improving communication systems. By utilizing wood as the primary material for the satellite's structure, the team aims to minimize the release of metal particles into the environment when the satellite eventually burns up during re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere after completing its mission.

Japanese magnolia, renowned for its lightweight nature, ease of processing, and uniform density that prevents deformations, was selected as the wood for this project. Kyoto University, along with Sumitomo Forestry Co. and other organizations, conducted tests to determine the wood type that exhibited minimal signs of deterioration when exposed to cosmic rays outside the International Space Station for approximately 300 days.

Moreover, the team had to identify a highly durable wood that could endure the vacuum of space, eliminating any moisture within it. Additionally, the wood would need to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations, ranging from 120 degrees Celsius (248°F) to minus 150 degrees Celsius (-238°F), as it orbits the Earth every 90 minutes. These temperature changes can cause the wood to expand, contract, and potentially sustain damage if conventional adhesives or glues are used.

To address these challenges, the team adopted a traditional joinery technique called "tomegata kakushi arigumi," commonly employed in creating paulownia chests, drawers, and other items. This technique involves cutting out protrusions, allowing the pieces to fit tightly together like puzzle pieces, eliminating the need for nails or adhesives.

The thickness of the wood was determined based on various factors, including the payload capacity of the rocket. In May, the United States' National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) approved the use of Japanese magnolia, as it adhered to the requirement of dimensional deformations being limited to 0.01 millimeters (0.001 cm). To meet the launch deadline in March of the following year, the wooden components must be completed by the end of June.

Usui acknowledged the unprecedented challenge they face, stating, "We're struggling to maintain a margin of error of 0.01 millimeters (0.001 cm), a challenge that no one has undertaken before." He added, "We've also paid very careful attention to atmospheric conditions to prevent the wood from shrinking due to humidity."

NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) plan to conduct a final safety check in October. If the wooden satellite successfully passes this test, it will be scheduled for launch to the International Space Station.

In a groundbreaking fusion of traditional craftsmanship and space exploration, Kyoto University and a team of dedicated companies are on the cusp of launching the world's first wooden satellite. With its potential to revolutionize space development and minimize environmental impact, this extraordinary project embodies the intersection of ancient techniques and cutting-edge innovation. As the final safety checks approach and the countdown to launch begins, the world eagerly awaits the moment when this wooden marvel will soar into the cosmos, marking a new chapter in our quest to explore the unknown. Prepare to witness history in the making as the realms of wood and space converge in an awe-inspiring display of human ingenuity.

Related Articles:

Build Your Own Satellite Spec Ops Elite Tools

Japan's Space Industry Boost: Funding, Technology, and Lunar Exploration

Chiba University Launches Research Center for Space Agriculture and Horticulture: Pioneering Lunar Farming for Sustainable Food Production

Space Burials: Commemorating Departed Loved Ones Amongst the Stars