Last week, the LingoSat satellite, designed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, launched into space with a unique twist: it’s made mostly of Japanese hinoki, or cypress wood.
This experimental satellite aims to show that wood, instead of metal, might work well in space. The wooden structure is crafted without screws or glue; instead, it uses a traditional Japanese joint method similar to dovetailing, making the satellite both strong and sustainable.
This design could lead to a new generation of eco-friendly satellites. When metal satellites re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, they often release harmful particles as they burn up, but wood would burn more cleanly, minimising pollution.
The LingoSat will orbit 400 kilometres above Earth for six months before it reaches the International Space Station, where scientists will study how it holds up in space. If successful, this wooden satellite could open the door to more environmentally friendly space missions.
pretty cool mate good work
big well done to Hayden, congrats to him, sucks that the britland took the 1st, quite sad, but that part of the game, wish we won though, well done to GB and everybody else, New Zealand deserved it.
2028 LA Olympics here we go!!
amazing
good
Good job Hayden you gave it all you had
Amazing, I can’t believe we got silver, maybe we can win the Olympics if we try hard! Go boy!
Hayden must have showed a lot of the Olympic values to help Alex across the finish line
Hayden must have trained a lot to win a silver medal for us