World’s first wood-panelled satellite launched
28 February 2025
News
The world’s first wood-panelled satellite has been launched into space. This is to evaluate the potential of timber as a renewable building material for future exploration missions to other celestial bodies such as the Moon and Mars.
Developed by Japanese researchers, this compact satellite weighs just 900 grams. It is first destined for the International Space Station (ISS) via a SpaceX mission. Once there, it will be deployed into Earth’s orbit to undergo rigorous testing.
Named LignoSat, derived from the Latin word for wood, the satellite features panels crafted from magnolia wood, assembled using a traditional Japanese joinery technique, which allows for panel assembly without the use of screws or glue. This innovative approach aims to assess wood’s durability and performance in the harsh conditions of space.
Developed by researchers at Kyoto University, it is hoped that wood can be used in future designs to replace certain metals. The university science professor, Koji Murata, told Reuters news agency that, “Wood is more durable in space than on Earth because there is no water or oxygen that would rot or inflame it.”
The satellite integrates sensors to measure how the wood reacts to the extreme environment of space during its destined 6-month, 400 km orbit above the Earth. Researchers are especially interested in how the wood holds up to the transition from -100 to 100°C every 45 minutes.
Further reading:
RE+ South Africa 2026: From strategy to execution
News
Taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 02 to 04 June 2026, this new addition to South Africa’s energy landscape introduces a focused commercial and industrial energy event within a proven exhibition platform.
Read more...
Africa Energy Indaba announces 2027 dates
News
Following the continued success and growing global impact of the Africa Energy Indaba, organisers have announced the dates for the 19th edition of the Africa Energy Indaba 2027.
Read more...
RS South Africa named master distributor for the Arduino UNO Q
RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa announced that it has been named Master Distributor for the Arduino UNO Q SBC platform across South Africa and the broader African region.
Read more...
Engineering in a world that cannot assume connectivity
Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Across industrial automation, networking, and defence systems, engineers are rediscovering the importance of resilience and autonomy in an increasingly connected world.
Read more...
IOT secures major industry partnership
IOT Electronics
News
IOT Electronics has announced a new strategic partnership with Powell Electronics, becoming an Official Authorised Reseller in South Africa.
Read more...
Successful Proteus training conference
Dizzy Enterprises
News
Dizzy Enterprises recently hosted two hands-on Proteus Training Conferences, bringing together electronics professionals, designers, and enthusiasts to explore the latest capabilities of the Proteus Design Suite from Labcenter Electronics.
Read more...
Hitachi reinvents asset management solution
News
Hitachi Energy, in collaboration with Microsoft, is accelerating the digital transformation of essential infrastructure - from electricity networks and transportation corridors to heavy industrial operations - by reinventing how critical assets are managed and maintained.
Read more...
Mycronic releases mixed Q4 results
News
Mycronic reported mixed Q4 results for the year ended January to December 2025, while delivering record full year order intake and net sales.
Read more...
AGOA: Businesses should diversify or face significant exposure
News
Cross-border payments platform Verto has called on South African and African businesses to accelerate their transition toward a “post-AGOA” trade strategy following President Donald Trump’s signing of a one-year extension to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Read more...
European components distribution growing
News
European electronic components distribution returned to growth in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to newly released figures from DMASS Europe.
Read more...
printer friendly version