Floating around the earth is a mass of satellites. Great for GPS, monitoring weather patterns and not so great for internet-space junk. That’s why Sumitomo Forestry and Kyoto University are joining forces to build the world’s first wooden satellites by 2023.
You might think that metal satellites burn out at re-entry, but as it turned out, it’s not that easy. “We are very concerned about the fact that all satellites that re-enter Earth’s atmosphere burn and produce small alumina particles that will float in the atmosphere for many years to come,” said Taco Doi, an astronaut and professor at Kyoto University. BBC When speaking about the project. “Eventually it will affect the Earth’s atmosphere.”
Wood, however, Will Burning completely upon re-entry without leaving harmful substances in the atmosphere or scattering hazardous debris. According to Nikkei AsiaAnother reason researchers are experimenting with wood is that it does not block electromagnetic waves or the earth’s own magnetic field. This means that wooden satellites can have simple constructions, as components such as antennas can only be placed inside the satellite.
Speaking of the type of wood, Sumitomo Forestry is keeping mum. The company only told the BBC it was an “R&D” secret, but it would be resistant to temperature changes, sunlight and extreme weather conditions. Sumitomo Forestry and Kyoto University also said they would study the possibility of building wooden constructions in space by March 2024.
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So far, Sumitomo Forestry and Kyoto University have set a goal to create a “concept” and research on how tree growth and wood materials behave in space. The next step, according to Doina, is to create an engineering model for the satellite, followed by a flight model. But even if wooden satellites do not become a thing, it is possible that whatever wood is developed could be used in the more extreme atmosphere of the earth.
According to World Economic Forum, There are currently about 6,000 satellites in orbit, 60% of which have actually been eliminated. Meanwhile, it is estimated that 990 satellites will be launched every year for the next decade. The WEF also notes that there is More than half a million pieces of space travel Larger than the marble currently floating around the earth and 20,000 pieces of debris Which is higher than softtub .l. These trash pieces are not frozen. They are moving really fast 17,500 miles per hourThe speed required to stay in orbit and not return to Earth. According to NASA, More space junk presents an increased risk of collisions of all types of spacecraft, including the International Space Station, shuttles and any other type of spacecraft that could carry humans. (In fact, NASA and Russian flight controllers regularly Maneuvers to avoid practice To protect the ISS from space debris.) Debris does not need to be particularly damaged – paint flicks have also been shown to damage space shuttle windows.
With both Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Amazon’s Project Kuiper, the problem of space clutter is only getting worse. Race to launch thousands of satellites In orbit to provide low cost internet. Meanwhile, there are also astronomers Expressed concern That these satellite constellations could potentially do Disrupted their ability To observe the universe. It’s not clear how much wood satellites will solve the problem, but hey, it’s better to stick to more metal junk there.
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