Japans plans to launch wooden satellite
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Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry Co. have devised a new model for satellites - made of wood!
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Japan's wooden satellite.
Japan plans to launch a satellite in 2023 - however, with one defining characteristic: It's partially made of wood.
The initiative is to promote environmental friendliness and reduce costs of space development, according to Japanese media on Friday.
The satellite is being designed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry Co., which, according to Kyodo news agency, consider wood to be less of a burden on the environment - and, it's cheaper than aluminum satellites.
The satellite is being manufactured into a cube shape with 10-centimeter dimensions with an antenna inside, while the outside will be made of wood and solar panels.
When the satellite enters Earth's atmosphere on its way back from space, the wooden exterior is expected to burn.
The manufacturers plan to test the strength of the wood in space starting February using an extravehicular experimental apparatus from the ISS.
According to Japanese astronaut Takao Doi, if the plan runs successfully, children will be able to create these satellites by themselves.
