"Japan's Groundbreaking Wooden Satellite: A Sustainable Solution to Space Pollution"

Japanese scientists are set to launch the world's first wooden satellite, the LignoSat probe, made of magnolia wood, to test the viability of using biodegradable materials in spacecraft construction. The satellite, developed by researchers from Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, aims to address the environmental impact of traditional metal satellites by emitting biodegradable ash when it re-enters the atmosphere. The wood's resilience to space conditions has been tested, and the satellite is expected to stay in orbit for at least six months before re-entering the atmosphere.