Japan to launch world’s first wooden satellite to combat space pollution

The wooden LignoSat satellite that will burn into ash when it re-enters the atmosphere [artist’s impression]. Photograph: Kyoto University

Japanese scientists have created one of the world’s most unusual spacecraft – a tiny satellite that is made of timber.

The LignoSat probe has been built of magnolia wood, which, in experiments carried out on the International Space Station (ISS), was found to be particularly stable and resistant to cracking. Now plans are being finalised for it to be launched on a US rocket this summer.