The world’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat, was launched toward the International Space Station via a SpaceX mission. Developed by researchers from Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, this 900-gram satellite aims to test wood’s viability as a renewable material for future planetary exploration, particularly on the Moon and Mars. Made from a type of Japanese magnolia using traditional techniques, LignoSat will observe wood’s response to the harsh space environment over six months. Researchers believe that utilizing wood could minimize environmental impacts at the end of a satellite’s life while potentially replacing metals in space structures.