World's first wooden satellite to be launched by Japan in 2023

Japanese logging company Sumitomo Forestry and Kyoto University are planting the seeds for a 2023 launch of the world's first satellite made out of wood. The partners announced their intentions on Wednesday, saying the aim was basic research and proof of concept. They have agreed to conduct research on tree growth and the use of wood materials in space. They hope to promote technology for using wood in extreme environments on Earth. More

(Source: Nikkei Asia - Dec 24)