--- title: "A Japanese Startup Is Building Wooden Satellites" description: "Japanese startup Sumitomo is developing the world's first wooden satellites to send into space. Learn why this can minimize space junk." date: "2020-12-29" modified: "2021-01-06" authors: - name: "Victor Tangermann" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://futurism.com/authors/victor" url: "https://futurism.com/the-byte/japanese-startup-wooden-satellites" categories: - "Off-World" - "Space" tags: - "Japan" - "satellites" - "SpaceX" - "starlink" - "the digest" - "wood" --- # A Japanese Startup Is Building Wooden Satellites ![A Japanese startup called Sumitomo Forestry is teaming up with Kyoto University to develop the world's first satellites — that are made out of wood.]() *\Image: Sumitomo Forestry\* ## Wooden Satellites A Japanese startup called Sumitomo Forestry is teaming up with Kyoto University to develop the first satellites made out of wood. The goal is to minimize the amount of space junk that has been accumulating in orbit over the last decades, as the [*BBC* reports](). Satellites made out of wood, the theory goes, could simply burn up upon re-entering the Earth's atmosphere. "We are very concerned with the fact that all the satellites which re-enter the Earth's atmosphere burn and create tiny alumina particles which will float in the upper atmosphere for many years," Kyoto University professor Takao Doi who visited the International Space Station in 2008 told the *BBC*. "Eventually it will affect the environment of the Earth." ## Orbital Yule Log The researchers are currently investigating how various types of wood could withstand the extreme conditions of outer space. The materials would have to endure extreme temperature swings and an onslaught of radiation. An proof of concept is in the works as well as a model designed for future test flights in mind, according to the *BBC*. Sumitomo Forestry, however, is remaining tight-lipped about any details. The concept calls to mind an [unused script]() for the 1992 film "Alien 3," which would have taken place on a wooden satellite. ## Space Junkyard According to the World Economic Forum, about [6,000 satellites are orbiting Earth right now]() — but only about 60 percent are actually in use. An increasing number of companies are planning to soon launch their own constellations of satellites to bring broadband to every part of the world, which will increase the clutter in Earth's orbit considerably. SpaceX alone has already sent just shy of 1,000 of its Starlink satellites into orbit. However, it has opted burn them in re-entry after they're no longer useful. **READ MORE:** [Japan developing wooden satellites to cut space junk]() \[*BBC*\] **More on wood:** *[Scientists Create Clear, Glasslike Material Out of Wood]()* ## Author I've been at Futurism since 2017, where my role has evolved to encompass design, writing, and increasingly editing. I've always been fascinated by space exploration and advanced transportation, which I've leaned into by interviewing luminaries in those fields while closely following the dimensions of policy and regulation that allow next-generation projects to succeed -- or, sometimes, to fail. I'm also keenly interested in the effects of generative AI on society, policies, and democratic institutions, as well as clean energy, physics and biology, and the vagaries of tech leadership. My work for Futurism has been cited by publications including Ars Technica, Gizmodo, PC Magazine, Jalopnik, Fox News, and the New York Post. I spent my childhood living in locations including Manila, the Philippines, and Geneva, Switzerland, attended McGill University, and now live in Toronto, Canada. Before Futurism I worked at AskMen and a small photography studio. In my free time, I'm an avid gardener, foodie, and craft beer lover, as well as a maker of artisanal hot pepper sauces. I have a magnificent dog named Freida. ### Author social links [Bluesky]()