Wooden satellites that burn up completely on atmospheric re-entry — without releasing harmful aluminium-rich particles — are being developed in Japan. The major component in today's satellites is aluminium — which, when broken down by the force of re-entry, releases long-lived aerosols that damage the ozone layer. Not only would wooden satellites be better for the environment, but they could also allow for new and simpler designs if used to make a craft's outer shell. The Japanese team of experts have said that they hope have their first wooden satellite ready to launch into space by the year 2023. Building the structural components of a satellite out of wood, in contrast, would not release such environmentally damaging compounds on re-entry.

Source: Daily Mail December 29, 2020 14:58 UTC