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The world's first wooden satellite will launch this year

Posted: 2020-01-09 16:39:48   Expiration: 2023-01-16 16:39:48

Disclaimer: This news item was originally posted on 2020-01-09 16:39:48. Its content may no longer be timely or accurate.

A Scandinavian cubesat will test how plywood withstands the space environment.

The world’s first "wooden satellite" is preparing to launch this year. WISA Woodsat, a nanosatellite that measures 4 by 4 by 4 inches (10 by 10 by 10 centimeters) and weighs about 2.2 lbs. (1 kilogram), uses a special type of coated plywood (called WISA) for its surface panels. The wooden satellite will launch as part of a mission, designed by Arctic Astronautics, a Finnish company manufacturing cubesat kits for students. The aim of the mission is to test the behavior and durability of these plywood panels in the extreme conditions of space and assess its suitability for future missions. The satellite will be outfitted with two cameras, one of which will be attached to a metal selfie stick, allowing the mission team to observe how the satellite's plywood surface changes in the space environment. src="https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/a/6/3/600_480139043.jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil">

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