Current Affairs: Passage of the Day - 11th November 2024 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT PDF Download

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
The world’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat, was launched by Japanese scientists on Tuesday to understand the feasibility of timber in space.  Kyoto University and homebuilder Sumitomo Forestry jointly developed the wooden satellite, LignoSat, and sent it to the International Space Station (ISS) on a SpaceX mission. The satellite will be positioned approximately 400 kilometres above Earth. The mini-satellite was launched to test the viability of a renewable material in future space habitation and exploration. An astronaut and professor from Kyoto University, Takao Doi, envisions timber as a sustainable resource supporting long-term human settlement in space. While explaining the sustainability of timber in space, Doi said, "With timber, a material we can produce ourselves, we can build houses, live, and work in space indefinitely."

LignoSat is inspired by wooden aircraft

The team of scientists crafted LignoSat from honoki wood, inspired by early wooden aircraft. The wood used is a Japanese magnolia species traditionally used for sword sheaths. The decision came after the 10-month ISS study confirming the Honoki's resilience in space. The wooden aircraft are made without screws or glue reflecting traditional craftsmanship. The Doi's team is planning for an ambitious 50-year strategy to send timber structures on the moon and mars. The spacecraft is developed with Nasa-certified wooden satellite validating wood as a space-suited material.

Space temp changes drastically

The spacecraft will revolve around Earth for six months and it will measure how well the wood withstands the harsh space environment. The temperatures in the space change dramatically between -100 degrees and 100 degrees Celsius testing the durability of wood in extreme conditions. During its tenure in space, the wood's ability to protect semiconductor components from cosmic radiation will also be analysed helping future data centre designs for space. 

The metal satellites leave aluminium oxide during re-entry, while this is not the case with wooden satellites which produce minimal pollution and result in a low environmental footprint. According to Doi, the success of wooden alternatives might result “in the ban of metal satellites” in future.

The team is likely to promote wooden satellites to companies such as SpaceX if LignoSat performs as expected. The satellite might be revolutionising space exploration with eco-friendly materials. As per Kenji Kariya of Sumitomo Forestry, the timber industry will also benefit from the latest innovation.

Material And Measure Of LignoSat Satellite

LignoSat is a 4 inches cube-sized satellite that weighs around 2 pounds, prepared with japanese techniques. 

[Excerpt from Business Standard "Japan launches world's first wooden satellite, LignoSat, into space " Dated 11/11/24]

Q1: What is the main purpose of the LignoSat mission? 
(a) To test the use of aluminium in satellites
(b) To assess the durability of wood in space
(c) To explore the potential of metal-free satellites
(d) To conduct radiation experiments on Earth

View Answer  

Ans: (b)
Sol: The LignoSat mission aims to test wood's durability in the harsh conditions of space.

Q2: Which type of wood is used in the construction of LignoSat’s panels?
(a) Oak
(b) Teak
(c) Magnolia
(d) Cedar

View Answer  

Ans: (c)
Sol: LignoSat is constructed using panels made of magnolia wood.

Q3: Who collaborated with Kyoto University to develop LignoSat?
(a) SpaceX
(b) NASA
(c) Sumitomo Forestry
(d) Mitsubishi Corporation

View Answer  

Ans: (c)
Sol: Kyoto University partnered with Sumitomo Forestry to develop LignoSat.

Q4: What is a unique characteristic of wood in space that makes it beneficial for long-term use?
(a) It does not conduct electricity
(b) It does not rot or ignite in the absence of water and oxygen
(c) It is resistant to all temperatures
(d) It does not require any insulation

View Answer  

Ans: (b)
Sol: In space, wood does not rot or ignite in the absence of water and oxygen, enhancing its longevity in space environments.

Q5: How might LignoSat benefit the environment upon re-entry compared to conventional satellites?
(a) It produces reusable components
(b) It burns up without releasing harmful pollutants
(c) It stays intact upon re-entry
(d) It disintegrates into non-toxic gases

View Answer  

Ans: (b)
Sol: Unlike conventional aluminium satellites, LignoSat’s renewable wood composition aims to reduce pollution when it falls back to Earth.