As Japan sends a wooden satellite into space, experts say astronauts could one day live in wooden structures [Video]

After Japanese scientists launched the world’s first wooden satellite into space last week, experts in Canada are proposing ways in which wood could become a bigger part of space exploration. 

Made from the wood of a magnolia tree, the palm-sized LignoSat was sent to the International Space Station earlier this month. 

Developed by Kyoto University and building company Sumitomo Forestry, it will be sent into orbit on a test run next month. 

Aaron Boley, co-director of the Outer Space Institute in Vancouver, said LignoSat could show that wood is a more sustainable alternative for making satellites as humans become more dependent on them. 

He said most satellites are designed to burn up in the atmosphere when their lifespan is over, depositing materials into the atmosphere that could be harmful — but wood would be less polluting when burning up. 

Boley told CBC’s Daybreak North that, with projects like LignoSat, we are “fundamentally changing our relationship with …