In a groundbreaking achievement, scientists have launched the world’s first wooden satellite into space to explore the material’s suitability for orbit. Named LignoSat, derived from the Latin for “wood,” the satellite was sent into space on a SpaceX mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on Monday. It will later be deployed into orbit, where researchers will observe how the wood withstands the extreme conditions of space over a period of six months.

The initiative, a collaboration between Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, began in 2020. In 2022, they conducted exposure tests aboard the ISS for over 240 days, ultimately selecting Hoonoki, a type of Magnolia wood known for its strength, stability, and workability. This wood is traditionally used in Japan for crafting sword sheaths due to its shatter-resistant properties, according to Reuters.

Since space is devoid of water and oxygen, the wood is shielded from fire and decay, Kyoto University scientists explain. Additionally, they will evaluate the wood’s potential to protect semiconductors from space radiation, Reuters reports.

“If our wooden satellite succeeds, we plan to propose it to Elon Musk’s SpaceX,” said Takao Doi, an astronaut and professor at Kyoto University. The team envisions that wooden satellites could reduce space pollution, as they would not emit aluminum oxide when burning up upon re-entry, unlike traditional metal satellites. Over the next 50 years, Doi’s team envisions growing wood for timber-based habitats on the Moon and Mars. “With timber, a material we can cultivate ourselves, we could construct homes and sustain life in space indefinitely,” Doi told Reuters.

Scientists suggest that a day on Earth might extend to 25 hours in the future due to the Moon’s gradual drift away from our planet.

Research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison indicates that the Moon is receding from Earth at a rate of approximately 3.8 centimeters per year. This phenomenon could result in Earth days lasting 25 hours in 200 million years. Historically, a day on Earth lasted just over 18 hours around 1.4 billion years ago.

Stephen Meyers, a professor in the geoscience department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, points to the gravitational interactions between Earth and the Moon as a primary cause. “As the Moon moves away, the Earth is like a spinning figure skater who slows down as they stretch their arms out,” explained Meyers.

Meyers and his team are using ‘astrochronology’ to study ancient geological processes. “We want to be able to study rocks that are billions of years old in a way that is comparable to how we study modern geologic processes,” he said.

The concept of the Moon’s recession is not new, but the Wisconsin research delves deeper into its historical and geological context. By examining ancient geological formations and sediment layers, researchers have tracked the Earth-Moon system over billions of years. They found that while the Moon’s current recession rate is relatively stable, it has fluctuated due to various factors such as Earth’s rotational speed and continental drift.

NASA, known for its groundbreaking discoveries, has once again astounded the world with its ability to observe plankton from space. The space agency’s latest endeavor, named PACE, or the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem satellite, was successfully launched today. This mission is designed to thoroughly investigate plankton and other microscopic elements, which are so minuscule that they remain invisible to the human eye, from hundreds of miles above Earth’s surface. The primary objective is to gain a deeper understanding of how these tiny components impact the entire planet.

In a statement released to the press, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson expressed his excitement, stating that PACE will provide unparalleled insights into how particles in Earth’s atmosphere and oceans contribute to global warming. Phytoplankton, in particular, play a crucial role in the world’s oceans. They are microscopic plants that perform photosynthesis, absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. This ability to absorb carbon dioxide makes them invaluable allies in combating climate change.

Karen St. Germain, director of the earth science division at NASA Headquarters, emphasized the significance of PACE in advancing our understanding of the ocean’s role in the climate cycle. Moreover, plankton serve as the foundation of ocean food chains, making them vital for marine ecosystems and fisheries’ health. However, there are various species of phytoplankton, each with unique interactions with their environment, some of which can be harmful, such as toxic algal blooms known as red tides.

The PACE satellite is equipped with a hyperspectral ocean color instrument that will enable scientists to differentiate between phytoplankton species based on their unique colors, a capability never before achieved from space. This data will aid in identifying organisms and detecting changes in the sea that could impact ecosystems and coastal communities. Additionally, the spacecraft carries instruments to study atmospheric particles, specifically aerosols, which can influence air quality.

Meng Gao, PACE polarimetry data science and software lead, explained the importance of quantifying aerosols for human health. Furthermore, aerosol pollution cleanup efforts, while beneficial for air quality, may inadvertently accelerate global warming by reducing aerosol particles that reflect solar radiation back into space. PACE’s polarimeters will identify the types of aerosols present, aiding in climate model refinement.

Beyond its immediate scientific goals, PACE’s research may support innovative approaches, such as enhancing phytoplankton’s carbon dioxide absorption or exploring geoengineering solutions. However, these endeavors raise ethical and environmental concerns, as manipulating Earth’s atmosphere could have unforeseen consequences.

The PACE satellite, launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 1:33AM ET Thursday, marks a significant milestone in NASA’s quest to unravel the mysteries of Earth’s ecosystems and climate.