‘Wood’ you believe it?! The world’s first wooden satellite was shown during a press conference at Kyoto University in Japan on May 28. Named LignoSat, the satellite successfully blasted off on a SpaceX rocket on Nov 5 as part of a resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The satellite was developed by Kyoto University and the Japanese timber (木材) company Sumitomo Forestry. Wood is a good material to use in space because it won’t rot due to a lack of water or air. Wooden satellites can also help in environmental protection because wood is a renewable resource. After about a month following its arrival at the ISS, LignoSat will be released into outer space to test its strength and durability (耐久性), said a spokeswoman for Sumitomo Forestry.