17 votes

The world’s first wooden satellite was launched into space, will begin testing in December

6 comments

  1. [2]
    creesch
    Link
    I get that this makes for a catchier headline, but it is a wooden enclosure specifically to see how it will hold up in space. This reuters article and this bbc article both include actual photos...

    I get that this makes for a catchier headline, but it is a wooden enclosure specifically to see how it will hold up in space. This reuters article and this bbc article both include actual photos to give a better impression.

    8 votes
    1. glesica
      Link Parent
      It's adorable! I don't know why, but I kinda expected rough cut plywood.

      It's adorable! I don't know why, but I kinda expected rough cut plywood.

  2. [2]
    pete_the_paper_boat
    Link
    Actual outer wilds ship building methods

    Actual outer wilds ship building methods

    6 votes
    1. adorac
      Link Parent
      Should've sent up a can of marshmallows too

      Should've sent up a can of marshmallows too

  3. [2]
    hamstergeddon
    Link
    I'm all for trying new materials and just seeing what happens (because SCIENCE!), but won't UV light from the sun wreak havoc on the wood? It damages wood here on earth, and that's with the added...

    I'm all for trying new materials and just seeing what happens (because SCIENCE!), but won't UV light from the sun wreak havoc on the wood? It damages wood here on earth, and that's with the added protection of an atmosphere.

    2 votes
    1. creesch
      (edited )
      Link Parent
      None of the other environmental factors are present. So, just to speculate, they might expect the outer layer to be affected but only to until a certain dept. Which would be one reason to send...

      None of the other environmental factors are present. So, just to speculate, they might expect the outer layer to be affected but only to until a certain dept. Which would be one reason to send this thing up there, to actually find out what will happen.

      2 votes