A Novel Cubesat Design With Wood And Innovative Joining Mechanisms
- Paper ID
93161
- author
- company
Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México
- country
Mexico
- year
2025
- abstract
The growing presence of satellites in Earths orbit necessitates responsible practices to minimize space debris and promote orbital sustainability. This paper delves into the potential of biodegradable materials, speci cally wood, for constructing CubeSats miniature satellites increasingly employed for various scien ti c and educational purposes. Inspired by the University of Kyotos LingoSat project, we propose a novel design concept that leverages the inherent properties of wood alongside innovative joining mechanisms to achieve complete biodegradability. Our research explores the feasibility of using wood in CubeSat con struction, eliminating the need for metal fasteners and adhesives often employed in traditional satellite design. This approach not only minimizes the creation of long-lasting space debris but also reduces the risk of damage to other orbiting objects in the event of collision. Furthermore, biodegradable materials like wood o er the advantage of naturally fragmenting upon re-entry into the Earths atmosphere, mitigating the risk of uncontrolled re-entry and potential ground impact. To assess the viability of this concept, we present a comprehensive experimental approach involving the evaluation of di erent wood types and geo metric con gurations. Through rigorous testing and analysis, we aim to establish the structural integrity and performance characteristics of wood-based CubeSats while exploring the broader environmental ben e ts associated with their biodegradability. This research paves the way for the development of a new generation of CubeSats that adheres to principles of sustainability, contributing to a cleaner and more responsible space environment.