The wooden satellite is based on a basic, versatile CubeSat format, Kitsat, which is designed with educational use in mind.
The Woodsat project began with students across the country contributing parts to a CubeSat launched by unorthodox means.
The latest mission is a joint venture between UPM Plywood, design house Huld and space tech firm Arctic Astronautics, which designed the Kitsat.
The students are working with these organizations to build a hardier version of the Kitsat (‘WISA Woodsat’) for launch into polar orbit.
The launch will take place from the Mahia Peninsula launch complex in New Zealand, using a giant nerf gun!
It is hoped that the launch will take place before the end of the year. (The satellite will be 10cm cubed, weigh 1kg and will be covered on all sides by coated birch plywood from supplier WISA plywood, which is sponsoring the launch. The satellite will be powered by nine small solar cells. It will orbit at an altitude of 500-550km and complete a full orbit every 90 minutes. The plywood will be exposed to extreme temperatures, space radiation, and vacuum pressure.)
