this post was submitted on 09 Nov 2023
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Astronomy
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Wood seems like a good choice for a satellite - it's lightweight, easy to machine into different shapes, it's cheap and readily available. It also doesn't conduct heat as well as aluminum or steel, but I don't know enough about building satellites to know if that's a problem.
Less toxic when it burns up in the atmosphere at reentry.
Plus, it's less likely to become space trash.
Why not?
How so?
Because it is less ductile and flexible than aluminum or titanium. It's easier to decommission by burning it up in the atmosphere without leaving particles behind, and if it collides with another object, it's more likely to be obliterated.