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Japan set to launch first wood satellite
- deleted 3y ago[deleted]
- dheera 3y ago> biodegradable and will burn up upon reentry Why does "biodegradable" matter? It seems "burn up upon reentry" is the more relevant part of this, in which case doesn't anything, even metal and rock, burn up upon reentry?
- Apocryphon 3y agoTwo paragraphs below: > Traditional satellites, built with aluminum, release harmful particles when they re-enter Earth's atmosphere, potentially damaging the delicate ozone layer, the World Economic Forum reported.
- dheera 3y agoAre these harmful particles aluminum-specific or general to all metals? What if it was carbon fiber, titanium, thin sheet steel, or some nontoxic plastic? Wood is a really odd choice, as it is not a very uniform and predictable material to work with, and it seems "reduce detrimental effects on the ozone layer" is the real constraint, rather than biodegradability. For things on land that decompose rather than burn up, it may be true that "reduce toxic effects on soil and the ecosystem" == "biodegradability", but it's not obvious to me that this applies to something burning up in the atmosphere. Burning wood isn't particularly great for the ozone layer either (c.f. forest fires).
- ortusdux 3y agoSeems like a great application for a densified wood (transparent wood and the like). Much higher strength to weight ratio.
- iefbr14 3y agoCutting down trees to save the environment. Great idea.
- NikkiA 3y agoWood grows, aluminium doesn't.
- the_third_wave 3y agoYes, good plan as long as you either grew those trees specifically for the purpose or regrow trees after cutting them down. More trees makes for a healthier atmosphere and healthier - and happier - people. More trees, fewer barren fields, good.
- ChrisArchitect 3y ago[dupe] More discussion: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39414641 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39414641
- mitchbob 3y agoIf it's not the same article, it's not a dupe. Different articles can provide different insights into a news event.
- ChrisArchitect 3y agoThis barely adds anything to the story, and is dated only a few days after it. It's a dupe. You're welcome to add Woodworking Network's insights to the discussion over there.