The picture shows Taro Iemoto, associate professor of science and technology at Oita University, Japan, and the fiber material extracted from bamboo. taken at Oita University on Nov. 24, 2021.
Oita University is conducting joint research with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to use fibers extracted from bamboo produced in Oita Prefecture for parts of artificial satellites. Compared to previous materials, bamboo fiber has less negative impact on the performance of observation equipment and perhaps cuts down on the headache of "space junk". The research team has conducted many tests on durability and other tests, and is striving to put them into practice.
The joint study started in November 2021. Fibers are extracted from bamboo and finely decomposed in water to make a material called "cellulose nanofiber". The plan is to dry it and use it for the production of parts for artificial satellites. It is reported that the material is considered for use in the manufacture of cases to protect observation equipment and panels, etc., but the details have not yet been finalized.
According to JAXA, the artificial satellite parts use metal or plastic, but the vacuum will produce volatile gas, if attached to the lens and mirror of the observation equipment, then the data accuracy will be reduced. Cellulose nanofibers produce less volatile gases, which, combined with their lighter weight, make them suitable for use as space-related materials. The research team will investigate the durability and strength of the material in space, which is affected by electromagnetic waves, and assess whether it can be put into practical use in the future.
The wreckage of defunct artificial satellites floating in space has become an international problem. The developer of the material, Taro Iimoto, an associate professor at the Faculty of Science and Technology of Oita University, pointed out that if the material comes from bamboo, "it has a high probability of burning out when it enters the atmosphere and does not easily become garbage.
He also said that with the increase in unused bamboo forests, the move also makes sense in terms of effective use of bamboo, "an ideal material that benefits both the region and the space industry.
