### The World’s First Wooden Satellite Arrives at the International Space Station
In a remarkable achievement for space exploration, the first-ever wooden satellite has successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS). This pioneering satellite, known as **LignoSat**, was transported aboard a SpaceX Cargo Dragon spacecraft during a standard resupply mission. Weighing merely 2 pounds (900 grams), this compact yet significant advancement represents a step forward in the investigation of sustainable materials for space technology.
#### Why Wood?
The concept of utilizing wood in space may initially appear unconventional, given the harsh environments associated with space travel. Nevertheless, wood possesses several compelling attributes that position it as a viable option for future satellite designs. It is lightweight, fairly robust, and, crucially, biodegradable. With the escalating issue of space debris, incorporating biodegradable materials like wood could contribute to alleviating the challenge of space junk, which endangers both satellites and crewed missions.
LignoSat will undergo evaluation in the extreme conditions of space to ascertain how effectively wood can endure the vacuum, radiation, and temperature variances encountered in orbit. If successful, this could pave the way for more environmentally friendly satellite designs moving forward.
#### SpaceX’s Role in the Mission
The wooden satellite was transported to the ISS by SpaceX’s **Cargo Dragon** spacecraft, which successfully docked with the station on Tuesday morning. This operation was part of a larger resupply mission, delivering around 6,000 pounds (2,700 kilograms) of cargo and scientific investigations to the space station. Nonetheless, the LignoSat project stands out as a distinctive and progressive effort focused on examining sustainable materials in space.
Alongside delivering LignoSat, this mission also represented a notable achievement for SpaceX and NASA. For the first time, the Dragon spacecraft will be employed to modify the ISS’s orbit. As early as Friday, NASA and SpaceX plan to perform a “reboost and attitude control demonstration,” wherein the Dragon spacecraft will activate its thrusters to make a slight alteration to the ISS’s orbital path. This represents a critical advancement toward diminishing NASA’s dependence on Russia for space station propulsion, with Russia currently playing a key role in providing the necessary reboosts to sustain the ISS’s orbit.
### Gilmour Space Technologies: Australia’s First Orbital Rocket
In other thrilling space developments, **Gilmour Space Technologies**, an Australian aerospace firm, has received authorization to launch its **Eris** rocket, marking a crucial achievement for Australia’s space sector. The Eris rocket, measuring 82 feet tall (25 meters), is set to become the first entirely Australian launch vehicle to achieve orbit.
Established in 2012, Gilmour Space had initially aimed for a launch earlier this year but faced delays due to regulatory complexities. With the Australian Space Agency’s endorsement now obtained, the company is preparing for a possible launch in December. The Eris rocket has the capability to transport approximately 670 pounds (305 kilograms) of payload into a Sun-synchronous orbit, positioning it as a competitive entity in the small satellite launch arena.
The Eris rocket utilizes hybrid engines that combust a mix of solid fuel and liquid oxidizer, a distinctive propulsion mechanism among orbital-class rockets. This innovative strategy could establish Gilmour Space as a forerunner in the burgeoning small satellite launch industry.
### North Korea’s New Missile Test
On the geopolitical stage, **North Korea** has successfully conducted a test of its most formidable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) to date, the **Hwasong-19**. The missile was launched on October 31, attaining an altitude of nearly 4,800 miles (7,700 kilometers) before descending back to Earth. With a theoretical range of up to 9,320 miles (15,000 kilometers), the Hwasong-19 has the potential to reach targets across the United States.
This missile launch occurs amid increasing cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Reports suggest that North Korea has dispatched approximately 10,000 troops to Russia to assist in its military efforts in Ukraine. In return, it is believed that Russia may be supplying North Korea with advanced technologies for its missile and satellite programs.
### Virgin Galactic’s Search for Funding
Meanwhile, **Virgin Galactic**, the space tourism entity founded by Richard Branson, is endeavoring to secure an additional $300 million in funding. This capital will be allocated to expedite the production of its next-generation **Delta-class spaceplanes** and a new mothership aircraft. Virgin Galactic has encountered financial difficulties in recent years, as its current spaceplane, **VSS Unity**, has struggled to generate profit despite a consistent schedule of suborbital flights.
The company is optimistic that its new Delta-class spaceplanes, designed for enhanced cost-effectiveness and easier maintenance, will facilitate long-term profitability. Virgin Galactic’s CEO, Michael Colglazier, revealed the fundraising initiative during a recent earnings report, stressing the necessity for additional funds to accelerate the development of upcoming vehicles.
