Made from an extremely durable wood often used for sword sheaths, the world's first satellite made from wood was launched into space on Monday.

The world’s first wooden satellite, built by Japanese researchers, was launched into space on Tuesday, in an early test of using timber in lunar and Mars exploration.

In a first for the world, scientists launched a satellite made from wood into space. As it orbits the planet from some 250 miles away, researchers will study whether wood is sturdy enough for space. Called LignoSat,