LignoSat, the world’s first wood satellite, was recently released into space from the International Space Station.

The 10-cubic-centimeter probe was developed by researchers at Kyoto University in Japan in partnership with Sumitomo Forestry. LignoSat is built of magnolia wood, which proved more resilient to the harshness of space than other woods tested in previous experiments carried out on ISS.

Researchers hope to demonstrate that biodegradable wood is a viable and more environmental choice for satellites which either orbit indefinitely after their usefulness or create space debris when they descend back to Earth. LignoSat will burn upon reentry, thus reducing space pollution.

LignoSat was launched to the ISS last month via a SpaceX rocket as part of a resupply mission.