Chinese aerospace firm Light Year Explorer has developed a rocket nose cone featuring an outer shell made of low-density plywood. The structure is designed to reduce manufacturing costs and accelerate production timelines for commercial launch vehicles.
The component measures 4.2 meters in diameter and utilizes an internal metal frame to ensure structural integrity. According to the developer, the plywood design matches traditional composite fairings in mass, rigidity, radio transparency, and acoustic protection capabilities.
The company claims that using plywood is more environmentally friendly than traditional metal materials, as it does not leave harmful chemical particles in the atmosphere upon burning. The fairing is currently undergoing certification procedures.
Light Year Explorer also manufactures other rocket components, including stainless steel fuel tanks and corrugated metal body sections. The company is actively seeking potential customers for its new plywood-based technology.
