Did you know there are over 12,000 artificial satellites zooming around Earth? While most of these craft are busy with vital tasks—monitoring our environment, facilitating communication and navigation, and even conducting espionage—a few are downright bizarre.

Take the ‘LignoSat,’ for instance. Released from the International Space Station last December, this experimental satellite was crafted by Kyoto University for the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) using honoki magnolia wood! Measuring just 10 x 10 cm, the tiny satellite aims to explore the durability of wood in the harsh environment of space.

But not all strange satellites are tangible. Enter the mythical ‘Black Knight,’ an extraterrestrial craft rumored to be orbiting Earth. This intriguing conspiracy theory sparked from a NASA photo taken during a Space Shuttle flight in 1998, showcasing what some believe is alien technology.

So what exactly is the strangest satellite currently floating among the stars? That's a question raised by one of our curious readers, Sam Russell. And while we may not have a definitive answer, the combination of quirky creations like the LignoSat and captivating legends like the Black Knight certainly push the boundaries of our imagination!

For those with a thirst for more astonishing science facts, don’t forget to check out our ultimate fun facts page!