Sometimes, life throws us curious questions: “What is the meaning of existence?” or “Are we alone in the universe?” But here’s a fun one—what happens if you toss a paper airplane from the International Space Station (ISS)?
A recent study by Maximilien Berthet and Kojiro Suzuki from the University of Tokyo explored this exact question. Their research focuses on how a paper airplane behaves during its descent through Earth’s atmosphere.
To set the stage, origami simply means folded paper in Japanese. The researchers crafted their airplane from a standard A4 sheet—think of a simple design, but with intricate aerodynamic modeling behind it.
They simulated launching the plane from about 400 kilometers (or around 250 miles) above the Earth, at a speed similar to the ISS, which travels at 7,800 meters per second. Interestingly, the atmosphere at that height is thin, letting the plane remain intact for a while.
During its descent from 400 km to 120 km, the plane maintained stability due to the lack of air resistance. However, due to its low ballistic coefficient—how well it can handle air resistance—the airplane’s speed decreased rapidly. It took about 3.5 days to fall from that height.
As it approached 120 km, the situation changed. The denser atmosphere caused the airplane to tumble uncontrollably. If you’ve ever made a paper airplane, you know this chaotic flight well.
But why just simulate? With a background in Aerospace Engineering, the researchers built a physical paper airplane (with an aluminum tail for added structure) and tested it in a high-tech wind tunnel at their university. They didn’t hold back—this plane faced Mach 7 winds for about 7 seconds, mimicking the intense conditions of reentry.
The results? The plane’s nose bent back, and there were signs of charred edges. While it didn’t disintegrate immediately, it became clear that prolonged exposure would lead to its fiery end.
This experiment also opens doors for innovative missions. Lightweight platforms like this paper airplane could gather data for atmospheric studies or even planetary exploration. Just think of the LEAVES project, which considers using similar craft for missions to Venus!
Science often inspires more than it explains. The playful idea of throwing a paper airplane from the ISS led to important insights. Not only does it spark curiosity, but it also pushes us to think about unique ways to explore our world and beyond.
For anyone interested in the blend of creativity and science, this study offers a fascinating perspective. It serves as a reminder that exploration can come from the simplest of ideas.
For more details, you can check out the original study here and the original article.
