Could Origami-Inspired Space Planes Revolutionize Solutions to Orbital Challenges?

Imagine a spacecraft as easy to make as a paper airplane. A team from the University of Tokyo is exploring that idea. They simulated a paper plane being dropped from the International Space Station (ISS) to see if it could survive reentry into Earth’s atmosphere.

In a recent study published in Acta Astronautica, researchers suggest that origami could provide solutions for the growing problem of space debris. Instead of using metals for spacecraft, they propose that materials like paper could be effective and easily burn up upon reentry. Their paper airplane model even featured an aluminum tail, tested in a wind tunnel to mimic the conditions of space.

This origami-inspired spacecraft uses regular A4 paper, folded to enhance its aerodynamics. The study notes that while these spacecraft haven’t been tried in real space conditions yet, the team is curious about how they would behave in low Earth orbit and during reentry. They emphasize that not every part would be paper; components like wings or sails could be made from these lightweight materials.

The researchers ran simulations, launching their paper plane from the ISS at 248 miles (400 kilometers) and a speed of 17,448 miles per hour (7,800 meters per second). Initially, it glided well but began to spin out of control at around 120 kilometers. They expect it would disintegrate at about 55 to 58 miles due to extreme heat during reentry.

To validate their findings, they put a physical model through a hypersonic wind tunnel. At speeds of Mach 7 over seven seconds, the plane’s nose bent, and the wings showed some charring, but it didn’t completely break apart. However, prolonged exposure might have changed that.

Unlike traditional spacecraft, which release harmful metallic particles during reentry, the paper plane is made from organic materials, posing less environmental risk. Yet, it faces other challenges. Its small size makes it hard to track in orbit, so the researchers suggest using a tiny navigation device. Due to its sensitivity to aerodynamic drag, it would only be suitable for short missions.

While the origami space plane might not fit every type of mission, it could serve as a low-cost tool for atmospheric studies or short-lived experiments in low Earth orbit. The team argues that its affordability allows for multiple launches, providing valuable data over time.

Using materials like paper for spacecraft may sound simple, but it offers a potential solution for reducing the metal clutter in low Earth orbit. This innovative approach could help pave the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future in space exploration.

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international space station,space debris