A Cosmic Experiment Like No Other

Imagine launching a paper airplane from the International Space Station (ISS), soaring 250 miles above Earth at a staggering speed of 17,500 miles per hour! This tantalizing thought became a reality through the innovative research of scientists Maximilien Berthet and Kojiro Suzuki from the University of Tokyo. They embarked on a quest to explore this idea, not through a practical launch but by utilizing advanced simulations and hypersonic wind tunnel tests, with their breakthrough findings published in the journal Acta Astronautica on July 3, 2025.

How the Experiment Unfolded

The researchers focused on key factors like flight stability and heat resistance while investigating potential applications for space missions. This included visionary concepts such as biodegradable braking sails and instruments for atmospheric research. At the heart of their study was a sophisticated simulator that accounted for orbital dynamics, gravity, air resistance, and the searing heat of re-entry.

Simulating the Impossible

To bring their findings to life, Berthet and Suzuki constructed a scaled-down model of the origami glider and tested it in a hypersonic wind tunnel, reaching speeds of Mach 7 and temperatures soaring to 650 Kelvin (about 801°F). According to their simulations, the paper airplane maintained stable flight while hurtling at the ISS’s phenomenal speed. However, tumbling began around 75 miles above Earth, showing that the nose and wing edges suffered charring but held together. Surprisingly, the tip of the glider bent but partially regained its shape. Yet, the glider never touched down, burning up between 56 and 68 miles due to the brutal heat of re-entry.

Revolutionizing Space Travel

What may seem like a whimsical experiment has yielded invaluable insights for the future of space travel. The researchers advocate for the use of ultra-light origami structures made from paper, presenting them as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional materials like Mylar or Kapton. Imagine biodegradable braking sails for small satellites or lightweight tools to measure air density in high altitudes—these could transform how we approach atmospheric studies.

A Future with Paper!

Although paper is not made of pure cellulose and includes mineral fillers like kaolin, which should be considered in its environmental impact, the overarching concept remains inspiring. Simple yet sturdy structures crafted from paper could withstand atmospheric re-entry, at least for a while. This playful experiment not only showcases the whimsical potential of origami in outer space but also hints at exciting, sustainable innovations on the horizon.