Latest news with #origami
Gizmodo
4 days ago
- Science
- Gizmodo
Origami Space Planes Could Solve a Major Problem in Orbit
Building a spacecraft could one day be as simple as folding a piece of paper into a plane and letting aerodynamics do the rest. A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo simulated the release of a paper airplane from the International Space Station (ISS) to see if would survive atmospheric reentry. In a paper published in Acta Astronautica, the researchers demonstrated how origami may be the solution to low Earth orbit's growing trash problem. Rather than relying solely on metals to construct spacecraft, the team behind the paper argues that a standard sheet of paper could do the job instead and easily burn up in the atmosphere during reentry. For their study, the researchers created a paper plane with an aluminum tail and placed it in a wind tunnel to see how it would fare in space. The idea is simple, and it aims to show how organic materials can be used to create a more sustainable orbital environment. The origami space plane is made from a sheet of uncoated A4 printing paper, with folded layers at the nose to shift its center of mass upstream and ensure aerodynamic stability. 'Such spacecraft have not yet flown in space,' the paper reads. 'It is unclear whether their flight dynamics in the highly rarefied atmosphere in [low Earth orbit] would be similar to those of a usual ground-based origami plane, and whether the plane would survive or burn up during atmospheric entry.' Of course, the entire spacecraft wouldn't be made solely of paper. Instead, specific components—like a wing or drag sail—could be constructed from paper-based materials. To test it out, the researchers first created a simulation of the paper plane being launched from the ISS at an altitude of 248 miles (400 kilometers) and a speed of 17,448 miles per hour (7,800 meters per second). The paper plane remained stable and glided through the space-like conditions. It began to tumble at a lower altitude of 74 miles above Earth's surface (120 kilometers) and spun out of control. The tumbling motion is expected at this altitude, and the severe aerodynamic heating would result in the paper plane burning up in the atmosphere at around 55 to 58 miles (90 to 110 kilometers) altitude, according to the paper. The researchers then placed a physical model in the Kashiwa Hypersonic and High Enthalpy Wind Tunnel at the University of Tokyo to see how it would hold up during reentry conditions. They subjected it to Mach 7 speeds for about seven seconds, during which the plane's nose bent and the wings showed signs of charring. It didn't fully disintegrate, though, but it most likely would have had they kept it in there for a longer period of time, the researchers said. Upon atmospheric reentry, traditional spacecraft leave behind metallic particles and chemicals that damage the ozone layer. The paper plane, on the other hand, is made of organic material that doesn't pose an environmental threat. Still, there are some challenges that remain. Considering how small the paper plane is, it does not reflect radar strongly enough and would be hard to track in orbit. The researchers suggest equipping it with a miniaturized position, navigation, and timing transceiver. It's also extremely sensitive to aerodynamic drag and therefore can only spend so much time in orbit, so it can be used for short-duration missions with small payloads. The origami space plane will likely not be a good fit for a wide range of missions, but the researchers suggest a version of it could be used as a passive probe to measure atmospheric density or as a platform for low-cost and short-lived missions in low Earth orbit. 'Owing to the extremely low cost of a paper space plane, multiple deployments could be conducted at the same time, and repeated at regular intervals, providing simultaneous distributed measurements,' the scientists explained in their paper. The idea of a childlike space plane gliding through the atmosphere may seem too simple, but using paper on spacecraft could help us resolve the overpopulation of metal crowding low Earth orbit and disintegrating into chunks of space scrap.
Sustainability Times
14-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Say Goodbye to Solar Panels': New Origami Energy Cell Generates Power Anywhere With Revolutionary Foldable Tech
IN A NUTSHELL 🌟 Sego Innovations introduces the first origami solar cell, revolutionizing renewable energy with its portable design. introduces the first origami solar cell, revolutionizing renewable energy with its portable design. 📦 Utilizing Japanese origami principles , these solar cells are foldable, compact, and adaptable for various environments. , these solar cells are foldable, compact, and adaptable for various environments. ⛺ Origami solar cells offer a reliable power source for outdoor activities and emergency scenarios , supporting first responders and affected communities. , supporting first responders and affected communities. 🔋 The technology enhances portable clean energy production, potentially impacting electric vehicles and portable electronics. Sego Innovations has taken a bold step forward in renewable energy with its groundbreaking launch of the world's first origami solar cell. This innovative design opens up exciting new possibilities for solar energy usage by allowing individuals to generate power virtually anywhere. By replacing cumbersome traditional panels with a sleek, foldable design, these origami solar cells are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency personnel requiring portable energy solutions. This article delves into the intricacies of the origami solar cell invention and explores its potential benefits for the future, highlighting why this technology is poised to change the landscape of solar energy. Origami Principles Powering the Future Sego Innovations has ingeniously harnessed the art of Japanese origami to craft a solar cell that transitions seamlessly from flat to folded, much like a sheet of paper. The compact design not only makes it highly transportable but also allows it to adapt to various environments effortlessly. By expanding the solar cell's surface area when exposed to sunlight, the energy production rate experiences a significant boost. Constructed from robust, foldable materials, these cells remain fully operational even after repeated folding and unfolding, ensuring reliability and longevity. This durable design allows for easy transportation between urban rooftops and remote natural locations under varying conditions. A key advantage of origami solar cells is their portability, which stands in stark contrast to traditional solar panels that are often bulky and heavy, posing challenges for mobile applications. The ease with which these cells can be folded and unfolded enables quick deployment and optimal placement at desired angles, maximizing sunlight capture from different directions. 'China Risks $117 Billion Collapse': This Scientist's Rare-Earth-Free Super Magnet Could Wreck an Entire National Industry Transforming Travel and Disaster Response The practical applications of these foldable solar cells are vast, spanning multiple industries and sectors. In the realm of outdoor recreation, these cells offer a reliable, eco-friendly energy source for adventurers exploring the great outdoors. By integrating these cells directly into gear such as backpacks and tents, powering electronic devices becomes a breeze, enhancing the outdoor experience. In disaster scenarios, origami solar cells provide a crucial power solution. When communities face power outages due to disrupted electrical networks, these portable solar cells can be quickly deployed to support first responders and affected individuals. By supplying essential power for phone charging and medical equipment, these cells play a vital role in emergency response efforts, ensuring that help reaches those in need without delay. Living Skin for Buildings: Smart Facade in Germany Moves Like an Organism to Slash Cooling Needs and Energy Use Portability and Performance: The Future of Solar Power As awareness and adoption of origami solar cells grow, this technology is recognized as a significant leap forward in the evolution of solar power. By democratizing access to solar energy, Sego Innovations is paving the way for a shift from fossil fuels to renewable sources. The continued development of this technology promises to yield innovative solutions and enhance energy output, thus benefiting emergency response teams and speeding up recovery processes. The potential of origami solar cells to bolster renewable energy production is immense. As global adoption increases, the environment stands to gain from reduced pollution and strides toward improved sustainability. The portability of clean energy production could lead to advancements in electric vehicles and portable electronics, ushering in a new era of technological innovation. By abandoning traditional panels, the origami solar cell signifies a new phase in mobile renewable energy solutions, with promising implications for the future. Japan Stuns the World with 310,000-Ton Oil Behemoth That Shatters Records and Reinvents the Future of Energy Transport Revolutionizing Energy Production Sego Innovations' origami solar cells represent an advanced energy solution, epitomizing the future of portable power design. With their unique structure, these cells are set to revolutionize energy production across various domains. The enhanced ease of powering electronic devices in outdoor settings, coupled with the mobility these cells offer, makes them a game-changer in the realm of renewable energy. The shift from conventional solar panels to origami solar cells heralds a new era in sustainable energy production. As these innovative cells become more commonplace, they promise to reshape how we harness solar power across diverse applications. The question remains: how will this transformative technology continue to evolve and impact our approach to energy consumption in the years to come? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.7/5 (28)
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Cast away, found again: The senders' story
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The ocean. It's like a slow moving conveyer belt of stories ferrying forgotten things between continents. But every now and then the sea returns what time tried to bury. 'It's so crazy, because I didn't think this would matter to too many people, but everyone's very impacted by it,' Hawaii Kai resident Payton Hollenbeck said. Hollenbeck, now 21, never expected the miniature bottle, corked tight, with tiny perfectly folded origami cranes and a message scribbled by her then 6-year-old brother Elias, tossed into the ocean off Kaena Point in 2018, would ever be found. But it was. After seven years adrift, the bottle washed ashore at Cortez Beach, Florida. Scooped from the sand with wide-eyed wonder by 11-year-old Josie Law, visiting from Michigan. 'I was just walking and I was looking for sand dollars, shells and shark teeth. Then I came across this bottle, and I thought it was just a piece of trash. I picked it up and I saw that it was a note and a bottle, so I ran to my mom and I showed her it,' Josie said. Josie then texted her new mystery pen pal. 'I was at home with both my friends and then I just got like a random number messaging me,' Hollenbeck said. 'And then I like opened it and I was like, 'What in the world!' She didn't, even tell me where she was from originally. So I thought it was somewhere on Oahu, and then when she said Florida, I was shocked. But I don't even believe it at first, like most people, but like I'm like, there's no other way it could have happened.' The modern-day marine tale causing an unexpected wave of attention for Hollenbeck and her ohana. 'I get a lot of random phone calls. Asking if it's true, and asking if we wrote the stuff on it, and we did, so I can't say anything about that,' she added. 'I don't know how it happened. I don't I don't know much about the currents or anything so it's hard to imagine how it did happen but yeah, it was really shocking.' Hollenbeck said she and her brother got the idea after they found a message in a bottle along Paiko Beach in Maunalua Bay. 'We were just walking, and we saw it,' she explained. 'So then we decided to make our own.' The siblings never expecting the tiny time capsule to create such a stir. 'I'm just glad it's a story that can bring positivity,' Hollenbeck said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Irish Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Puman, the Paper Human
Welcome to our story. This is the story of Puman. He liked sign language and was made of paper. Puman has been scarred. One day a wee child didn't realise that Puman was a paper human and accidentally cut off his arm. Puman had origami powers and when his arm was cut off, he transformed into an owl and tried to fly away – but he just couldn't. Rebecca the rubber saw that Puman was in trouble and decided to help. Rebecca had a backpack of resources. And inside it there was fortunately glue, a stapler and paper. READ MORE Rebecca said, 'Rebecca to the rescue!!!!'
