In Japan, aeronautical experts conducted a serious study in order to understand the behavior of a paper aircraft whose starting point would be the orbit of the International Space Station (ISS), 400 km above sea level. If these works may seem astonishing, this is a real concern in aerodynamics.
Evaluate the behavior of the object in space
In the past, paper planes have already the subject of scientific projects Quite interesting. In 2018 for example, a company marketing toys added a smartphone -controlled system to its paper planes. In 2016, an enthusiast developed a LEGO machine capable of making paper planes.
A duo of researchers from the University of Tokyo (Japan) has recently asked itself a more important question: what would happen if a paper plane was released from the ISS orbit? This completely serious question aimed to
understand the behavior of the object in such extreme conditions. The results of this work will be published in the magazine Acta Astronautica in November 2025.
« We hope that this study will contribute to developing new paths for the sustainable use of organic materials in space structures. »»can we read in the conclusion of the study.
Credits : Suzuki and al.
The plane resisted winds blowing at Mach 7
The researchers made a simple paper plane using an A4 white sheet, before simulating its Launch from the ISS at a speed of 7,800 m/s. As a reminder, this speed is the same as that of the rotation of the station around our planet. According to the observations, the plane has quietly started its descent because at this altitude, the low air was unable to slow it down. About 3.5 days after the launch, the object reached 120 km above sea level but this time, the air was dense enough to disturb the flight. The plane was then turned to spin, totally unable to maintain its trajectory.
The authors of the study went further in their research by building a 1: 3 model with an aluminum tail. By practicing tests in a hypersonic blower, the researchers observed the plane capable of resisting winds blowing at Mach 7 – approximately 8,650 km/h – During seven small seconds. After the tests, the paper aircraft revealed traces of burns at the level of its wings as well as a deformation of its nose. On the other hand, he did not disintegrate. However, the researchers had guessed that the plane was going to end up gradually consuming and not instantly.
This work could in particular lead to reflections relating to missions of Atmospheric data collection using light structures. If this is the case, these structures should be thought of to disintegrate naturally after the end of their mission.