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The Japan Origami Airplane Association is working with the University of Tokyo on the problem of making a paper plane capable of surviving re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. Tests are currently being carried out at the university on an eight-centimetre heat-treated prototype, which is being subject to winds of up to Mach 7.

The advantage of developing such a craft is apparently in its method of re-entry, fluttering gently to the ground, which they claim will reduce the amount of heat generated and allow it to survive instead of burning up in the atmosphere.

And what of the proposed use for this new technology? Well, it's all in the name of peace - researchers hope the Space Station team will write such a message on it before it's sent back down. No news on when it will be launched yet, but given how the Earth is 70% water, chances aren't good for a successful landing on terra firma.

See here for more on it at the Google translated Japan Origami Airplane Association webpage.

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written by guruPhil, January 22, 2008

If they're launching it in orbit, shouldn't it be the Japanese Origami Spaceplane Association?

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written by Frogmaiden, January 26, 2008

I think they should do an oragami swan instead

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