In 2008, researchers from the University of Tokyo, in partnership with the Japan Origami Airplane Association, explored the feasibility of a paper airplane surviving re-entry from the International Space Station (ISS). The project aimed to stimulate innovative designs for lightweight re-entry vehicles and engage public interest in science.
The initiative involved designing a heat-resistant paper airplane, treated with a silicon compound to withstand high temperatures. The goal was to release these planes from the ISS to observe their descent and potential survival upon re-entry. This would contribute to the development of future lightweight re-entry vehicles.
A prototype was tested in a hypersonic wind tunnel, enduring Mach 7 speeds and temperatures up to 200°C for about 12 seconds. The project faced challenges, including unpredictable landing locations and a lack of tracking mechanisms. Despite these challenges, the concept spurred further research into re-entry technologies.
As of July 2025, there are no public reports of the paper airplane experiment being conducted in space. In June 2025, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) tested a re-entry capsule with a rigid aerodecelerator using a scientific balloon flight. This aimed to understand dynamic stability during descent.
The paper airplane experiment served as a catalyst for subsequent studies in re-entry technology. The 2025 balloon flight by JAXA reflects ongoing efforts to explore innovative methods for atmospheric entry and descent. These efforts build upon the foundational ideas proposed in the 2008 project, showcasing the lasting impact of the initial concept.