Paper level in space: Experiment of Japanese scientists

A group of Japanese researchers simulated the behavior of a paper level that was thrown into space from the ISS. Despite its obvious strangeness, the study can help solve the problem of space waste.

Space waste has a big problem. Due to the strong increase in the number of satellite starts in recent years, a low earth orbit with rubble such as used rocket bodies, broken parts and failed satellites has littered.

In addition to the risk that debris collides with active satellites, large fragments can fall on earth and a threat to the environment. Old rockets and satellites that enter the atmosphere, burn and leave a trace of chemicals that can damage the ozone layer.

In view of the information mentioned above, space agencies and private companies are actively looking for opportunities to clean up rooms, but also how they can become more environmentally friendly through the use of organic polymers instead of metals. A group of researchers from the University of Tokyo wondered what would happen if they started a paper plane from the ISS. They wanted to know how long it would take for it to enter the earth's atmosphere and how much heat it could withstand.

According to program simulations, thanks to its folding design, the aircraft initially included a stable orientation. But four days later, when it reached a height of about 120 km above Earth, the situation changed. The plane started to fall and turn and lose control. All of this was accompanied by intensive aerodynamic warming, which led to a burn in the atmosphere at an altitude of around 90–110 km.

Next, the scientists built a physical model of their aircraft with an aluminum tail from the paper and then put it in a wind tunnel. There the model was exposed to seven times faster than the sound speed for seven seconds. During this time, the aircraft nose turned backwards, and charred traces occurred on the wing tips. If the experiment had continued, the plane would have burned down.

The study shows how a simple idea can lead to a more sustainable approach to solving the problem of space waste. The authors suggest that the paper could be used in space missions in the future. Ships made from it are completely burned in the earth's atmosphere without pollution.

Previously, we reported on the plans of the British government to spend £ 75 million for cleaning space waste.

According to Phys.org