Industrial origami can have great potential in the aerospace industry. The European Space Agency is already funding a project.
We are used to seeing how NASA, the European Space Agency and other organizations carry out incredible projects to be able to enjoy new innovations, right? The latest project that has caught the public’s attention is being shown to us by the space agency itself present in Europe. Among the latest projects you have decided to support, there is one that calls especially interesting. Could origami have an application in the future of aerospace engineering? This curious technique could be seen in this sector.
A company of Swedish origin has just had the support of the European Space Agency. It is an interesting bet that stands out, above all, for using the technique originally related to paper. In this way, we are faced with a type of material that must meet the proper conditions to be flexible and, at the same time, resistant. Apparently, stillfolda startup focused on this particular practice, might have pulled it off.
Well, what has helped this company to have the help of the European space agency? Among the most outstanding innovations has been the possibility of creating a motorcycle with a much lower number of components than any conventional model. Let’s see, therefore, what are the keys to this technology and, of course, to what extent the application of origami in the aerospace industry can be a successful option.
Origami as a technique for future space missions
Can origami have a prominent role in the medium term in the field of aerospace engineering? According to the Stilfold company, yes. Among its endorsements, it is worth mentioning the production of a motorcycle with 70% fewer components, a reduction of 40% of the total weight of the product, the disposition of costs up to 20% lower and 25% in the case of costs related to labor. As a whole, we are faced with a very efficient production model that, as is logical, would mean significant savings in space missions.
Among the technologies that this company could develop, the potential use of industrial origami in the space vehicle construction and, of course, food storage facilities in outer space. This is a research program that will take place over the next 12 months. During all this time, various works related to the potential applications of origami in the field of aerospace engineering are expected to be carried out.
Among the capabilities of industrial origami is, without a doubt, the possibility of incorporate much more material into a space mission. Space, thanks to this technique, ceases to be a problem. If we add to this the use of materials that have lightness as their main virtue, we find a line of research of great importance. It is expected that in this first stage there will be an exclusively monetary agreement. If important advances are found in terms of innovation, support will be given through other channels.