HIKOKI Paper Company
In November, Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakta will send a paper airplane soaring through space to see if it can survive the descent to earth, the World Aeronautical Press Agency reports.
Aeronautical engineers at the University of Tokyo are hoping their endeavor will lead to a new form of space flight. The 7.8-inch plane will be treated with chemical agents to prevent it from bursting into flames. According to the report, tests performed in a wind gallery suggest it could be successful. The plane will launch from the international space station and is expected to reach a speed of Mach 20.
“With this experiment we will try to study a new model of space airplane,” said professor Shinji Suzuki, the lead engineer on the experiment, reportedly inspired by the Japanese paper-folding art of origami, specifically an idea from Takuo Toda of the Japan Origami Plane Association.
This picture and much of the information for this column is taken from Avionews.
Come next November, we’ll be scanning the heavens in hopes of seeing the tiny origami paper plane, launched from the International Space Station, and winging its way to a designated landing spot on planet earth. Hope someone spots it.
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My devotional blog is here.
Shirley Buxton 
17 replies on “Paper Airplane To Be Launched From Space Station”
Shirley,
I’m sorry for your loss. You will certainly be in my prayers.
God bless,
Winston
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Winston–
You’re kind…and likewise, I enjoy speaking with you. I’m in Phoenix for a funeral and probably can’t respond for a couple of days.
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[…] Shirley writes: Jesus was the Master Teacher, and His parables will no doubt endure through the ages. Ever […]
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Good evening Shirley,
Thank you so much for your response. Mine is so long that I turned it into a post:
I really enjoy discussion with you. It is stimulating to my brain and puts a smile on my face. You ask wonderful questions. Thank you.
-Winston
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Good morning, Winston–
Yes, I’ve heard of the New Jerusalem. I had just never considered its being accessible from this earth in “natural” ways, and wondered if you were speaking tongue-in-check. That’s a far-out thought (in ways others than the obvious)–I give you that. Thanks for the links–intriguing to say the least.
I read with relief of the faults, foibles and failures of the leaders in the Bible! Gives me hope for myself, and reminds me of God’s tender mercy toward us. He “knows our frame.” I lean on that understanding.
Jesus was the Master Teacher, and His parables will no doubt endure through the ages. Ever read the 4th chapter of Mark verse 12? I can’t get a handle on that, for it is impossible that it means what I understand it to say. 🙂
Be blessed today.
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Shirley-
You asked, ‘Why do you believe a fitting name for such a city is New Jerusalem?’
John of Patmos mentions ‘New Jerusalem’ twice in Revelation; once in passing and in Rev 21 he gives a rather more detailed description of the city. I’m sure you’re familiar with it or could easily reference it but I will quote some of it here for the purposes of my answer:
1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
What John seems to be describing is not so much the end of human history but the begining of a new book of it that is almost incomprehensible to those of us living on this side of it regardless of whether we live in the Bronze Age or the Information Age. He describes a world that is literally unrecognizable in many ways to our own but it is still a world where there is a future for humanity that is bright and beautiful. He describes a world not limited by the contraints and sufferings we all contend with now. We are not quite ready yet for the Kingdom Coming but I do believe we are closer now than when John wrote these words and that generations alive today may see these things come to pass.
I don’t take a literal view of the Bible for many reasons, not the least of which is that I don’t think that Jesus would. He taught in parables and spoke in metaphors; therefore it would be absurd to take everything he said completely literally and by extention it would be even more absurd to take other texts in the book literally. This doesn’t mean that these things are lies; quite the opposite. It’s in the struggle of understanding them that a person finds grace, comfort, and insight. If you won’t take my word for it, consider what Jesus said in Matthew 16:
‘ 5When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. 6″Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
7They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.”
8Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? 9Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 10Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 11How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’
Even the Disciples had trouble discerning Christ’s meaning at times, so we should not feel foolish when we struggle today. I am not certain that a space elevator is the fulfillment of God’s Word. However, when I first read about the idea many years ago and wondered about what that sort of development would mean to the human species I found myself contemplating John’s vision and thinking that nothing else could even come close to describing that sort of change. I don’t know exactly what it means to say that God will dwell among us but I do know that it will mean that we will never be the same after it happens.
Does that help to answer your question?
Here’s some links about the space elevator you might find interesting.
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2000/ast07sep_1.htm
http://www.spaceward.org/elevator2010.html
Have a great day,
-WD
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Well, Winston, hope you slept well after getting all that off your chest. I feel quite humbled–and quite honored– that you felt comfortable to talk here. Thank you for your other compliments, too.
I’ve read through your post a couple of times, and think I agree with almost everything you have said here. Intriguing is your statement, ” I believe that at the top of that space elevator a city will come into existence, as always happens at intersections of trade routes, and that the only fitting name of this city should be New Jerusalem. I believe that the meek shall inherit the Earth but that the bold will inherit the Heavens.”
By nature, I am very inquisitive and adventurous,so much so that, although I would be quite fearful, if the opportunity were given me, I would take a ride in a space shuttle. So…of course…if there were an elevator extending into the heavens, I would place my little feet there and ascend. Wonder how long it would take?
Why do you believe a fitting name for such a city is New Jerusalem?
On one major thing we agree, (although as I have stated before, I suspect we disagree on many others) GOD IS A GOOD AND LOVING DEITY. He is not a tyrant who sits high above us, waiting for us to do wrong so that He can slap us around. Not at all–He is merciful and extends grace to us, the humans he created to worship Him. And one day, He clothed Himself in human flesh, was born to a virgin, and they laid Him in Bethlehem’s manger.
He grew, gathered disciples, was crucified, rose again, descended (edit ascended) into Heaven, and there is preparing us a Place so that forever we will be with Him.
Before I was ever conceived, He knew me, chose me to live for Him, and He died to wipe away my sins, my Adamic sins into which I was born.
And for you also, Winston Delgado, did Jesus Christ do the same.
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Shirley-
I’ve spent my online time today arguing with uncouth barbarians. While their company was certainly less pleasant than yours, I found myself contemplating our brief discussion throughout the day and now at this hour when I should have long been abed I find myself needing to write to you before my day is over, even if yesterday already is.
I don’t believe God created the world just to destroy it after 6,000 or so years. I don’t believe God created humans just to wipe us off the planet. I don’t believe that we are judged by the blind application of Old Testament laws but rather by God. God does judge in tremendous ways that are incomprehensible and often misunderstood by us. I believe that humanity has faced many catastrophes in our struggle to civilization that nearly wiped us out and that this means the story of Noah happened more than once in more than one way but his is the story that carries them all as he carried the creatures in his ark. This does not mean that I do not think that these stories are false, meaningless, or insignificant. Quite the opposite. This does not mean that I do not believe there is a God. Quite the opposite. I believe that a personal relationship with God as Jesus described is achievable but it is a rare thing for someone to do it without tremendous struggle. I believe that God demands many sacrifices of us but the reward is unspeakable joy. I believe there is nothing science will discover that will disprove the Golden Rule, God’s Existence, or the Good News. I believe that the Scientific Method has proven itself to be a very effective tool for humans to utilize. I believe that the vast boom in human growth has only been sustainable because of technologies derived from scientific theories. I believe that this growth and these technologies are also stressing our habitat which is clearly showing signs of this stress. I believe that we are facing global tribulations the like of which our species has never witnessed before. I believe there is hope. I believe that if enough people would stop using God to puff themselves up and instead use God to lift up others the world would be a better place. I believe that if we sacrifice and do the wise things rather than the easy things the rewards will be unimaginable. I believe that if we get it right, someday sooner than you think we will build a space elevator, making space travel and the utilization of the resources the solar system an achievable task for future generations and ensuring that they will not want for the materials to do whatever they need without draining the Earth’s crust dry of oil and minerals. I believe that at the top of that space elevator a city will come into existence, as always happens at intersections of trade routes, and that the only fitting name of this city should be New Jerusalem. I believe that the meek shall inherit the Earth but that the bold will inherit the Heavens.
I’ve never said this to anyone remotely in this way, but burning the midnight lamp can make my tongue loose. I’m sorry if that went on for a bit. I also apologize for any typos but it’s too late for proofreading. Thank you so very much for being a lovely light in an otherwise bleak day.
God bless you,
Winston Delgado
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No I have not. I’m thinking about majoring in math and becoming a middle school math teacher. But I’m still not to sure about that yet. I’ve got a lot of time right now to think about it, so we will see. Right now I’m taking Math 35 (pre-algebra), English 114, and Spanish 101. All of my teachers seem cool so far.
You’re right–there’s no rush. Just go ahead, get the basics down. I’m proud of you. Please keep telling me of your progress.
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Hello Sis. Buxton,
Sorry I haven’t really been posting. I started my second semester at Southwestern College a week ago, so I’ve been quite busy with school work as well as going to school a lot. Hope all is well with you.
A paper airplane in space….interesting!
Glad you’re back. I missed you, but I do understand. Have you told me what you’re studying?
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I tend to do;ubt the paper airplane will make it. I guess we’ll know in November. THEN WHAT? Mom & I laughed at this article and some of the responses.
I suppose it is a little humorous. According to the article this experiment may lead to a newer form of space travel. You’re right–we’ll see in November.
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No worries. You can just go to my wordpress blog and comment away there.
http://winstondelgado.wordpress.com/
Agreement is boring. Argument is interesting. Discussion is enlightening.
I am actually very fascinated by the topic of the Second Coming. Obviously I don’t feel the same way about it as most ‘Left Behind’ fans do, but I do think that how one thinks about it influences a person’s relationship to Christ and their actions in the world, so therefore it is a relevant and important thing to discuss. I look forward to reading what you have to say.
Regarding the paper airplane-in the aftermath of the Columbia disaster I was very surprised at the amount of recognizable debris that made it to Earth relatively intact. In light of that I don’t believe that it’s impossible for the plane to survive the trip. Have a great day!
-WD
Thanks for the information, Winston. I’ll go over later. (Tell the truth, I just took a peek, but I can’t engage myself there right now.:(
Love your line, “Agreement is boring. Argument is interesting. Discussion is enlightening.” I can’t think of any two people I know who agree on everything…I often say, “I don’t always even agree with myself!” I’ve certainly changed my mind about a thing or two. But I’ll not be changing it about the Rapture (however, the word isn’t in the Bible)…too exciting to give up…too clearly stated in the Word of God.
Cheers…happy flying…with paper airplanes…or through the skies with Jesus Christ!
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Oooh, I see a possibility for a book…………..The Little Plane That Could. That would be really neat if that plane makes it all the way to earth. I’ll have my son come by and look at this post later, since he is the big flying enthusiast in the family. Very interesting.
Carol, get busy writing! Sounds like a match for you and The Little Plane That Could.
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That’s brilliant! Thanks for the cool post!
-WD
Neat, huh? I love the idea of that tiny airplane floating through space. Don’t understand at all how it is remotely possible, though.
I went to your very colorful site, and wanted to talk a bit concerning the second coming of Jesus, but I couldn’t see how to add a comment. I probably overlooked the spot (be patient with me–I’m 69 years old you know, and not at all “geeky.”) Anyway if you come back and read this, let me know. Your site interests me…although I can see right away we’re not going to agree on everything. But then, we do on paper airplanes, huh?
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For one who has some knowledge of paper aircraft, most of mine were test flown during English classes. I find the idea of a paper craft enduring the rigors stress of entering our envelope of air, interesting to say the least. One of my best flights was launched form the top of the Sears Building in Chicago many years ago. I really enjoyed watching it sail out across the skyline and then lost. Where it finally came to rest I have no idea, but just the sight of it moving through the air was peaceful.
Mervi
Mervi, I know very little about paper airplanes, but it is amazing to me that it is even considered possible that a little plane, launched from the international space station, will make it to earth.
You were probably ahead of your time, when you launched one from the Sears Tower. You go!
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That’s so funny! I hope it makes it!! 🙂 My kids LOVE paper airplanes, I really need to learn to make better ones though, because theirs never seem to fly right, lol 🙂 God bless Shirley, hope you are having a great day so far!
Sansoucy, if your youngsters really love paper airplanes, you probably would enjoy the article I referenced. Just click on the link and it should take you over.
A blessed day to you.
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That’s pretty cool! My husband would get a kick out of this post – he is one of those who still enjoys paper airplanes – or any other type of aviation. He loves to paraglide, fly kites, or fly paper airplanes. (he says he does it for Keilani, but we know otherwise! 🙂
Good morning, Rochelle. Many years ago for Christmas we bought motorized model airplanes for our two older sons–they were probably 6 and 8 years old–something like that. Mac, my dear brother-in-law had bought such a plane for his son also. Jerry and Mac took the boys to a park to fly the planes, and afraid the small boys wouldn’t know how to handle them, the fathers flew the planes. …and promptly crashed them! 😦 I’ll never forget how those little boys looked when they came home from the flying expedition, broken planes in tow.
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