10-cm Japanese origami CubeSat unfolds to 25X its folded size
16 hours ago
- #origami-in-space
- #low-cost-launch
- #CubeSat
- On April 23rd, JAXA launched the Kakushin Rising mission, deploying eight small satellites including an 'origami' cube satellite with a reflectarray antenna that unfolds to 25 times its size.
- Origami and kirigami principles have a long history in space design, notably with the 1970 Miura fold used in solar panels, influencing projects like the IKAROS solar sailor in 2010.
- CubeSats offer massive cost savings for space missions, with university students able to develop them for thousands of dollars, compared to traditional satellites costing hundreds of millions.
- JAXA used Rocket Lab's Electron rocket for the launch, marking the second collaboration in five months, highlighting Rocket Lab's role in the global CubeSat industry valued at $355 million.