A group of researchers in Japan have found a way for the spacecraft to re-enter Earth's atmosphere safer using the technology first popularized in the anime series Mobile Suit Z Gundam.
A semicircular device called "ballute," used by Mobile Suit in one of the Gundam anime series, the Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, is depicted capable of sending the mecha back to Earth safer through the atmosphere. The technology is then used as research material.
The Japanese researchers used the method of returning the mecha on a micro satellite called EGG. The result, the ballute is able to land the satellite, through the atmosphere more slowly its speed, and thanks to the aeroshell heat protective layer that protects it like a parachute, the satellite is safe through the atmosphere.
The success of Japanese researchers in securing the satellite home way from outer space was announced on 23 June. It also triggers the start of technology development that is believed to reduce the risk of spacecraft experiencing excessive heat due to friction with the atmosphere at a very high speed, when going back to Earth while carrying the astronauts.
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"EGG will be very useful for bringing back examples from outer space, as well as exploring atmospheric planets like Mars," said Kojiro Suzuki, a member of the research team and also an aerospace engineering professor at the University of Tokyo.
In January 2017, the research team sent a small satellite, only 34-centimeters. The satellite returns to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS), which orbits about 400 kilometers from Earth, with Gossamer aeroshell and GPS / Iridium "(EGG) supplied. The aeroshell layer itself has a diameter of 80 cm, and is made using the same material as used to make anti-flame clothing.
This protective device is inflated to open like a parachute, and takes about three months to go down at a slower pace, and no longer face air resistance.
In the end, the aeroshell layer burns in the atmosphere about 95 km above the Pacific equatorial waters in mid-May, according to the schedule.
If the same way is used on spacecraft that will return to Earth, then the plane can reenter the Earth at a slower speed, they can prevent the possibility of overheating, as well as ensuring the aircraft to land a safe landing.
- Anime Gundam Technology in the Real World
Not just this time the technology of the Gundam anime inspires scientists in the real world, and may be able to change the future of humans if successfully applied in the future. Previous technology from Gundam: The Origin, through Technology Lab, a group of teams exploring the possibility of technology from Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin is applied in the real world.
Last year they had an interview with professor Tatsuaki Hashimoto, control engineer JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), one of the researchers at JAXA who is also a Gundam fan. The topic is about whether MS-01 Mobile Worker (introduced via The Origin, and being a Zaku prototype), can be sent to the Moon and do a live research there.
Unfortunately, according to the professor, bringing a 70 ton Mobile Worker into outer space is still costing too much with the power of a rocket today, but it may be done with multiple rockets at once. When the launch issue is resolved, it is also necessary to think about how to make the mecha run on the Moon.
Although the technology of the Gundam anime is still too early to apply in the real world, many believe that in the future we will be able to see the big robots and the technology that exist in the Gundam anime, and that might change the future of humans.
Source: Asahi Shimbun, Gundaminfo
Oh.. good to know..
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