Orbital Origami

Discover the mini-HATHOR: a foldable, deployable heat shield inspired by the art of origami (paper folding).

Developed by researchers in the Department of Aeronautics at Imperial College London, this innovative design shows how a spacecraft can pack down small for launch and then unfold to protect itself during the fiery descent back to Earth or Mars.

Join us for a live demonstration as the heat shield springs open, and explore the surprising ways everyday materials can inspire big engineering ideas. The mini-HATHOR’s mechanism is powered by something as familiar as a measuring tape, revealing how space technology can grow from simple, creative thinking.

You can also get hands-on in our crafting workshop, where families can fold their own origami-inspired spacecraft. Our researchers will guide you through patterns, shapes and design ideas, encouraging you to experiment, play and imagine your own mars missions.

Blending art, engineering and imagination, this activity opens a window into the future of space exploration and shows how creativity can lead to extraordinary solutions!

Visitor information

This is a drop-in event that is suitable for all ages. The event has step-free access.

The Tech Zone has step-free access and accessible toilets. Accessible toilet facilities are located opposite the main lifts on floors 1-6, there is also a toilet with adaptations on the ground floor to the left as you enter through the main entrance.

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