# Origami-Inspired Space Radiators This Shape-Shifting Radiator Design Uses Folded Paper Techniques By Alyson Wyers | Published 2017-02-01 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/radiator-design References: [techcrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2017/01/31/origami-inspired-radiator-from-nasa-could-change-shape-to-warm-or-cool-tiny-satellites/?ncid=rss) & [nasa.gov](https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2017/nasa-s-new-shape-shifting-radiator-inspired-by-origami/) This clever radiator design from [NASA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bloombrella) took inspiration from origami. The ancient Japanese art of paper folding was behind the "potentially trailblazing 'smart' radiator" being developed by a NASA technologist to adjust heat on small satellites. It can change shapes to create either a cooling or warming effect. The flexible and compact satellite radiator prototype was invented by Vivek Dwivedi from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center as well as a research team based out of [Brigham Young University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brigham-young-university). The unconventional folding and unfolding radiator design is made with a pattern of tessellated 3D diamonds, like V-groove paper structures found in origami. This dynamic invention could be used to replace radiators already in use on satellites. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.7/10 - Popularity: 76% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Origami-inspired Designs:** Adopting origami techniques to create innovative designs - **Smart Radiator Technology:** Developing radiator systems that can adjust heat based on changing needs - **Compact and Flexible Radiators:** Designing radiator prototypes that are both flexible and space-saving ### Sectors Adopting This - **NASA Technology:** Exploring origami-inspired designs for space applications - **Satellite Manufacturing:** Integrating smart radiator technology in satellite design and production - **Heating and Cooling Systems:** Incorporating compact and flexible radiator systems in various heating and cooling applications ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Design-Conscious Space Heaters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folding-heater.md) - [Space-Inspired Folding Umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bloombrella.md) - [Origami-Inspired Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sego-innovations.md) - [Industrial Oceanic Home Heaters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coral-electric-radiator.md) - [Origami Travel Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-panel-origami-technology.md) - [Accordion-Style Air Conditioners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foldable-ac.md) - [Origami-Inspired Floor Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ori-lamp.md) - [Hanger-Resembling Towel Drying Radiators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zehnder-archibald.md) - [Origami-Inspired Disaster Relief Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prefab-folding-pods.md)