# Space-Surfing Ribbons Japan Sends a Strip of Metal into Space to Ride Magnetic Fields By Josh Milenthal | Published 2010-09-07 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-surfing-metal-ribbon References: [engadget](http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/06/japan-sends-a-ribbon-into-space-asks-it-to-test-the-magnetic-cu/) & [jaxa.jp](http://www.jaxa.jp/projects/rockets/s_rockets/index_e.html) Japan has recently launched a program into space to test tether propulsion. In other (more awesome) words, Japan has recently launched a 300 meter-long, space-surfing metal ribbon to ride Earth's Magnetic fields. The idea is that no fuel of any kind is needed to propel the ribbon around space, all done by sucking up electrons at one end and spitting them out the other. The current moving through the ribbon end to end is the only means of energy needed to move around in space. Now, I don't know about you but I think the idea of a space-surfing metal ribbon is so cool. They need to make a space surfboard for astronauts next. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 10% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Tether Propulsion:** The development of tether propulsion technology with potential applications in satellite and spacecraft propulsion. - **Magnetic Field Navigation:** Exploration of using magnetic fields in space for navigation and propulsion, creating opportunities for new space missions and applications. - **Energy-efficient Spacecraft Propulsion:** Developing more energy-efficient propulsion technologies for spacecraft, reducing the need for fuel and cutting costs for space missions. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Space Exploration:** Innovations in tether propulsion and magnetic field navigation provide potential benefits to the space exploration industry, reducing the cost of missions and enabling new forms of space vehicles and technologies. - **Satellite Operations:** Tether propulsion can lead to energy-efficient and cost-effective satellite operations. - **Renewable Energy:** The development of tether propulsion technology has potential applications in the renewable energy industry, such as wind turbines and wave energy devices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Progressive Air-Breathing Satellites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sabresat.md) - [Regenerative Drive Mechanisms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mag-drive.md) - [Enamel Technology-Forward Space Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-project.md) - [Artificial Meteor Shower Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meteor-shower-display.md) - [Space Rv Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dianai-solar-sailer.md) - [Launched Japanese Wooden Satellites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lingosat.md) - [Zero-Gravity Robotic Cubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electrovoxel.md) - [Biotech-Informed Surfboard Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/battboard-electric-surfboard.md) - [Magnetic Wall-Scaling Electric Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trois-mobility-concept.md)