Nasa competition seeks origami inspired space shield

The Japanese art of paper folding could provide the inspiration for a new generation of shielding against space radiation. Nasa is hoping to crowd source designs for a system that could be used to protect astronauts on deep space missions from lethal cosmic rays. The competition could lead to a breakthrough that enables the space agency to successfully realise its ambitious plans for a manned mission to Mars by 2030. The Japanese art of paper folding could provide the inspiration for a new generation of shielding. Nasa is hoping to crowdsource designs for a system that could be used to protect astronauts from lethal cosmic rays (artist's impression) when they visit Mars (stock image) The Japanese art of paper folding could provide the inspiration for a new generation of shielding against space radiation.