Saturday, November 24, 2012

Space Shuttle Orbiter, so far...

Latest render snapshot of the Orbiter's payload bay for mission STS-135.


Objects include LMC (Ammonia Pump Module + Robotic Refueling Mission), MPLM, ROEU, SRMS, OBSS, PSSC-2, ODS and KU-Antenna.

Lightweight Multi-Purpose Equipment Support Structure Carrier (Part 2)

An almost completed LMC. I just need to work a little on the Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM), then that little task done.


I've deliberately added both the failed ammonia Pump Module and the Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) just for reference.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Pico-Satellite Solar Cell Testbed 2 (PSSC-2)

It's a tiny thing 5 inch by 5 inch by 10 inch, however, it was the last satellite to be launch on a Space shuttle mission.



Sunday, November 18, 2012

ISS Low Res Model (Part 3)

Not much happening on this one, mainly the odd hour each week, if that.

I've added details to the Unity Node, grapple fixtures to the PMAs, added details to the Destiny Lab, corrected a mirror error in the JEM Module and created the Cupola Module and the Quest Airlock. The Truss progress is slow, I've got a very basic S0 and P1. The P3/4 section I'm working on, but I've got some very basic drawings for the truss and a lot is 'Best Guess'. However, I'm not in a rush to complete it, yet ;)

Remotely Operated Electrical Umbilical & Lightweight Multi-Purpose Equipment Support Structure Carrier

I've now created a very crude Remotely Operated Electrical Umbilical (ROEU) for the MPLM. I've based it more on photographs, rather than actual drawings and/or diagrams, as I didn't have much time to spend trawling the internet. It only took a couple of hours to get to a model I was happy with. I'll smooth out the edges at a later date.


I've also completed the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Equipment Support Structure Carrier (LMC). I'll model the Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) and the returned failed Ammonia Pump Module at a later date


Once I've modeled the RRM and the Ammonia Pump Module, the last object to model will be the PicoSat and launch system. Then, I think, I've got the main elements loaded into the payload bay for STS-135.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB)

A while back, I created a very simplified version of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB).


I'll probably do the other surrounding structures at a later date. Maybe LC-39 A/B ;)

Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

I've just knocked together a simplified version of the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM).


I still feel as sick as a dead parrot.....

Friday, November 2, 2012

Atlantis has left the VAB, and OBSS 3D Model

Atlantis

Following both on Twitter and on NASA TV, I've been watching the last movements of Atlantis. I've watched all of the Orbiters transitioning from active role to a retired role, which is sad as I wanted to see at least one launch and landing. But atleast I saw Discovery STS-114 on the pad :)

However, putting a positive spin on this, I thought this is not the end, more of a change of mission. Instead of being a mission of exploration and discovery, it's now a mission to educate and inspire for the future. Another plus I can now see, is that I'll be able to get up close to one (hopefully all) of these wonderful pieces of technology and now history.

Today has been great, tracking comments on Twitter and watching NASA TV. I would like to thank the kind people that have been fundamental of recording these historic moments for the future, both at NASA and the twitters who has relayed much to the world.

Orbiter Boom Sensor System

Now back to the 3D. I've now created the Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) and this needed to be perfect as the grapple points must be in the right location for the SRMS. Based on information I've managed to obtain from the internet, I've created a relatively simple 3D model. To see if I got the grapple locations right, I used SRMS positional angles to see where it would align.


I could not believe it, it fit's like a glove. I was almost convinced that somewhere in the 3D model of the SRMS, one or more of my 'Best Guesses' was going to be completely wrong and not align at all. So I'm feeling very pleased with the results.