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.

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.

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.

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.....

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.

KU-Band Antenna

I'm now working on the KU Band Antenna. I've got some basic information and a lot of photographs. So far I'm 90(ish)% happy with it. I need to create some animation reference points, tweak the materials and then the model for the KU-Band Antenna is complete.

Space Shuttle Render with POV-Ray

Started to get to grips with outputting from Wings3D into POV-Ray tonight. After a few hours of playing about with materials and light sources I finally got some good renders.

I'm not overall happy with the metallic effect on the radiator, that's because of me being a complete novice. Also, I need to work on the shadows, making them softer will improve the quality of the image.

SRMS Elbow and End Effector CCTV Cameras

Now that I've got a basic model of the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS), I've added the End Effector and Elbow CCTV Cameras to SRMS and compared them to photos taken from various STS missions.

After researching for more reference data, I now know that the CCTV Camera on the Elbow Joint appears to be at a different angle to what I expected it to be. Currently, I've modeled it so that it's in-line with the SRMS. However, this is wrong and it appears to be at an odd angle, leaning into the Payload Bay when the SRMS is deployed. When comparing the 3D model to the below photograph, I'm now assuming that this angle is around a 30° lean towards the Payload Bay. Once again 'Best Guess'.

The End Effector CCTV Camera, like the Elbow CCTV Camera, I thought was in line with the SRMS, but this too appears to be at an angle. Looking at the picture above, it appears to be level to the Payload bay when the SRMS is deployed. I'm assuming from a pre-1981 Space Shuttle Program document that this deployed angle for the SRMS is leaning 15° away from the Payload Bay. When the SRMS is stowed, it's leaning towards the Payload Bay by 15°. However, I'd love to get this confirmed.

Orbiter's Payload 3D Model (Part 2)

I've now got a 'Good' model of the payload bay complete with cameras, Aft and Forward bulkhead hand rails and I've even got a half decent Orbiter Docking System modelled. I'm now working on the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System, which I've got minimum information to work with. Too much of it is 'best guess' with little, obsolete or incomplete drawings. The best source has been a document called "Space Shuttle Technical Conference, part 2". It's given me enough to create something that I can perfect at a later date. I think I've done all right with the lack of real data.

Orbiter's Payload 3D Model

Managed to get a hour to model the Orbiter Docking System. A bit more detail needs to be added. Then I'll move onto the camera system.

Projects to date...

Just had the evening to myself to find out how far along my current projects have progressed. So far I have the current projects in 'live' status.

• Project <Blank> - 1 out of 4 models complete. Texturing in progress on that first 3D model. Two other 3D models will be adaptions of the first 3D model. Interior model complete, but needs to go through a polygon reduction process. The forth model is a different 3D model and that is a work in progress. No interior model required for the time being.
• Shuttle project - External model complete and textured. Payload now being modelled with configurable options. Flight deck almost complete and awaiting the UV map to be created for the textures. Both the old (CRT) and new (MEDS) cockpit configurations will be done. Mid-deck model and textures completed. The 3D models for the External Tanks and SRBs complete. Creating the UV maps for Texturing has started.
• International Space Station - Halfway through 3D modelling the modules. One third complete on the Truss sections. Not started on the textures.
• SCA - very basic 3D model completed. Will add details to it later.
• Kennedy Space Center - VAB fully complete. LC-39 drawings and information obtained, and modelling to start soon(ish). Crawler and MLP started, but at a very basic phase. All these models will be low polygon 3D models.

Projects on indefinite hold:

• F-35 A, B and C - On hold due to lack of information, mainly good reference drawings. Also Project <blank>, Shuttle and ISS projects have taken priority.
• WASP Carrier - Project <blank>, Shuttle and ISS projects have taken priority.
• Alien dropship UD-4L - sadly left in a neglected state. Interior needs to be modelled, but there is no good reference drawings to get a 'good' model of the cockpit and APC bay. No textures created, but I aim to create various camouflage types.
• Aliens APC - As with all movies models, I find that the interior rarely fits in the exterior. So placed on the project on hold.

Projects complete:

• Low polygon version of the Orbiter for F-Sim Space Shuttle.
• Mir Space Station.