Mars Science Laboratory - Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator RTG (Part 5)

I've started to detail the Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) on the 3D model of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL - Curiosity). The pipe work is a lot more complex than I excepted. For the pipe work on the outside of the structure, I used photographs available at the MSL JPL site and made guesses on the size and direction of the pipes. However, how it interconnects to the main chassis, I have a very limited images, so I made leave that bit out completely.

North American Aviation X-15 - More Cockpit Texturing done(Part 5)

More work done on the North American Aviation X-15 (XLR-11 Version) 3D Model of the cockpit. If I can get 10 hours of work done in the next week, I think I might have it done.

Mars Science Laboratory - Curiosity's Robotic Arm (Part 4)

With recent lunch breaks this week, I've managed to create the 3D model for Curiosity's wheels and I've started to model the robotic arm. I've got some rough dimensions and diagrams to work with, and these have proved useful. However, these diagrams only give basic lengths, nothing detailed about the size and shape of the actuators.

This is going to take a while to get the robotic arm right as I'll be using photos taken for tests at JPL. Then, once I'm happy with the robotic arm, I'll think about starting to 3D modelling the 'hand', which from pictures and diagrams looks very complicated.

Mars Science Laboratory - Curiosity (Part 3)

Yesterday, I started to 3D model the Mast Assembly on the Mars Science Laboratory (Curiosity). This includes Mast Cameras and ChemCam.

I'll add the cabling in the final stages, as I don't have any detail drawings where the cables are fed. Next to do on the model is to add better details to the wheels. I was going to start on the arm, but, again, I don't have enough detailed diagrams and drawings to attempt it.

Why does Curiosity remind me of the film Short Circuit? Is Curiosity a pirate version of Johnny Five?

Mars Science Laboratory - Curiosity, Heat Shield and Backshell (Part 2)

I've manage to some 3D modelling done in my lunch breaks for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory. Curiosity now has the High Gain, UHF and Low Gain Antennas. I've also modelled a few of the components on the "Top Deck"

I've also modelled a basic Backshell and Heat Shield

Mars Science Laboratory - Curiosity (Part 1)

I've started to create the 3D Model of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (Curiosity) as I need a break from current projects. After searching NTRS and reading through a mountain of PDFs, eventually, I've found a couple of usable drawings. From these drawings, I've managed to bodge* something together. Actually, I'm quite pleased with the results.

*Bodge
verb
make or repair (something) badly or clumsily:

NASA Mars Science Laboratory (Curiosity) Engineering Drawings, 3Views, etc Required

I've spent the best part of this afternoon trying to get basic engineering/technical drawings (3-views, First hand, third hand drawing, etc) of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) and the Rover Curiosity from the internet. Normally I would find something in a PDF on NASA NTRS site, but sadly there is hardly anything there. At best I can find some good CAD isometric renders, or high quality movies and stills of the movie, but nothing really useful.

I have found these two, but they don't give me enough to start creating 3D models:

1-Cruise stage, 2- Backshell, 3- Descent stage, 4- Curiousity rover, 5- Heat Shield, 6- Parachute

Source: Wikipedia

Backshell and Heat Shield. Source: NASA.

Any help is most appreciated.

North American Aviation X-15A-2 Engineering Drawings

Various engineering drawings of the X-15A-2 available in the Download Resources. The set includes:

• 2581-931001 - Structure Diagram fuselage Advanced X-15A-2
• L9360001 - Pylon Support-Ramjet Engine (Design Layout)
• L9360002 - Scramjet and Pylon Installation X-15A-2
• L9480001 - X-15A-2 Liquid Hydrogen System

Bell X-1 Engineering Drawing

I've add an engineering drawing of the Bell X-1 (Sheet 44-700-002) to the Downloadable Resources.

North American Aviation X-15 - Leaked Photograph (Part 4)

Is this a leaked photograph taken from a F-104 over Edwards Airforce Base? Or an early release of a simulator on a series of popular mobile devices. You decide :)

North American Aviation X-15 - Cockpit Objects (Part 3)

I've now started to add more objects tothe cockpit of the  North American Aviation X-15 3D model. The camera location and angle is 'bodged' and the seat removed, so that you can see more of this cramped cockpit.

Shuttle Carrier Aircraft - Nose Landing Gear - Part 3

Slowly making progress creating NASA Shuttle Carrier Aircraft 3D model. The Nose Landing Gear is about 80% done.

You can see in the background the Main Landing Gear. This will be the next bunch of objects I'll work on for the SCA model.

[Edit]

Just noticed I've left the draft nose tires in the pictures. It's been along night...

North American Aviation X-15 - External View of the Cockpit (part 2)

I've been working on the North American Aviation X-15 cockpit (XLR-11 version) and this is a very small space for a pilot to work in. Thankfully it was a quick flight for the Test Pilots :)

As you can see most of the cockpit objects have been removed for clarity. When viewing the cockpit from an external viewpoint 3D, it will be a low polygon cockpit (has above). However, when sitting in the cockpit, it will be a high polygon 3D model (See Part 1). The aim is to have most of the instruments, dials and controls animated, but this is not confirmed. ;)

Bell X-1 3D model (Part1)

Another 3D model emerging from the Desktopsimmer Skunk Works: The Bell X-1. It's just a preliminary rough 3D model for later use. Earlier last month I came across some drawings on the t'internet whilst researching the XLR-11 engines and was itching to get something drawn.

Okay, I know that the Skunk Works is Lockheed Martin, not Bell ;)