The Cassini
The Smithsonian’s collection of downloadable 3D models have given us great joy here at TCT Towers , we’re currently in the middle of downloading a mammoth (actually it is a whale) of a file to 3D print. But while the Smithsonian’s collection remains firmly planted on the earth’s ground another American institution have released some out of this world 3D files, NASA.
NASA love 3D printing; they use it in prototyping satellites, testing it to make actual rocket parts and are even about to blast one into space to live on the ISS, so it is only apt that they should chose to release some files for you to 3D print at home that they have collected over the years.
The Beta NASA 3D Resources site contains currently contains 21 files, free to download and 3D print. Currently they are confined to models of NASA’s various satellites, asteroids and Mars terrain maps but will shortly greatly increase the 3D printing section.
NASA, recently were able to create a 3D model from data taken from the Mars Rover Opportunity’s panoramic camera of the meteorite Block Island. The team were then able to take the model and 3D print a scaled replica on an FDM machine, and finish off to make the 3D printed version look exactly like its Mars dwelling parent.
For research terms this could be an exceptionally advancing development, not only now will NASA researchers be able to print off files to examine details but scientists across the world will be able to get their hands on something it may have taken a good few light years to get to previously.
