About this 3D model

An entry for the Makerbot Mars Base Challenge. The base builds upon a landing capsule which can deliver different payloads - mining equipment, rovers, food, escape pod, living quarters, laboratories etc. The living quarter / laboratory module folds into a diamond shape after the landing. The modules, moved together by a tractor after touchdown, connect by walkways. The inside of the cargo bay petals could be a good place for solar panels. The design is based upon Nasa research concerning the difficulty of slowing large objects down in the thin martian atmosphere combined with a diamond I made for a different project. I picked the Configuration X+ shape for the heat shield as described in the PDF "On Heatshield Shapes For Mars Entry Capsules" found here: http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20120004297.pdf Then I came by the SIAD-E, Supersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator, currently being tested and incorporated that into the design as well. The images show: the base with 5 living quarters, the capsule in the first stage of descent, 35 meter parachute deployed (not visible), SIAD-E deployed, landing gear deployed, touchdown, SIAD-E removed, cargo bay petals opened, diamond unfolded. Then there are three images of the model: finished print, painted and after my daughters suggestion a "by night" shot accomplished with the help of her Lego lights.