Space and tech enthusiasts may now have something to add to their collection as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has released a 3D printable model of the Curiosity Rover, the robotic explorer that has been surveying Mars since 2012.
The 3D replica is available for download at the NASA website for free. NASA very well acknowledges that 3D printing may be a challenge and that the process entails trial and error. With this, the agency asks anyone who may need to adjust or make modifications in the models, to share their experiences by sending an email to them. Those who would want to own their own replica should have access to a 3D printer, which is not generally available in common home computer systems. An entire 3D printer setup may cost a lot; hence, online 3D printing services may come in handy.
Curiosity Rover is the robot that has been exploring the Gale Crater of Mars under the NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission (MSL). The rover, which is approximately the size of a car, was launched in November 26, 2011 via the MSL spacecraft. The journey took a total of 350,000,000 miles and was accomplished after nearly eight months. The spacecraft landed in the Aeolis Palus in Mars on Aug. 6, 2012. The Bradbury Landing area was less than 1.5 miles from the middle of the Curiosity Rover's touchdown target.
The development of the Curiosity Rover is geared towards various objectives, which include to study the climate and geological status of Mars, to determine the if the environmental condition of the chosen site is suitable for microbial life such as water conditions and other habitability factors that can help to enhance human mission to the Red Planet in the future.
Since 2014, NASA has been providing free downloadable images, textures and models to the public via their website, without any copyright licenses involved. Most of the files are in STL format. While these materials are meant for 3D printing, NASA admits that a few more adjustments may have to be made prior to sending the files to the 3D printer. Although not yet fully flawless, this technology puts the space industry one step ahead in terms of providing the public with enhanced tools for education.
