ISS Model

In an effort to better understand space infrastructure, I modeled the unpressurized backbone of the International Space Station.

Step 1: Planning

During the Preliminary Research Phase, I quickly realized that history's largest human-made space laboratory got its name for a reason:

It's one infrastructural backbone connected to a pressurized connector supporting incredible opportunity.

It wouldn't have made sense for me to model every single mission capsule and attachment, so I focused on highlighting the importance of infrastructure to support humanity in space.

It's essentially an outfitted spaceport for human advancement.

Step 2: Dimensioning

The nitty-gritty measurements weren't publicly available, but the main component dimensions were, so I scaled image pixels to real life meters.

Then, I meticulously counted pixels for every segment image to measure every piece of each truss segment.

After the project, I learned that pixel-counting tools given a known dimension exist for free online. I learned the lesson the hard way:

If I had spent more time researching my method, I could have invested more time in a larger project.

Step 3: Modeling

With every measurement and scale factor in an enormous spreadsheet, I began modeling each component. In the end, I modeled 9 spacecraft segments and four photovoltaic arrays (PVA Solar Panels).

Additionally, I implemented decals for the faces of Z1 module, Unity (Node 1) module, and the PVA Solar Panels to represent intricate detail.

Z1 Truss Module Decal

Unity Module Decal

Solar Arrays Decal

Step 4: Share your work

Firstly, I wrote up a presentation to share the project with the rest of the Computer Aided Design class.

Then, I shared my project overview and key lessons learned with my network on LinkedIn!

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