TUBIN microsatellite 1:10 model

TUBIN (Technische Universität Berlin Infrared Nanosatellite) is a university nanosatellite mission with the objective to demonstrate novel Earth remote sensing technologies for nanosatellites. It was launched on June 30, 2021 on a SpaceX Falcon9 from Cape Canaveral. You can find more info on this project on the TUBIN project website and see pictures taken by the satellite on Twitter!

This 1:10 model was prepared based on the pictures shared by the TUB Space team on social media and tries to convey as much details as possible at this scale.

The finished model is approximately 50x50x35mm excluding the antennas and desk stand.

Print instructions

The model takes approximately 2h30 in total to print on my Prusa MK2.5S. It is quite small, therefore easily printable even on the smallest build plates.

The different pieces are designed for FDM printers and around a layer height of 0.2mm and a nozzle diameter of 0.4mm. No support is needed.

The different pieces are provided grouped in 3mf files by color, ready to be printed. For prints that need a color change, it should also be provided in the 3mf settings (and is recalled on the file comment here).
Inside the 3mf files, for individual stl the color(s) are indicated as a prefix in the name and the number of copies as a suffix (e.g. for "GOLD-BLACK_x14_Equatorial_SA_panel.stl”, 14 copies of the piece must be printed, with gold then black filament).

The tolerances used are 0.2mm vertically and at least 0.07mm in-plane to provide a snug fit (keep that in mind if you want to rescale the model!). If the tolerances are not accessible to your printer (or your printer is better tuned than mine 😉) you may have to use sandpaper or a hobby knife to adjust them until they fit and/or use (more) glue.

Additional (non-printed) parts

To complete the model, you will need to source (or design and print plastic ersatz pieces for):
- One rod of 3mm diameter and ~50mm length to mount the model on its desk stand. I use transparent acrylic pop-cake sticks since they are very cheap, easy to buy and perfect for the job, but you can also use pieces of wood dowels, or carbon-fiber/brass rods.
- Four pieces of 0.5mm diameter piano string with a length of ~25mm for the radial antennas.

Assembly instructions

Please refer to the online Fusion 360 viewer of the model to understand were the different pieces are positioned and assembled.

I recommend using common white glue (and patience😉) to assemble the pieces instead of instant glue that often leaves white residues and can be messy.

I suggest the following assembly order:
- glue the 6 “equatorial SA panels” to the main structure bottom part and the 8 solar panels to the main structure top part. You may want to use the table you are working on to help position and keep in place the panels while the glue dries (strips of tape help also).
- glue the top floor accessories on the main structure top part (instruments, antennas, solar panels).
- assemble the star trackers from the gold/silver and black part, then glue them in the main structure bottom part along with the umbilicals.
- assemble the 3 main structure parts with the help of the small block-shaped pin.
- glue the white GNSS antenna at the bottom of the model
- add the radial antennas (you may have to drill the holes according to your piano string diameter)
- place on the desk stand