Saturn-And-Cassini-2017

Scale model of Saturn and its complex ring system, with the Cassini Spacecraft's 2017 trajectory illustrated. Southern hemisphere is cut off so the planet and rings sit on a flat surface. The planet is an accurately oblate hemi-spheroid, surrounded by main rings A, B, and C, plus illustrations of the inner D Ring and the outer F Ring at their scale radial distance (of course all the rings are way thicker than scale). The Cassini Division, and the finer Enke and Maxwell gaps are all represented. Extent of the "planet shadow" is accurate for September 2017. Edge of the accurately inclined "sail" illustrates the Cassini Spacecraft's 2017 proximal-orbit trajectory. No support material is generated.

If you are one of the people whom I've given a print of this to, note that I printed it at home; no tax dollars were harmed! Please note there's a "like" button up there!

Technical poster: http://people.artcenter.edu/doody/3dposter.pdf Additional variations of this object: http://spacecraftkits.com/3d

I have a .gcode file that will print a refined version of this scale model onto its own square black background. Looks great. The .gcode file runs on a Bukobot Duo using black and white 3.00 mm diameter PLA filament; this .gcode was kindly edited by Rich Cameron. Contact me if you'd like a copy. (See "Contact" at spacecraftkits.com)

Back story: Cassini is planning to jump (via a seemingly magical Titan gravity assist) into a series of twenty-two orbits that are in very close proximity to the planet in April 2017, which will take the spacecraft in between the atmosphere and inner rings (like the model shows!). It's risky, so it's being done very near the end of the mission. Then Cassini will end its 20-year mission by plunging into Saturn in September 2017. More at: http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov