High-Level Project Summary
For this years NASA space app's competition, we chose Virtual Planetary Exploration V2.0. The challenge was to create 3D models of tools that may be useful to planetary geologists. Our web-based app addresses this challenge by allowing viewers to explore 3D models of planetary geology tools, as well as a short description of how they work. These tools are important in space exploration for they allow our astronauts to collect samples . We want to further educate young kids like us about these tools through our website. Downloadable links were provided for those that wish to try to 3d print these from our website.
Link to Project "Demo"
Link to Final Project
Detailed Project Description
Our project, Xplor, allows users to interact and learn about 3D models of planetary geology tools provided on a webpage.
Xplor uses Tinkercad(3D modeling) and GoDaddy(website creator) to provide a clean, browser-based, experience that is both entertaining and educational. Xplor was made with basic apps and no professional hardware or costs.
Our web-based app also allows you to either 3D print a model or download it to view in a different 3D modeling app.
We believe that creating 3D models of simple tools that planetary geologists use will help scientists explore further into space. Hence, our motto “Beyond The Planets".
Space Agency Data
For our project, we based our models on the Apollo 16 Press Kit. We decided to model 3 tools form the Apollo 16 Press Kit, specifically, the hammer, scooper, and rake. What inspired us to recreate these space geology tools is that we thought it was amazing to learn that astronauts also used these everyday tools we often overlook. Simple tools such as a hammer have greatly aided our astronauts and have helped in expanding our knowledge of space exploration.
Hackathon Journey
We learned a lot of new thing and how astronauts use everyday tools for space exploration and had a lot of fun. We chose this challenge since it had an artistic approach and we wanted to challenge ourselves in making 3D models despite having no prior CAD experience. This was a disadvantage for us since we only started learning how to make CAD models through TinkerCAD on the 1st day of the NASA Space App Challenge, but we persevered and quickly adapted. We are thankful for our coaches and for our teammates in supporting us in our journey!
References
TinkerCAD for 3D modelling
NASA 3D Models for 3D Printing
Apollo 16 Press Kit for geology tool references
GoDaddy free website creator
Tags
#hardware #CAD #3DPrinting #Geology #SpaceExploration #Tools #3DModelling
Global Judging
This project has been submitted for consideration during the Judging process.