Delta II Rocket Fairing for Kepler Space Telescope

thingiverse

This is an approximately 1/33 scale Delta II rocket fairing for the Kepler Telescope. The model includes internal support and a third-stage STAR48b rocket. You can display the Kepler Telescope inside the fairing or on its stand, which comes with the NASA download. To print this model, you will need to print two fairings, two hinge pins and caps, and one of everything else. Optional: five 6mm diameter x 1mm thick magnets are recommended for holding the model in place. The Kepler model isn't ideal for FDM 3D printing due to thin walls and complex features that require internal supports. If you print it again, consider using a smaller nozzle (0.2mm or less) and water-soluble support material. The model also appears to be incorrectly toleranced, so you may need to sand or grind parts for proper fit. I used magnets to secure the model to its base and keep the fairing halves closed. However, you will need to create holes in the Kepler model parts for the magnets since they are not modeled. Depending on your printer's tolerance, you may need to drill out the hinge holes with a 5.5mm drill bit. Print orientations can be adjusted as needed. I printed all parts axis-vertically, but you might find it easier to print them differently. The rocket fairing has a hole and post combination near the top for alignment, which includes a small support that needs to be cut off. The gold foil is "rose gold toner foil," applied using double-sided tape and glue. You can also use contact cement for better results. The base Kepler part should be covered in silver and gold mylar, but this may require more effort. Consult online resources or pictures of the real rocket fairing for reference. Decals were printed from online images (Kepler logo, NASA logo, solar cell), scaled in PowerPoint, cut out, and applied to the model. The hinges are an optional feature that can be removed if desired. If you think of any improvements, please share them in the comments. I have already revised some parts' vertical dimensions for better accuracy.