Ingenuity - Mars Helicopter

cults3d

Ingenuity can be considered by far one of the coolest achievements of our robotic exploration of Mars. It was carried by the Perseverance rover and deployed safely on Mars’ surface on the 3rd of April 2021. On the 19th of April 2021, this technology demonstrator completed the first powered flight on Mars, opening a new dimension for the future exploration missions on the Red Planet. With the main body measuring just 13.6 X 19.5 X 16.3 cm, 1.2 meters of rotor span and total mass of just 1.8kg, Ginny is expected to operate for 30 days with a variety of flights increasing the complexity of the operation at each flight. The static model is a 1/3 scale version of the real helicopter flying on Mars, having a rotor span of 361 mm and 145 mm of height. All the main characteristics such as collective and cyclic mechanisms, propeller shapes, cameras and instruments, landing legs and solar panels were carefully modelled with a good balance of details and printability using standard FDM printers. All the parts are arranged in way to allow them to be printed with a good strength while using their respective colours, even using multi-colour printing for the solar panels, if desired. The parts are optimised for printing, being all arranged in their recommended orientation, and the instructions guide you through the printing and assembly, so it is less of a rocket science thing and more of a smooth hovering flight experience. The design is compatible with a standard 200 X 200 mm printing bed and a standard nozzle of 0.4 mm is capable of capturing the details of the model (which can also be upscale if desired). The tolerances are well within 0.2 to 0.5 mm so just minor sanding and filling will be required if you have a tuned printer. This is a unique model that will certainly be the subject of attention in your collection. As we set for more ambitious flights in our exploration around the solar system, Ingenuity will have a special place in the history of space missions reminding us where it all started, deserving a place in your collection. If you have any feedback, questions, suggestions or just want to share the results of your print feel free to contact me. Cheers!