Kraken Mare Xplorer

thingiverse

This is a "near-scale" model of a proposed NASA robotic submarine designed for exploring the liquid ethane/methane lakes on Saturn's largest moon, Titan. Due to limited detailed drawings, this model is based on only two reference images. Titan is Saturn's largest moon and the second-largest in our solar system. It was discovered by Christian Huygens in 1655. The NASA Cassini-Huygens orbiter/probe entered Titan's orbit in 2004, with the Huygens descent probe landing on Titan in January 2005. Titan has a methane cycle similar to Earth's water cycle, featuring lakes at high northern latitudes filled with liquid ethane and methane. The proposed submarine was designed by Ralph Lorenz for NASA's Institute for Advanced Concepts (NIAC). Three bodies of liquid ethane are targeted for exploration: Kraken-1, Kraken-2, and Ligeia Mare. The large dorsal fin is an X-Band Phased Array Antenna, while the discs on either side of the main mast fin are X-Band Omni Antennas. This model features numerous holes, channels, and ducts to enable complete submersion in a body of water. To experiment with its diving/surfacing abilities, tape an Alka-Seltzer tablet inside the nose section, poke small holes in the tape, and place it in water. As the vessel submerges, the activated tablet will cause an explosion of gas, enabling it to surface. This is an experimental feature, and results may vary. For assembly, use Testors Cement for Plastic Models No. 3512 or order from squadron.com if unavailable locally. References: "How I Came to Design Extraterrestrial Robot Submarines: Part 1 - Probing Saturn's Moon, Titan," Ralph Lorenz; SERVO Magazine, May 2015, pgs. 43-47. "How I Came to Design Extraterrestrial Robot Submarines: Part 2 - Sailing Ligeia, Diving Kraken," Ralph Lorenz; SERVO Magazine, June 2015, pgs. 38-44. "Titan Submarine : Vehicle Design and Operations Concept for the Exploration of the Hydrocarbon Seas of Saturn's Giant Moon," Ralph D. Lorenz et al., 46th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (2015) Parts List: 4x - Ballast Tank Cap 2x - Ballast Tank Xtra (may require post-print trimming) 8x - Ballast Tank Forward Hull 5x - Main Hull Main Mast Fin Main Mast Nose Light Lens Nose Section (may require a brim) 2x - Omni Antenna Rear Hull 4x - Strut Surface Imager Base Surface Imager Top Tail Section Exhaust Tail Section X Antenna Aft X Antenna Base Front X Antenna Base Rear X Antenna Divider X Antenna Fore X Antenna Support Print Settings: Printer Brand: LulzBot Printer Model: Mini Rafts: No Supports: No