Sputnik on a Stand

thingiverse

The historic Sputnik satellite, first human-made object in orbit, rendered here as a 3D-printer-friendly version with meticulous attention to finer details and scale. The goal was to capture the essence of this iconic spacecraft without resulting in an oversized model that would dominate any workspace. Other Sputnik models are available on Thingiverse - be sure to give those a try as well. This particular design was created from scratch using only photographs of the real thing, ensuring accuracy and authenticity. The antenna mounts are particularly noteworthy for their faithful reproduction, and the compact size makes it easy to fit on any desk. One common challenge with many spacecraft models is finding practical solutions for the antenna components. A viable approach has been utilizing straightened paper clips, which are universally available and eliminate the need to scale up the model's body to accommodate thin plastic pieces during 3D printing. Achieving a balance between size and detail in such a simple structure proves to be a delicate challenge, but I believe the trade-offs result in a well-crafted model. There are TWO VERSIONS of the top section with antenna mounts available - one includes manually added support bits that can be easily removed, while the other leaves it up to you to provide your own support as needed. The body halves are held together by a single peg, and the stand assembles neatly but requires a bit of hot glue to secure any loose parts. This model is still under development, with ongoing efforts to refine its design based on time availability. **Explore Some of My Other Spacecraft Designs** * [Cassini Probe to Saturn](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2520236) * [OSIRIS-REx Probe to the Asteroid Bennu](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2758233) * [TESS - The Exoplanet Survey Craft](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3000952)