[X] My Assistant

[Astro0]

Looking for a project? Well, here are a few models of Curiosity to try your hand at.

This is the first one. There are two versions from the same instructions.


Here are the instructions:  MarsScienceLab_Rover_v4.pdf ( 2.63MB ) Number of downloads: 5742


This is another one that has some different details.


Here's the link: http://www.paper-replika.com/index.php?opt...p;Itemid=200144

If you want to download it, the model requires your OK to a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
Basically, click the "I agree" radial button, submit and the model is yours.

Then if you want to take it to a completely new level, take a look at what this guy is doing
http://www.papermodelers.com/forum/pasa-pa...tory-build.html

Have fun!

[Astro0]

Kit production takes time and money, from design to testing, production and marketing. Lead time on this could be months, to a year.

While, Sojourner, Spirit and Opportunity have all had success with toys being produced (Matchbox micromachines and Lego models), the fear from a manufacturers point of view would be the scenario as happened with Mars Polar Lander. Models produced but no mission to follow and hence no sales.
Same deal here. If MSL had not gone so well, then any models produced would be a big cost hit to the production company.

There will be toys out there. Later this month, the Matchbox toy rolls out onto the shelves. We might also get to see the Lego version now that it has reached the required 'likes' on their website. You never know, there might even be model kits (although they don't happen often these days) or remote control toys.

There are already instructions out there from Lego enthusiasts about how to build your own Curiosity rover right now.
I've even seen a very cool motorised and remote controlled version that someone built using Lego Mindstorm (on Youtube somewhere).

Remember that NASA makes arrangements with 'education partners' when they do these sorts of things (eg: Lego/MER).
For them, it's about the mission. For the commerical companies, it's about the dollars.

[mcaplinger]

Remember that NASA makes arrangements with 'education partners' when they do these sorts of things (eg: Lego/MER).
For them, it's about the mission.

Hmm. In the case of Pathfinder and Galileo, this was a deal between JPL (not NASA, per se) and Mattel. See http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/releases/97/workshop.html
and http://articles.latimes.com/1998/oct/05/news/ls-29380

Mattel will not release sales figures, and JPL will not disclose its share of the profits.

At least the Pathfinder and Galileo (and MPL) models were fairly accurate. The MSL one, not so much.

As a modeler from an early age, I'm pretty concerned that the profit motive of the big aerospace companies and licensing fees will severely impact the hobby. I'm not sure that JPL is much better.