Paper Spacecraft Models

I have been designing paper spacecraft models for many years, mostly for use at my job at (what was) Orbital ATK, now part of Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems. The models (all in 1/48th scale) included NFIRE, Swift, Landsat 8, Iridium NEXT, ICESat-2, etc. Some have been made available on NASA project sites as part of their K-12 outreach. I plan to (eventually) post those on this website.

What drove me to add paper models to the SIM website, was that in December 2018, I saw a Facebook discussion that pointed out there is no paper model of the InSight Mars lander. I thought I could remedy that situation, and I have. See below. So I will be posting those as free downloads, but donations to show your appreciation are always welcome.

While InSight is the first of these new, non-Orbital ATK heritage spacecraft models, I hope to add more over time. The newest one is the NRO's KH-9 Hexagon spy satellite which was added in April 2020.

Hexagon (KH-9)

I developed this while on my summer escape from the hot Arizona summer in 2019. I finally got around to developing some instructions in early 2020 (thank you, COVID-19). It is a large model, over 16 inches long, even in 1/48th scale. It comes with film return vehicles (or at least parts of them) and frankly is trricky to build. The size requires it to be built in sections and joined together. And there are lots of odd curves and shapes.

I hope you enjoy this. These are free downloads but donations are appreciated. Click on the link below to download and model and separate instructions.

Download Hexagon kit

Download Hexagon model instructions

InSight Mars lander (simple version)

When I heard that no one had a paper model of this spacecraft I felt a need to correct that situation. And it would be a fun model to design.

So I made two versions. This one is a simple version suitable for K-12 students. Another has more detail (with smaller parts, trickier to cut and assemble) for serious hobbyists. These are free downloads but donations are appreciated. Click on the link below to download and model and separate instructions.

Download Simple InSight model kit

Download Simple InSight model instructions

2/6/19 Note: The instructions have been updated to correct an error where the legs were oriented backwards. The small photo on this page has also been corrected although it shows the version with detailed legs. If you click the thumbnail at left, it brings up a photo of the simple version but with the legs installed incorrectly. I have not had time to build a corrected version of the simple kit but the instructions clarify this.

InSight Mars lander (detailed version)

This version has more detail and involves more intricate cutting and folding. It features a 3-dimensional deck, more details on the deck (click here to see a close up), and more accurate legs. The legs are cut out and this a bit flimsier. Click on the link below to download and model and separate instructions.

Download Detailed InSight model kit

Download Detailed InSight model instructions

Do you like these models? Do you want more?

Artists are generally inspired by being compensated for their time and effort.
If you like these free models, consider making a modest donation by clicking on the Paypal button below. Thanks!

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This page updated 4/1/20

	I have been designing paper spacecraft models for many years, mostly for use at my job at (what was) Orbital ATK, now part of Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems. The models (all in 1/48th scale) included NFIRE, Swift, Landsat 8, Iridium NEXT, ICESat-2, etc. Some have been made available on NASA project sites as part of their K-12 outreach. I plan to (eventually) post those on this website. What drove me to add paper models to the SIM website, was that in December 2018, I saw a Facebook discussion that pointed out there is no paper model of the InSight Mars lander. I thought I could remedy that situation, and I have. See below. So I will be posting those as free downloads, but donations to show your appreciation are always welcome. While InSight is the first of these new, non-Orbital ATK heritage spacecraft models, I hope to add more over time. The newest one is the NRO's KH-9 Hexagon spy satellite which was added in April 2020.

	Hexagon (KH-9) I developed this while on my summer escape from the hot Arizona summer in 2019. I finally got around to developing some instructions in early 2020 (thank you, COVID-19). It is a large model, over 16 inches long, even in 1/48th scale. It comes with film return vehicles (or at least parts of them) and frankly is trricky to build. The size requires it to be built in sections and joined together. And there are lots of odd curves and shapes. I hope you enjoy this. These are free downloads but donations are appreciated. Click on the link below to download and model and separate instructions. Download Hexagon kit Download Hexagon model instructions

	InSight Mars lander (simple version) When I heard that no one had a paper model of this spacecraft I felt a need to correct that situation. And it would be a fun model to design. So I made two versions. This one is a simple version suitable for K-12 students. Another has more detail (with smaller parts, trickier to cut and assemble) for serious hobbyists. These are free downloads but donations are appreciated. Click on the link below to download and model and separate instructions. Download Simple InSight model kit Download Simple InSight model instructions 2/6/19 Note: The instructions have been updated to correct an error where the legs were oriented backwards. The small photo on this page has also been corrected although it shows the version with detailed legs. If you click the thumbnail at left, it brings up a photo of the simple version but with the legs installed incorrectly. I have not had time to build a corrected version of the simple kit but the instructions clarify this.
	InSight Mars lander (detailed version) This version has more detail and involves more intricate cutting and folding. It features a 3-dimensional deck, more details on the deck (click here to see a close up), and more accurate legs. The legs are cut out and this a bit flimsier. Click on the link below to download and model and separate instructions. Download Detailed InSight model kit Download Detailed InSight model instructions