Hi makers, here's a quick model of a "concept" space station for the Mars challenge. The idea with this design is to harvest as much of the planet's thermal and solar energy as possible, since resources are scarce. All parts have dual purposes, but the solar panels are the ones I intended on moving. (In this current design they are static).

--The "Dome Top" model requires supports and is a great way to test Makerware's new support generation feature. All other parts can be printed without supports---Have fun:))

Solar panel array can also close onto the exposed living area to act as a shield against bad weather and small meteorites.

Stainless steel spheres contain steam powered electric generators: Abundant ice on Mars is collected by some human/robot workers, dumped in the underground steel spheres located near high heat sources such as volcanoes. The intense heat melts and converts that ice to steam, which travels through underground piping to the spheres at ground level. The pressurized steam is used to both spin turbines to generate electricity. The steam waste is pumped throughout the colony to warm it up, condense into liquid water for usage to grown crops and etc.

Please read more, download and enjoy the model. Don't forget to like the design. I would really appreciate your help in getting a Replicator and as always will continue to post new models as I make them.

Follow my project here: https://crunchysann.com/BL/projects/

Thank you.

MakerBotMars

Unless your printer has a 12"x12" printing area, please scale this model as required (at most 1/4 of the original scale, but preferably 1/2) You can also print the Dome area hollow and add an LED for special effects:))

The oval civilian area, thermo-electric generators (The balls looking thingies), and landing pads (rectangular thingies) are all saved as one structure.

Please print using 0.1mm layer height, at least 170 C using PLA (or your favorite material).

Print 4 support rods (on their side, or standing if you have a tall 3D printer).
Print the other set containing 4 balls (No supports required)
take 10 minutes to quickly clean and assemble your new cool space station.