Sample Return From Hypothesized Surfaces Visualization

Paige Manley

April 2nd, 2024

Major: 3D Digital Design

Genre/Medium: Digital 3D; Blender and Substance Painter

About the work: This project was completed in collaboration with a Multidisciplinary Senior Design (MSD) team at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) who are developing a prototype for a future mission to Psyche that will store samples collected from the asteroid. The purpose was to create a highly realistic and accurate 3D visualization of their system while also allowing it to remain visually interesting through lighting, materials, and cinematic shots.

To complete this project, I began by converting the team’s CAD model into a more optimized 3D object in Blender and then created materials in Substance Painter. Based on screen recordings supplied to me by the team and guidance from them on additional movement, I animated the system, including the opening and closing of the clamp. To further illustrate the system’s purpose, I included a simple simulation of metallic rocks being deposited into the capsule.

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Date Added: 04-02-2024
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/Paige Manley - Psyche Inspired

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