Best space-themed 3D prints: Iconic spacecraft and objects
3D printers have, surprisingly, been in existence since the eightie recently that they’ve become affordable. And, while it’s not quite the same as having a replicator in your home, there’s a definite sci-fi feel to these machines. You can feed your printer resin, PLA, or other compatible materials and watch it transform into a 3D object you can hold in your hands. In some cases, you may even be able to touch the printed object. Put your skills to use.
There’s even a 3D printer aboard the International Space Station and it makes sense that, in the future, space colonies may be able to just Print what they are looking for. So, if you’ve picked up a 3D printer, why not put it through its paces with some free space-themed prints? Sure, you may not be able to personally print your own rocket – yet – but you can liven up your home or workspace with some reminders of humanity’s journey into space.
The prints have been printed for personal use on a PLA printer. However the model files are universal so they will work with any resin printer. They can also all be printed in one piece, meaning you can let your 3D printer do its magic and, once you’ve dealt with any supports or rough edges, you have a space-themed item you can put on your shelf or, if you’re adventurous enough, paint. Enjoy.
If you’re looking to join the fun by printing out your own guide to the Best 3D Printers has you covered.
1. Apollo 11 Lunar Module
- Download from MyMiniFactory (opens in a new tab
- Creator: Res Firma
Officially dubbed Lunar Module Eagle (or Apollo 11 lunar landing craft), it was the Apollo 11 lunar lander that made contact with the Moon on July 20, 1969. Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong were the first to leave, while Michael Collins, third astronaut, remained inside. He was far from being alone.
This download does include all the parts to build the module separately but there’s also a single file, “lem-complete.stl” that will allow you to print it in one go. It’s surprisingly accurate though, with all the aerials, dishes and the like there are several elements that may need support.
So you’ll need to tick the “generate support” support box in whatever 3D slicing application you’re using or, as we did, use Cura and choose “make overhang printable”. The trade off for us was that while we didn’t have to laboriously remove individual supports, we did lose the rocket engine as you may notice in the picture.
2. Space Shuttle Lift Off
- Download from Cults3D (opens in a new tab Register for free
- Creator: XONOR13
This 3D model shows the space shuttle, now retired, exploding in a huge plume of smoke. Which spaceship? Atlantis was the last space shuttle to see active service before the program was cancelled, but the creator doesn’t specify.
It is amazing! It features the external tank and solid rocket boosters, as well as the orbiter. However, the orbiter’s tail fin is missing, as it was on all space shuttles. But it’s still an impressively dynamic model and once you’ve printed it (you’ll need to select the support option) it’ll be hard for anyone to miss.
3. Astronaut Footprint
- Download from Cults3D (opens in a new tab Register for free
- Creator: SERGIOINGLESE
This image of an astronaut’s footprint is utterly iconic and now you can have a model of it on your desk. It’s as accurate as it can be without someone going up to the Moon and taking a 3D scan of the print which should, in theory, still be there. You can create this and similar models by extruding a photograph and carving it out to an acceptable depth. You can print it without support because there aren’t any significant overhangs.
The creator has mistakenly labelled it as one of Neil Armstrong’s footprints when it’s generally accepted to be Buzz Aldrin’s, though they’re not alone in this misconception. One popular piece of “evidence” that the Moon landing was faked is that the footprint doesn’t match Armstrong’s suit boots (opens in a new tab. In fact, it matches neither astronaut’s suit because they both disposed of their overshoes before take-off.
4. Mars Globe
- Download from Thingiverse (opens in a new tab
- Creator: neurothing
It’ll likely be a few years before humanity lands on Mars but, thanks to the data sent back by multiple probes and a handful of rovers we know an awful lot about the red planet. There’s a wealth of topographical data and it’s this data that, after passing through a few hands, has been used to construct these two Mars globes.
The models aren’t, strictly, accurate; instead, the height of various features has been exaggerated to make it easier to pick out features. But that only makes them more engaging – the smaller globe, which we’ve printed, lets you pick out the Martian canyons (aka Valles Marineris), Olympus Mons and more. The bigger globe is even more exaggerated and was designed so blind and partially sighted people could experience science – in this case, the topography of Mars – by touch.
Even if you don’t fall into that latter category, you’ll find yourself picking it up and just running your fingers over it, visions of Mars dancing through your head. The one drawback is that 3D printers aren’t amazing at printing globes. You’ll need to print it with supports, unless you slice it in half and print both halves separately and then glue them together.
5. Voyager Golden Record
- Download from Printables (opens in a new tab
- Creator: M4NU
Voyager 1 & Voyager 2 are still around. Whether you were around for their 1977 launch or not, they’re still roaming through the cosmos, having left our solar system and headed off into interstellar space. Each alien race carries a golden recording (made of copper and gold-plated) with greetings, music, and more.
It is possible to 3D-print your own copy. You can even have the same symbols and images etched on the cover. True, it won’t play on a record player but the bigger you can print it, the easier it’ll be to make the etchings out. We printed ours using Cura’s Fine Detail settings but for best results, follow the instructions on the golden record’s Printables page (opens in new window).
3D printing tips
These models were printed using PLA (Polylactic Acid), on an FDM printer. To slice the files you will need software. This should come with your 3D printer. There are other third-party slicing software that you can also use. After you have done this, you can start printing. However, we have some tips to help you avoid common problems.
You should ensure that your slicer’s default print temperature is set to number within the PLA reel’s temperature band. It varies among manufacturers and materials.
If you’re unsure, slow down the print speed and then try again. Don’t go ludicrously slow though, or you’ll be waiting for ages, and super slow speeds can actually create their own issues if your printer’s cooling fan isn’t up to the job.
Final step: sand any edges that aren’t perfect after printing is complete to get the best prints. Although our models were taken straight off the printing bed, you can improve their appearance by putting in more effort.
These models are easy to print on a resin printer, but you will need support. If your first print fails, most slicing software will automatically support you. However, you might need to add some custom supports.
Recommendations for 3D printers
You will find the best deals on our top-rated 3D printers below, regardless of whether you are looking for an FDM printer or a resin printer.
