Space's Replica at Freeman Branch Library: The ISS Mimic
In a fascinating blend of technology and community collaboration, a small-scale, real-time moving model of the International Space Station (ISS) has been created. Known as the ISS Mimic, this intricate model, which mimics the station's movements and activities, is the result of a global effort spearheaded by innovation lab specialist Rachel Reed and others.
Powered by a Raspberry Pi minicomputer and Arduinos, the ISS Mimic receives and interprets telemetry data from the ISS, enabling it to follow real-time data from the station. It replicates the station's turning solar arrays, rotating thermal radiators, and even uses LEDs to show different activities. The model is on display at the Clear Lake City-County Freeman Branch Library, a venue hosted on the Maker Central website.
While there are no direct search results detailing a project like the ISS Mimic with community collaboration, several related initiatives exist. For instance, Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) allows students and organisations worldwide to communicate directly with ISS crew members, fostering community involvement in space science education.
For those interested in getting involved with similar projects, reaching out to ARISS or following NASA and ISS National Lab educational programs could be a good starting point. Local amateur radio clubs, STEM education organisations involved with ISS outreach, community science or maker space groups with an interest in space technology could also be potential avenues for collaboration.
The ISS Mimic project, which began in 2019, is a testament to the power of community collaboration in bringing space exploration to life. Its goal is to create a tangible connection between Earth and the ISS, inspiring and encouraging people to engage with STEAM, electronics, coding, and computer science.
Notably, the project's creator, Clayton C. Anderson, also known as The Ordinary Spaceman, has authored a book titled "3D Printing for Model Engineers". Anderson, who served as a NASA astronaut and spent over 151 days aboard the ISS, continues to be associated with the project.
For more information about the ISS Mimic, including coding, files, and opportunities for involvement, visitors can visit the project's home page and GitHub site. The Innovation Labs website also offers more information about the ISS and model-building.
- The ISS Mimic, a collaboration between community members and innovation lab specialists, is on display at the Clear Lake City-County Freeman Branch Library, showcasing space-and-astronomy, STEAM, electronics, and computer science education.
- Clayton C. Anderson, the project's creator and author of "3D Printing for Model Engineers", encourages exploration of related projects through programs like ARISS, NASA and ISS National Lab educational programs, local amateur radio clubs, STEM education organizations, or community science and maker space groups for space technology.
- The ISS Mimic project, initiated in 2019, is part of an ongoing effort in promoting printing technology within education-and-self-development, using telemetry data to simulate the movements and activities of the International Space Station, creating an accessible connection to space exploration.
