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Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) Card Modeling

1:16 card scale model of the an MMS spacecraft and 1:96 card scale model of the payload fairing with a stack of 4 MMS spacecraft inside. Card modeling is a creative and very inexpensive form of scale modeling that makes use of paper or card stock rather than plastic or metal. With patience and experience, a practiced card modeler can make extraordinary models out of paper that are amazingly accurate.

Here you will find all of the files needed to successfully construct a 1:16 scale card models of the 4 Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) Spacecraft and a 1:96 scale model of the ATLAS V 421 launch vehicle. We have also included an optional 1:96 scale model of the payload fairing that reveals the 4 MMS spacecraft safely stacked inside.

Downloadables:
1:16 card scale model of an MMS spacecraft with exposed instrument deck. MMS Spacecraft 1:16 Scale
+ Parts Download | PDF | 7.1MB | 42 Pages
+ Manual Download | PDF | 16.8MB | 92 Pages
+ Transport Instructions Download | PDF | 155KB | 2 Pages
1:96 card scale model of the ATLAS V 421 MMS Launch Vehicle. ATLAS V 421 Launch Vehicle 1:96 Scale
+ Parts Download | PDF | 2.8MB | 8 Pages
+ Manual 1 Download | PDF | 5.6MB | 22 Pages
+ Manual 2 Download | PDF | 2.9MB | 16 Pages
+ Manual 3 Download | PDF | 2.1MB | 15 Pages

(Optional) ATLAS V 421 Open Payload Fairing with Visible Stack 1:96 Scale
+ Parts Download | PDF | 1.4MB | 2 Pages
+ Manual Download | PDF | 1.3MB | 11 Pages

Note About the ATLAS V Launch System:
The Atlas V Launch System is a family of vehicles in 2 versions, the 400 and 500 series. They all share the Common Core Booster (CCB), up to 5 strap-on Solid Rocket boosters (SRB), a Centaur stage and one of several Payload fairings (PLF). A three digit naming convention was developed for the Atlas V 400 and 500 series to identify its multiple configuration possibilities:
  • 1st digit= PLF diameter (4 or 5)
  • 2nd digit= No. of SRBs (0-5)
  • 3rd digit= No. of Centaur Engines (1 or 2)

Things to Know Before Assembling Your Card Models:
These models are meant for more experienced paper model builders who have some basic knowledge and techniques for card modeling. (The manuals do not cover basic techniques.) Although they may look very complicated, assembly is straightforward. Each manual is based on photos that will show all the important steps to assemble the models. Above all, be patient and enjoy!

Printing Out the Card Model:

  • You will need the updated version of your Adobe Reader in order to view the file on your computer.
  • You will need a printer and cardstock to print out the whole pdf file.
  • Select “NO SCALING” in the printer preferences.
  • For the whole 1:16 scale model, use 110lbs cardstock. Only for the small parts such as the MMS instruments, you can use a thinner 90lb cardstock.
  • The images for the MMS model used in this manual are based on a prototype, thus you will notice minor differences in the details when compared to the final model that you create.
Suggested materials:

  • X-Acto knife (to cut small parts)
  • Cutting Mat
  • Tweezer
  • Metallic ruler
  • Scissors
  • Cardstock 110lbs
  • Cardstock 90lbs (for Instruments parts)
  • Photo paper or Glossy cardstock (for top skin, bottom skin and solar panels)
  • Elmer's glue
  • Elmer's glue stick (when indicated)
  • Magnifying glass (if needed)
Important Things to Consider:

  • Use the X-Acto knife to cut all the small pieces. Be very careful when using the craft knife.
  • Score every part of the model that needs to be folded by using a metallic ruler and a dull knife blade. You can also make use of an old pen that has no ink as a scoring tool. Scoring all the parts is important in order to have a great looking model.
  • You should know how to roll or curve the paper to make a cylinder or a tube.
  • Do not use excess glue on small parts. Use a toothpick to paste the glue on the smaller parts such as putting glue on the corners of a cubical part.
  • Make use of a tweezer to press on smaller areas when gluing.
  • Let the parts dry out before moving to the next step.
Card Modeling Tips and Techniques: http://www.cardfaq.org/faq/

About AXM Paper Space Scale Models:
Card Model Designer, Dr. Alfonso X MorenoThe AXM Paper Space Scale Models is a project dedicated to the art of building scale paper models of real spacecrafts. The owner/designer Dr Alfonso X Moreno is a physician from Florida working in Research, but has a passion and talent in building paper models in the Space category. Dr Moreno has a vast number of accurately designed paper models representing the main Space Programs from the Space Shuttle, the International Space Station, the Commercial space vehicles and many more. AXM Paper Models website has joined ventures in designing models for Science and Space institutions such as the Australian CSIRO kids magazine, the Ecuadorian Space Agency EXA, NASA's Glenn Research Center (SCaN Testbed Model) and Goddard Space Flight Center. His website has been online since 2006 and as long as the Space Program is alive, his space paper models will be a valuable contribution to the Card Modeling community.

Find additional downloadable ATLAS V (400 and 500 series) launch vehicles at: www.axmpaperspacescalemodels.com

Additional MMS Spacecraft Models:
MMS Model Made from Lego© Bricks:
Enjoy this model of the MMS spacecraft built entirely out of LEGO© bricks! Learn how to build your own MMS model or how to view a free ‘3-D’ version.
>> Lego© Model

MMS Bookmark Paper Model Activity:
Enjoy this creative ‘Bookmark/Activity’ that combines an MMS bookmark with a scale model. It makes the perfect visual aid when exploring giving talks about of the MMS mission while highlighting important connections to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
>> Paper Model