EXPjawa
Well-Known Member
This thread is regarding a new project I've started, one of my own design. This is something of an evolution from my previous Lepus design, sort of that with a long extension to the fore section and 6 large fins rather than 5 little ones. Oh, and 18mm instead 13. I've named it Noctua, after the owl constellation visible in the fall. I started the design last fall, but with one thing and another am only building it now, so I've had plenty of time to sort out the details, including design a facecard and backstory. The story, related to Lepus's, goes something like this:
I've also already had custom decals made up for it by Gord (which include Red Stars, solar panels for the wings, a little owl avatar, etc), so I'm all set to finish it properly when I get that far. I'd call this a skill level-2 design, since most of it is straight forward, but it adds a paper cone boat tail and the alignment of 2 fins. I plan to build two "kits", the prototype, then a copy for my nephew to build. I'll post the initial photos later when I get home from work. Ive started building the prototype and taking numerous photos - more than normal, because I'll need them for writing assembly instructions for my nephew.
In the meantime, this is what I've got so far:
[FONT=&] In the late 21st century, breakthroughs in spacecraft propulsion allowed mankind to push out into a number of star systems containing suitable exoplanets for colonization. Many of these systems allied under the Red Star of the Solar Federation, promoting equality for all sentient beings and emphasizing technical advancement. Many of the craft developed to support further exploration were part of the so-called "Constellation Series' of designs, derived from Solar Federation Constellation Specification Manual (SFCSM). [/FONT]
A deep space probe named for the owl constellation, Noctua uses a naturally curious fully automated AI, is programmed for seeking both intelligent life and potentially colonizable exoplanets. Dispatched in droves by the Solar Federation in the direction of every major system in the galactic disc, Noctua continuously report their findings to vast sensor receivers back at Syrinx Control Center. Propelled by multi-solar arrays feeding a Compact Space Compressor motivator, Noctua has a near infinite operational lifespan, allowing continuous research in deep space with little need for maintenance.
A deep space probe named for the owl constellation, Noctua uses a naturally curious fully automated AI, is programmed for seeking both intelligent life and potentially colonizable exoplanets. Dispatched in droves by the Solar Federation in the direction of every major system in the galactic disc, Noctua continuously report their findings to vast sensor receivers back at Syrinx Control Center. Propelled by multi-solar arrays feeding a Compact Space Compressor motivator, Noctua has a near infinite operational lifespan, allowing continuous research in deep space with little need for maintenance.
I've also already had custom decals made up for it by Gord (which include Red Stars, solar panels for the wings, a little owl avatar, etc), so I'm all set to finish it properly when I get that far. I'd call this a skill level-2 design, since most of it is straight forward, but it adds a paper cone boat tail and the alignment of 2 fins. I plan to build two "kits", the prototype, then a copy for my nephew to build. I'll post the initial photos later when I get home from work. Ive started building the prototype and taking numerous photos - more than normal, because I'll need them for writing assembly instructions for my nephew.
In the meantime, this is what I've got so far: