Spotlights
March 12, 2021
NASA Space Shuttle Discovery 3D scanned using RealityScan
NASA is known for offering its fans different mobile apps, enabling people to discover spacecraft through AR, NASA selfies, and other 3D deep space exploration. In keeping with this approach, the Smithsonian Institution recently 3D scanned the Orbiter Space Shuttle OV-103 Discovery, and has made the resulting 3D model available to the public for exploration and download.
The Smithsonian Institution Digitization Program Office scanned the Space Shuttle Discovery in high resolution using tens of thousands of 50-megapixel images and hundreds of laser scans.
12,000 images imported into our photogrammetry #3D model of the Space Shuttle Discovery. Exterior capture wrapping this week @airandspace
— Smithsonian 3D (@3D_Digi_SI) May 4, 2017
Vincent Rossi, Smithsonian, Branch Manager at the Smithsonian 3D Digitization Office, explains the process: “We used a Surphaser laser scanner, Z+F laser scanner, and Canon 5DsR with mounted ring-flashes for photogrammetry capture all processed in RealityScan software. Both the laser scans and the photogrammetry were processed into the final model. As you can see from some of the pics and videos, we did some shots from the ground (for the heat shield and lower sides of shuttle), but a lot of the imagery and scans were captured from big cherry pickers.”
For such a large 3D model, laser scans helped to get every detail possible, so viewers can even check the serial numbers or look up into the wheel well. Through the Smithsonian Discovery model page you can download a variety of 3D model file types for various purposes, such as 3D printing. Also, Open Access models, the Smithsonian's collection of more than 2000 models, is completely free and uncopyrighted.
Click, drag, and scroll on the image below to explore the model on the Smithsonian Discovery model page.
How the Smithsonian uses RealityScan
The Smithsonian Institution Digitization Program Office scanned the Space Shuttle Discovery in high resolution using tens of thousands of 50-megapixel images and hundreds of laser scans.
12,000 images imported into our photogrammetry #3D model of the Space Shuttle Discovery. Exterior capture wrapping this week @airandspace
— Smithsonian 3D (@3D_Digi_SI) May 4, 2017
Vincent Rossi, Smithsonian, Branch Manager at the Smithsonian 3D Digitization Office, explains the process: “We used a Surphaser laser scanner, Z+F laser scanner, and Canon 5DsR with mounted ring-flashes for photogrammetry capture all processed in RealityScan software. Both the laser scans and the photogrammetry were processed into the final model. As you can see from some of the pics and videos, we did some shots from the ground (for the heat shield and lower sides of shuttle), but a lot of the imagery and scans were captured from big cherry pickers.”
For such a large 3D model, laser scans helped to get every detail possible, so viewers can even check the serial numbers or look up into the wheel well. Through the Smithsonian Discovery model page you can download a variety of 3D model file types for various purposes, such as 3D printing. Also, Open Access models, the Smithsonian's collection of more than 2000 models, is completely free and uncopyrighted.
Explore the model
Click, drag, and scroll on the image below to explore the model on the Smithsonian Discovery model page.
Discovery was the third Space Shuttle orbiter to fly in space. From 1984 to 2012, Discovery flew 39 Earth-orbital missions, spent a total of 365 days in space, and traveled almost 240 million km (150 million mi)—more than the other orbiters. NASA transferred Discovery to the Smithsonian in April 2012 after a delivery flight over the nation's capital.
This project was generously supported by Meredith Siegfried Madden and Dr. Peter Madden who wanted to help make sure the public would see and be able to access this open data initiative. The project received a lot of press, including a feature in Forbes Magazine.
Check out the Orbiter Space Shuttle OV-103 Discovery by The Smithsonian Institution on Sketchfab.
Check out the Orbiter Space Shuttle OV-103 Discovery by The Smithsonian Institution on Sketchfab.
Note: At the time this blog post was written, RealityScan was branded as RealityCapture.
Download RealityScan
RealityScan is free to use for students, educators, and individuals and companies with an annual gross revenue below $1 million USD.Above the $1M threshold? Visit our licensing page to find out about your purchasing options.
Download the launcher
Before you can install and run RealityScan, you’ll need to download and install the Epic Games launcher.
Install Epic Games Launcher
Once downloaded and installed, open the launcher and create or log in to your Epic Games account.
Having trouble? Get support, or restart your Epic Games launcher download in Step 1.
Install RealityScan
Once logged in, navigate to the RealityScan tab in the Unreal Engine section and click the install button to download the most recent version.