Скачать или смотреть NASA Challenge Entry by Tommy Mueller

Here’s my entry for the NASA Challenge: Human-Rated Spacecraft 3D Printing Process Animation and that challenge can be found here: https://grabcad.com/challenges/nasa-c...

Final Update!

The animation is complete and uploaded here on YouTube and on GrabCAD. Had an amazing time bringing my SolidWorks CAD concept into the Unreal Engine using Unreal Studio, and the cool opportunity to conceptualize a solution for the Orion craft production.

My solution is to have two robot arms work in tandem using a rotating table, and the parts are lowered and raised into production rooms using a lift system. If it matters, the elevator action is to promote vertical building construction instead of sprawling out horizontally in the environment; could go either way though. The concept came to me using an instance from when I worked as a TIG welder using machine controlled turntables to weld cryogenic hoses and fittings. My thought was the Orion craft is just a really big pressurized fitting needing similar automation to make production life easier.

About the animation:
The animation was produced using the Unreal Engine and using the Sequencer where I layered in several hundred keyframe animations of the SolidWorks CAD parts and other components. I used materials, instanced materials, and material collection parameters to control the animation of the print, machining, and thermal layer effects, and I used particle effects to include in each of these processes for extra effect. I have 5 live-action cameras placed in the scene which feed to the control room monitors, thermal scan monitor, blinking process signage, NASA logos, NASA patchwork, and even crudely launched a rocket into space.

Oh, it’s not without flaws, the lights flicker here and there, and the reveal is a little out of sync, but only during recording, not in-editor or gameplay. Yup, those particle effects are for show and I had fun with them. Realistic no, entertaining yes! I had to put a balance on time, accuracy, enjoyment, and aesthetics for this project.

Overall I’m happy with the outcome and I hope you are too.
Good luck to everybody, and thanks for reading and watching!