DRACO-MJ

Name: DRACO-MJ
SKU: 480
Availability: InStock

£50.00

Difficulty

Product type

What is this?

This is a 3D printed 1:20 scale model designed loosely based on the recently introduced reusable spacecraft developed and manufactured by an American aerospace manufacturer, primarily for flights to the International Space Station. The DRACO-MJ is a bigger version of the DRACO-MS model (1:27 scale). It also has plenty of new features that aren’t available on the smaller version.
We currently don’t offer sales of the physical 3D printed models of this item, the cost on our website is for STL files only!

Inspired by past, current, and future Space exploration missions, we designed this model with a goal of using it to inspire young children to study more about space, science, and other STEM subjects.

Please note: Morethan3D Ltd does NOT have any business relationship or association with Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (referred to as SpaceX). Although our space models may reassemble SpaceX’s hardware designs, our models are designed with visual cues from publicly available material from the internet (e.g. photos, videos), combined with our own imagination and tweaks. Therefore, Morethan3D models are not accurate replicas of SpaceX’s products. Our models are not affiliated, associated, authorised, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with SpaceX.

Categories:Spacecraft and Rockets, Spaceships

Printing & Assembly Instructions

If you want to print this model yourself, your printer need a minimum build volume of 210x210x200mm

In-depth guide on how to print and assemble this model: “How to Print & Assemble The DRACO-MJ”.

Technical Specifications

Scale: 1:20
Overall dimensions:

Trunk Diameter (without fins): 195mm
Height (top of Nose Cone to bottom of the Trunk): 405mm

How was this model designed?

This model was designed using publicly available material from the internet including CAD models, videos and pictures. See list below for more details:

Pressurised Crew Section
The pressurised crew section was designed based on the existing Draco Pod model by Prot0typ1cal (see LINK). He has done a fantastic job modelling the outer body of the spacecraft so I used his model (with his permission) as reference and added my personal touches. I re-designed almost every part of the original model so they can be fitted together without having to use super glue. Instead, most parts are held together either by magnets or just friction between them. This has allowed my model to be fully stripped down and rebuilt as many time as required. Only a very small number of parts are glued together (e.g. the Monitor and Monitor Stand). I would like to thank Daniel Thompson for the new design of the Heat Shield on this model.

Astronauts
I came across the Astronant model, designed by Gil P. de Paulo on GrabCAD (see LINK) and I think it would be a really nice touch to print this model at the right scale and put it next to the spacecraft model. This would definitely help people understand the true scale of the real spacecraft in reality (as many of us don’t have the luxury to see it with our own naked eyes). Credits also go to Trevor Page from Tesla Owners Online for modifying the original standing astronaut design to seated astronaut for this MJ model. If you would like to subscribe to his YouTube channel, please click on this LINK

Interior
I wanted to add some interior to this model as well, rather than just the outer body, therefore, I decided to give it a go. The interior of the model comprises of a ‘giant’ monitor, which is fixed to the ‘floor’ via a stand. On the real spacecraft, the monitor is actually mounted to the ceiling. However, as I wanted to show this feature once the outer body panel is removed, I decided to fix it to the ‘floor’ instead of the ceiling.
There are 4 seats in total in this model, each seat can be adjusted separately (incline/recline and spin around the x-axis) as I tried to replicate their movement as per the real ones (e.g. the seats are lowered and facing the entry hatch when the spacecraft is on the ground to help astronauts get in/out with ease. Before lift-off, these seats are tilted backward and also raised upwards closer to the monitor).
I would like to give my special thanks to Steve Cox for designing these new seats for the MJ model – they look so much better and more accurate than those on the MS model

Unpressurised Cargo Section (aka. Trunk)
I designed the Trunk (unpressurised cargo section) from scratch based on the photos/videos of the spacecraft available. I tried to replicate the exterior of the Trunk as much as I can, including the number of radiators, solar panels and their locations around the Trunk. I also added my personal touch by designing a secret compartment hidden inside the Trunk. From the outside, the Trunk looks like it was printed as a solid block – however, if you spin the bottom of the Trunk slightly to disengage its simple locking mechanism, the bottom part of the Trunk will slide out very smoothly, revealing its secret compartment – where you can keep some of your precious treasure inside. The other way to open the Trunk is to use the magnets on the bottom of the Heat Shield of the Pressurised Crew Section (for more detail – see assembly instructions below)

What are the differences between the DRACO-MS and this DRACO-MJ Version?

The DRACO-MJ is a 1:20 scale model, which is significantly larger than the 1:27 scale DRACO-MS model. Also, the DRACO-MJ model has plenty of new features compared to the previous DRACO-MS model.

The Body of the pressurised module is more accurate to the real vehicle
A new Heat Shield design with a pattern on the bottom representing the tiles on the real vehicle. Also, magnet holes are hidden on this new design
A removable interior lighting unit for the cabin. This is an optional upgrade that you’ll need to purchase separately.
New Soft Capture System design, which allows you to extend and lock in place by turning
New seat design which is more accurate to the real vehicle
New screen design with more details
Better trunk design. The ‘Claw’ can now be attached to the trunk with magnets
4 seated astronauts
Due to its large size, the DRACO-MJ model doesn’t come with a horizonal stand like the DRACO-MS model.

Frequent questions

Does the model come fully assembled or as a kit?

The model comes as a pre-assembled kit, all magnets are pre-fitted so it’s really easy to assemble.
Does the model come in a cardboard box?

Yes, the model is well packed. It comes in a box filled with foam and bubble wrap.
Does the model come with the stickers?

No, this is optional. If you want to add the stickers, you can purchase them separately.
Does the model come with LED light for the Interior?

No, this is optional. If you want to add the Interior Lighting Upgrade, you can purchase it separately.
Are the astronauts included in the model?

Yes, the DRACO-MJ model comes with 4 seated astronauts. You can purchase additional astronauts (either standing or seated) separately. Please note that all astronauts are printed in white and you need to paint them yourself.