Solar System Exploration: Kids: Paper Models

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Paper Models

Build Your Own Space Exploration Fleet

Right now, a bunch of super tough robots are out there exploring our solar system. You can build paper versions of many of them right here on Earth.

Paper modeling -- or card modeling -- is the art of constructing things with only colored, cut and folded pieces of paper. To help in constructing each model, you will need the free Adobe Reader to print the instructions and model parts. A link to adobe.com is provided with each model.

Remember: Spacecraft construction is a team activity. Get some friends and an adult to pitch in on the mission. Now pick a ship (by clicking its image below) to start your space fleet (or click on the spacecraft name to find out what the mission is all about):

For more models of your favorite NASA spacecraft visit the NASA Science Mission Directorate Models Page.


	Balloon-Powered Nanorover



	This Model Is Rated: Easy 636 KB PDF, 9 pages Requires Adobe Reader It will print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper These tiny rovers could someday explore the nooks and crannies of our solar system.


	Cassini - Simple Paper Model



	This Model Is Rated: Easy 64 KB PDF, 3 pages Requires Adobe Reader It will print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper Cassini explores Saturn and its intriguing rings and moons.


	Gingerbread Cassini



	This Model Is Rated: Easy 112 KB PDF, 2 pages Requires Adobe Reader It will print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper Learn about spacecraft parts and then eat them. Education never tasted so good.


	Cassini - Advanced Paper Model



	This Model Is Rated: Challenging Instructions: 76 KB PDF, 6 pages Model Parts: 168 KB PDF, 14 pages Requires Adobe Reader It will print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper Cassini explores Saturn and its intriguing rings and moons.


	CONTOUR



	This Model Is Rated: Easy Instructions: 146 KB PDF, 1 page Model Parts: 271 KB PDF, 2 pages Requires Adobe Reader It will print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper This comet explorer was lost in space. But the model is still very cool.


	Galileo



	This Model Is Rated: Challenging Instructions: 1 MB PDF, 25 pages Model Parts: 52.3 KB PDF, 6 pages Requires Adobe Reader It will print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper Galileo was the first spacecraft to orbit Jupiter.


	Genesis



	This Model Is Rated: Moderately Challenging Instructions: 40 KB PDF, 1 page Model Parts: 56 KB PDF, 6 pages Requires Adobe Reader It will print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper Genesis caught solar wind samples for return to Earth.


	Lunar Prospector



	This Model Is Rated: Easy Instructions: Web Link Model Parts: 78 KB JPG It will print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper This orbiter made a detailed map of Earth's Moon.


	Mars 2001 Odyssey - Black & White



	This Model Is Rated: Easy 52 KB PDF, 1 page Requires Adobe Reader It will print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper This hardworking orbiter is still uncovering the secrets of the Red Planet with powerful cameras and sensors.


	Mars 2001 Odyssey - Color



	This Model Is Rated: Easy 53 KB PDF, 1 page Requires Adobe Reader It will print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper This hardworking orbiter is still uncovering the secrets of the Red Planet with powerful cameras and sensors.


	Mars Express



	This Model Is Rated: Moderately Challenging 2.9 MB PDF, 15 pages Requires Adobe Reader It will print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper Mars Express is Europe's first mission to explore another planet.


	NEAR



	This Model Is Rated: Easy 43 KB PDF, 3 pages Requires Adobe Reader It will print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper NASA's Near-Earth Asteroid Rendezvous mission was the first spacecraft to land on an asteroid.


	Pioneer 10



	This Model Is Rated: Challenging Instructions: 1.09 MB PDF, 9 pages Parts: 1.19 MB PDF, 6 pages Requires Adobe Reader It will print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper Pioneer 10 was first through the asteroid belt and first to Jupiter.


	SOHO



	This Model Is Rated: Easy 1.7 MB PDF, 6 pages Requires Adobe Reader It will print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory keeps a constant watch on our Sun.


	Stardust



	This Model Is Rated: Challenging Instructions: 502 KB PDF, 10 pages Parts: 32.5 KB PDF, 3 pages Requires Adobe Reader It will print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper NASA's comet chasing Stardust collected samples from Comet Wild 2 and returned them to Earth.

NASA Official: Kristen Erickson

Outreach Manager: Alice Wessen