Skip to content

Luna-Inspired Model Rocket

Advertising
Advertising
?
Creation quality: 5.0/5 (1 vote)
Evaluation of members on the printability, utility, level of detail, etc.

  • 2.8k views
  • 4 likes
  • 3 downloads

License
3D design format
STL Folder details Close
  • Luna Rocket - Body 3-fin Angled.stl
  • Luna Rocket - Body 3-fin.stl
  • Luna Rocket - Body 4-fin.stl
  • Luna Rocket - Elongated Body 3 Equal Fin Slots.stl
  • Luna Rocket - Elongated Body 3-fin Angled.stl
  • Luna Rocket - Elongated Body 3-fin.stl
  • Luna Rocket - Elongated Body 4-fin.stl
  • Luna Rocket - Elongated Body No Fin Slots.stl
  • Luna Rocket - Elongated Engine Retainer Cap.stl
  • Luna Rocket - Elongated Fin Caps.stl
  • Luna Rocket - Elongated Fin Templates and Kickstand.stl
  • Luna Rocket - Short Nose Cone 1-piece.stl
  • Luna Rocket - Short Nose Cone 2-piece.stl
  • Luna Rocket Elongated Nose Cone 1-piece.stl
  • Luna Rocket Elongated Nose Cone 2-piece.stl

Learn more about the formats

Publication date 2021-05-29 at 00:00
Design number 438836

3D printer file info

3D model description

I created this rocket design inspired by the Luna rocket from the 1950 film, Destination Moon - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destination_Moon_(film).

This model went through a number of prototypes and testing (test prints, swing tests, test flights, etc...) and is quite fine tuned. Engine retainer cap is hidden in boat tail to maintain a clean / elegant retro rocket look. Models launches w/ 13mm Mini Estes Engines. See launch video here (elongated model w/ 3 fins at 90 degrees): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQBZ35dbxbo

There are a number of variants included -- both elongated version (looks more like rocket on the promotional poster for the movie) as well as a shorter version that looks like many other depictions of the rocket (this model is "semi-scale" and my parts / dimensions were measured from these pictures).

The original design included two fins/wings and a smaller tail fin + "kickstand". The side fins/wings were perpendicular to the tail fin. The STL files include a slotted body for this version. In addition, I also include another version slotted for similar 2 wing + tail-fin + kickstand version but with side fins/wings angled downward by 15 degrees to increase stability. Finally, I included a version with 4 larger slots to make a symmetrical model.

For the elongated model, I also added a symmetrical 3-fin slotted model (for making other retro rockets) as well as an unslotted body for those that prefer to add their own fin-mounting slots or want surface mounted fins. Slots are for 2mm fins but let me know if you need a different size.

3D printing settings

I printed w/ .4mm nozzle and .2mm layer height. If you will launch this model be sure to use ABS or another heat resistant filament (I did ABS and it does great).

Engine mount is integrated into the body and no supports are required for printing any of the parts (I have a heated bed and print with a brim since these body tubes are tall and have relatively little contact with build plate). Shorter versions require nose weight to be stable (I originally used 10g but that was overkill and 5-7g should be sufficient). Elongated version may need 2-3 grams in nose depending on how much you sand the body, your other finishing, weight of fins, weight of parachute, etc... (my initial launch with no nose weight was very stable). I recommend a swing test.

I have included the option of printing nose cones in either a single piece or two pieces. The single piece has a small bevel between shoulder and top lip to avoid the need for supports. This can fit tightly in body tube with very little sanding to create a small bevel into top of body tube.

You will need to cut a couple of small supports off of the locking tab on the engine retainer cap and sand this a bit -- I added these manual supports so it can be printed without supports.

Please let me know if you encounter any issues and I can modify / update designs.

Advertising


Issue with this design? Report a problem.

Would you like to support Cults?

You like Cults and you want to help us continue the adventure independently? Please note that we are a small team of 3 people, therefore it is very simple to support us to maintain the activity and create future developments. Here are 4 solutions accessible to all:

  • ADVERTISING: Disable your banner blocker (AdBlock, …) and click on our banner ads.

  • AFFILIATION: Make your purchases online by clicking on our affiliate links here Amazon.

  • DONATE: If you want, you can make a donation via Ko-Fi πŸ’œ.

  • WORD OF MOUTH: Invite your friends to come, discover the platform and the magnificent 3D files shared by the community!


Sharing and downloading on Cults3D guarantees that designs remain in makers community hands! And not in the hands of the 3D printing or software giants who own the competing platforms and exploit the designs for their own commercial interests.

Cults3D is an independent, self-financed site that is not accountable to any investor or brand. Almost all of the site's revenues are paid back to the platform's makers. The content published on the site serves only the interests of its authors and not those of 3D printer brands who also wish to control the 3D modeling market.

100% secure payment by credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.
View all payment options.