International Space Station:a LEGO project powered by Gemini

As a lifelong space enthusiast, I was ecstatic when my five-year-old son, Leo, chose a space exploration theme for his “Start with Art” school project. He graciously granted me the role of assistant to the Chief Engineer (him!), and together we embarked on a remarkable journey to build a Lego model of the International Space Station (ISS). ️ Together, we LEGOed our way to a mini International Space Station, fueled by our shared passion for the cosmos and a secret weapon: Google’s Gemini (because you just can’t over-engineer a school project).

Gemini became our co-pilot, guiding us through scope reduction (remember, limited bricks and a five-year-old!), design feedback (from pictures of the intermediate assembly, thanks to its multimodality!), and module assembly know-how.

The following is a summary of our journey, approved by the Chief Engineer himself.

The International Space Station (ISS) is like a big space clubhouse where astronauts from different countries go to live and do cool experiments in space. It’s like a big floating house that goes around the Earth in the sky. It’s so fast that it takes 90 minutes to go all the way around the Earth!

Imagine it has two parts: one from Russia and one from the United States, and they’re connected like Lego blocks. Astronauts inside do science experiments and learn about space. They even have to float because there’s no gravity like on Earth! It’s like a giant space playground where they work and play together. And the ISS has been up there for a long time, but one day it will come back down to Earth.

Acknowledgements

Before we begin, I want to express my gratitude to the European Space Agency (ESA) for their response to my outreach, aiming to secure recognition for Leo’s dedication and creativity. They indeed reached out and brought immense joy to a young Earthling — as you will see below:

Feedback received from the European Space Agency (ESA), 11 February 2024

Very impressive — Please pass our regards to the Chief Engineer Leo.
Good luck in the competition!

High Level Design

Core Modules

• Zvezda Service Module: Begin with the Zvezda Service Module, the core living quarters, which provides life support, communications, and living space. Use cylindrical Lego pieces to mimic its shape.
• Unity Module: Add the Unity connecting module, using a shorter cylindrical piece that can serve as a hub for attaching other modules.

Principal Laboratory Modules

• Destiny Laboratory Module: Use rectangular blocks to build the Destiny Laboratory, where scientific research is conducted. This can be connected to Unity.
• Columbus Laboratory Module: Similar to Destiny, Columbus is a research module provided by the European Space Agency. Use similar blocks but maybe in a different color to distinguish it.
• Kibo Laboratory Module: Add the Japanese Kibo laboratory module with its distinctive exposed facility (a platform for experiments in space). Include a small crane or robotic arm made from flexible Lego pieces.

Solar Panels and Radiators

• Solar Arrays: The ISS’s most distinctive features are its large solar arrays. Use flat, long pieces to create the panels. Attach these to the modules using hinge pieces so they can be adjusted.
• Radiators: Don’t forget to add the radiators that dissipate heat. These can be made with thin, flat pieces and attached near the solar panels.

Docking Stations and Transport Vehicles

• Soyuz and SpaceX Dragon Capsules: Create small models of spacecraft that dock with the ISS for crew and cargo transport. You can use small, compact pieces for these.
• Canadarm2: Add the robotic arm (Canadarm2), which is crucial for cargo handling and station maintenance. Flexible or hinge pieces can simulate its mobility.

Final Touches

• Add Details: Use small, unique pieces to add details like antennas, experiment packages, and other external features.
• Customization: Encourage creativity by adding hypothetical modules or future expansions, like space agriculture modules or additional living quarters.

Zvezda Service Module

Country: Russia

Zvezda is like the heart and home of the space station where astronauts live and make sure everything works well in space. It has special machines to make air for breathing, takes care of waste water, and even has a place for astronauts to sleep and exercise. It’s very important for keeping the astronauts safe and comfy while they’re far away from Earth, living among the stars (more on Wikipedia).

Materials Needed

• A selection of cylindrical Lego pieces for the main body.
• Assorted flat pieces for solar panels.
• Small, round pieces to represent docking ports.
• Miscellaneous pieces for antennas and other external details

Building Steps

Main Body: Start with the Core: Use cylindrical or rectangular pieces to create the main body of the Zvezda Service Module.

1. If you’re using rectangular pieces, arrange them in a circular pattern to mimic a cylindrical shape.
2. The module should be longer than it is wide, reflecting its elongated design;

Color Scheme: If possible, use white or light gray pieces to reflect the module’s appearance.

1. Solar Panels. Solar Arrays: Attach small, flat pieces on either side of the main body to represent the Zvezda’s solar panels.
2. Use hinge pieces if available, so you can angle the solar panels outward.
3. Blue or light gray pieces can simulate the solar panels.

Support Structures: Use thin, long pieces to create the structure that holds the solar panels, attaching them to the sides of the main body.

Docking Ports. Adding Ports: Place small, round pieces on the ends of the module to represent the docking ports.

1. These are where other modules and spacecraft attach to the Zvezda. You can use any small pieces that fit the aesthetic, even if they’re not perfectly round.

External Details. Antennas and Sensors:

1. Add small, thin pieces to the exterior to mimic antennas and sensors. These can be placed along the main body and at the ends, near the docking ports.

Implementation

Unity Module

Country: United States of America

Unity (a.k.a. Node 1) is like a big room in space that helps connect all parts of the space house (International Space Station) together. It’s where astronauts from different countries come together, share meals, and connect different rooms and supplies to each other. Unity is very special because it was the first piece made by the United States to help build the space house, making it easier for astronauts to live and work in space. (more on Wikipedia)

Materials Needed

• Lego bricks of various sizes, focusing on cylindrical or rectangular pieces for the module’s body.
• Flat pieces for the module’s ends, representing the docking ports.
• Small round or square pieces to simulate the multiple docking ports on the sides.
• Optional: hinge pieces or connectors to attach other modules.

Building Steps

Construct the Core Structure:

1. Module Body: Use rectangular pieces to form a cylinder-like shape, similar to Zvezda but shorter. If you have cylindrical pieces that are appropriate, those would be ideal. The Unity Module is like a hub, so it should be stout and capable of having multiple modules attached.

Add Docking Ports:

1. End Caps: Place flat pieces on each end of the cylinder. These represent the main docking ports. You can use round pieces if available to highlight these areas.
2. Side Ports: On the sides of the module, attach small round or square pieces to simulate the Unity Module’s multiple docking ports. These are crucial for connecting to other modules like Destiny, Harmony, or the Z1 Truss.

Detailing:

1. External Features: Add small pieces to the exterior to mimic antennas, external storage, and other details. This doesn’t have to be precise but should give the sense of functionality and complexity.
2. Connectivity: If you plan to attach Unity to Zvezda or other modules, consider using hinge pieces or special connectors that allow for rotation and flexibility. This will enable your ISS model to expand and reconfigure just like the real station.

Implementation

Destiny Laboratory Module

Country: United States of America

Destiny is like a big science lab in space where astronauts do all kinds of experiments to learn more about space and Earth. It has special equipment and tools for experiments in things like medicine, physics, and Earth science. It’s a place where astronauts can study and work to find out new things that can help people on Earth (more on Wikipedia).

Materials Needed

• Lego bricks of various sizes, with a focus on rectangular pieces for the main body of the module.
• Transparent pieces to represent windows or observation ports.
• Small, detailed pieces for equipment and experimental setups inside the module or on its exterior.
• Flat pieces for solar panels or external features.

Building Steps

Main Body Construction

1. Module Shape: Use long rectangular pieces to create the main body of the Destiny Laboratory. Destiny is cylindrical like many other ISS modules, but for a simplified Lego model, a rectangular build can work well, too. Aim for a length that matches or slightly exceeds the Zvezda Service Module to reflect its substantial size.
2. Windows and Observation Ports: Integrate transparent Lego pieces along the sides to represent the windows or observation ports that scientists use to observe experiments or look out into space.

External Features

1. Attachments: Add studs or small pieces on the exterior to indicate points where external experiments or equipment could be attached. Destiny has several such points for external payloads.
2. Solar Panels: While Destiny itself does not have solar panels, it’s connected to parts of the ISS that do. You might add small flat pieces to the sides of your model to represent nearby solar panels or other parts of the ISS structure.

Connecting to Other Modules

1. Integration Points: Ensure there are connection points (like smooth studs or hinge pieces) on the ends or sides of your Destiny model. These will allow you to connect Destiny to the Unity Module and other parts of your ISS model, reflecting its central role in station operations and research.

Implementation

Columbus Laboratory Module

Country: European Union

Columbus is like a big science room in space where astronauts do cool experiments to learn about space and our planet. It’s part of the space house where they live, made by a group of countries in Europe. They study things like how water moves in space and how plants grow there. Columbus helps us understand lots of things to make life better on Earth and to plan for future space adventures (more on Wikipedia).

Materials Needed

• Lego bricks of various sizes, focusing on cylindrical or rectangular pieces for the module’s body.
• Flat pieces for the module’s ends, representing the docking ports.
• Small round or square pieces to simulate the multiple docking ports on the sides.
• Optional: hinge pieces or connectors to attach other modules.

Building Steps

Module Body

1. Core Structure: Use rectangular bricks to create a cylinder-like shape. Columbus is a bit more compact and streamlined compared to other modules, so aim for a sleek design. If you have bricks in shades of white or gray, those could be ideal, reflecting the module’s appearance.
2. Observation Windows: If you have transparent Lego pieces, incorporate them into one side of the module to represent the observation windows that are used for Earth observation and experiments requiring visual access to space.

Add External Features

1. Experiment Platforms: Attach small, flat pieces on the exterior to simulate the external payloads and experiment platforms. These can be simple flat pieces sticking out slightly from the body of the module.
2. Antennas and Sensors: Use thin, stick-like pieces or any small, intricate pieces you have to mimic the antennas and sensors that dot the exterior of the Columbus Module.

Connectivity

1. Docking Mechanism: As with the Unity Module, the Columbus Laboratory attaches to the Harmony Node. You can use a similar approach with hinge pieces or connectors to allow it to join the rest of your ISS model. Make sure there’s a side that can easily connect to other modules.

Implementation

Kibo Laboratory Module

Country: Japan

Kibō is like a big space clubhouse from Japan in the space house where astronauts do science experiments. It has a main room where they do experiments inside and a porch outside in space where they can put things to see how they do in space. It also has a special robot arm to help move things around outside and talk to Earth with a special space communication system. It’s a place where astronauts can learn a lot about space and science (more on Wikipedia).

Materials Needed

• A variety of Lego bricks for the main module structure and the exposed facility.
• Transparent pieces to represent observation windows.
• Small, detailed pieces for scientific instruments and the robotic arm.
• Flat pieces for solar panels, if you wish to add these as part of the Kibo’s design.

Building Steps

Module Body

1. Use rectangular and square pieces to create the main body of the Kibo Laboratory. The pressurized module is the largest part of Kibo, where astronauts conduct experiments inside. It should be somewhat larger than the other modules you’ve built, like Unity or Columbus.
2. Windows: Incorporate transparent pieces along one side to represent the observation windows.

Add Exposed Facility

1. Platform: Use flat, wide pieces to construct the exposed facility platform that extends from one side of the pressurized module. This area is used for experiments that require direct exposure to space.
2. Scientific Instruments: Attach small, detailed pieces onto the platform to simulate the various scientific experiments and instruments housed there.

Robotic Arm (JEM Remote Manipulator System)

1. Build the Arm: Use flexible or hinge pieces to create the robotic arm that’s part of Kibo. This arm is used to manipulate experiments and equipment on the exposed facility.
2. Placement: Attach the arm to the module in a way that it can extend towards the exposed facility or retract when not in use.

Implementation

Solar Arrays

Country: United States of America

The electrical system of the International Space Station is like a big power station in space. It uses big solar panels to catch sunlight and turn it into electricity so that the space station can have power to run experiments, keep the lights on, and make sure everything works well while it’s orbiting Earth. When there’s no sunlight, big batteries keep everything running smoothly until the sun comes back. It’s very important for making sure astronauts have everything they need to live and work in space (more on Wikipedia).

Materials Needed

• Long, flat Lego pieces for the solar panels themselves. These are usually available in sets as wings, blades, or large flat panels.
• Hinge pieces or any joint pieces that allow for articulation, to represent the arrays’ ability to rotate and tilt.
• Slim, long pieces for the supporting structure that connects the solar arrays to the rest of the ISS.
• Optional: small, round pieces to simulate the solar cells on the panels, if you want to add details

Building Steps

Construct the Solar Panels

1. Panel Surface: Use the long, flat pieces to create the surface of the solar arrays. Depending on the pieces you have, you can use single large plates or assemble several smaller plates side by side to achieve the desired length.
2. Solar Cells Detail: If you wish to add detail, you can attach small, round pieces or any small, decorative elements on the panels to represent the solar cells. This step is optional and can be skipped for simplicity.

Create the Supporting Structure

1. Main Truss: Use slim, long pieces to construct the truss that holds the solar arrays. This truss should be built with the ability to attach to the ISS modules, particularly to the Unity Module or the main truss segment of the ISS.
2. Rotating Mechanism: Attach hinge pieces to the end of the truss where the solar panels will connect. This allows the panels to rotate, mimicking the real ISS’s ability to adjust the panels’ orientation towards the Sun (not implemented for lack of bricks).

Attach the Solar Arrays to the ISS

1. Connecting to the ISS: Secure the completed truss with the attached solar arrays to your ISS model. Ensure it’s positioned in a way that allows the solar panels to extend outward, similar to the actual station’s configuration.
2. Adjustability: If possible, incorporate elements that allow the solar arrays to tilt and rotate, enabling your model to mimic how the real solar arrays track the Sun for optimal energy absorption.

Implementation

Radiators

Country: United States of America

The External Active Thermal Control System is like a big space cooler for the International Space Station. It uses special loops filled with a cold liquid called ammonia to take away the extra heat from inside the space station and let it out into space. This keeps the space station at the right temperature, so it’s not too hot or too cold for the astronauts living and working there (more on Wikipedia).

Materials Needed

• Long, flat Lego pieces for the solar panels themselves. These are usually available in sets as wings, blades, or large flat panels.
• Hinge pieces or any joint pieces that allow for articulation, to represent the arrays’ ability to rotate and tilt.
• Slim, long pieces for the supporting structure that connects the solar arrays to the rest of the ISS.

Building Steps

Construct the Radiator Panels

1. Panel Surface: Use the flat, wide pieces to mimic the surface area of the radiators. If your Lego collection includes tiles or smooth plates, these can be used to create a more accurate flat surface, reflecting the radiators’ appearance.

Assembly: Depending on the size of your ISS model, you may choose to build single large radiators or several smaller panels that can be positioned together along the station’s truss.

1. Create the Supporting Structure
2. Support Arms: Use the slim, long pieces to make support arms that will hold the radiator panels. These supports should connect the radiators to the station’s main truss or directly to the modules, depending on your model’s design and size.
3. Connection Mechanism: Attach hinge or clip pieces to the ends of the support arms, connecting them to the radiator panels. This setup allows you to adjust the angle of the radiators relative to the station, simulating how the real ISS radiators are positioned to maximize heat dissipation.

Attach the Radiators to the ISS

1. Positioning: Secure the radiator assemblies to your ISS model, placing them in locations that reflect their positions on the actual space station. Typically, radiators are located near the solar arrays but are distinctly separate to avoid shading the solar panels.
2. Adjustability: If your model allows, make the radiators adjustable so you can demonstrate how the station manages heat dissipation. This can include rotating or tilting the radiators

Implementation

Soyuz and SpaceX Dragon Capsules

Country: Russia, United States of America

The Soyuz capsule is like a space taxi that flies astronauts to and from the space house (International Space Station). It’s been used for a long time and is like an old, reliable car.

The SpaceX Dragon capsule is a newer space taxi, made by a company called SpaceX. It can fly by itself or be driven by astronauts to take them to the space house. It’s like a modern, smart car for space trips (more on Soyuz and SpaceX Dragon).

Materials Needed

• Rounded pieces for the Orbital and Re-entry modules.
• Cylindrical or rectangular pieces for the Service Module.
• Small, detailed pieces for solar panels, antennas, and the docking mechanism.
• Optional: Transparent pieces for windows.

Building Steps

Orbital Module

1. Construction: Start with the Orbital Module, which is the uppermost section of the Soyuz. Use rounded pieces to create its spherical shape. If your Lego collection includes a piece that resembles a sphere or half-sphere, it would be ideal here. This module contains the docking mechanism and living space while docked to the ISS.
2. Details: Add a small, flat piece on the top to represent the docking hatch. You can use transparent pieces to simulate windows.

Re-entry Module

1. Shape: The Re-entry Module is located beneath the Orbital Module and has a distinctive bell-like shape, designed for re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere. Create this shape with tapered pieces that form a wider base that narrows down. This module is where astronauts sit during launch and landing.
2. Details: Use small pieces to indicate the hatch and windows. If available, angled pieces can help achieve the aerodynamic shape.

Service Module

1. Construction: The Service Module is at the bottom and provides the spacecraft’s main propulsion and power. Use cylindrical or rectangular pieces to form its body. Attach small, flat pieces on the sides to represent the solar panels, which are crucial for providing power.
2. Details: Add tiny pieces for antennas and the propulsion system at the back end. The propulsion system can be simulated with a small, circular piece or any piece that resembles a nozzle.

Assembly

1. Connect the Modules: Assemble the three sections (Orbital, Re-entry, and Service Modules) in a vertical stack. Ensure they are securely connected but maintain their distinct shapes.
2. Solar Panels: Attach the small, detailed pieces on either side of the Service Module to represent the Soyuz’s solar panels. These are crucial for the model to reflect the spacecraft’s functionality.

Implementation

Canadarm2

Country: Canada

Canadarm2 is like a big, friendly robot arm in space that helps build and fix the International Space Station. It can grab big pieces of the station or even visiting space trucks like the SpaceX Dragon, and move them around. It’s very strong and can stretch out really long, kind of like a superhero arm. Canadarm2 also works with a smaller robot buddy called Dextre to do special tasks and can move all around the space station by itself, almost like it’s playing tag with the space station (more on Wikipedia).

Materials Needed

• Flexible and/or articulated Lego pieces, such as those found in Lego Technic sets, for the arm’s segments.
• Claw or grip pieces to simulate the arm’s “hand” or end effector, which is used to grasp objects.
• Various small pieces for detailing and to represent sensors and cameras on the arm.
• Hinge or rotation joints to allow the arm to pivot at its base and articulate in various directions.

Building Steps

Construct the Arm Segments

1. Base Segment: Start with a sturdy base that can be attached to the ISS model, preferably using a rotating joint to allow the arm to swivel.
2. Middle Segments: Use flexible or articulated pieces to create several segments of the arm, mimicking its ability to extend and bend. Lego Technic pieces are ideal for this purpose because they offer both length and flexibility.
3. End Effector: Attach a claw or grip piece at the end of the arm to represent the Canadarm2’s end effector. This part should be capable of “grabbing” other parts of your ISS model or additional objects like cargo modules.

Add Details

1. Sensors and Cameras: Use small, detailed pieces to simulate the sensors and cameras that help operators control the arm and navigate its movements precisely.
2. Decals or Special Pieces: If you have decals or special pieces that can mimic the arm’s panels or specific features, add them to enhance realism.

Integrate Canadarm2 with the ISS

1. Attach to the ISS: Secure the base of Canadarm2 to a suitable location on your ISS model, such as the Unity Module or another part of the main truss. Ensure the arm can move freely and rotate at its base.
2. Demonstrate Functionality: Position the arm to show how it might assist in ISS operations, like holding a model of the Hubble Space Telescope for repair or moving cargo to different parts of the station.

Implementation

Module Integration

Core Modules Connection

• Zvezda Service Module serves as the primary living quarters and is typically at the rear of the station setup.
• Unity Module (Node 1) connects directly to the front of the Zvezda forming a T-like junction where other modules attach.

Laboratory Modules

• Destiny Laboratory Module attaches directly to one of the Unity Module’s ports, usually on the forward part of the Unity Module.
• Columbus Laboratory Module attaches to one of the radial ports on the Unity Module, opposite or adjacent to Destiny, depending on the layout you choose.
• Kibo Laboratory Module often attaches to another port on the Unity Module or a dedicated module like Harmony (Node 2), if you decide to expand your model.

Solar Arrays and Radiators

• Solar Arrays are mounted on the main truss of the ISS, which extends laterally from the central axis formed by the service and laboratory modules. You can attach the solar arrays so they extend outwards from the central structure.
• Radiators are also mounted on the truss but are positioned to avoid casting shadows on the solar arrays, often slightly below or above them on the truss structure.

Robotic Arm (Canadarm2)

Canadarm2 is versatile and can be attached to different parts of the ISS for various tasks. A common mounting point is on the Mobile Base System on the station’s truss or near the Destiny Laboratory Module. It should be placed where it can “reach” multiple parts of your ISS model.

Soyuz and SpaceX Dragon Spacecraft

The Soyuz is docked to the Zvezda Service Module or another module with docking ports, like the Rassvet module. You might place it at the rear or side of the Zvezda module, depending on space and the design of your model.

Model Assembly Step-by-Step

Step 1: Zvezda and Unity connect

Step 2: Columbus and Destiny connect to Unity

Step 3: Kibo connects to Unity

Step 4: Canadarm connect to Zvezda

Step 5: Radiators and Solar Panels connect to Zvezda

Step 6: Soyuz and Dragon dock to Zvezda

Complete model assembly