Hand-Held Hubble: Expert Paper Model

Make a scale model of NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope using easy-to-find supplies and our printable materials.

This model is not a working telescope – you can’t peer at the sky with it. But it can give you an up-close look at the telescope’s structure, and a challenging project to engage your model-making skills.

Difficulty: Very difficult
Durability: Moderate
Detail: High

Our Expert Paper Model is made from paper and cardboard and consists of around 300 pieces. You will need approximately 30 hours to complete this scale model, which features extremely accurate three-dimensional representations of details ranging from cryocoolers to handrails. The model depicts the interior of the Hubble, including instruments and mirrors, as well as the exterior. It requires the use of a sharp craft knife, such as an X-acto knife, and superglue.

This model reflects the state of the telescope after Servicing Mission 3B, which took place in March 2002.

Directions and Pattern Sheets

Print out the Directions and the Pattern Sheets. The Pattern Sheets must be printed out on card stock or cover-weight paper, but the Directions can be printed on regular paper. In addition to these printouts, you will also need supplies from your local craft or hobby shop.

Important — Printing the Pattern

You may need to adust your printer options in order to print the Pattern Sheet at the correct size. Look at the bottom of each page for the gauge that allows you to check the printout’s scale. (You will need a ruler.) If it doesn’t measure up, make the following adjustments in the Print dialog box:

If you’re using Adobe Reader 6 or higher, set "Page Scaling" to "None."
If you’re using Acrobat 5, deselect "Shrink Oversized Pages to Paper Size" and "Expand Small Pages to Paper."
If you’re using Acrobat 4, deselect "Fit to Page."

Downloads

Hubble Space Telescope Expert Model — Exterior — Directions

(pdf) (4.21 MB)

Hubble Space Telescope Expert Model — Interior — Directions

(pdf) (2.26 MB)

Hubble Space Telescope Expert Model — Exterior — Patterns

(pdf) (2.64 MB)

Hubble Space Telescope Expert Model — Interior — Patterns

(pdf) (1.69 MB)

Supplies

32-lb printer paper
Cardboard (the weight of a cereal box is good)
Glues: White or clear craft glue, gluestick (permanent), and superglue
Good scissors
A sharp craft knife with extra blades
A metal straightedge
A cutting board or similar surface

Optional (but very helpful) materials

Tweezers for handling small pieces
A small paintbrush and/or flat-edged toothpicks for applying glue and superglue
Thin dowels and/or tapestry needles to help roll up thin tubes
Clear spray-on sealant to protect the finished model

See the Directions for complete printing instructions and supplies.

Important Safety Information

This model requires the use of sharp instruments, superglue and potentially dangerous household items. Please exercise caution when making this model. Children attempting this model must be supervised.