Hand-Held Hubble
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: Average-to-Difficult
Durability: Delicate
Detail: Moderate
This paper model is designed to be built of card stock and construction paper. It consists of about 30 pieces and can take approximately four to eight hours to build. The model is to scale and includes a three-dimensional optical telescope assembly equipment section.
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 downloadable PDF files of both 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 adjust 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
Supplies
- Model pattern printed onto card stock/cover-stock
- Instructions printed on regular paper
- White or clear craft glue and/or a glue stick
- Sharp scissors
- 1/8" wooden dowel
- Medium-weight sandpaper
- Black construction paper
- Ruler, preferably with a metal edge
- Pencil
- Black marker or paint and paintbrush
- Silver or gray paint
Optional Supplies
- Butter knife or flat-head screwdriver
- Flat toothpicks or small paintbrush (for applying glue)
- Glue stick (make sure it’s not "reposition-able")
- Sharp craft knife and cutting board
- Aluminum foil (or some other shiny material)
- Black, silver, or gray paint
- Paper towels or moist towelettes to keep your hands clean
- Aerosol acrylic clear coat or sealant
See the Directions for complete printing instructions and supplies.
Important Safety Information
This model requires the use of sharp instruments. Please exercise caution when making this model, and supervise children who attempt this model.
Designer
Ton Noteboom
