This project was completed in collaboration with a Multidisciplinary Senior Design (MSD) team at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) who are developing a prototype for a future mission to Psyche that will store samples collected from the asteroid. The purpose was to create a highly realistic and accurate 3D visualization of their system while also allowing it to remain visually interesting through lighting, materials, and cinematic shots.
To complete this project, I began by converting the team’s CAD model into a more optimized 3D object in Blender and then created materials in Substance Painter. Based on screen recordings supplied to me by the team and guidance from them on additional movement, I animated the system, including the opening and closing of the clamp. To further illustrate the system’s purpose, I included a simple simulation of metallic rocks being deposited into the capsule.
This project was created during my internship with ASU & NASA for Mission to Psyche, where I developed outreach material and creative projects to introduce the public to and educate them on the mission.
Software: Blender & Substance Painter
Stills
Preproduction
Above are initial shot composition thumbnail sketches based upon the CAD model (right) supplied to me by the engineering team.
Process
I brought the CAD model into Blender to do some initial previsualization. A number of shots in this early version to the left were altered at a later stage.
After receiving an updated CAD model, I revised various shots in order to capture all necessary parts of the system. I also added text based on a step-by-step walkthrough from the engineering team to provide context to the animation.
After remodeling the CAD file, completing the animations, and applying/creating materials, the project was lit and rendered in Blender.
Patch
In addition to developing the visualization, I also created a project patch for the team including each of the team member's names. The circle of stars represents the 10 capsules in the system.
