Comet Rendezvous Spacecraft by TomPeters

Lightwave • Science Fiction • posted on May 15, 2009

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Description

Built in Lunar orbit from materials mined at Hipparchus Station, the Research Vessel Endurance takes shape in its 96 kilometer high parking orbit. The aft sphere of the Reactor and Plasma Drive Module has just been attached to the main structural support spine, and the radiator array. The main Lifesystem is mostly hidden in this view by the big hexagonal panels of the Encounter Debris Shield. Endurance will be accompanied by her sister ships Ross and Hero for the expedition to Comet Cho-Bennet 5. This is very much a work in progress. Another attempt at trying to visualize a solar system exploration ship based on logical extrapolation of current tech. All the textures are temps at this point, and I'm still working out the lighting. The design is roughly set, although the big fuel tanks aren't on, yet. The fins toward the rear are not solar panels, by the way, they're radiators to deal with excess heat from the gaseous core reactor that powers the plasma drive. Modeled in Lightwave 8.5. The lunar background model came with Lightwave, and I've done some retexturing to it. Please let me know what you think. Thanks for taking a look! -Tom

Comments (12)

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Fidelity2

9:12AM | Fri, 15 May 2009

Very cool. 5+.

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geirla

9:15AM | Fri, 15 May 2009

Excellent work so far! I like the work pod, too.

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zhaanman

9:16AM | Fri, 15 May 2009

Out-Standing design and history for the craft and its duties very cool stuff!!!!

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ragouc

9:29AM | Fri, 15 May 2009

Cool modelling and scene.

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plasmid

9:59AM | Fri, 15 May 2009

Great scifi render. The lighting is excellent.

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JOELGLAINE

8:51PM | Fri, 15 May 2009

Most people forget the frigging radiators! Even Arthur C. Clarke had them leave them off the Discovery because he thought people wouldn't know what they were in 2001: A Space Odyssey. Your vessel looks spot on for a long range vehicle. Can't wait to see the finished product.

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arcas

9:11PM | Fri, 15 May 2009

Lookin' good so far. I really dig the design.

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dlfurman

10:58PM | Fri, 15 May 2009

I likes it. More please!

RealDeal

4:47AM | Sat, 16 May 2009

Excellent work, as always.

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dbrv6

11:23AM | Sun, 17 May 2009

Great modeling! I like the shield umbrella. Fantastic!

technogeek

9:50PM | Sun, 17 May 2009

I like the overall concept of the ship's design for its intended purpose. Keep in mind that when we ACTUALLY start sending probes and ships out for such missions. The "cow-catcher" debris shield will be forged out of leftover slag from the foundries. Also the shield will have to be much bigger and beefier to handle the extremes endemic to the space environment.

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