Frequently Asked Questions
What models does SCI offer?
- SCI offers these unique model kit designs:
- Mars Polar Lander: The Mars Polar Lander was to touch
down on Mars December 3, 1999. This new kit is simpler, smaller, and less
expensive than the other SCI KITs. It doesn't contain any information
sheets, just the model and instructions. This is the easiest SCI KIT to
assemble.
- Voyager: Voyager-1 and Voyager-2 are
identical spacecraft which today are exploring the outer reaches of our
solar system. Voyager-1 and -2 encountered Jupiter and Saturn; Voyager-2
encountered Uranus and Neptune. Neither spacecraft will ever return to the
Sun, but will drift in the galaxy forever. NASA expects to maintain contact
and control of both Voyagers until about 2020.
- Magellan: Our first detailed look at the
entire surface of Venus, our perpetually clouded sister world, was
accomplished by NASA's Magellan spacecraft using radar imaging, altimetry,
radiometry, gravity field mapping, and radio science.
- Hubble Space Telescope: SCI's most popular
model. HST orbits high above Earth's atmosphere to provide unparalelled
views of distant objects.
- Galileo: Orbiting Jupiter today, the Galileo
spacecraft is exploring the Jovian world, its four large satellites, its
magnetic environment. Upon arrival at Jupiter, Galileo released and tracked
a separate probe into Jupiter's atmosphere.
- Mars Global Surveyor: Currently orbiting Mars,
MGS is using aerobraking to change the shape of its orbit, and it is
returning unprecidented, detailed views of Mars's surface.
- Lunar Prospector: In orbit around Earth's Moon,
Lunar Prospector made headlines with its discovery of water frozen within
the dark craters at the lunar poles.
- Keck Telescope: Twin telescopes atop Mauna Kea
in Hawaii use a revolutionary active optics system to achieve the largest
aperture currently in existance.
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What are they made of?
- Paper. That is, 100% recycled heavy paper card stock which has been cut
by laser in extreme detail. Realistic colors and
metal foil sections are already in place. The Voyager and Magellan kits
come with a high-density styrofoam antenna dish.
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Why paper?
- It's the perfect medium for spacecraft models!
Spacecraft like Voyager were designed to minimize mass while maximizing
strength. Laser-cut paper lets SCI do the same thing! You'll find intricate
trusses and structures reproduced. There are major advantages to using
laser-cut paper. One is that we can apply lithography and metal-foil
bonding techniques, making sure all the proper colors and details are
present in your kit, without your having to paint them in. Another
advantage is that the parts can be labeled for your convenience in
assembly. The glue is non-toxic. Paper is a relatively easy material to
work with. The use of 100% recycled paper is another advantage: look what's
become of your discarded phone book! Also, paper products are perfectly
suited for fast delivery by first class mail.
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Are there discounts for teachers?
- Yes. And for clubs or other groups. There's a price break for ten or
more of most kits. The Keck Telescope kit is the exception.
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How long does it take to put one together?
- The new, simpler, smaller Mars Polar Lander kit can be assembled in an
hour or two at most. The Lunar Prospector is the next easiest, requiring
maybe three or four hours minimum. Voyager, Galileo, HST, and Magellan take
an hour or two longer than that. The Keck Telescope requires the most time,
perhaps a couple of days.
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If I order today, when will it arrive?
- Orders are usually sent out within a day or two, a week at most. During the month of December, your order is shipped the same day we receive it. If
anything is out of stock, we'll let you know right away (this is rare). Out
of stock items may take up to 8 weeks. Shipments all go by First Class Mail
(Priority Mail if more than 11 ounces) or Air Mail
for international shipment. So, shipment takes another two or three days
(overseas Air Mail may take up to 8 days). It is possible to arrange
overnight Fedex shipment, but the charge is steep: $35 (over and above the
kit price) within the U.S., and substantially more overseas.
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Which is the easiest one to build?
- That's easy. MPL, Mars Polar Lander, with its
eleven laser-cut parts. A close second is the Lunar
Prospector. It has 23 laser-cut parts. LPM is a fairly simple
spacecraft. Some parts have built-in hooks to aid assembly. Really, the
hardest part is waiting for the glue to dry. Actually, the Voyager kit has 23 parts, too, complete with hooks
and all, so it's not too hard. Working with Voyager's styrofoam High Gain
Antenna dish, and different glues, adds a little complexity, though.
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Can a 9-year old build one?
- Depends. SCI KITs are designed to show you what comprises a
space-exploring machine, and how it works. They are complex machines, and
the model kits involve lots of reading. So, generally, we recommend them
for people no younger than about 12 years old. Motivation and ability are
certainly factors, though. A younger person who is driven to learn about
space exploration, who has reading skill, and who has enjoyed building
detailed models before, will also be sure to enjoy SCI KITs.
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What else do I need to build an SCI kit?
- White glue. Small scissors for releasing the parts from the sheets.
Toothpicks for applying glue. Each kit has a list of any other items in the
beginning of the assembly instructions. Have a look here for more information.
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Why don't you make a Cassini SCI kit?
- It's too big a spacecraft. An SCI KIT would be prohibitively expensive
to create and market. However, there is a free one
available. It just doesn't have any laser-cut parts. It is, however, scaled
so you can use the styrofoam High-Gain antenna dish that comes with the
Voyager or Magellan kits. It's quite a realistic model. The six parts
sheets, and the sixteen pages of assembly instructions, explain stuff about
Cassini's major components. Once you build one, and browse NASA's Cassini
website, you'll be an expert on NASA's mission to Saturn!
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Can you help me find a model of (-----) ?
- Sure. If it is a space-related model, like a launch vehicle or another
spacecraft, it is probably available from one of the many sources listed on
our GREAT LINKS page.
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I've looked all over for a Mattel Hot Wheels Mars Pathfinder.
Does SCI offer them?
- Not regularly any more. However, please inquire, it may still be
possible for SCI to find one. SCI has been unsuccessful in attempting to
obtain the Mars Pathfinder Rover Hot Wheels toys in quantities large enough
to offer customers. It's a shame that Mattel has ingnored the huge demand
for this cool product. If you'd like to contact Mattel about it, here's
some information here, such as a description,
product ID number, and a link to Mattel's web site.
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When will there be a new SCI kit?
- Dave Doody designs the models. He's a pretty
slow-moving guy (hey, but the designs are great). There's usually a new one
every 18 months or so. There's really no telling WHAT the next one is going
to be, but rumor has it Dave listens to what customers suggest.
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Is it safe to order on the internet?
- The Internet is a giant party line. So if you're going to send
something like a credit card number, better be sure it's encrypted with a
high-tech scheme so it travels incognito. SCI's secure Online Order Form
uses the same, reliable Secure-Socket-Link (SSL) for encryption, that most other internet businesses
use. If you still don't trust the internet for your credit card information, SCI also provides a Print-and-Fax-Or-Mail form, and an automated telephone ordering system available 24 hours every day. Details are here. SCI has been doing mail-order business
since March, 1987, and is sensitive to questions of privacy and security.
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Will my mailing address be sold to someone else?
- NO! SCI never sells, gives, or otherwise lets anyone else use our
customers' information. See the SCI privacy
statement.
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Can SCI make a model of my spacecraft?
- Probably. But the minimum run is 10,000 model kits, and SCI retains
copyright. Alternatively, SCI might be able to contract with you to provide
a free-downloadable (pdf/html) version which can reside on your Project's
public web site (see these examples). This costs
much less than 10,000 laser-cut kits, and might actually be within the
budget of your Public Information department. SCI claims no copyright
restrictions for those free ones. Contact SCI
for more information. It will help if you have images available (on a web
site?) of your spacecraft in various configurations.
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I have a different question.
- Well, let's hear it! Contact SCI, or post
it on the Bulletin Board for
others to see. It might even end up in the FAQ list! Thank you.
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