Stephen F. Austin State University faculty, staff and student assistants, along with Peter Andrew, retired professor of art, recently visited the Naranjo Museum of Natural History in Lufkin to begin the process of creating a 3D replica of a moon rock from Apollo 14.
The moon rock, which NASA loaned to the museum, has been on central display since 2014 and will be taken on a nationwide tour for the United States Semiquincentennial celebration. With the help of Andrew, a member of the museum’s board who is familiar with the makerspace’s capabilities, the museum requested the assistance from SFA Makerspace to create a replica using its state-of-the-art 3D printers.
“The opportunity to work with a genuine Apollo 14 lunar sample, one of the largest moon rocks on display in the country, is extraordinary,” said Chase James, SFA Makerspace technologist. “Few people ever have the chance to interact this closely with an artifact from one of humanity’s greatest achievements. Creating a replica of such a historically and scientifically significant object has been both a unique challenge and a remarkable privilege.”
Joining James and Andrew on this project were Dr. William Nieberding, associate professor of art; Shannon Bowman, librarian; Sheldon Scroggins, Information Technology Services technician; and Thomas Mooney, SFA Makerspace student worker.
Creating an accurate digital replica of the moon rock required several approaches. The first attempt involved using two high-end 3D scanners. However, because the moon rock was permanently encased inside an acrylic pyramid, the scanners were unable to accurately capture the artifact through the reflective surface.
The second method utilized photogrammetry, or the science of taking measurements and creating 3D models from flat 2D photographs. This process took high-quality photographs from as many angles as possible under controlled lighting conditions. Specialized software then analyzed the images and combined them to generate a detailed 3D model.
In addition to photogrammetry, the group explored emerging AI-assisted reconstruction tools that can generate 3D models from photographic references. Once a model has been created, the group will work with faculty members experienced in digital modeling to refine and improve its accuracy before producing a physical replica. Benjamin Anderson and Amanda Breitbach, assistant and associate professors in the School of Art, respectively, and Eddie Ironsmith, assistant professor of computer science, will help turn the scans and photos into a usable 3D model for the museum. The project is slated to take multiple weeks to complete.
According to James, the project has led to discussions with the museum about future opportunities to digitally preserve and replicate other important artifacts and fossils.
“This project highlights the makerspace’s ability to support specialized, interdisciplinary projects that combine technology, art, science and historical preservation,” James said. “Successfully creating a replica of the moon rock will further strengthen SFA Makerspace’s reputation as a campus resource capable of tackling complex challenges.”
For more information about SFA Makerspace, visit sfasu.edu/makerspace.
ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY
Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, 11 residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering over 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.
By University Marketing Communications
