Observatory builds model of NASA moon rocket with fourteen 3D printers in Antwerp: "Almost 3,000 hours of work"

At the Michiel Coignet visitor center in Antwerp, a 15-meter model of the SLS moon rocket is on display, created by volunteers from the Urania observatory. Chris Baetens, a volunteer, designed the rocket himself after failing to obtain official blueprints from NASA and ESA. The project took nearly 3,000 hours and involved 14 3D printers, producing hundreds of parts from 135 kilograms of material. The model, built at a 1:10 scale, weighs about half a ton and is considered unique for a volunteer project in Europe. It aims to attract interest in space exploration and inspire youth in technology.