Curiosity is the biggest, baddest, laser-wielding, plutonium-powered, robot-rover ever sent to Mars. On Sunday, August 5, 2012 it survived a dangerous landing that secured Mars exploration hopes for a decade. It will help answer the question of whether or not we are alone in the universe. Why not print this fearless hero for your desk?

(Excellent paint job and photo courtesy of Adam1mc.)

Update 12/30/12: Fixed a lot of the parts in netfabb to better print on those picky printers. Leave a comment if you still have trouble.

Update 10/8/12: Freely spinning wheels! Just break them off and drive away - no extra pegs! Working rocker to allow the wheels to go over big Martian bumps while keeping all wheels on the ground! Updated head/neck connection that fits better and has fewer pieces.

Update 8/6/12: Updated body file that is much more accurate and detailed (with artistic license, of course).

Update 8/5/12: Fixed head file where one part was not touching the build platform.

1. Print all files: Head, Body, Wheels, and Arm. You may need to print with a raft because many pieces are very small.
2. Blow some air across the print right as it is finishing the mast (neck). This will keep that hole printing round, otherwise, it might sag a little and you'll have to drill it out.
3. Break the supports off the back of the wheels. They're just there for printing. The wheels won't be able to spin freely with those posts sticking out the back.
4. Break the wheels loose by wiggling them back and forth, then gently twisting. Be careful not to wiggle them so hard that you also break off the axel. There's some play but not tons. They're only connected at the bottom.
5. Break loose the rocker by gently twisting back and forth.
6. Assemble the parts. The rocker part of the wheel mount goes to the back. You can pose this lady in your favorite martian scene!
7. Watch the landing videos or watch the awesome simulation videos from NASA. Check out the latest images of what Curiosity has discovered on Mars!

Leave feedback and ideas in the comments!

Want to design a funny new head for Curiosity? The mast hole is 8mm in diameter.