Chandra X-ray
Observatory
Materials and Tools
Sharp paper scissors
Razor blade knife
Dull knife
Straight edge
Sharp punch (such as an ice pick or nail)
Glue stick or rubber cement and white glue
Cellophane tape
Cutting surface (such as a wooden board)
Silver paint or gold and blue marker pens
Dowel rod (1/16-inch diameter)—if a 1/16-inch dowel is not available, use a piece of thin wire coat hanger
Round toothpick
General Assembly Tips
- Copy all model pieces on heavy weight paper.
- Color all pieces as indicated before cutting any parts out.
- Cut out only those pieces needed for the section being assembled at the time.
- Use a cutting surface such as a wooden board to protect the table or desk from scratches or gouges.
- Cut out pieces along the solid exterior lines.
- Using the dull knife, lightly score all dashed fold lines to make accurate folds possible.
- Apply glue to the insertion tabs on the pieces and flaps where the slots are located. If using rubber cement, apply cement to both surfaces to be joined, and permit them to dry before assembling. Using a double coating of rubber cement makes a stronger bond. After the pieces are assem- bled. lightly rub pieces to remove excess cement.
- Some pieces may require small holes to be punched through them. These places are indicated with the ® symbol.
#1 Assembling the TELESCOPE Tube
- Color the tube gold where indicated.
- Punch out the holes ((9). One hole is lined up on the seam.
- Cut out the part, and use the razor blade to open the five slots along the left side, six slots at the wide end of the TELESCOPE, and the slot in the piece marked "1."
- Score the fold lines with the dull knife.
- Curl the tube in your hands to shape it. Inset the tabs into the slots.
- Close off the small end of the tube by folding inward piece 1, and insert the tab from piece 2 into the slot.
#2 Assembling the SPACECRAFT MODULE
- Cut out the SPACECRAFT MODULE. and score the fold lines for the module. Also cut out the assembly slots. Remember to cut the 16 assembly slots in the front end.
- Punch out the holes ((9).
- Fold the module into a box shape. Use glue wherever possible to strengthen the structure.
#3 Joining the TELESCOPE and SPACECRAFT MODULE
- Slip the narrow end the TELESCOPE through the large hole in the front end of the SPACECRAFT MODULE.
- Align the tabs in the module with the four slots in the TELESCOPE. The holes in the module should be in a straight line with the holes in the TELESCOPE. A dowel will be inserted through both model pieces. The tip of the razor blade knife is a useful aid in slipping the tabs into the slots.
#4 Assembling the INTEGRATED SCIENCE INSTRUMENT MODULE
- Cut out the INTEGRATED SCIENCE INSTRUMENT MODULE, open the six slots with the razor blade knife, and score the fold lines.
- Fold the box together. The “arrowhead”-shaped ends will stick out from the completed part.
- Cut the toothpick into two 1-centimeter-Iong pieces. Put a dab of white glue on each end of the pieces, and stand them up inside the "arrowhead" ends, as shown in the "ISIM COMPLETED" diagram. Set the part aside to dry.
#5 Assembling the HIGH RESOLUTION MIRROR ASSEMBLY and joining it to the TELESCOPE
- Cut out the HIGH RESOLUTION MIRROR ASSEMBLY. Lightly fold downward the small triangles that extend to the sides of the small squares.
- Coat the edge of the open end of the TELESCOPE with glue.
- Push the mirror assembly onto the end of the TELESCOPE. Align the assembly so that the small black circle is at the position corresponding to 2:00 on a clock while the seam of the TELESCOPE is at the position corresponding to 6:00 on a clock.
- Set the piece aside to dry. Check it occasionally to make sure the pieces are together.
