Is the color of the solar panels on the ISS model incorrect?

fsgregs · Post #1by **fsgregs** » 28.03.2003, 02:49

Hi. The ISS model we use in Celestia has blue solar panels. Recently, I ran across two actual photos of ISS taken at different times a few weeks ago from two different shuttles, and its solar panels are clearly copper colored. There is no trace of blue tint in either photo.

Attached is one of the photos.

If this is correct, should we change the color of the Celestia ISS model from blue solar panels to copper? It is important to me, because I'll be using this model in a NASA activity and I want to get it right.

Frank

bh · Post #2by bh » 29.03.2003, 13:19

Frank...I'll get to work on it...post when ready.

Regards...bh.

bh · Post #3by bh » 29.03.2003, 14:32

Hello Frank...new iss model. Sorry it's a bit basic...it really could do with some extra detailing but I'm not up to it I'm afraid. Is this the latest config?...

It's here:
http://www.rhundley.freeserve.co.uk/iss2003.zip

Regards...bh.

Post #4by **selden** » 29.03.2003, 14:51

Bear in mind that the copper color is due to the structural support members surrounding the solar cels, which are black. A 1.5MB high resolution picture (~3Kx2K) is available at

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/shuttle/sts-113/hires/sts113-336-015.jpg

Another one (same size), face on to the solar panels is at
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/shuttle/sts-113/hires/s113e05448.jpg

Don. Edwards · Post #5by **Don. Edwards** » 29.03.2003, 16:46

The second shot selden put up brings the whole thing into perspective. Solar panels look black when viewed from directly above. But as you start to see them at an angle you start to see details the layers that make them up and they take on a golden color. This is of course also reflcted light from the panels. So really there would be several ways to portray them. I think trying to code in a metalic gold color for the panels would be dificult to say the least. Metalic colors are always dificult to simulate even when you have millions of colors to play with. I suppose someone who is a real Photshop pro could through a very nice texture together for the ISS panels. But how Celestia's drawing engine will inturpret the image and draw it is another. Maybe someone is up for the job. Any takers.

Post #6by **selden** » 29.03.2003, 17:00

A video using one of NASA's models of the ISS is at the top of the Web page http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/video/shuttle/sts-113/html/fd0.html

It gives a good overview of the current ISS layout and what it might be eventually.

jgrillo2002 · Post #7by **jgrillo2002** » 29.03.2003, 18:40

fsgregs wrote:Hi. The ISS model we use in Celestia has blue solar panels. Recently, I ran across two actual photos of ISS taken at different times a few weeks ago from two different shuttles, and its solar panels are clearly copper colored. There is no trace of blue tint in either photo.

Attached is one of the photos.

If this is correct, should we change the color of the Celestia ISS model from blue solar panels to copper? It is important to me, because I'll be using this model in a NASA activity and I want to get it right.

Frank

No. that is actually correct. the Real ISS has a copper like color in the real space shuttle mission, I saw the ISS a couple times on the cameras in the missions.

Post #8by **selden** » 29.03.2003, 20:51

The 3ds model of the ISS that ships with Celestia uses a surface texture image file for the solar panels. All you have to do is replace the texture file iss-sol1.jpg that's in the medres directory. I tried cutting out pieces of the pictures of the real solar panels, but they aren't as good as they could be.

These thumbnails are all links to full sized images (and textures).

[url=http://www.lns.cornell.edu/~seb/celestia/iss-sol1a.jpg]

[/url]

fsgregs · Post #9by **fsgregs** » 29.03.2003, 21:00

Nice touch Selden. I coincidentially also went to sol1 and did some editing. I boosted the lines in the panels using a photo grapghics program. The colors are not bad, and are similar to yours, but since sol1 is a jpg file, we are not getting any specular highlights off the panels, so the effect appears a bit too uniform. Is there any way to boost spec highlights on the panels?

Here is my version:

What do you think?

Frank

Post #10by **selden** » 29.03.2003, 21:04

Someone will have to edit the model to change the texture file that it uses. (Not me: I have not learned how to use any of the 3D graphics modelling packages.)

bh · Post #11by bh » 30.03.2003, 00:52

Hi...yes, this is a tough on to get right..I think you have to go with what we've got on this one.

I think the ISS needs some work, and it can only get better...maybe one for Jens?...

Great pics Selden...I'll give it a go...bh.