NEW! - Space Model Systems, Inc. is proud to announce the official launch its 24-inch diameter Mars globe. The surface image map printing difficulties that initially delayed the project have finally been eliminated with a new solvent-based ink system. We can now offer this large globe with an amazing level of image detail, provided to us by Malin Space Science Systems, designers and operators of the camera system aboard the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft. The scale of the globe is approximately 1:11,122,000, with 1 centimeter equalling some 111.22 kilometers.

Stay tuned for information about a 24" moon globe as well.
The Space Model Systems Mars globe is based on a 24" hollow ABS sphere that is machine- and hand-smoothed and covered with a high resolution photo map of the planet surface. The image map maintains a constant shadow angle around and shows a wide variety of albedo features and topography, including the volcanoes of the Tharsis bulge, the enormous Valles Marineris, the deep Hellas Basin, and the enigmatic polar regions. As the globe is built up of 36 separate image gores, or slices, hair-thin map seams will be only slightly visible; these will almost disappear at normal viewing distances. An anti-UV semi-matte clear coating is applied to protect the image map under normal indoor lighting (not for extended outdoor use) and minimal handling. Fabrication time is approximately four weeks.

Please write or call for a sample swatch of the actual coated map surface and a typical seam.

Configurations and Prices:

Minimum - Unbroken Surface (no mounting rod or pipe), no stand: $3200.00 USD

Standard - Unbroken Surface, with stand (pictured): $3400.00 USD

Custom - Hollow Mount Pipe 1/2" to 1" (typ.) Pole-to-Pole or Equator: $3350.00 USD (other mount types are possible; call for quote or to discuss your requirements).

NOTE: A variation of the surface map with feature names is being worked up, price TBD; watch this page for further news. Additional custom options include engraved brass information plate, and specialized name labels for spacecraft landing sites.

Shipping:

The Mars globe and stand will be shipped in a heavywall corrugated container within the U.S. and overseas. The shipping weight will average around 15 pounds, though the container itself needs to be 26" x 26" x 26". Charges will be determined by destination from a starting postal code of 91607 in California; a sample S&H cost to New York will be $120.00 (by comparison, Nevada would be ~$60.00); a sample overseas cost to London, U.K., will be $650.00 due to special freight handling conditions. Museums, science centers, and other space education facilities may wish to arrange transport with their own established shipping firms.

Space Model Systems, Inc.
12417 Hesby St.
Valley Village, CA 91607

Orders:

Orders may be placed by telephone at (818) 761-7768 8am-6pm M-F Pacific time, by writing to SMS directly at the address above, or by email.

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Last Update: Tue, Jul 1, 2008