International Space Station

Patrick built the International Space Station for Ripley Believe It or Not in 2014. The space station model and its companion cutaway modules took 282,000 matchsticks to complete, The design for the space station was unique as it was the first model Patrick would construct that would always be hung from above. He incorporated an aluminum frame to provide additional support the poject that is quite heavy.

Ripley’s ask Patrick to include cutaways showing the interior of some of the station’s modules to reveal the inside to viewer. Despite the models large 1/28 scale, viewers would have a difficult time seeing any interior details with the model hanging high above their heads. To resolve the problem Patrick built two 1/14 scale modules as cutaways

Zvezda and Jules Verne ATV

ZVEZDA

The 1/14-scaled cutaway models represent the Russian Zvezda module and the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Jules Verne Automated Transport Vehicle (ATV) module, which make up a small portion of the International Space Station (ISS).  The Zvezda was the third module launched as construction of the real ISS began back in 1998.  The ATVs came much later and play an essential role carrying supplies to and from the ISS since the retirement of the United States space shuttles.

The Zvezda took about 33,000 matchsticks to complete.  The module originally provided all life support systems for the space station as well as reboost capabilities to change the orbit of the ISS.  It still serves as the Russian living quarters.  The cutaway section shows the command center as well as the “manual docking controls” that are used if the automated system were to fail during vehicle docking maneuvers.  Also shown in the cutaway are dozens of storage compartments, Earth observation windows, work/dining table, bathroom, airlock hatches, and fuel, oxygen, and water tanks section.

JULES VERNE/ATV

The matchstick version of the Jules Verne took about 22,000 matchsticks to complete.  The Jules Verne is the second of two International Space Station cutaway modules constructed for Ripley’s. The Jules Verne ATV is one of ESA’s five different ATV units used to ferry supplies to the ISS and remove waste from the space station.  The ATVs carry water, gas, propulsion fuel, oxygen, and solid materials to the station.  They are then loaded with waste and unwanted materials from the ISS before returning to earth during a controlled burn where they disintegrate in the upper atmosphere.    

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