Hidden Figures Friendship 7 Capsule Lithophane Night Light

This 3D printed home decor piece brings the story of Hidden Figures to life in your space. The Friendship 7 capsule model features bas-relief portraits of NASA mathematicians Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Katherine Johnson—three African-American women whose calculations helped launch America's first orbital spaceflight. At first glance, it's a recognizable space capsule. But when you light it from within, the hidden figures reveal themselves in stunning detail.

Choose from three versions to suit your project: a single-piece model with exterior portraits, a two-piece version with exterior detail, or a two-piece design with interior engraving for enhanced lithophane effect. The backlit portrait appearance depends on your print scale, filament choice, and light source, so a little experimentation unlocks the best results. It works beautifully as a nightlight, desk lamp accent, or classroom teaching tool.

This design symbolizes the invisible but vital contributions these women made to the early space program—a story worth illuminating in every sense. Whether you're a space history enthusiast, educator, or maker looking for a meaningful project, this model delivers both function and inspiration.