Hm? Adding UMMU support is just a matter of starting with the right template.
Sure, but it also isn't that hard to add later. I just wanted to reduce the options for keeping the basic add-on simpler. If the basic version does already use all the joy of enhanced APIs, it wouldn't be exactly a good basic planetary lander.
I thought of the project as something like a near-realistic mars lander to supplement the Orbiter Default vehicles, your reaction makes it sound like a general Mars/Moon/Whatever lander with near-realistic technology.
The mesh is the problem - i can handle all the code for the craft, but the mesh i'll make would be mathematical at best.
Same here.
How does the heat shield gets attached?
Not specified, except that the heat shield is planned to be installed or deployed to its full radius in-orbit.
The thing is supposed to fit into a launch vehicle at some stage, so let's start from that.
OK.
Assuming 50 tonnes to LEO lander, what rocket would lift it?
The NASA PDF assumes a Shuttle-C, 24 ft / 7.3m diameter payload envelope. It also assumes a lot of in-orbit assembly. The core structure of the MDV could be launched in one piece with other Mars expedition hardware, but would still need some finishing touches in orbit.
After selecting a set of rockets (should fit several of Velcro launchers for flexibility), we'll get the size to work with.
okay, but I wouldn't be too flexible there - a 7.3 meter payload envelope makes sense as basic requirement, which would mean Shuttle itself is out, but Energia and Saturn V or similar is in.
Then, the design is sketchy - is that one vehicle or two?
Essentially two to three, see below.
MAV = Mars Ascent Vehicle. A small single stage to orbit vehicle to transport 4 astronauts back to Mars orbit.
MLM = Mars Logistics Module. Is based in specifications on the central hub disk of the transfer spacecraft in the expedition outline and acts as Mars habitat after landing, so it is pressurized, contains an airlock and crew sleep stations for four astronauts.
Could theoretically keep on doing its purpose as habitat even after the MAV left. On top of the MLM is a volume that contains unpressurized rovers and a ramp for getting them down, this volume could also be used for other stuff.
If you would count the MLM as separate vehicle, you have three vehicles in one:
- Descent Vehicle
- Ascent Vehicle
- Logistics Module
I propose some brainstorming if no ideas are obvious.
Its ok. Maybe you specify what you really want to see. With near-realistic tech, we can't build one machine that fits all celestial bodies, there would need to be some specialization. I would suggest creating classes of landers based on groups of targets with similar requirements for DV and aerodynamics.
Eg, A mars lander could also be used on Titan with minimal adaptions, but not on the moon.
The basic package would then be something like a kit to select parts to create a lander vessel out of the selected target class, permit some optimizations for the target by the player, eg by adding/removing fuel tanks.
I would thus use the MDV design as coarse outline. We have a part that is for going down and staying on the surface, and a part for going up and returning to a orbital vehicle.
