DIRECT SDLV addon is based in a proposal for an alternative approach to launching missions planned under NASA's new mandate: The Vision for Space Exploration (VSE). DIRECT would replace the separate Ares-I Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV) and Ares-V Cargo Launch Vehicle (CaLV) with one single "Universal Launcher", capable of performing both roles.
DIRECT's architecture completely removes the costs & risks associated with developing and operating a second launcher system and would use existing Space Shuttle's facilities / hardware to lift over 70mT (basic configuration) up to over 98mT (with an Upper Stage). It could introduce many key benefits (optimum use of existing NASA and contractor workers know-how, equipment, development costs, upgrade paths, early return to the Moon) over the current Ares Launch Vehicles.
V0.1 is a first development version / demo of the work in progress and is about the DIRECT Crew Launch Vehicle variant: Franz Berner aka francisdrake's "ESAS CEV" is integrated (thanks Franz). You need to download it only if wanting to have a functional CEV after MECO:
Francisdrake's ESAS CEV
Beyond the CLV, DIRECT v0.1 includes also dev. versions of the launch pads, MLP, custom Earth (horizon+settings) + Sun (texture) and some other eye-candy features (SRB smoke, main engine effects, etc) as well custom launch sounds and an alpha automatic guidance.
Please do read with attention this addon's documentation (+ scenario(s) description(s)): see the README_NASA_DirectSDLV_v0.1.htm file in the root of this zip / your Orbiter install and, from there, follow the link to the addon's pdf (under Doc\NASA_DirectSDLV\) where you will find performance data, the flight manual, etc. Also from the readme: there are links to DIRECT home site ( www.directlauncher.com ) or to some related discussion threads / links.
Further updates (no release dates) will include other DIRECT variants, payloads and mission profiles. Have fun!
Note1: development pictures are available in my flickr space:
see DIRECT photo set.
Note2: Release Post at Orbiter Forums here (not sure yet but it is probable that I will not create a development thread).