So I've gone through and read a good bit of the SCOM and various checklists posted for previous missions (I still need to download the files for the upcoming mission). I'm trying to figure out how it all translates here.
Generally speaking, everything is either transmitted to the GNCs or figured out using real time data on the cue cards during the mission, but once everything is plugged in and the magic "exec" button is pressed, the shuttle pretty much takes care of the deorbit burn. The GNC also pretty much handles most if not all of the entry tasks until the PLT and CDR take over control during the final stages. Now I realize that especially lacking a good entry autopilot that's not possible here.
So first of all, the deorbit burn. I've heard some people say to wait until you're on the opposite side of the planet and burn to 56 or 57k and get ready. I've heard some people say they like to use Basesync, so I was wondering if someone could post the right settings for that. I've heard someone say the shuttle Angle would be 1.5 degrees, but that's about it. I use Basesync to land the XR2 and XR5 all the time with great success, but can never seem to get it down with the shuttle.
Also, I thought that I had understood that the shuttle doesn't start making its S-turns until later in the return phase. I thought it pretty much went through most of its heating and was into the thicker part of the atmosphere before it began bleeding off most of the energy with the banking maneuvers. Most of everything I've read or watched on here had them starting as high as 90k, so I'm confused as to when they should be done and how they work in relation to Orbiter.
I've watched AutoFCS do it in Fleet 4.5 a few times, but honestly they're different results every time, and most of the time it actually doesn't put the shuttle anywhere where it needs to be (quite possible something I'm doing and just don't know it)
Anyway, I was hoping to get some good advice and expertise in one place so I can ease some of the frustration with landing that big beautiful brick. Thanks for letting me ramble a bit, and thanks for the help.
Generally speaking, everything is either transmitted to the GNCs or figured out using real time data on the cue cards during the mission, but once everything is plugged in and the magic "exec" button is pressed, the shuttle pretty much takes care of the deorbit burn. The GNC also pretty much handles most if not all of the entry tasks until the PLT and CDR take over control during the final stages. Now I realize that especially lacking a good entry autopilot that's not possible here.
So first of all, the deorbit burn. I've heard some people say to wait until you're on the opposite side of the planet and burn to 56 or 57k and get ready. I've heard some people say they like to use Basesync, so I was wondering if someone could post the right settings for that. I've heard someone say the shuttle Angle would be 1.5 degrees, but that's about it. I use Basesync to land the XR2 and XR5 all the time with great success, but can never seem to get it down with the shuttle.
Also, I thought that I had understood that the shuttle doesn't start making its S-turns until later in the return phase. I thought it pretty much went through most of its heating and was into the thicker part of the atmosphere before it began bleeding off most of the energy with the banking maneuvers. Most of everything I've read or watched on here had them starting as high as 90k, so I'm confused as to when they should be done and how they work in relation to Orbiter.
I've watched AutoFCS do it in Fleet 4.5 a few times, but honestly they're different results every time, and most of the time it actually doesn't put the shuttle anywhere where it needs to be (quite possible something I'm doing and just don't know it)
Anyway, I was hoping to get some good advice and expertise in one place so I can ease some of the frustration with landing that big beautiful brick. Thanks for letting me ramble a bit, and thanks for the help.
