Tutorial Launch AP for built in Atlantis STS-101 using AutopilotMFD

[polaris149Tiberius]

Launch AP for built in Atlantis STS-101 using AutopilotMFD

Gentlemen,

I am happy to announce that there is a way to control the default STS-101 Atlantis included with the latest version of Orbiter. With a few installs of some essential MFDs, you can find yourself on a trip to the ISS and beyond.
The process uses the ingenious MFD called AutopilotMFD by R. Bumm (a.k.a medec21)
Found here: AutopilotMFD V 1.72 for Orbiter (ZIP) His PDF.

The AutopilotMFD allows you to control the Space Shuttle "STS-101 Atlantis" which is in a few of the included scenarios in Orbiter Edition 2006-P1, build 060929.

I started to call the flight plan something like "Shuttle Launch Auto Pilot" or "STS-101-AP" ...for the included Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-101" but that name seemed too simple for what is really going on. Included in this tutorial you will learn how to use the simple code designed by R. Bumm, and how to manipulate the code to control the Space Shuttle during lift off or even an emergency aboart if desired.


IN PROGRESS!!!! FROM HERE ON DOWN!!! STILL WORKING ON !!!! 04-30-09


TUTORIAL:
You can edit any scenario but the one with Carina in the cargo bay is the scenario I have been testing so far. The name of the used scenario is ..\Space Shuttle Atlantis\"Atlantis satellite Launch.scn".

The Shuttle Launch AP's flightplan I have designed is for a tailsitter ONLY and has been adapted by me from a runway takeoff flightplan that was included with the MFD.
The Launch AP flightplan is fully configurable and distributable via source file (scnenario and the flightplan txt file) or as code that can be copied and paysted into the appropriate locations.
The flightplan I have created is a fully functional autopilot for the "included" Orbiter 2006 P1 Space Shuttle Atlantis flight STS-101 for a launch to the ISS.

Launch Window: UT Wed Mar 16 06:34:29 2001.
Scenario Start: UT Wed Mar 16 06:34:09 2001 (T-20s).
(T-000:00:00:20.00h-hour)
Launch Azimuth: 44.9. (This azimuth is being tested along with others)
Tank Release and jetteson Orbit: 120 X 85km
Final Orbit: 120 X 120km to 130 X 130km.
Proceedure: LEOI completes with a 120X 80km adjustable orbit after main tank jetteson.


You will need:
Orbiter 2006 P1 060929
[ame="http://www.orbithangar.com/searchid.php?ID=1468"]Autopilot MFD 1.7[/ame] by R. Bumm (a.k.a medec21)
IMFD 5.1m by Jarmo Nikkanen Download 5.1m (~1M)

Recommended add-ons:

orbSonicBoom.zip (23.3 KB)


Instructions on how to make OrbSonicBoom work for STS-101

STEP 1 extract the file to your orbiter forlder.(keeping the file structure intact) It wont overwrite anything.

STEP 2 find ..\Orbiter\Config\orbSonicBoom\"Deltaglider.ini" (without the quotes)

STEP 3 select the file and press CTRL+C to copy the file to the clipboard

STEP 4 paste the file to your desktop using CTRL+V

STEP 5 change the name to "Atlantis.ini"

STEP 6 cut the file from the desktop using CTRL+X

STEP 7 paste it to the ..\Orbiter\Config\orbSonicBoom\ folder. You should see both ini files listed now "Atlantis.ini" and "Deltaglider.ini". Now your Shuttle Atlantis will sonic boom when it reaches the speed of sound. In the flightplan further down in my STS-101 to ISS flightplan your throttle will go to 100% just shortly after the speed of sound when the Maximum Dynamic Preassure (Max Q)is reached.


Below is a flightplan I have created for just the throttle up proceedure:

Simple Throttle Up Proceedure Code

// -----------------------------------------------------------
// Flightplan for the orbiter space simulation 
// for use with the Autopilot MFD
// 
// AutopilotMFD  (c) 2005 by R. Bumm, Munich 
// -----------------------------------------------------------
// A Simple Throttle up proceedure for Orbiter Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-101 
// Not a flightplan routine for reaching stable earth orbit.
// To be used from an earth spaceport.
// First we select home base
//select Cape Canaveral
// Here we are setting the Autopilot MFD up to use the thru type configuration
//set apcontrol thruster
// Here we wait 9.5 seconds to launch which works out to 10second countdown OrbitSound sounds out
//when the shuttle begins throttle.
wait 9.5.
burn main 20.
wait 1.
burn main 30.
wait 1.
burn main 40.
wait 1.
burn main 50.
burn main 60.
burn main 70.
burn main 75.
burn main 80.
burn main 90.
wait 1.
// Iginite SRB thrusters.
burn main 100.
wait 2.
burn main 78.
run killrot
end

Pretty simple coding but it gets tricky when you start to mess with it.
I have labored over 2 days working on a good one that takes the shuttle climb up to a good LEO and then leaves you in an orbit of about 123.5 X 85.0km orbit.

Questions: All questions are welcome. All comments and findings are welcome.
My questionoes anyone know how to contact R. Bumm (a.k.a medec21) I have some good questions to ask.

Proceedure on how to implement the flightplan for the default STS-101 Atlantis.

HERE IS HOW TO DO IT STEP BY STEP

STEP 1. Download AutopilotMFD and extract to Orbiter folder.

STEP 2. Download IMFD 5.1m and extract it to the Orbiter folder.

STEP 3. Create a Scenario in the root scenarios directory (.\scenarios\"name_of_STS-100 Scenario.scn"
...from the default Shuttle Atlantis scenario (.\Space Shuttle Atlantis\"Atlantis satellite Launch.scn" by loading the scenario into Orbiter, setting the time to this using the scenario editor:
UT Wed Mar 16 06:34:08 2001 while paused (It is a night launch)

STEP 4. Exit the scenario after you have made all the custom camera angles you want.
Here is a list of camera angles you can add to the scenario in the section called BEGIN CAMERA in your new scenario you have just made:

BEGIN_CAMERA
TARGET STS-101
MODE Extern
POS 2.89 -179.66 -2.15
TRACKMODE Ground Earth
GROUNDLOCATION -80.62343 28.61970 60.24
GROUNDDIRECTION -1.15 -0.17
FOV 50.00
BEGIN_PRESET
Cockpit:STS-101:40.00
Ground:STS-101:40.00:Earth -80.62339 28.61960 110.00
Track:STS-101:50.00:RELATIVE 2.890 -0.009 -1.229
Ground:STS-101:10.00:Earth -80.65298 28.58028 20.00
Track:ISS:40.00:RELATIVE 1.983 -0.474 -0.522
Track:Earth:40.00:GLOBAL 2.896 2.132 -0.331
Ground:STS-101:50.00:Earth -80.62343 28.61970 60.24 -0.02 0.00
Track:STS-101:50.00:RELATIVE 2.890 0.016 -3.114
Track:STS-101:50.00:ABSDIR 2.890 0.016 -3.114
Track:STS-101:50.00:GLOBAL 2.890 2.637 -0.119
Track:STS-101:50.00:RELATIVE 2.890 -3.136 -0.038
END_PRESET
END_CAMERA

STEP 5. Save the file by clicking on "Save current..." and then name it whatever you want.

STEP 6. Find your saved scenario file in the root scenarios directory (usually C:.\Orbiter\scenarios\)and open it with notepad.

STEP 7. Copy the below code to the clipboard (CTRL+C) and then paste it (CTRL+V) to replace your scenario's Begin right MFD configuration section. (Note be sure not to overwrite the left MFD by accident)

BEGIN_MFD Right
TYPE User
MODE AutopilotMFD
PAGE 1
FLIGHTPLAN STS-101 Your_Flightplan_Name 1 0
END_MFD

STEP 8. Change "Your_FlightPlan_Name" to the name of your flightplan minus the .txt file extension.

STEP 9. Save and close this scenario in notepad.

STEP 10. Now Copy the Simple Throttle Up Proceedure Code from above into a new Notepad document.

STEP 11. You will now Save your flightplan with the file name as whatever you named your flightplan from above "Your_FlightPlan_Name" and you will save it in this folder:
C:.Orbiter\Config\Flightplans\..
...with the extension of .txt

So you should have a file in the Flightplans folder called Your_FlightPlan_Name.txt (remember to name the flile the same name you used above in the scenario. So change "Your_FlightPlan_Name" to your flight plan name you called it in the scenario. I used "STS-101-ThrottleUp-0010"
STEP 12. Start Orbiter and start your scenario you saved in the root scenarios directory.

STEP 13. Get ready for a ride.
Someone once said: "Give me a lever long enough and Ill move the world", well it looks like Autopilot MFD was my lever.

This flightplan only throttles up your Shuttle after that you must fly the rest of the launch. Autpilot MFD shuts down its flightplan and turns over the control of the Shuttle to you.


Bugs:
For some reason if you switch views alot, it sometimes messes up. I dont know if thats why. Sometimes it just messes up so you have to start over.
Also, I think it is required that your MFD refreash rate be set to .1 in the launch pad.

Progress:
Lets get this on the production line and get some people into orbit.!!! I will now work with different azimuths and Inclinations.

CHECK OUT THE FLIGHT TO ISS FLIGHTPLAN IN THE NEXT FEW MESSAGES FROM ME.

Enjoy.

Polaris, out.

Speacial thanks to R. Bumm, for his flighplan examples and his wonderfull MFD and thanks to Jarmo Nikkanen for IMFD. If I left anyone out please forgive me.

 

[ar81]

I think that if you make a tutorial on what you have learned about flightplans, it could be possible to help. I haven't seen too many people making flight plans.

 

[polaris149Tiberius]

Ok Ill post the tutorial

Ok Ill post the tutorial above.
Thanks

 

[polaris149Tiberius]

Awaiting feedback.

Awaiting feedback.
Can anyone offer some testing of this process? I would like to see if it works for everyone.
Or feedback on what this does for them.

Thanks in advance.

 

[polaris149Tiberius]

Where is everyone?

Hello all,


I have been working on this process for a while now. I am confident at this point that I can now post a Liftoff Autopilot for a window that will get the Space Shuttle into an ISS rendezvous. I will post this later on.

Thanks.

 

[eveningsky339]

Hi Polaris, I've been very busy and I'm not too familiar with Flight Plans, but I will give it a go when I have time.

 

[polaris149Tiberius]

Wahooo! Thanks!!

Wahooo! Thanks!!
This has become kind of an obsession to me. Im working on different launch types and checking the efficency with Recording MFDs. Still working on a good launch into a 90* azimuth.

Ill post it here when Im done.
Thanks.

 

[polaris149Tiberius]

typical Shuttle / ISS Mission launch track

typical Shuttle / ISS Mission launch track


I have been looking to make my automated Space Shuttle Atlantis Launch to be close to what a typical Shuttle to ISS launch track is and have found this set of data from here
http://satobs.org/seesat/Jun-2000/0308.html

I then manually turned this data table into what I need which is altitude (km) as a function of time and came up with the attached .xls data set.

Please examine this Shuttle Ascent trajectory's altitude to compare with the flightplan I will be releasing soon or your own.

 

[Weirdo Earthtorch]

Hi PT

I don't tend to fly the Shuttle much (don't get much chance to do anything in Orbiter ATM!) but I did manage to try your second example, (which seems to have disappeared?). It did indeed get me into the advertised orbit (minus the IMFD circularisation burn which I did manually). However, there was no roll after launch, and the launch was entirely heads-up - not sure if this was intentional; and I haven't had chance to look at the plan to see if it can be included.

I tried this a few days ago, sorry for the delay in replying. Thanks for your work on this.

PS I used the default Flight Data Recorder to analyse the launch.

 

[polaris149Tiberius]

STS-101 to ISS Launch Program -0010

STS-101 to ISS Launch Program -0010


Ya Ill repost it now


Ya sorry. I had to work on the orbital flightplan a little more before releasing it. I can't get the Shuttle to roll heads down. My description of the flightplan mentions that it will roll heads up. Im still working on it but I cant seem to get the shuttle to roll heads down. It sure beats a manual launch when you cant gaurantee a similar insertion every time. This flightplan will eventually do that.
This flightplan rolls you heads up throttles back until passing Mach 1 then throttles to 100% after max Q which in orbiter are two different velocities.
Then it takes you on a ride up to about 110km X 80km orbit.

Here is my latest flightplan at azimuth 90* This flightplan is generic and should allow a change in azimuth to any other roll program under 90* (0* to 90*) heads up of course without effecting the orbit insertion.

Here it is:

// -----------------------------------------------------------
// Flightplan for the orbiter space simulation 
// for use with the Autopilot MFD
// 
// AutopilotMFD (c) 2005 by R. Bumm, Munich 
// -----------------------------------------------------------
// STS-101 to ISS Launch Program -0010
// Simple Launch program for Tailsitter Orbiter Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-101 
// by Adam Rodrigues thanks to Munich Bumm for his awesome MFD
// Flight DATA: A routine for reaching stable earth orbit.
// To be used from an earth spaceport.
// The name of this flighplan is STS-101-0040-0010.txt
// Launch Window: UT Wed Mar 16 06:34:29 2001.
// Scenario Start: UT Wed Mar 16 06:34:19 2001 (T-20s).
// (T-000:00:00:20.00h-hour)
// Launch Azimuth: 42.900 
// Final Orbit: 120 X 120km
// Proceedure: LEOI completes with a 120X 80km adjustable orbit after main tank 
// jetteson.
//
// by Adam Rodriguez
// (polaris149Tiberius)
//
// STS-101 to ISS Launch Program -0010
set apcontrol thruster
wait 9.
burn main 20.
wait 1.
burn main 30.
wait 1.
burn main 40.
burn main 50.
burn main 60.
wait 1.
burn main 70.
burn main 75.
wait 1.5.
burn main 80.
burn main 90.
burn main 100.
wait 3.
run killrot
burn main 80.
wait altclimb 110.
//                          SET HEADING 42.900
pitch 89.
turn heading 42.900
head 42.900.
pitch 86.
wait 31.
pitch 50.
wait 4.
burn main 45.
// This is the speed of sound here but the Shuttle wont reach max Q until just before 551 or so.
wait speedmore 320
burn main 65.
// actual max Q is here
wait speedmore 551
burn main 98.
wait altclimb 29000
burn main 98.
pitch 30.
wait altclimb 52930
burn main 98.
wait altclimb 100000
burn main 98.
pitch 15.
wait sinkrate 100
pitch 60.
burn main 98.
wait speedmore 2800
burn main 98.
pitch 50.
wait speedmore  3400
burn main 98.
pitch 40.
wait speedmore 4300
burn main 98.
pitch 30.
wait speedmore 5200
burn main 98.
pitch 20.
wait speedmore 7200
burn main 98.
pitch 10.
wait speedmore 7300
burn main 98.
stop apa
run hlevel
run prograde
wait speedmore 7554
stop engines
run killrot
stop killrot
end
//Your in orbit 120 X 80km  Drop your tank and use IMFD to circularize

Here is the built in Orbiter Ascent Profile. It is much different and more effecient than what the true Atlantis does but that is ok.

This flightplan is called "STS-101 to ISS Launch Program -0010"
I am calling it this because I think the flightplans I will be doing in the future will need to be named to distinguish the difference between them.



http://img352.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sts101az90guidancetrackpb5.jpg



Try it out it works now.

Attached is the guidance tracking for this flightplan.

 

[Weirdo Earthtorch]

Hi

Only tried this very quickly - again, works fine. I think the heads-down problem could be sorted using the bank command in the flightplan - messed about with it and it seems to initiate a roll. Unfortunately I don't have more time to spend looking at this at the moment. :sorry:

 

[pattersoncr]

Polaris,
Your attempt here has inspired me to try to write a flightplan to launch some of Greg Burch's stuff. Thanks for the ideas!

 

[polaris149Tiberius]

Ok the hatch is closed..........and verified secure

Ok the hatch is closed..........and verified secure.

Cool. Im happy to be an inspiration at any time.
Make sure you give your thanks to the guy that wrote the MFD that allows us to do these flightplans. He is the real hero. I just "stood on the shoulders of jeniouses and took the next step".(Jurasic Park) lol.


Wierdo, Cool Ill check into it. I did see a roll command in one of the other flightplans so Ill look into that too. For now I just wanted to get the community something to show the ability of this MFD and what we can all work on doing with it.

I am now looking for a good launch azimuth that will create the smallest burn time to align plane. (note: it is not what Launch MFD says it is at 42.920* this turns out to be quite a bit off).
Ill get it through trial and error now that the flightplan above allows enough time for any roll under 90* or due East.) Ill post the azimuth to set the heading settings in the flightplan I have posted as soon as I get it.

 

[polaris149Tiberius]

Mainboard Cuttoff

Mainboard Cuttoff

Ok I have found the perfect Azimuth for rendezvous with the ISS in early 2001.
You must re-save your scenario at this time which turns out to be T-596s to ISS's plane interception with the Cape.
Make your scenario to start at UT Friday Mar 16 06:25:03 and use this flightplan (below) that begins countdown at UT Friday Mar 16 06:25:12 and lifts-off at Launch window:
UT Friday Mar 16 06:25:22 2001 at an azimuth of 45.500*

If you do this flighplan at the correct scenario start time listed above, you should have a 50s circularization burn after dropping your main tank, and then a 63 second Align Plane burn in the decending node (Normal +). This is the smallest Align Plane burn I have found yet. After this you should have plenty of fuel to rendezvous with the ISS using Lola.

Good luck:

// -----------------------------------------------------------
// Flightplan for the orbiter space simulation 
// for use with the Autopilot MFD
// 
// AutopilotMFD (c) 2005 by R. Bumm, Munich 
// -----------------------------------------------------------
// Simple Launch program for Tailsitter Orbiter Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-101 
// by Adam Rodrigues thanks to Munich Bumm for his awesome MFD
// Flight DATA: A routine for reaching stable earth orbit.
// To be used from an earth spaceport.
// The name of this flighplan is STS-101-0040-0010.txt
// Launch Window: UT Wed Mar 16 06:34:29 2001.
// Scenario Start: UT Wed Mar 16 06:34:19 2001 (T-20s).
// (T-000:00:00:20.00h-hour)
// Launch Azimuth: 45.500 
// Final Orbit: 120 X 120km
// Proceedure: LEOI completes with a 120X 80km adjustable orbit after main tank // 
jetteson.
//
// by Adam Rodriguez
// (polaris149Tiberius)
//
//
set apcontrol thruster
wait 9.
burn main 20.
wait 1.
burn main 30.
wait 1.
burn main 40.
burn main 50.
burn main 60.
wait 1.
burn main 70.
burn main 75.
wait 1.5.
burn main 80.
burn main 90.
burn main 100.
wait 3.
run killrot
burn main 80.
wait altclimb 110.
//                          SET HEADING #1
pitch 89.
turn heading 45.500
head 45.500.
pitch 86.
wait 31.
pitch 50.
wait 4.
burn main 45.
wait speedmore 320
burn main 65.
// actual max Q is here
wait speedmore 551
burn main 98.
wait altclimb 29000
burn main 98.
pitch 30.
wait altclimb 52930
burn main 98.
wait altclimb 100000
burn main 98.
pitch 15.
wait sinkrate 100
pitch 60.
burn main 98.
wait speedmore 2800
burn main 98.
pitch 50.
wait speedmore  3400
burn main 98.
pitch 40.
wait speedmore 4300
burn main 98.
pitch 30.
wait speedmore 5200
burn main 98.
pitch 20.
wait speedmore 6900
burn main 98.
pitch 10.
wait speedmore 7400
burn main 98.
stop apa
run hlevel
run prograde
wait speedmore 7549
stop engines
run killrot
stop killrot
end

Have fun getting to the ISS. Finally an automated liftoff, manual circularization, and a manual Align plane. Then a rendezvous with the ISS for the default Orbiter Space Shuttle Atlantis.
Enjoy!

 

[pattersoncr]

During your launch, does the shuttle stay on a heading of 45.5?
This isn't what you want. The correct azimuth changes as you move thru the orbit. Maybe changing heading as you ascend will get you better plane alignment. Watch the way SSU or shuttle fleet does it.

 

[polaris149Tiberius]

It actually does

Ya I know. I havent been able to work on this change. I opted for finding the final heading and shooting for that by the time the burn stopped.

The AP holds that heading the entire time and puts me within 60 second burn to the plane after orbit. This is acceptable to me for its purpose because I havent been able to see a lower burn time yet using that process. It helps if you use the Tank to do this plane alignment burn before you eject the STS-101-Tank.
I havent been able to figure out how to do a changing heading. Im aware that a plane change should be made but I dont know how to do it yet.
60 seconds is pretty close to the plane as I have figured it and Its an acceptable amount for me. If you or anyone else wants to work on how to make it change then please feel free to PM me.
Thanks for the information and support.

Im going to install the Vinkas addon and then the CEV Delta and the [ame="http://www.orbithangar.com/searchid.php?ID=1031"]CVEL Titans v1.34[/ame]
[ame="http://www.orbithangar.com/searchid.php?ID=3248"]Mars For Less V1.6[/ame] and maybe work on a good azimuth for a Mars Launch.

If anyone has any suggestions for good Earth to Mars Addons, I am all ears.

 

[eveningsky339]

What code does Autopilot 1.7 use? It appears to be extremely simple. Did the author write the code himself?

 

[polaris149Tiberius]

Hi

What code does Autopilot 1.7 use? It appears to be extremely simple. Did the author write the code himself?

Ya if you follow the instructions from the first post it explains that there are already code examples in its flightplans folder. I took one of its included flightplans and changed it to control the Space Shuttle Atlantis and put it into orbit. No addon ships were used just the default Atlantis included in Orbiter. And the latest code above gets you into an orbit and on an Azimuth to the ISS. Since that is usually the Shuttle's primary mission.

 

[polaris149Tiberius]

Is anyone learning different flights ?

Is anyone learning different flights ?


Hello all, I am looking for a community of people here who can test this proccess and who will record thier launch data and who will edit thier flighplans to get a more effecient launch program.

Any help is usefull here.

Thanks in advance.

 

[polaris149Tiberius]

Ok so I guess this is boring.

Hello, I am going to clean up this topic a bit on my part. It appears that I have reclessly posted the latest version of the flight plan in preceeding replys and this makes it hard for a freash viewer to see the latest version of the flightplan. I will edit my original topic post to have the latest flightplan on the first post. I will label the flight plan with a date.
The one thing I dont like about it is it only works with a heads up launch.


Thanks everyone for your input on this increadibly easy launch program.