Project Mars Design Reference Mission 1

[markp]

OK hadn't seen this launcher. Could be an option.

I do need the HLV, for myself, so it's quicker and simpler to get to Mars after launching, rather than following the MFL route.

I'm planning to a build reasonably detailed (i.e. regular stuff like exhaust smoke etc) 200+ tonnes launcher as illustrated in the DRM1 document. The rocket will be made quite quickly just to get the job done but I will leave the option open to be able to use the other more detailed launchers with the addon.

 

[markp]

Been updating the visuals for the ERV and capsule.





Have also been practising the return journey to Earth from orbit around Mars. Haven't tried launching the MAV and rendezvous with ERV yet.

Also I'm thinking about giving the vehicles names. I'm wondering what they could be named after.

 

[markp]

A couple of things to report:

1. Made some visual changes to the landers. Made the windows smaller and looking downwards to help with the landing. Will probably add more windows on the lower deck. Have changed the textures. Still experimenting so may change a bit but I'll be keeping the basic colouring scheme and flags etc.

2. Added a docking port and communication equipment on top of the habitat.

3. Have started updating the autopilot for the habitat lander so it can be used (in theory) on other planets. Seems to be going ok in getting and processing the navigation data from Orbiter.

4. Have run into problems trying to land on the moon because of the rather large dv required and large amount of fuel required compared to landing on Mars. Have managed to use a staged landing concept (which I think the Soviets used for their lander). Here the bulk of the deceleration is done by a converted aeroshell, which carries extra fuel and uses it's own engine. It is then discarded close to the surface (about 6 km altitude) and then the lander uses it's engines to land. Have updated the autopilot so it calculates the altitude to start firing the engines and outputs this altitude and the separation altitude on the screen.

 

[BruceJohnJennerLawso]

A couple of things to report:

1. Made some visual changes to the landers. Made the windows smaller and looking downwards to help with the landing. Will probably add more windows on the lower deck. Have changed the textures. Still experimenting so may change a bit but I'll be keeping the basic colouring scheme and flags etc.

2. Added a docking port and communication equipment on top of the habitat.

3. Have started updating the autopilot for the habitat lander so it can be used (in theory) on other planets. Seems to be going ok in getting and processing the navigation data from Orbiter.

4. Have run into problems trying to land on the moon because of the rather large dv required and large amount of fuel required compared to landing on Mars. Have managed to use a staged landing concept (which I think the Soviets used for their lander). Here the bulk of the deceleration is done by a converted aeroshell, which carries extra fuel and uses it's own engine. It is then discarded close to the surface (about 6 km altitude) and then the lander uses it's engines to land. Have updated the autopilot so it calculates the altitude to start firing the engines and outputs this altitude and the separation altitude on the screen.

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I think the flags really complete the feel of it :thumbup:

Wouldnt it be simpler to just not bring an aeroshell to the moon anyways? I know Mars direct promised being able to use the hardware for lunar missions too, but I dont think they were being that literal.

 

[markp]

Wouldnt it be simpler to just not bring an aeroshell to the moon anyways? I know Mars direct promised being able to use the hardware for lunar missions too, but I dont think they were being that literal.

Good point! Hadn't realised that.

 

[markp]

Some more pics

Put the habitat plus NTR on the rocket (not ready to launch yet). Not sure if the fairing is required but I'm guessing it is for aerodynamic reasons. Also updated textures for the aeroshell.

 

[BruceJohnJennerLawso]

Some more pics

Put the habitat plus NTR on the rocket (not ready to launch yet). Not sure if the fairing is required but I'm guessing it is for aerodynamic reasons. Also updated textures for the aeroshell.

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Nice work :thumbup:.

What is that grey area at the front of the aeroshell in the last picture?

 

[IronRain]

Nice work :thumbup:.

What is that grey area at the front of the aeroshell in the last picture?

I think some of the RCS thrusters :thumbup:

 

[Columbia42]

Wow, I can't wait to see this addon completed! Keep up the good work :thumbup:

 

[markp]

A bit more progress:

1. Very nearly got the landing autopilot working for the Moon reliably. Made some quite precise landings however there's still some small issues that need tidying up. Pictures show the lander with the descent stage attached.

2. Figured out how to make RCS thruster holes for the capsule in Anim8or!







I think I will try and focus on putting together a version 1.5 soon. I was toying with the idea of virtual cockpits but I think I'll leave that for the next version.

 

[markp]

Slowly getting there, some more updates.

1. Coded the engines for the first and second stage and textured the lower part of the rocket. Can now launch the rocket.

2. Redone the wheels for the rover and the habitat.

 

[Interceptor]

I kind of like the old wheels.

 

[markp]

oh well I can leave the old wheels on, I still have them

 

[Interceptor]

Nah! see what you can come up with,first,and then make a decision later on.

 

[markp]

Some small updates

1. I think I have a final version of the hab's new look (I'm not entirely happy with it but it's good enough for now). I will keep the option open for using the old mesh that is based on the visuals in the DRM1 document)

2. I have added a platform to the cargo lander and extra attachment points for more cargo

3. Have played around with adding details to the engines for the rocket. I think I'm getting there.

4. A few things need to be done like getting the launcher working fully, fixing some animations, writing ascent autopilots.

 

[BruceJohnJennerLawso]

Some small updates

1. I think I have a final version of the hab's new look (I'm not entirely happy with it but it's good enough for now). I will keep the option open for using the old mesh that is based on the visuals in the DRM1 document)

2. I have added a platform to the cargo lander and extra attachment points for more cargo

3. Have played around with adding details to the engines for the rocket. I think I'm getting there.

4. A few things need to be done like getting the launcher working fully, fixing some animations, writing ascent autopilots.

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I really like it, particularly the launcher. Would you like me to create some exhaust textures for it?

This is shaping up to be a really amazing add-on. The only complaint I do have is that its really difficult to set up scenarios with everything working properly. I find it hard to just spawn the hardware I need straight from the scenario editor.

 

[markp]

Would you like me to create some exhaust textures for it?

Thanks that would be great! The Orbiter default flames don't look quite right. And I don't know how to make other ones.

The only complaint I do have is that its really difficult to set up scenarios with everything working properly. I find it hard to just spawn the hardware I need straight from the scenario editor.

Ah ok thanks for letting me know! It maybe due to my sloppy C++ code or some workaround I have included to accommodate UCGO or something related to initialising the vessel. I think I can probably fix it quite easily. I'll check it out.

 

[BruceJohnJennerLawso]

Thanks that would be great! The Orbiter default flames don't look quite right. And I don't know how to make other ones.

Great! I just need to know what type of rocket fuel/engine it uses.

Ah ok thanks for letting me know! It maybe due to my sloppy C++ code or some workaround I have included to accommodate UCGO or something related to initialising the vessel. I think I can probably fix it quite easily. I'll check it out.

No not at all, I have had a crash or two adding DRM vessels through the scenario editor, but I think it mostly just needs some description in the documentation, as to "this part does this"...

I would also reccomend creating a folder under config/vessels for the DRM add-on. That would be helpful in keeping the lists nice & tidy.

 

[markp]

I just need to know what type of rocket fuel/engine it uses.

The first stage core is almost identical to the Saturn V first stage (I've realised I've only put four engines there, it should be five). So its using F1A engines burning kerosene and liquid oxygen.

The four boosters use the same engines also burning kerosene and liquid oxygen.

The second stage uses six J2 engines, the same as the ones used for the Saturn V second stage, burning liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen.

Mmmm thinking about it I guess I could "borrow" the textures and even the mesh from other addons if I can get permission. However I think I'd prefer to have a go myself.

No not at all, I have had a crash or two adding DRM vessels through the scenario editor, but I think it mostly just needs some description in the documentation, as to "this part does this"...

I would also reccomend creating a folder under config/vessels for the DRM add-on. That would be helpful in keeping the lists nice & tidy.

Ah ok, that can be done.

---------- Post added at 01:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:58 AM ----------

This is what I have so far for the launcher, quite basic stuff.

 

[Columbia42]

Where are you getting the specs for the launcher? Are they specified in DRM 1?