Project MOL Revived (Sort Of)

Star Voyager · Aug 24, 2016

In light of it's recent declassification, I'm attempting to "update" sputnik's MOL add-on by making a train of attachments from the MOL module to the Gemini B Adapter to estar's Gemini. The problem is once attached, these parts do not separate from each other. Also, in the launch scenario the nose separates upon scenario startup.

I don't plan to release this little update unless there's a decent amount of interest, but if there is I'll seek the approval of the authors and we'll see where it goes.

Gemini B Adapter Config

Code:

; === Configuration file for vessel class Gemini B Adapter section ===
ClassName = GemBAdapt
MeshName = GemBAdapt
Size = 1
Mass = 1277    ; empty mass [kg]
MaxFuel = 0    ; max fuel mass [kg]
Isp = 0        ; fuel specific impulse [m/s]
EnableFocus = TRUE

MaxMainThrust = 0
MaxRetroThrust = 0
MaxHoverThrust = 0
MaxAttitudeThrust = 0
COG_OverGround = 0.25
CameraOffset = 7 4.5 35
CW = 0.02 0.02 0.02
LiftFactor = 0
CrossSections = 0.01 0.01 0.01
RotResistance = 0 0 0



; === Attachment specs ===
BEGIN_ATTACHMENT
C  0.0 0.0 0.03      0 0 1  0 1 0  VELCRO1
C  2.1 0.0 0.0      0 0 1  -1 0 0  VELCRO2
P  2.08 0.0 -5.15      0 0 -1  -1 0 0  VELCRO3
P  2.18 0.0 0.0      0 0 1  -1 0 0  VELCRO4
P  0.0  2.7  0    0  1 0  0 0  1  XS
END_ATTACHMENT

MOL Config

Code:

; === Configuration file for station class MOL (Mesh Test) ===
MeshName = MOLstowed
Size = 8 
Mass = 8620     ; empty mass [kg]
MaxFuel = 950  ; max fuel mass [kg]
Isp = 2730        ; fuel specific impulse [m/s]

MaxAttitudeThrust = 113

Inertia = 7.3 4.6 3.5
EnableFocus = TRUE
EnableXPDR = TRUE
XPDR = 478

BEGIN_DOCKLIST
0.0 0.82 -4.5  0 0 -1  0 1 0 468
0.0 0.82  4.5  0 0  1  0 1 0 458
END_DOCKLIST


 
; === Attachment specs ===
BEGIN_ATTACHMENT
C  0.0 0.0 0.0      0 0 1  0 1 0  VELCRO1
C  2.1 0.0 0.0      0 0 1  -1 0 0  VELCRO2
P  0.0 0.0 0.0      0 0 1  0 1 0  VELCRO3
P  2.1 0.0 0.0      0 0 1  -1 0 0  VELCRO4
END_ATTACHMENT

Gemini Capsule Config

Code:

; === Configuration file for vessel class IPath Satellite ===
ClassName = Gemini_Titan
Module = Gemini_Titan

; === Attachment specs ===
BEGIN_ATTACHMENT
C  0.0 0.0 0.03      0 0 1  0 1 0  VELCRO1
C  2.1 0.0 0.0      0 0 1  -1 0 0  VELCRO2
P  2.08 0.0 -0.5      0 0 -1  -1 0 0  VELCRO3
P  2.18 0.0 0.0      0 0 1  -1 0 0  VELCRO4
P  0.0  2.7  0    0  1 0  0 0  1  XS
END_ATTACHMENT

Launch Scenario

Code:

BEGIN_DESC
Launch MOL-02, the first manned MOL mission!
END_DESC

BEGIN_ENVIRONMENT
  System Sol
  Date MJD 40882.59
END_ENVIRONMENT

BEGIN_FOCUS
  Ship Titanlaunch
END_FOCUS

BEGIN_CAMERA
  TARGET Titanlaunch
  MODE Extern
  POS 2.89 -0.51 -82.42
  TRACKMODE TargetRelative
  FOV 50.00
END_CAMERA

BEGIN_HUD
  TYPE Surface
END_HUD

BEGIN_MFD Left
  TYPE Surface
END_MFD

BEGIN_MFD Right
  TYPE Orbit
  PROJ Ship
  REF Earth
END_MFD

BEGIN_SHIPS
MOL launcher:CVELTitanIIIM
  STATUS Landed Earth
  BASE VBG - Vandenberg AFB:1
  HEADING 90.00
  TGT_HEADING 185.0
  FUEL 1.000
  CONFIGURATION 0
  SECOND STAGE 1
  UPPER STAGE 1
  AUTO LEO 1
  SHIFTFOCUS 1
  PADBIAS 0.0
  FAIRING 0
  PAYATCH MOL-02 0.0 0.0 -5.2 0.0 1.0 0.0
  ENDSTAGE
END
MOL-02:MOLstowed
  STATUS Landed Earth
  PRPLEVEL 0:1.000 1:1.000 3:1.000 4:1.000 5:1.000 6:1.000 7:1.000 8:1.000
  BASE VBG - Vandenberg AFB:1
  HEADING 90.00
  NAVFREQ 0 0
  CONFIGURATION 0
  RCS_JETS 0.000
  DOOR_STATUS 0
  DOOR_PROC 0.000
  BEACON_JETTISONED 0.000
  ADAPT_JETTISONED 0.000
  MOL_SEPARATED 0.000
  RETRO 0.000
  RETRO_SEQ 0
  RETRO_TIMER 0.000
  DROGUE_DEPLOYED 0.000
  MAIN_DEPLOYED 0.000
  DROGUE_JETTISONED 0.000
  MAIN_JETTISONED 0.000
  LINE1_STATUS 0
  LINE1_PROC 0.000
  PANELS_STATUS 1
  PANELS_PROC 1.000
  DOORS_JETTISONED 0.000
  GEMINI_EVA 0
END
MOL-02Adapter:GemBAdapter
  STATUS Landed Earth
  ATTACHED 0:1,MOL-02
END
GTB:Gemini_Titan
  STATUS Landed Earth
  PRPLEVEL 0:1.000 1:1.000 2:1.000 3:1.000 4:1.000
  CONFIGURATION 2
  EQUIP_JETTISONED 1.000
  ADAPT_JETTISONED 1.000
  ATTACHED 0:1,MOL-02Adapter
END
END_SHIPS

Orbit Scenario

Code:

BEGIN_DESC
MOL-02 is established in orbit.  Only scenario which does not require CVEL Titans.
END_DESC

BEGIN_ENVIRONMENT
  System Sol
  Date MJD 40882.6000144792
END_ENVIRONMENT

BEGIN_FOCUS
  Ship MOL-02
END_FOCUS

BEGIN_CAMERA
  TARGET MOL-02
  MODE Extern
  POS 5.67 -4.41 -86.43
  TRACKMODE TargetRelative
  FOV 50.00
END_CAMERA

BEGIN_HUD
  TYPE Surface
END_HUD

BEGIN_MFD Left
  TYPE Surface
  SPDMODE 1
END_MFD

BEGIN_MFD Right
  TYPE Map
  REF Earth
  TRACK ON
END_MFD


BEGIN_SHIPS
MOL-02:MOLstowed
  STATUS Orbiting Earth
  RPOS -3516199.71 -2270208.62 5096228.62
  RVEL 476.719 -7234.488 -2797.479
  AROT -111.03 -3.23 -120.63
  VROT 0.00 0.07 0.02
  PRPLEVEL 0:1.000 1:1.000 3:1.000 4:1.000 5:1.000 6:1.000 7:1.000 8:1.000
  NAVFREQ 0 0
  CONFIGURATION 0
  RCS_JETS 0.000
  DOOR_STATUS 0
  DOOR_PROC 0.000
  BEACON_JETTISONED 0.000
  ADAPT_JETTISONED 0.000
  MOL_SEPARATED 0.000
  RETRO 0.000
  RETRO_SEQ 0
  RETRO_TIMER 0.000
  DROGUE_DEPLOYED 0.000
  MAIN_DEPLOYED 0.000
  DROGUE_JETTISONED 0.000
  MAIN_JETTISONED 0.000
  LINE1_STATUS 0
  LINE1_PROC 0.000
  PANELS_STATUS 1
  PANELS_PROC 1.000
  DOORS_JETTISONED 0.000
  GEMINI_EVA 0
END
MOL-02Adapter:GemBAdapter
  STATUS Orbiting Earth
  ATTACHED 0:1,MOL-02
END
GTB:Gemini_Titan
  STATUS Orbiting Earth
  PRPLEVEL 0:1.000 1:1.000 2:1.000 3:1.000 4:1.000
  CONFIGURATION 2
  EQUIP_JETTISONED 1.000
  ADAPT_JETTISONED 1.000
  ATTACHED 0:1,MOL-02Adapter
END
END_SHIPS

Please let me know if there's any more information I can provide.

4throck · Aug 24, 2016

Well, I made a MOL mesh, based on the declassified info :hmm:
I have the 4 MOL modules as separate meshes, but no animation for the telescope yet.
Thinking about doing a VC for it, would look great now that SC4 can show astronauts inside.

I made a Titan 3M to launch it using Velcro unmanned.
For a more realistic flight, I'm trying to update Gemini the capsule into a SC4 version supporting UMMU for crew transfer to MOL...

It seems close to what you are doing, but Gemini B would be a better match.
But for now, if you wish, I can send you the MOL meshes as they are

View attachment 14740
View attachment 14741

If (big IF) I have the time I MIGHT update Gemini's VC for Gemini B and include 2 MFDs and the seated astronauts for SC4+UMMU.
Of course, that would reuse the existing meshes, so we would need permissions for a release.

I don't mind if someone else handles scenarios, configs and permissions, docs. I prefer to concentrate on graphics.
But one step at a time, let's talk about that if and when I play with those meshes

Star Voyager · Aug 24, 2016

Wow, these look superb! Since you've got the meshes, I can handle permissions, config, scenarios and docs. As far as the capsule itself goes, I think the only big difference between the two is the heat shield hatch (which for this add-on I could live without). Do you have a mesh for the Gemini B adapter?

4throck · Aug 26, 2016

Check you private messages

for the MOL meshes.

I have no meshes for the adapter. Gemini "adapts" quite well as it is :hmm: so I don't think that's a priority right now.
If you get MOL working with the current Gemini it's a simple job to duplicate the meshes (with permission) and re-texture it into Gemini B (USAF logo, blue adapter, etc).
I can do that, but let's go step by step. :thumbup:

Donamy · Aug 26, 2016

I think I made the original Gemini meshes. You have my permission to use them.

4throck · Aug 27, 2016

Any opinions about having 2 MFDs on the Gemini B cockpit?

I'm thinking about placing one where the ADI ball is and another bellow, in the place of the D/V computer (or whatever that is ;-) )

I know that current MFDs are very futuristic, but that's a matter of coding more classic looking instruments. If someone codes an ADI MFD, it would integrate perfectly.

Urwumpe · Aug 27, 2016

4throck said:
Any opinions about having 2 MFDs on the Gemini B cockpit?

I don't think it is very historic, but that is my opinion (And if I have too many complaints, I should make it better). The first version of Soyuz already had an primitive analogue oscilloscope like MFD, it is not anachronistic in that sense. But not the way the USA did it - they included MFDs much later in fighter aircraft.

EDIT: Does somebody know how the user interface to the AP-1 in Skylab was like?

4throck · Aug 27, 2016

Thanks for the opinion. Just trying to sort out the best approach before messing with the meshes :thumbup:.

I can always model the ADI ball in 3D and animate it with LUA. Same for the gauges... But it must remain simple to setup with multistage for example.

As for Skylab, usually we only see the ATM control panel...

Urwumpe · Aug 27, 2016

Luckily, Bernd Leitenberger did already some research there:

http://www.bernd-leitenberger.de/computer-raumfahrt1.shtml

Lets translate it like that: The original Gemini GDC has a much better user interface than the Skylab TC-1. Keyboard with 10 keys. 8 digits for octal input, enter and clear. 5 digits form one command. Also one switch with the following positions: OFF, COMPUTER 1 and COMPUTER 2.

Pretty disappointing.

4throck · Aug 27, 2016

Nice site. I'll save it for future reference.

Back to topic, I'm assembling the MOL control panels. There are 8 walls, some with panels but with an interesting geometry. The forward panels have an upper area and some kind of work bench. For the middle panel there are commands on the workbench.
View attachment 14757

4throck · Aug 31, 2016

I realized that the Gemini meshes are in fact put together from of two Gemini add-ons. Some of the textures actually seem to be unused.

So this complicates things a bit, because the exporter crashes with isolated vertices, unused or missing textures, bad UVs, etc, etc.

I'll give it another go just to see if I can have SC4+UMMU+LUA to handle the seated astronauts and a functional ADI ball.

Worth trying since it can also upgrade the existing Gemini, not just Gemini B.

4throck · Sep 2, 2016

Interesting, Gemini B's cockpit is somewhat different. I though that they just changed some instruments, but the panel changes are deeper than that. Some sizes change.
I don't have any high res images for these panels and doing those textures by hand will take take. So I'll just keep these photo-textures as "concept art" just to get everything at the right place.

The ADI ball is borrowed from AAPO and quite Kerbal

just to test the realtime animation latter on. Keep it simple

View attachment 14774

boogabooga · Sep 2, 2016

Here:
http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Vi...bid/509/Article/198109/gemini-spacecraft.aspx

I have my own pics of the interior, if you are interested.

4throck · Sep 2, 2016

boogabooga, of course I'm interested

If the angles are suitable using phototextures is a quick and dirty way of getting a decent VC.

My reference so far are the declassified photos that show the entire cockpit.
http://gizmodo.com/newly-declassified-photos-show-the-crewed-usaf-spy-spac-1739613728

Star Voyager · Sep 2, 2016

Here's some pretty good differences here.

4throck · Sep 2, 2016

Good, those differences match what I found by re-texturing using the declassified photos.

Very interesting stuff. I like the Gemini B design better, with those recessed instrument displays. Really cool retro!

4throck · Sep 7, 2016

Made some progress with SC4+LUA.
This code works with the graphic client:

Code:

....

v = vessel.get_focusinterface('GeminiUMMU')

prm = {type='rotation',mesh=0,grp=86,ref={x=0.1,y=0.2,z=0.4},axis={x=0.3,y=0.1,z=0.4},angle=2*PI}
acomp = oapi.create_animationcomponent(prm)
anim = v:create_animation(0)
AnimComp = v:add_animationcomponent(anim,0,1,acomp)

i = 1
while i  <= 5 do

yaw = v:get_yaw()
x = yaw/(2*PI)
okc = v:set_animation(anim,x)

proc.wait_sysdt(0.01)
end
...

(LOL for the infinite loop and quick and dirty programming)

Basically a mesh group is rotated according to yaw.
The group doesn't need to be defined in SC4 as animation.
All groups belong to a single mesh.

So it's worth to do some 3D dials, since I now know that they are realtime updatable!

sputnik · Sep 8, 2016

Feel free to use the Gemini-B adapter I put together for the old MOL add-on. It ought to mate just fine to any given Gemini and MOL, if they're both the right diameter.....

4throck · Sep 8, 2016

Just to say that I don't wish to interfere with Star Voyager's efforts about the MOL add-on.
My efforts might be seen as stealing the show, but they are parallel and just an attempt to provide a better Gemini B latter on.

Star Voyager · Sep 10, 2016

By all means, interfere! :cheers:

I played with some numbers to where the configuration functions like I want it to, but y'all have done the real work.

Project MOL Revived (Sort Of)

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