Project Orion MPCV

[francisdrake]

I'm open to suggestions

Contents for next update (This will take until next year ...)
- Work over the solar panels, incl up & down swiveled meshes
- Basic virtual cockpit
- Red safety balloons

On the virtual cockpit: The aluminium interior is probably only temporary. I cannot imagine a crew to live in that surrounding for months. Remings me of a butchers shop or state prison. The interior of the CST-100 seems more cozy, and this is for an 48 h trip to LEO only. I will make a few propsals on that.

The MFD's in the virtual cockpit give me headaches. Even after small changes in the mesh they stop working. I count the group numbers in the .msh file and change them in the code accordingly, but no joy. Would you know any good examples in the SDK?

 

[gattispilot]

She looks good with Skylab II:

 

[francisdrake]

Splashdown!

Balloons inflated. The water is a textured rectangle, just for fun. Don't know if to keep the water. It does not blend with the default water texture, and would look funny if Orion dropped on land.

** New version 07 on the front page **
Balloons, solar panels swivel up & down, very early virtual cockpit.
MFDs still not working.
Auxillary thrusters [ A ] now only fire while key is pressed.

 

[Star Voyager]

I think I found a minor bug. I start the "Orion MPCV at ISS" scenario. I press S to deploy the solar panels, but they disappear. I press S again and the reappear deployed.

 

[francisdrake]

Thanks for the feedback!
Odd thing is, it does not do it here. When starting the scenario, the solar panels are still tugged in. S deploys them in straight config.
Could it be that your viewpoint is straight from the side? The panel models have no thickness, so if they are looken upon from the edge they seem to be invisible.

 

[Astro SG Wise]

Brilliant picture of Orion! Thanks for including the balloons and Aux thruster settings.

A note on past solar panel deployment...
Whenever I used solar panels on the Orion to ISS scenario, they didn't disappear for me, but they always deployed in the forward position. Just noticed.

 

[Star Voyager]

I wish I were seeing things, but if you say they don't disappear for you, I guess I have a problem on my end. Here's some shots:

 

[francisdrake]

Could you please unpack the attached Orion-MPCV.dll into the Orbiter\Modules directory and overwrite the exisiting one. Then launch the ISS scenario.

The dll does not change any behavior, but adds a debug line in the lower left corner.

Initial condition
Mode = 0, Solar = 0 Solar panels tugged in

Depolyed
Mode = 1, Solar = 0 Solar panels deployed horizontally
Mode = 1, Solar = 1 Solar panels swivelled forward
Mode = 1, Solar = 2 Solar panels swivelled backwards

The S and D keys toggle between the panel orientations.
Please let me know what modes show irregular behaviour.

 

[Astro SG Wise]

I had the exact same problem with v7. Weird, and also I couldn't rotate the solar panels in the downward position. Is there a different key for that?

Oh, and I also think that you should not include the water. It is a little distracting, very blue, and more like a pool. Good idea for covering up the bottom of the CM, but maybe you should just make a landed Orion mesh where the bottom is flat for the water.

---------- Post added at 03:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:06 PM ----------

Oops! Didn't read the S and D button changing abilities. My bad! :embarrassed:

 

[Star Voyager]

I got a CTD. Here's the log:

**** Orbiter.log
Build Aug 30 2010 [v.100830]
Timer precision: 6.98413e-008 sec
Found 1 joystick(s)
Devices enumerated: 2
Devices accepted: 2
==> RGB Emulation
==> Direct3D HAL
Module AtlantisConfig.dll .... [Build 100830, API 100830]
Module AtmConfig.dll ......... [Build 100830, API 100830]
Module DGConfigurator.dll .... [Build 100830, API 100830]
Module ScnEditor.dll ......... [Build 100830, API 100830]
Module Rcontrol.dll .......... [Build 100830, API 100830]
Module ExtMFD.dll ............ [Build 100830, API 100830]
Module ScreenCapture.dll ..... [Build ******, API 060425]
Module CustomMFD.dll ......... [Build 100830, API 100830]
Module Meshdebug.dll ......... [Build 100830, API 100830]
Module GPCMFD.dll ............ [Build 131213, API 100830]
Module AttitudeMFD.dll ....... [Build ******, API 060425]
---------------------------------------------------------------
>>> WARNING: Obsolete API function used: oapiRegisterMFDMode
At least one active module is accessing an obsolete interface function.
Addons which rely on obsolete functions may not be compatible with
future versions of Orbiter.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Module AutoFCS.dll ........... [Build ******, API 050206]
Error loading module Modules\Plugin\OUIPC.dll (code 126)
Error loading module Modules\Plugin\GuidanceMFD.dll (code 126)
Error loading module Modules\Plugin\RendezvousMFD.dll (code 126)
Error loading module Modules\Plugin\WarpDriveMFD-Mk2.dll (code 126)
Error loading module Modules\Plugin\LunarTransferMFD.dll (code 126)
Error loading module Modules\Plugin\LolaMFD.dll (code 126)

**** Creating simulation session
DirectDraw interface OK
Direct3D interface OK
Graphics: Viewport: Window 1434 x 874 x 32
Graphics: Hardware T&L capability: No
Graphics: Z-buffer depth: 32 bit
Graphics: Active lights supported: -1
Loading 15382 records from star database
Joystick throttle: Z-AXIS
Joystick throttle control detected
Module Sun.dll ............... [Build 100830, API 100830]
VSOP87(E) Sun: Precision 1e-006, Terms 554/6634
Module Mercury.dll ........... [Build 100830, API 100830]
VSOP87(B) Mercury: Precision 1e-005, Terms 167/7123
Module Venus.dll ............. [Build 100830, API 100830]
Module VenusAtm2006.dll ...... [Build 100830, API 100830]
VSOP87(B) Venus: Precision 1e-005, Terms 79/1710
Module Earth.dll ............. [Build 100830, API 100830]
Module EarthAtmJ71G.dll ...... [Build 100830, API 100830]
VSOP87(B) Earth: Precision 1e-008, Terms 2564/2564
Module Moon.dll .............. [Build 100830, API 100830]
ELP82: Precision 1e-005, Terms 116/829
Module Mars.dll .............. [Build 100830, API 100830]
Module MarsAtm2006.dll ....... [Build 100830, API 100830]
VSOP87(B) Mars: Precision 1e-005, Terms 405/6400
Module Phobos.dll ............ [Build ******, API 060425]
Module Deimos.dll ............ [Build ******, API 060425]
Module Galsat.dll ............ [Build 100217, API 100215]
Module Jupiter.dll ........... [Build 100830, API 100830]
VSOP87(B) Jupiter: Precision 1e-006, Terms 1624/3625
Module Io.dll ................ [Build 100217, API 100215]
Module Europa.dll ............ [Build 100217, API 100215]
Module Ganymede.dll .......... [Build 100217, API 100215]
Module Callisto.dll .......... [Build 100217, API 100215]
Module Satsat.dll ............ [Build 100215, API 100212]
Module Saturn.dll ............ [Build 100830, API 100830]
VSOP87(B) Saturn: Precision 1e-006, Terms 2904/6365
Module Mimas.dll ............. [Build 100215, API 100212]
SATSAT Mimas: Terms 113
Module Enceladus.dll ......... [Build 100215, API 100212]
SATSAT Enceladus: Terms 33
Module Tethys.dll ............ [Build 100215, API 100212]
SATSAT Tethys: Terms 101
Module Dione.dll ............. [Build 100215, API 100212]
SATSAT Dione: Terms 59
Module Rhea.dll .............. [Build 100215, API 100212]
SATSAT Rhea: Terms 68
Module Titan.dll ............. [Build 100215, API 100212]
SATSAT Titan: Terms 100
Module Iapetus.dll ........... [Build 100215, API 100212]
SATSAT Iapetus: Terms 605
Module Uranus.dll ............ [Build 100830, API 100830]
VSOP87(B) Uranus: Precision 1e-006, Terms 1827/5269
Module Miranda.dll ........... [Build ******, API 060425]
Module Ariel.dll ............. [Build ******, API 060425]
Module Umbriel.dll ........... [Build ******, API 060425]
Module Titania.dll ........... [Build ******, API 060425]
Module Oberon.dll ............ [Build ******, API 060425]
Module Neptune.dll ........... [Build 100830, API 100830]
VSOP87(B) Neptune: Precision 1e-006, Terms 391/2024
Finished initialising world
---------------------------------------------------------------
>>> WARNING: Obsolete API function used: VESSEL::SetBankMomentScale
At least one active module is accessing an obsolete interface function.
Addons which rely on obsolete functions may not be compatible with
future versions of Orbiter.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Module ISS20A.dll ............ [Build 131228, API 100830]
Module CMG2.dll .............. [Build 110727, API 100830]
Module SoyuzTMA.dll .......... [Build 100702, API 100606]
Module ProgressM1.dll ........ [Build 100626, API 100606]
Finished initialising status
Finished initialising camera
Finished initialising panels
Finished setting up render state

 

[pclaurent]

For a future version, in VC mode, I would suggest to put the MFDs on top of the control panel (instead of the textured panel), for ease of use...

 

[Astro SG Wise]

Testing ways to use the Orion MPCV for an Orion/MTV lander test. In my concept, first there would be EF-1, EF-2, then this test would be EF-3, and then the Asteroid Redirect Mission. Here are some pictures.

View image in gallery​

View image in gallery​

View image in gallery​

View image in gallery​

Also, francisdrake, your backward swivel solar panels are da bomb :dj:!

View image in gallery​

View image in gallery​

So, another random suggestion, I would recommend an indenting of the main windows. On the CM for EFT-1, the windows are tilted into a slightly more horizontal position by the indentation of the black outline tiles. If you know what I mean.

---------- Post added at 01:37 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:23 AM ----------

Never mind, I take that back. The windows are already indented. One other thing, the cockpit is very dark. You may want to make it a lighter color.

 

[francisdrake]

Thanks for the feedback and the great screenshots!

On the MFD's: The currently textured panel MFD's will be replaced by 'live' Orbiter MFD's. These 'live' MFD's are only temporary located below the panel, as I have trouble to render the MFD's on them (just black rectangles right now).
[P.S: Do they work on your Orbiter installation??]

The docking windows are indented, but not quite true to the original.
Reason: Before the EFT-1 launch it i could not find photos showing the window arrangement in detail. Now extremly good pictures are available, after splashdown with the Orion on the ocean, showing many details of the windows. I will later on redo the window mesh, but this is further down on my list.

Cockpit interiors will be next. Will try to use snapshots of the ISS interior as a guidance.
Will also try to incorporate light sources, or at least textures indicating lighter and darker areas, to get more of a cockpit feeling.

 

[pclaurent]

No MFD active yet, just black rectangles. I can't wait for real MFDs (display + buttons)
And, in my Christmas wishlist (a bit too late, I know ) : UMMU support!

 

[Astro SG Wise]

Now, I know this is an old topic, but I want to get this deal straight...

The SLS Block II cargo version can, or can not lift the RNS into orbit (according to the specs)? If it can, I found this habitat that looks like it would be a good option. [ame="http://orbithangar.com/searchid.php?ID=2231"]http://orbithangar.com/searchid.php?ID=2231[/ame]

I took some pictures of it with the RNS. Would this be a good idea? It is not as sleek as a cylindrical habitat, but it would seem to work, because the RNS provides enough thrust to easily overcome escape velocity.

View image in gallery

View image in gallery

---------- Post added at 09:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:47 PM ----------

The backward swivel solar panel option for the MPCV works really well with this stack, so Orion fits better.

 

[orbitingpluto]

A full RNS is too heavy for SLS, but I believe somebody figured out what propellent load is within the SLS's lift capacity back in the SLS thread. Do a search of that thread adn you should find the info you require.

Also, that Mars hab you have there looks like it extends outside of the RNS's shadow shield. If it wasn't for that though, I would've gave you a glowing review.

 

[Astro SG Wise]

So, I will probably stick with my original designs . . .

View image in gallery

... except I would use the RNS . . .

View image in gallery

Would it matter if the solar panels were outside the shadow? The rest of the mars core was inside I believe, except for the solar panels, as well as these designs.

 

[CurlSnout]

I have little to contribute, but want to extend sincere thanks and offer encouragement in the development of this project. I'm having fun with it in the ORBITER 15 (?) beta build.

Hi-Ho,

cs


Before:

And, after:

 

[4throck]

Great to see that Orion is generating the interest it deserves, with many add-ons to depict the different planned versions. Good work.

 

[Astro SG Wise]

Just a few more photo ops. Thanks to francisdrake for tips of re-entry with Orion MPCV on Re-entering with Orion thread. Why does Orion re-enter the atmosphere twice, instead of once?

I don't know if you remember me stating this, so I will restate it. I do not believe that you should put extra water around the CM when it splashes down. If you want to make it look like the bottom part of the CM is in water, you should cut off the round bottom in the mesh file. It was too marine/aqua colored as well. Thank you for the work!