Project Sigma rocket

[T.Neo]

Still does not look the same, I guess a lot of it is light bouncing and Earthshine. But the fabric definitely does seem lighter and more 'reflective'.

It is interesting to note that the fabric to the left side, which are partially in shadow, has very obvious folds whereas fabric to the right which is getting more direct sunlight, has less obvious folds. The angle of the Sun isn't obvious in your screenshots, but I think being too obvious in direct sunlight could be a reason for the 'uncanny' resemblance of the fabric.

This video of Saturn V staging shows pretty clearly how a sunlit surface can illuminate a shadowed surface (and toward the end of the video, how earthshine can illuminate something). This is with that sort of green primer mind you, not highly reflective thermal blankets.

 

[N_Molson]

Still does not look the same, I guess a lot of it is light bouncing and Earthshine. But the fabric definitely does seem lighter and more 'reflective'.

Yes, the idea would be some kind of specularity that doesn't shine... Don't see how to do that with Anim8tor parameters, though...

---------- Post added at 07:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:11 PM ----------

Because, with a lot of specularity, you appreciate better the direction of the light, but it just looks like a cylinder of plastic. Better without it, I find.

The lightning model is probably too simple. Even renders like this one don't really manage to get the effect :

 

[T.Neo]

Specularity should be reserved for things that are specular- like metal or smooth painted surfaces. Not fabric like this, I don't think...

 

[N_Molson]

Well, can't do a lot better right now (the nozzle part needs work).

---------- Post added 08-19-11 at 04:15 PM ---------- Previous post was 08-18-11 at 08:47 PM ----------

Normal maps really add realism to textures, even at very low levels (the orange texture)

 

[N_Molson]

At least, I managed to code an animation for the deployement of 1 solar panels array.

---------- Post added at 04:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:47 PM ----------

Ok, the 4 arrays are deployed !

I'd like to make them able to track the Sun, by rotating on their axis... I'll see if I can do that.

---------- Post added 08-23-11 at 03:09 PM ---------- Previous post was 08-22-11 at 04:10 PM ----------

The antenna animation is done, and now everything deploys in sequence :

1) Antenna
2) Top solar array
3) Bottom solar array
4) Left solar array
5) Right solar array

The whole sequence lasts more than 5 minutes, which should be realistic enough. It is initiated with a delay when the vehicle is no longer attached.

 

[Wishbone]

Shouldn't opposing arrays be unfurled simultaneously, to avoid extra torques?

 

[N_Molson]

Shouldn't opposing arrays be unfurled simultaneously, to avoid extra torques?

I think that the ATV does it that way, one by one. Less stress on the batteries I guess. Anyway, given the very slow motion and the powerful RCS, a "killrot" would deal with that easily.

Edit : Sorry, it seems you are right ! Will fix.

 

[kuddel]

Hi N_Molson,

I'm not sure if you should take those "animations" as reference.
I had the same question with ATV-2 a while ago here:

http://www.orbiter-forum.com/showthread.php?p=242238&postcount=70

and I'm not sure what sources Urwumpe had back than, but he might give you reliably sources on this topic.

/Kuddel

 

[N_Molson]

Well, for now the solar panels deploy by pairs. Technically, that should be possible, that's a big spacecraft and the batteries will be rather of an heavy-duty type.

 

[ky]

Well, for now the solar panels deploy by pairs. Technically, that should be possible, that's a big spacecraft and the batteries will be rather of an heavy-duty type.

Awesome project you have going.Keep up the great work!

 

[Capt_hensley]

Looks nice, Why are there four petals on the docking system? IBDM/LIDS/APAS use 3 at 120 degrees, does this dock to a special hub?

 

[N_Molson]

Looks nice, Why are there four petals on the docking system? IBDM/LIDS/APAS use 3 at 120 degrees, does this dock to a special hub?

Because I merely copy-pasted the default mesh that comes with Orbiter "ProjectAlpha" ISS. This will be corrected, but later, as it is non-critical.

 

[Capt_hensley]

^ Great, when the time comes, don't forget I made Hi-Res textures and posted them on OHM. The mesh for them can be found in the CST-100 WIP on OHM. Use freely.

 

[N_Molson]

I guess it's what they call a "destructive reentry" :

That vessel has only a few seconds left to live :

---------- Post added 08-27-11 at 05:25 PM ---------- Previous post was 08-26-11 at 08:48 PM ----------

The fairing has been re-done, with textures & normal maps.

I'm taking proposals for a replacement mission patch, I'm not good at this !



Overall, apart the problem with solar panels orientation that isn't solved, the project is in good way.

 

[ky]

I'm taking proposals for a replacement mission patch, I'm not good at this !

I recommend Eli, his patches are awesome.

 

[N_Molson]

Worked on adding a "burnout" effect to the SRBs :

Before separation, SRB thrust is quickly dropping at this point :



After separation, the SRBs burn several more seconds, as the reaction terminates.

 

[Cras]

This project looks fantastic! Look forward to using to re supply the ISS!

 

[Izack]

This project looks fantastic! Look forward to using to re supply the ISS!

:hesaid:

And also looking forward to having another option for O-F homebrew space launchers. :thumbup:

 

[N_Molson]

First stage reentry over the Atlantic :

 

[Cosmic Penguin]

What's the max-G attained during the ascent by the cargo craft? I would have thought that the weight of the upper stage + payload would be quite light that if you don't throttle down the SSME, the max-G could rise to 7+ Gs at SRB separation.
I would say that this is a very good rocket: I have something very close in my mind when Ares I was still alive. Keep up your good work!

GPS