Space Shuttle Ultra development thread

[SiameseCat]

Hi all.

I've just installed the XR2 Ravenstar, and the effects on that are Amazing!

Do you think, and I know this would be a long-term project, that eventually, some of the effects from the XR2, (Like heatshield glowing orange during re-entry, and actual wheels spinning when landing etc), could eventually be included in SSU?

And will the new SSU have actual APU systems that you can control?
And will the VC be fully usable?

Thanks.

-Pete

The APU system is basically functioning in the existing version (V1.06). Our goal is to have a fully functioning VC, but we're nowhere near that stage yet.

 

[DaveS]

How's development on the ODS coming along? Would be nice to have a functional and animated ODS in time for 126 mission. I'm nearing initial completion on the new Ext A/L+ODS mesh.

 

[Donamy]

How's development on the ODS coming along? Would be nice to have a functional and animated ODS in time for 126 mission. I'm nearing initial completion on the new Ext A/L+ODS mesh.

Who are you asking ?

 

[DaveS]

Who are you asking ?

No one in particular.

 

[DaveS]

Here's two screenshots of my new External A/L+ODS in development. Note the two missing Toolbox Stowage Assemblies(TSAs) on either side of the airlock truss.

I intend to make those seperate as not all missions flew with both, for example, STS-113 only flew with one TSA in the port slot. The starboard slot was empty.

Currently in work is the following items:

-APAS main ring
-APAS PDUs
-Addition of the remaining handrails

 

[DaveS]

After spending several hours trying to get the main ring texture aligned, I have finally managed to progress beyond it. Now have started to add the various latches that are housed in the main ring.

The guide petals and springs are original Donamy hardware, good job on those! Just needed to switch places on the 1 and 3 interface sensors.

Finally feels like I'm starting to get somewhere with this one!

 

[DaveS]

Well, first a mesh of the ODS with external airlock, maybe some animation references.

What kind of animation references? Oh and is attachment points for the TSAs on the airlock truss implemented?

 

[Urwumpe]

What kind of animation references? Oh and is attachment points for the TSAs on the airlock truss implemented?

For extending the ring, maybe the hooks and also the outer hatch would be nice.

I think I already have them, but it is possible, that they are always at the non-ODS position.

 

[DaveS]

For extending the ring, maybe the hooks and also the outer hatch would be nice.

I'll get those once I have added the various clamps that line the main APAS ring.

I think I already have them, but it is possible, that they are always at the non-ODS position.

The TSAs are always stowed in the External Airlock truss on either side of the airlock itself. Since we don't move the airlock, the positions should be correct.

 

[Urwumpe]

The TSAs are always stowed in the External Airlock truss on either side of the airlock itself. Since we don't move the airlock, the positions should be correct.

Yes, but I made the logic as such, that when you fly without external airlock, the TSA attachments get used as additional sidewall attachments. Is only a small change, if I missed this.

 

[DaveS]

Yes, but I made the logic as such, that when you fly without external airlock, the TSA attachments get used as additional sidewall attachments. Is only a small change, if I missed this.

Well, you could get working on the ODS functional right now as the current mesh by Donamy has everything needed. In fact, the APAS guide petals, interface sensors, springs and ball screw struts are the same ones on my mesh.

Once my mesh is done it should only require minor offset changes to make it work again.

 

[DaveS]

External Airlock+ODS is almost done. Just a few more details need to be added and then a final inspection of the entire assembly.

Donamy: Now would be a good time to finish the payload rentention mechanism panels for the External Airlock!

 

[DaveS]

Here's a screenshot with just the External Airlock+truss. The missing top part is the ODS. We should really make it configurable whether you want the complete deal, just the airlock or no airlock at all.

Best

 

[DaveS]

Here's a screenshot with just the External Airlock+truss. The missing top part is the ODS. We should really make it configurable whether you want the complete deal, just the airlock or no airlock at all.

Best way


-----Posted Added-----


Here's a screenshot with just the External Airlock+truss. The missing top part is the ODS. We should really make it configurable whether you want the complete deal, just the airlock or no airlock at all.

Best way in my mind to accomplish this is making the airlock and ODS two separate meshes added with two separate commands, like this:
ExtAL
ODS ->This one also triggers the loading of the ODS specific VC panels.

 

[Mission_CDR]

I dont know if this has already been asked but is there eventually going to be a collection of realistic missions such as STS 114,115,116... with realistic payloads for SSU?

 

[Urwumpe]

I dont know if this has already been asked but is there eventually going to be a collection of realistic missions such as STS 114,115,116... with realistic payloads for SSU?

Yes, but for these missions, we would also require people to maintain and develop the game data for this. This will not only be payloads, but finally also spacecraft configuration, flight plans and orbit maneuvers.

 

[DaveS]

Right now finishing up the airlock and ODS. Just a few more handrails and exterior items and it's good go!

 

[Urwumpe]

Right now finishing up the airlock and ODS. Just a few more handrails and exterior items and it's good go!

Can you also separate the two panels of the ODS and external airlock into two meshes?

We could replace the ODS panel then with a special panel for alternative docking ports.

 

[DaveS]

Can you also separate the two panels of the ODS and external airlock into two meshes?

We could replace the ODS panel then with a special panel for alternative docking ports.

Let me see if I got this right: You want to separate the two panels, A6L(DOCKING SYSTEM POWER) and A7L(APDS CONTROL PANEL)? Shouldn't be too hard.

 

[Urwumpe]

Let me see if I got this right: You want to separate the two panels, A6L(DOCKING SYSTEM POWER) and A7L(APDS CONTROL PANEL)? Shouldn't be too hard.

Yes. Currently they are joined, but it makes no sense. I think A6L is used for all missions with external airlock, but would have to check this on STS-125.