SSU Launch Complex 39 development

[DaveS]

The updated RSS is coming together pretty nicely despite the setback. Should have it done pretty soon. Right now the interior of the PCR is bare and empty, but if anyone would like to code proper operations for payload loading/unloading I could add a simple PGHM.


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Another thing needed is illumination of the pad structures at night. Currently, only the shuttle and MLP are illuminated, while the FSS and RSS lacks illumination.

Can use the meshes currently in the repository to debug and test as materials will not change with the new meshes.


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For realistic RSS/Orbiter payload ops we need a way to transfer the vertical torque tubes from the RSS PCR doors to the Orbiter PLB doors.

This is from the Payload Bay Door and Radiator panel familiarization Handbook:

Torque tubes are installed on each segment of both doors
to counteract the warping on the forward and the aft parts of
the doors. The forward arm of the torque tube can be preloaded to a
needed torque by turning a set screw to a calibrated distance A.

The needed torque varies between PLBD
segments due to the different weight, and therefore warping, of each
segments. The torque applied to the forward most arm of each torque
tube pulls the centerline of the forward part of the segment out and
pushes the centerline of the aft part of the segment in. The state of
equilibrium produced by the torque tubes allows the PLBDs to remain
unwarped and the latches to remain within latching distances.

 

[DaveS]

Here's two screenshots of the redone and updated RSS. There's still some work left on it but I would estimate it's about 85-90% complete.

The the last remaining major details is the SRB FWD Skirt Access Platforms, some more work on the OMBUU , addition of some equipment on the APU/APS servicing platforms and some more work on the FRCS Room.

 

[DaveS]

Here's something for you to ponder on:

I have been think for a while now to decouple the SRB side flame deflectors from the main hardstand mesh as they're mobile and usually not moved into place about a week or so prior to launch.

Same thing goes for the newly added Engine Service Platform(ESP) transporter. The ESP Xporter is moved into the launch position about a day or so prior to launch.

So what do you think? Should they be decoupled and turned into standalone vessels?

 

[Urwumpe]

I think yes, they should - but I don't know if we will see them in action soon

 

[DaveS]

Here's a screenshot of the latest work on 39A. Elements added so far is the LH2 and LOX storage spheres along with the x-country lines for the LH2 and GH2, complete with the GH2 burn-off flare stack.

Also added the is the hypergolic oxidizer farm which you can see directly below the LH2 sphere in the screenshot. There's a similar farm for the hypergolic fuel on the opposite side of the hardstand that is yet to be added.

 

[DaveS]

Here's another shot, this time looking west.

 

[DaveS]

As the next version of Orbiter is approaching the RC stage, I wanted to bring up a discussion about transitioning from the Hi-res KSC add-on to the new default KSC.

In order to reduce the amount of outside add-ons, I would suggest that we start using the new default hi-res KSC. This would require some re-positioning of the LC-39 elements.

 

[Urwumpe]

In order to reduce the amount of outside add-ons, I would suggest that we start using the new default hi-res KSC. This would require some re-positioning of the LC-39 elements.

Is sure worth it, if we can use the default textures then.

 

[BenSisko]

What about Edwards and White Sands? I've adapted SSU v1.25 to Slat's LC39 EAFB add-on with White Sands. It seems excellent. I understand the desire to minimize add-ons but will the new Orbiter have the same level of detail for Edwards, and White Sands (both important to recreate historic missions) as Slat's? Also with regard to ISS support, what about Baikonur Cosmodrome (80mileshigh has a great add on for this)?

 

[zerofay32]

You can always just not install the KSC part of Slat's addon. Just Edwards and WSSH. Also, the SSU devs shouldn't have to be responsible for Baikonur, since the shuttle dosn't use it .

 

[BenSisko]

You can always just not install the KSC part of Slat's addon. Just Edwards and WSSH. Also, the SSU devs shouldn't have to be responsible for Baikonur, since the shuttle dosn't use it .

I've adapted Slat's LC39 EAFB with White Sands and Vandenburg (a separate add-on) along with Baikonur for SSU. I've used this set up since David413's 3.9.x Shuttle Fleet. Baikonur, while not necessary for the Shuttle, is currently the support for ISS and if our Orbiteers on the other side of the Atlantic want to model the Soyuz launches it will be important. I understand the developers desire to limit the need for add-ons but I do think these are important in recreating historic missions and hope that future SSU or Orbiter changes won't close out the option of their use (I fear there will be more config editing in my future!).

 

[DaveS]

Latest workings on the RSS PCR. It's ocming together rather nicely so I should be able to finish it soon. The second screenshot shows the interior layout pretty well, with the PGHM in the retracted state.

 

[Logifech]

Wow looks Great DaveS what Programm do you use to create 3d meshes?

 

[DaveS]

Wow looks Great DaveS what Programm do you use to create 3d meshes?

GMAX and AC3D.

 

[Logifech]

Ok Thanks.
have a nice day.

 

[Donamy]

Looks really nice Dave !

 

[DaveS]

Looks really nice Dave !

Thanks. The white I-beams are the Payload Canister guide-rails. The Canister is equipped with two shoes that have a layer of teflon. During the first STS-125 pad flow, the Canister shoes had recently undergone a refurbishment which included an application of a new teflon layer. But due to an incorrect specification of the required thickness of the teflon layer caused the shoes not to fit in the guide-rails.

This required techs to remove the shoes from the Cansiter and to take shoes back to the shop and sand them down a bit to the proper thickness.

 

[Donamy]

Yes, I remember that.

 

[DaveS]

What can we do properly simulate the GOX Vent System problems experienced during the STS-1 pad flow?

 

[DaveS]

Here's the full conference paper on the STS ET GOX Vent System: http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19820015490_1982015490.pdf