Surrey Satellite Technolgy Ltd. - Satellite Pack Programmer

[SSTL_Pete]

Hello all,

The SSTL outreach team are looking for a couple of volunteer KSP proficient programmers to work with SSTL_Pete and Akron (author behind ProbesPlus) on the SSTL Satellite Pack mod .

SSTL would like to add some gameplay features that enhance the game around the use of satellites.

We are also thinking about adding to the parts pack some of our more unique satellites, one being a satellite that removes debris that has a number of technologies to capture space debris, including a net and harpoon capture system. However this has a number of technical game challenges if we want to replicate. 

If you’d like to volunteer please get in touch and or post below with some examples of past work.

A few features/ideas we had were;

• Create code to allow a harpoon to attach to another part
• Create code that would capture another part
• Create a solarsail that can be used for propulsion and also as a means to deorbit within an atmosphere
• Create a mod that when a satellite (Core Probe) has less than 10% electricity it enters "SAFE" mode. Which triggers WARP to return to x1 speed, turns off any payloads, points solar panels towards sun.
• Minor animation that moves the 300S1 X-Band antenna towards the closest communication node
• Create a mod that allows you to write a set of instructions that can be uploaded to the satellite and when a specific time is reached, the instruction is actioned (to be used with the RemoteTech mod). This would be a reasonable representation of what we do in reality which we call SKEDS.
• Create a 'Frequencer Filer' mod to pseudo replicate 'Frequency filer missions that are done in reality. The mod would issue a contract to get a satellite to a specific orbit range within a specific time limit. If the contract fails then no communication can occur to any probe cores in that orbit range.
• Create observation contracts that if successful allows players to earn a code, with that code a player can then download a password protected file from the internet containing a unique SSTL satellite image or video. i.e. in-game Easter eggs.
• Create a mod that whilst under WARP the 300S1 satellite imager points towards the orbiting planetary body
• Enhance SCANat mod to;
  • When two or more satellites are connected their combined FoV are increased
  • FoV is dictated by the orientation of the 300S1 satellite imager and the direction it is pointing in, with regards to planetary body
  • The science collected is a function of the satellite being located at its optimum altitude

If anything here can be replicated by an existing mod we would like to hear about these as well

Kind regards

The SSTL Outreach Team

Edited April 9, 2018 by SSTL_Pete

[CobaltWolf]

I'll share this with some programmers I know, but for some of the functionality (harpooning, in particular) I know that is already part of Kerbal Attachment System.

 

[SSTL_Pete]

CobaltWolf, Thank you. I'll take a look at KAS tonight