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Showing results for tags 'a noble goal indeed'.
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Hello everyone! I'm Upsilon. Submarines in KSP 1.0.5 are easy. The hard part, to put it simply, is making good submarines. Now, I know what you're thinking, namely: "But I've created some submarines that go up and down nicely, and I think they're pretty good!" Well, even though these subs work, I know it's possible to do better. See, the thing is, submarines in the real world don't rely on rocket engines or jet engines for propulsion. Rather, they rely on methods of controlling buoyancy: adding air or water to a particular tank, for example. But is this possible in Kerbal Space Program? Well, no. But I think I've found the closest alternative. See, the thing is, some parts have an "open" and "closed" state: think solar panels, radiator panels, antennas, and the like. When these parts are opened, the game thinks they have a larger volume with the same mass as before... meaning their density, according to the game's mechanics, drops dramatically. Quick example: I sent a negatively-buoyant submarine to the bottom of the ocean, then opened up a Gigantor on top. The submarine promptly started ascending after the solar panel was opened, eventually reaching the surface of the ocean. I'll post a picture here. You can also watch the video link below, although you certainly don't have to: ...and the video: https://youtu.be/DR5rl24PrCI So. This submarine became the first to ascend and descend without using any fuel or dumping any mass (so far as I know). But, of course, it's sorta impractical: you can't move around at great speeds unless you like solar panel shards. There's a great deal of improvement to be made. That's where you come in! My humble goal is to create a practical, fuel-less submarine in the Kerbal Space Program: capable of controlled descent and ascent, quick sub-nautical navigation, and maybe even having a crew or looking aesthetically nice! And I'd love your help as I strive to reach this goal. So, a couple of questions: Does the large communications antenna have any effect on crafts' buoyancy when deployed or retracted? Is it possible to "hide" these buoyant parts inside fairings or cargo bays? Could some sort of purely-electric motor be used for horizontal movement (with bearings and rover wheels or SAS, for example)? I want the answers to these questions, and hopefully you do too! Together, let us innovate like mad, test things that probably won't work, and embark on a quest: The Quest for the Perfect Submarine! -Upsilon