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The Astraeus Orbiter The race has begun Hello everyone, Avera9eJoe here with the latest and greatest in space shuttle technology. Originally named the "Zephyr", I started this craft in the early days of 0.90 and after progressing through iteration 24 ("mk. XXIV"), I can finally catch some sleep with a full release. I hope you all enjoy Download: Astraeus Orbiter (Dropbox) Control Points: Control from the large probe core the vectors are attached to when you jettison the boosters. When firing the rapier engines in space you'll want to control from the small probe core on the tail. When docking in orbit you'll want to control from the docking port on the nose. For reentry it's best to control from the main cockpit but you can chose the vector-probe core if you want a more steep angle of attack. Action Groups: Toggle main engines and main engine gimbals. Use after separating from main tank to stop them from wiggling when in space or reentry. Switch engine mode on rapiers. The rapiers are intended to be used as both OMS engines and as rocket engines as in their original purpose. You can spy the intakes on top of the Big-S wing strakes (The nose ones are for aesthetic but also work). Toggle tail antenna. It is extended by default and isn't needed to be retracted ever, but you can if you so chose to. Toggle bay doors. Usually it's simpler to just click it, but still. Toggle docking port on nose. Again it's probably easier to just click and open but it's still handy. Tips & Tricks: WATCH THE VIDEO!!! Examples will always make better descriptions than words. While you reenter, have SAS set to prograde. This helps significantly with stability and makes the ride go along smoothly. As you land, try using only the roll axis when steering to the left or right. It's the most stable. Pressing brakes will also toggle the tailfin flaps. Extend the flaps as you reenter to help slow you down. You can toggle it on and off with brakes depending on how steep of a landing you are making or to control drag/lift a bit better. It looks really cool to just open the cargo bay doors once free from the main tank. It isn't necessary for ship function although it is realistically accurate, as the radiators are mounted inside the craft similarly to how the space shuttle had radiators inside the bay doors Well, it's 1:00 AM once again and that's all I have for now. See you all later!