[Request] Space Traffic Control Module!

[blorgon]

Would anybody else be interested in a Space Traffic Control module for space stations? It should have support for 6-12 Kerbals, could act as a RemoteTech command station (possibly with a long-range integrated omni like KSC, but appropriately lower-power), and have multiple viewing ports for watching docking events.

I'm currently designing my first space station, and I use Near Future's PPD-1 Heavy Command Module that seats 6 and can be used as a command station to control probes even without line of sight to KSC. The purpose of my station will be long term habitation, long-term science research, short-term science experiment delivery to the Kerbin surface, and an interplanetary space port with a large fuel tanker dock and large interplanetary ship dock.

Here's what I'm thinking it could look like, but obviously I'd like a single part that is also specifically designed for orbit:

 

[swjr-swis]

Interesting concept, I would have use for such a module.

[nli2work]

could probably just weld two of those together in part config... does it have IVA?

Edited April 1, 2016 by nli2work

[ComatoseJedi]

The NF spacecraft does have an IVA, but the large pod is -mostly- non functional. Only for show/placeholder. But, it's a custom placeholder. The smaller 2 man pod has a more functional IVA.

[nli2work]

hm... would be fairly easy without IVA. simple part config would do the trick. IVA is more difficult

[blorgon]

Well, what I was thinking is that it'd be neat to have an actual (basic) space traffic control mechanic in the game, where there would be a dedicated console inside the control tower for each docking port you have on the station and the console would have a screen connected to the docking camera of an approaching vessel. Kerbals could guide incoming unmanned cargo or refueling tankers to the station and you could do this all IVA at a well designed console like this:

while being able to look out the window while you work!

You could have a telemetry feed in the console for the craft you're controlling, and then of course the main display would be the feed from the approaching craft's docking camera as it sees the station. I think it'd be a fun mechanic that would add quite a lot to the game.

Alternatively, you could just have the one console, since (unless multiplayer becomes a thing) you'd only be able to work at any one console at a time. That way, you could use something like mod+[ ] to switch spacecraft while staying at the console. It'd be quite a challenge to control a lot of traffic, just like how real air traffic control works, where an operator is responsible for a handful of planes, and dictates instructions to a plane, and then switches to another plane and dictates instructions, constantly switching back and forth until the planes are on the ground.

Ideally, you'd probably only be able to take control at the console once you're on approach (within 5km, and under 100m/s relative), otherwise, the control tower would act like a normal command station in the way RemoteTech works, where you're controlling the craft from the command station, but the camera is focused on the payload (which I think is kind of lame, honestly. I'd much rather fly unmanned craft from an orbital station or from KSC Mission Control with a real map view on the big screen and all your telemetry on a console in front of you). I feel like unless you're taking screenshots, or just admiring your own work, you should pretty much always fly IVA, but that's just personal.

Edited April 1, 2016 by blorgon