I need help with moving Space Station Parts on Orbit

[Turk_WLF]

I need help with ideas on how to move Space Station Modules such as (Habitation Modules) while on orbit.  Normally my Payload Launch Vehicles (rockets) stopped about 100 meters away from the target in this case the Space Station Core.

I need a method where I can maneuver the modules without having RCS permanently attached to the modules. I can’t attach Temporarily RCS via docking ports because design of the modules.

The main reason what I don’t use Space Planes or Shuttles is because I can’t land them.

Thank you for your help & ideas,

[LN400]

First question I have is, why can't you have permanent RCS thrusters on the module? If the problem is you don't want them to fire up when you use RCS on the rest of the station, then you can always disable the thrusters you don't use at any time.

For approaching the target for docking, some sort of propulsion is of course necessary. No way around that. It can be a separate motor/tank with RSC that is jettisoned after docking, or you could install the infernal robotics mod to build a robotic arm for the final docking/assembly but this is a bit hairy if the module is massive and it involves getting the robotic arm installed so it may be a catch-22 depending One last alternative I can think of is using the KAS/KIS mods that will give you a winch for pulling the module in and into place but the structure will most likely be less rigid and a lot weaker than if you use docking ports and one of the other methods.

[Vive_moi]

Hello,

If you play with mod, you can try KIS. You will be able to attach/detach parts anywhere in flight. This way you may had a temporary docking port anywhere convenient on the incoming module and dock a space tug with RCS on it, When you have assembled the module on the station, you undock the tug and detach the temporary docking port.

If you go without mod, you can had a docking port dedicated to handling (again with a space tug) on a free side of the module. But this one will be permanent.

See you,

Vive_moi

 

Edited August 25, 2016 by Vive_moi

[steuben]

Another option. Dedicated construction pod like in "Project Space Station". Basically a bundle of RCS, reaction wheels, and batteries wrap around a pod. Though it will require either designing your modules accordingly, or using the klaw.

[Plusck]

Agreed with steuben's tug principle: just build a Klaw with the best probe core and strong RCS (using "fine control" via caps-lock, with at least one ring of four thrusters near the Klaw and another set nearer the rear) to move stuff around.

Another option: you have RCS on the station, and move the station to the module. Trickier, and you need to micro-warp from time to time to force things to stop spinning around, but doable.

However, whatever you do, I would NOT recommend combining the above two ideas. Being in control of the part being klawed at the instant it latches used to crash the game, and maybe still does (haven't tried under 1.1).

Edited August 25, 2016 by Plusck

[GoSlash27]

I use little drones called "hands" for my orbital assembly work.

 A drone core, RCS tank/ thrusters, and docking ports at both ends.

Latch on to the section, remove it from the delivery stage.

Grab the other end with the other hand, maneuver it into place,

Move the first hand out of the way and dock the section with the other.

Best,
-Slashy

 

[Aegolius13]

Not totally sure if this is what you're asking, but I use a method that often allows docking without RCS.  Get the ships within 50-100 meters or so of each other, and kill relative velocity.  WIthout forward-pointing RCS, this requires using the target/retrograde on the navball and burning until your velocity is zero.  

Then switch to your station, select the docking port you want and hit "control from here."  Then target the new component, and use the SAS "point at target" function.  This will make the port face directly at the new component.  Once the station has rotated, switch back to the new component.  Have it select the station docking port as target, then point towards target again.  In theory your two docking points are pointing directly at each other, so all you have to do is apply some forward thrust.  Usually, 0.7 m/s is  a good closing speed.    

But in practice, things are a bit messier, what with orbital motion, less than perfect relative velocity, etc.  A little RCS helps to fine tune the approach (keep the prograde marker right on the target marker), but it's usually doable without.  Sometimes the two ports will bounce off each other, but they can usually close, especially if the things being docked are not too massive.  

Though if you want your components rotated just right, or have other precision docking needs, this method might be too crude.