Multi-Mission Modular Vehicle

[Psyden]

Other Potential Names:

Modular Inline Exploration System

Modular Ingenious Linear Exploration System (MILES)

Modular Linear Exploration System

 

Name subject to change.

 

I was inspired by @TiktaalikDreaming and his Modular Pods, so I sat down and thought how I would approach the problem of excessively large space faring vessels in a way that was unique (or at the very least in a way I haven't seen).

The mod will have adapter parts starting from 0.625m and ending in the 10m range, though the bulk, especial to start off with, will be in the 5m part range, at least in the beginning.

The 5m parts set is built around a central 1.25m spine (with or without a flange that goes to the edge), and the individual modules are half moon, to allow two modules per level.

Some of the modules are:

Science Lab

Communications (deployable antenna, manning it will extend range)

Life Support (largely storage for LS supplies from LS mods)

Solar Power (batteries and deployable solar panel)

Other Generators Possible (LF/O, Mono, Fission, ect)

Bouncy Castle (Science?)

Zero-G Ball Pit (Science?)

ISRU

Processing

Tanks

Tanks w/ sunken Engine Mounts (Possible 3x 1.25m engine for a half, 3.75m for full?)

Crew Cabin (6 to 8?)

Apartment (2 people, IVA to show 2 distinct rooms)

Captain's Quarters (1 Kerbal, IVA has the Kerbal looking out of the window)

Cargo and Rover Bay

 

The 7.5 and 10 meter parts would be third and quarter. Possibly a 2.5 and 3.75 set around a 0.675 core, but I'm not sure about how much floor space there would be. The Science Lab might also be split into 2 different parts, a Research Lab and a Science Module. The Research Lab would handle the normal research function of the Science Lab and the Science Module would handle experiment cleaning, and possibly a built in goo canister and science jr.

This is my first mod, and I won't be able to work on it right away. I'm waiting on a new hard drive and I'll need to get more familiar with Blender before I can start prototyping.

During this stage, I would like comments, critisms, and suggestions, and if someone would be interested in helping me with modelling, even if it is just tips and tricks, that would be much appreciated.

 

[Nansuchao]

If you can make a reliable mothership, which one can dock one or more lander, that would be great. And maybe reusable, with some refuel.

[Psyden]

The main difference between the Cargo and Rover bays at this point is that the Cargo bay would be set up so that payloads would be set parallel to the ship's axis, so that you could launch and recover small craft, where as the Rover Bay would be designed for launching rovers, with crew hatches for entering and exiting the ship from within the bay.

 

After I get the main set of parts down, I would like to look into support for the Hangar Mod to expand on this. I already have plans for an ISRU Converter for refueling both the ship and anything else that is attached.

What would you be looking for to make a better mothership?