KSC needs a Yard

[JoeSchmuckatelli]

... Or a parking lot.  

 

I want a place to deploy stuff I'm working on that is not the runway or launch pad. 

This has probably been suggested before, but it would be nice to be able to deploy my mining lander in a place where I can leave it, then go back to the VAB or SPH and deploy the fuel lifter and then deploy the fuel truck - and be able test whether the docking ports line up and discover potential problems before sending it all out to the Mun and beyond. 

Currently I have to deploy one lander at the launch pad, the truck at the flight strip, then drive it into the grass and finally deploy the second lander to test them all out... And then I have to recover the first two (no revert possible). 

This is workable but inefficient. 

What I suggest is a large 'yard' near the SC with several distinct deployment spawns so that the players can have several working prototypes 'in the world' that they can test prior to committing to the launch. 

Another feature might be a variable terrain course near the SC 

https://mars.nasa.gov/resources/24583/rover-ride-along-in-the-mars-yard-360-video/

 

https://mars.nasa.gov/resources/6329/dunes-obstacle-course/

/suggestion

[DunaManiac]

This can more or less be done using Vessel Mover right now, if you are on the PC.

[Pds314]

The easiest method would likely be reposition cheat.

[KerikBalm]

It would also be useful if you want to have connected shielded docking pirts, right now you have to launch 2 separate craft, and then connect them.

... Or, you know, when the docking port is open, it could have a node in the editor.

Anyway, I try to make sure a lot of stuff will line up on the surface, so I approve

[jimmymcgoochie]

You might be interested in KSC Extended- it adds multiple launch pads, rover spawn areas and more that you can launch from without blocking the runway and launch pad.

[Klapaucius]

If you have Making History, using the Mission building you can deploy tons of craft anywhere: orbit, landed, floating, bottom of the sea etc--on launch pads or not.

 

I build and test all my watercraft in Mission Builder for this reason.