atmospheric science parts, APU, and questions (historical info provided)

[Kerbal410]

the Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO) and the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) were airborne telescopes and I was wondering if there was anything similar planned for the game. this may give a unique role to atmospheric craft and could also expand on possible contracts if/when those are added.

on a related note, the Earth Resources-2 (ER-2) is an airborne science aircraft designed for environmental science and atmospheric sampling, and I was wondering if there was any plans for similar science experiments in the game, which, if the above airborne telescope is planned, could be a nice addition or vice versa. again, they can give unique roles to jet craft and expand contracts.

not suggestions, just wondering if those are planned. however, even if they aren't planned they could still be a nice addition.

KAO is a modified C-141, SOFIA is a modified 747-SP and ER-2 is a modified U-2, all were, or are, operated by NASA. the Learjet Observatory (in the paragraph below) is a modified Learjet 24 also once operated by NASA. 

if there are no plans for any type of atmospheric or environmental science but the dev team adds anything of the sort, I believe that an atmospheric telescope would need to use a somewhat high level of EC to compensate for the ability to observe astronomical objects and planetary bodies without going outside the atmosphere, so perhaps an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) could also be added to assist with generating electricity at the cost of fuel. for environmental and atmospheric science, since those are limited, the requirements may not be as harsh. also, should an atmospheric telescope be added, a mark 3 or size 3 would work best, considering the size of my examples, but I could also see a mark 1, as there was a "Learjet Observatory" in the sixties. if there are multiple airborne telescopes of different bulkheads and range should differ, as should requirements to use and the location on the tree when it is added. a mark 1 should have a considerably lower range than that of a mark 3 or size three telescope and a considerably lower EC requirement, and could be lower on the tree thanks to limitations. as for environmental and atmospheric science, I'll leave the bulkhead up to the developers if this post intrigues them. these aren't "they need to be this way" specs, just what I would find good for balancing. if I am missing anything here, let me know and I will fix it.

lastly, on an unrelated note, I must ask when service bays are coming (if at all), if the RCS ports visible on the shuttle/other cockpits will ever be functional, if there are rotating station parts coming (from what I've seen in trailers) and when the inflatable airlock is returning (if at all)

Edited November 27, 2023 by Kerbal410