Building ships in space...

[Dewm]

So ever since I started playing kerbal, the thought of building an actual base has sounded like fun.. a base that actually has functionality. Whether its a base on the mun or in orbit around kerbin.

One particular idea I had, was to build spacecraft parts and put them up into orbit to "assemble them" in space. Well after a few tries (See pic below) I realised the crappy way docking ports have been programed has made this near impossible.

So as a discussion/idea, it would be sweet if you could add a device to your ship that would allow you to add small parts. in space (like struts)

If I could add struts to stuff in orbit a single docking port would work.. and then just strut it up.. anyways It'd be sweet if there was something like that..

after hours upon hours of docking and undocking.. I came to the realization that having more then 1 docking port just doesn't work.

(only 1 port is connected, although it looks like all 4 are)

[Dynamo]

It requires a very fine-tuned hand to multi-dock. It can be done, but only after extensive practice in docking. Normally, the in-line 'single' Clamp-O-Trons require alignment on two axes (plural for axis), the X and Y axis (or up, down, left, and right) to dock succesfully. Multi-docking requires two X/Y planes (or more, depending on the number of ports to dock) to align perfectly, and simultaneously. Any error in the docking can prevent the multi-dock in some designs. I've seen some versions that allow some torsion in the docking section so that the other docking ports can still swing home into the other docking ports (Confusing? Let me know)

So, in short, your best shot is for multi-docking. It is impossible, without mods, to add any structural components in flight without docking ports. However, if you are interested in a mod for this, check out the Quantum Struts mod on SpacePort, which creates toggleable ion beams that basically act as struts between docked parts. It's extremely useful for any modder that builds docked ships.

[HeadHunter67]

You can do multi-port docking - there are threads on this very forum to show you how.

As for struts in orbit, get the Quantum Struts mod and use the Strut Gun. Properly aim them when building the craft, and when activated in orbit, they will shoot a strut out to whatever is directly in their path.

[Boris_T_Roach]

Or you could use this technique for a large fuel cell unit

The central core of the ship is 5 orange jumbo fuel tanks with five 6 way connectors,4 structural fuselage units, and 5 docking ports at either end.

This forms a very strong unit and as you can see from the pic is strong enough to hang multiple fuel tanks and a nuclear drive unit from

Ok it took 11 assembly flights to build the monster, but it did get 4 & 1/2 jumbo fuel tanks to Laythe orbit where it refuelled 3 Kerbin-Laythe-Kerbin transfer ships

[Dewm]

You can do multi-port docking - there are threads on this very forum to show you how.

As for struts in orbit, get the Quantum Struts mod and use the Strut Gun. Properly aim them when building the craft, and when activated in orbit, they will shoot a strut out to whatever is directly in their path.

I realize you CAN do multi docking.. and I've seen the threads on it. My point was, that its so unreliable and finicky that unless you want to devote a hour+ to each docking.. then its not practical. I understand we want things to be realistic.. blah blah it takes time in real life... but this is a game, and spending that much time on one small (frustrating) facet is dumb.

Like others have posted, if the default docking ports allowed for a little torsion like Dynamo was talking about.. that would be really cool.

[Dewm]

Or you could use this technique for a large fuel cell unit

The central core of the ship is 5 orange jumbo fuel tanks with five 6 way connectors,4 structural fuselage units, and 5 docking ports at either end.

This forms a very strong unit and as you can see from the pic is strong enough to hang multiple fuel tanks and a nuclear drive unit from

Ok it took 11 assembly flights to build the monster, but it did get 4 & 1/2 jumbo fuel tanks to Laythe orbit where it refuelled 3 Kerbin-Laythe-Kerbin transfer ships

Very cool ship!

One other way you could add struts "in game" is if you could add struts while in EVA mode. It would be sweet.

[boxman]

One other way you could add struts "in game" is if you could add struts while in EVA mode. It would be sweet.

If I recall correctly squad said earilier during a stream that this is one of the things they would like to do.

But for now I would just go with a mod like quantum struts like someone mentioned earlier in this thread.

[Dewm]

If I recall correctly squad said earilier during a stream that this is one of the things they would like to do.

But for now I would just go with a mod like quantum struts like someone mentioned earlier in this thread.

That would be awesome if they did. I really like this game, but it lacks so much that could make it better.

On a side note.. is there a common place to find mods? I haven't done any in this game, and for mincraft they have a forum setup for mods. and SC4 they have a site dedicated for mods.. what do we have?

Thanks!

[HeadHunter67]

My point was, that its so unreliable and finicky that unless you want to devote a hour+ to each docking.. then its not practical.

I agree, don't get me wrong. While building my first "Real" space station, I came to the conclusion that orbital EVA construction would dramatically improve the game - it would allow for better designs that don't need to be so overbuilt on the surface, would likely lower part counts, would give EVA a purpose, and would look a hell of a lot cooler.

So far, the closest we can get is Quantum Struts.

On a side note.. is there a common place to find mods? I haven't done any in this game, and for mincraft they have a forum setup for mods. and SC4 they have a site dedicated for mods.. what do we have?

http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/forumdisplay.php/35-Add-on-Releases-and-Projects-Showcase

http://kerbalspaceprogram.com/

[Dewm]

(brain starts over imagining)

Multiplayer with EVA construction, working with buddies in orbit to build large spacecraft... that would be awesome.

On guy putting up struts as another flys a small skycrane to drop stuff into place.

maybe I've seen to much startrek.

[Dangerous_Beans]

So ever since I started playing kerbal, the thought of building an actual base has sounded like fun.. a base that actually has functionality. Whether its a base on the mun or in orbit around kerbin.

One particular idea I had, was to build spacecraft parts and put them up into orbit to "assemble them" in space. Well after a few tries (See pic below) I realised the crappy way docking ports have been programed has made this near impossible.

/snip/

after hours upon hours of docking and undocking.. I came to the realization that having more then 1 docking port just doesn't work.

so just use one docking port . the space tug i was using (before my computer died) used 4 nuke engines in a + shape at the front of the ship, with a docking port in the centre of the +. cargo (2.5m modules) was docked into the back of the tug, which could then tow them around.

towing things means you don't need really rigid connections (which is useful as everything in KSP is really wobbly), so you can get away with a single docking port between modules, which makes docking easier. the downside is you won't be able to accelerate really quickly, but you're in space so that doesn't matter too much, and SAS won't be able to gimbal the engines properly (so just lock them).

[bsalis]

I came to the realization that having more then 1 docking port just doesn't work.

That's not true. You can build multi-craft ships in orbit, using just ports and no fancy quantum struts.

Below I have a pic of three crafts with additional fuel tank, where all four were launched separately. From left to right, a seven seater command craft, the jumbo tank for extra range, a one seat lander, and a two seat lander with a small rover buggy that can be re-attached. Using x4 and x2 symmetry, I can run all the LT-Ns at once.

[SpaceSphereOfDeath]

As everyone else as said, the closest thing we have is a mod, quantum struts.

Anyway, multiport docking does work, I figured it out while building a mun rocket ( not a rocket to the mun, I was building a rocket on the moon part by part, I needed to use a tricoupler, it's probably easier in 0G)

[Shazi]

It's definetly possible to multi-dock. I have done exactly what the OP is trying to do, assemble a ship in space using multiple docking ports to increase stability. It's not easy and will take many, many tries. But eventually I pulled it off.

The plan is to have a completely modular ship (Control and habitat module + energy module + several fuel modules + docking module + Engine module) connected with 3x medium docking ports to easily be able to construct new parts and replace as needed. (Work is still in progress)

[Echostatic]

I'd really like the ability to attach fuel lines on EVA too...

[Captain Sierra]

Very cool ship!

One other way you could add struts "in game" is if you could add struts while in EVA mode. It would be sweet.

There is a mod that does this. I know there is 'attacment pack 6' that lets you take on and off various radial parts by EVA kerbal (like KAS, same plugin) but I do not know if it does struts. There actually is a mod for this, if anyone can cite it, great.

[magnemoe]

I'd really like the ability to attach fuel lines on EVA too...

Default fuel is drained over docking ports, if you drain from the tank under the port this would drain over the port first. Nice way to add fuel.

Do not forget that refueling in orbit is usually easier than to build. You might want to add dropable engines to launch huge ships into orbit and then refuel and add small parts like landers afterward.

This was done this way, launch ship, 90 liter tanks with T30 engines mounted on the sides gave TVR to get it into orbit, they was dropped before circulating, added landers including eve lander on top and refilled the outer tanks in three launches afterwards.

[nhnifong]

JDP also has a strut mod. So if quantum struts are causing bugs for you (which they often do) give Docking Strut a try

[SkyHook]

It doesn't seem to be very popular, but if you TRULY want to do orbital construction, then Romfarer's LAZOR mod is the way to go. It is currently the most difficult way to cunstruct, but I find the challenge to be refreshing, honestly.

[OopsThatNotWork]

That would be awesome if they did. I really like this game, but it lacks so much that could make it better.

On a side note.. is there a common place to find mods? I haven't done any in this game, and for mincraft they have a forum setup for mods. and SC4 they have a site dedicated for mods.. what do we have?

Thanks!

First of all its still in alpha...........be patient, you should seen what it was like back in 0.14.

Secondly, no wonder you think it lacks so much if you don't know where to find mods. The mods are in the add-on release forum section or on Spaceport (which can be found in the links provided by headhunter yesterday....................please look before you say things like that in the future.

[OopsThatNotWork]

I'd really like the ability to attach fuel lines on EVA too...

I agree with this statement

[Boris_T_Roach]

Do not forget that refueling in orbit is usually easier than to build. You might want to add dropable engines to launch huge ships into orbit and then refuel and add small parts like landers afterward.

This was done this way, launch ship, 90 liter tanks with T30 engines mounted on the sides gave TVR to get it into orbit, they was dropped before circulating, added landers including eve lander on top and refilled the outer tanks in three launches afterwards.

Which is the way some of my ship sections have had to go up in the past, especially the heavy nuclear powered drive units need their engines turned on just for the extra Dv to make it into a 130km orbit, then refuel the thing while adding the extra fuel tanks/payload.

Some folks mod the parts file to add an empty jumbo fuel tank to make the job of flying a big ship into a parking orbit a lot easier... then doing a refueling flight.

But its up to you to come up with a solution that works for you.

Boris

[Dewm]

First of all its still in alpha...........be patient, you should seen what it was like back in 0.14.

Secondly, no wonder you think it lacks so much if you don't know where to find mods. The mods are in the add-on release forum section or on Spaceport (which can be found in the links provided by headhunter yesterday....................please look before you say things like that in the future.

Well first off, no need to be an ass. And when I say "this game lacks stuff that can make it better" I actually meant THE GAME ITSELF! you see mods work with the game, but they are not "part of the game"

And I know its in alpha, and you should have seen it before they started coding it! it was really bad back then! whoa!...

[Dewm]

That's not true. You can build multi-craft ships in orbit, using just ports and no fancy quantum struts.

Below I have a pic of three crafts with additional fuel tank, where all four were launched separately. From left to right, a seven seater command craft, the jumbo tank for extra range, a one seat lander, and a two seat lander with a small rover buggy that can be re-attached. Using x4 and x2 symmetry, I can run all the LT-Ns at once.

Thanks for the reply. I think you misunderstood me though, when I said more then one docking port I worded it poorly. What I meant was having more then 1 for a single connection point (See my original pic) is so difficult its pretty much pointless.

[Dewm]

It's definetly possible to multi-dock. I have done exactly what the OP is trying to do, assemble a ship in space using multiple docking ports to increase stability. It's not easy and will take many, many tries. But eventually I pulled it off.

The plan is to have a completely modular ship (Control and habitat module + energy module + several fuel modules + docking module + Engine module) connected with 3x medium docking ports to easily be able to construct new parts and replace as needed. (Work is still in progress)

Yeah I know it CAN be done, my point was its so difficult that it takes any fun out of it.

Now if the docking ports allowed a little torsion and you could connect more then 1 port with relative ease it would be alot better (IMO)