Jump to content

[Part] Unnamed 4 Kerbal Capsule, Work in Progress

S3416130

By S3416130
in KSP1 Mod Development

 Share

Recommended Posts

S3416130

S3416130

Posted
Posted

The original intention behind this was to create something unique, something not really done before. I hope I've achieved this with what I've come up with. It still doesn't have a name, but I might end up scrapping it if people find it too strange. The modelling and texturing is by no means complete, but it gives a good idea of what the capsule may end up looking like.

FOUR KERBAL COMMAND CAPSULE (WORKING TITLE)

bkmxYzg.png

PRESENTLY

- Four Kerbal Capacity

- High forward visibility for all occupants, improving IVA docking

Javascript is disabled. View full album

(yes, that's sketchup. Don't laugh, it does work for this)

PLANNED

- unique service module for LFO propulsion, mono-propellant control and solar power generation. This will include new engines and solar panels rather than the stock ones

- unique docking port that matches the style of the capsule

- Perhaps four small mono-propellant engines to sit where the four burnt internal nozzles are on the texture.

- fairings that fit the shape of the capsule

- a proper IVA, rather than the Mk1-2 capsule (which only holds 3 kerbals) IVA it uses at the moment

- improved models and textures

Here are some screenshots of what has been produced already.

Javascript is disabled. View full album

Should I continue making this? Any feedback would be appreciated.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Deathsoul097

Deathsoul097

Posted
Posted (edited)

Yes. You should definately continue, though I feel the part looks a bit too dirty and rustic for a space program. IMO, if you cleaned up the texture a bit it would be perfect. However, it doesn't look very aerodynamic, so maybe create a dedicated shroud and LES? But maybe thats looking a bit too far ahead.

KSP does allow for a part to have two hatches, but EVA'ing by the portraits will default to one of the doors. (As demonstrated by the new Mobile Processing Lab.)

My brother and I are working on a similar project, that will end up having a new one kerbal pod, a five kerbal pod, a bunch of Life Support related stuff,and a few new engines. I currently have a pod for one kerbal, but I cant figure out how to put on the hatch and ladder. It is already in unity, any tips? (AKA, tell me how, PLES!)

Edited by Deathsoul097
Link to comment
Share on other sites
S3416130

S3416130

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I haven't played KSP 0.23 much, so I hadn't even noticed that the science lab had two hatches.

Also, the screenshots are perhaps unfortunately misleading, since I haven't started to add ladder and hatch functionality yet. Since this is my first add-on, this could involve a lot of trial and error following forum tutorials. Sorry I can't help at the moment.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
DevL

DevL

Posted
Posted

Long time lurker that finally signed up just to say "Yes, please, do continue!". Love the boxy look and feel. It's easy enough to use something like Procedural Fairings to add a shroud when using a non-aerodynamic part like this, so focus on finishing this command pod. :-)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
sharpspoonful

sharpspoonful

Posted
Posted (edited)

I like this, as it would make a very nice emergency escape system for a space station. Most pods don't seat enough kerbals to be really useful, and hitchhikers cannot survive atmospheric reentry on their own. It would also make a good short-ranged crew transfer shuttle, and it would save quite a bit on part count. I would definitely use it.

EDIT:Might I suggest a texture similar to either the proposed Orion capsule or close to Sumghai's FusTek parts?

Edited by sharpspoonful
Link to comment
Share on other sites
S3416130

S3416130

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Okay, so I got a little distracted and modelled the shroud components, though they haven't been textured yet. What are your opinions on this design of shroud? I've also read your recommendations on the textures of the capsule, so I'll see what other designs I can come up with.

Javascript is disabled. View full album

The shroud is made of 4 parts, 2 of fairing A and 2 of fairing B. The only difference between fairing A and fairing B is the type of base that locks into the capsule, a wider one for fairing B and two narrower ones for fairing A. The bases lock into the gaps I had modelled in the capsule.

The missing nosecone is to allow room for the LES which I have partially modelled. The LES will be attached directly to the capsule in the VAB (with a docking port in between).

Are there any changes you would recommend? Your feedback is invaluable.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
ZobrAA

ZobrAA

Posted
Posted (edited)
The shroud is made of 4 parts, 2 of fairing A and 2 of fairing B.

Why 4 parts instead of 1? Lesser part count = better in VAB catalog and inflight of course!

Or it could be shroud made of 2 symmetrical parts - only 1 slot in catalog but still some spectacular jettison action. ^_^

Edited by ZobrAA
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Desrtfox

Desrtfox

Posted
Posted

I think the work you're doing is wonderful. We could really use a four kerbal command pod.

I second the request to keep the parts count to a minimum though. Specifically, it seems that the textures are really something to minimize as much as possible to reduce memory usage. So, if you can make the shroud out of fewer parts, or identical parts, that would even be better than what you have now, which looks great by the way.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
OrbitusII

OrbitusII

Posted
Posted

I like the shroud, but I think it could be a single part and still function correctly. Just have it shoot off of the top with the LES (maybe even merge the shroud and LES?) instead of ejecting to the sides and you've got a winner! I can't wait to see the IVA you come up with as well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
S3416130

S3416130

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Okay, the shroud is now made up of two identical parts, by fusing the fairing A and fairing B. I could reduce that to one, but the LES I've modelled requires the shroud to be jettisoned sideways. However, I am thinking of making some alternate parts so people can choose between different designs, for example those of the LES and shroud.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Greys

Greys

Posted
Posted

You should be able to make use of ModuleJettison (see most stock engines) to have a single part that when staged breaks into as many pieces as you like; this would make them both more structurally sound and more condensed physics wise; as they would only be separate physics objects after firing.

PS, is your shroud supposed to be panelled like that? Seems like it could use smoothing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
S3416130

S3416130

Posted
  • Author
Posted
PS, is your shroud supposed to be panelled like that? Seems like it could use smoothing.

Those are fairly old screenshots (as in yesterday's work) and at the time I was testing the model and config file. They're smoother today but are still yet to be fully textured.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
S3416130

S3416130

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Okay, the LES is now fully functional as an escape system, though I intend to add a set of four animated stabiliser fins that deploy after activation for some extra control. I also still need to texture it, along with the shroud.

Javascript is disabled. View full album

The design is a unconventional but unique, since it's integrated inside the shroud rather than above it. However, I would imagine this would perhaps improve the rocket's aerodynamics.

Javascript is disabled. View full album

In addition to this, the capsule now has 4 small monopropellant engines integrated into it's base. Totalled, they do not have enough TWR to exceed gravity at Kerbin's surface. However, they are more than enough to return to Kerbin from LKO, perhaps as a station escape capsule.

Javascript is disabled. View full album

Opinions?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
ZobrAA

ZobrAA

Posted
Posted
Okay, the LES is now fully functional as an escape system, though I intend to add a set of four animated stabiliser fins that deploy after activation for some extra control. I also still need to texture it, along with the shroud.

The design is a unconventional but unique, since it's integrated inside the shroud rather than above it. However, I would imagine this would perhaps improve the rocket's aerodynamics.

Interesting LES shape, but visually it's too small to pull so bulky capsule... How much SRB fuel in it?

In addition to this, the capsule now has 4 small monopropellant engines integrated into it's base. Totalled, they do not have enough TWR to exceed gravity at Kerbin's surface. However, they are more than enough to return to Kerbin from LKO, perhaps as a station escape capsule.

So you want to make an universal 1-part LO vehicle?

Honestly, my first thoughts when I saw it was about cabin of interplanetary train/truck ^_^ but there's no need for inbuild engines, heatshield, etc in that case - that would be just a wasted mass.

But of course it's only IMHO :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
S3416130

S3416130

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Interesting LES shape, but visually it's too small to pull so bulky capsule... How much SRB fuel in it?

So you want to make an universal 1-part LO vehicle?

Honestly, my first thoughts when I saw it was about cabin of interplanetary train/truck ^_^ but there's no need for inbuild engines, heatshield, etc in that case - that would be just a wasted mass.

But of course it's only IMHO :)

Right now, the config file for the LES is set for 60L of fuel, but this is open to tweaking. As for the engines, it was never my intention to create a 1 part orbiter, I might need tweak its specifications also. It was more for returning from to Kerbin from a low orbitting station.

What if I made another version of the capsule, minus heatshield and engines? Would that be fine?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
DevL

DevL

Posted
Posted

Personally, I'd be more interested in the command pod itself and less in the fairings, LES, and LKO return thrusters. I'm not saying you shouldn't go ahead and work on the things you like. After all, it's your creation. However, I would suggest focusing on one part at a time and releasing often. That way you'll get much better feedback than now.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
This thread is quite old. Please consider starting a new thread rather than reviving this one.

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...