Upcoming Mk3 parts should be large enough to accommodate 2.5m parts in the cargo bay

[check]

The Mk3 parts, as they presently exist, are meant to approximate the Space Shuttle orbiter. Let's consider what the real Space Shuttle's primary function was: to transport large modules to the ISS during its construction.

The large modular pieces in KSP that are often used in space station construction are all 2.5m wide; The PPD-10 Hitchhiker Storage Container, Mobile Processing Lab MPL-LG-2 and PPD-12 Cupola Module. For the Mk3 to have any real advantage/difference over the new Mk2, it ought to have cargo space large enough to transport these pieces (place a little extra for small radially attacked components).

Personally I kind of envision the MK2 being a really good SSTO crew transport and small satellite launcher where as the Mk3 is more like the real Space Shuttle, a partially reusable workhorse used for station building.

Thanks

[CaptRobau]

This has been brought up before and I can only agree. I think that's why Squad went back to the drawing board for the Mk3 parts, instead of just releasing a better looking version in 0.25.

[check]

This has been brought up before and I can only agree. I think that's why Squad went back to the drawing board for the Mk3 parts, instead of just releasing a better looking version in 0.25.

I hope that's the case. They should also crank up the gimbal range on some of the engines to allow for more realistic/easier shuttle-building.

[Mach_XXII]

Max has said that the mk3 parts will be big enough to have a 2.5m cargo

[Kegereneku]

That ought to be challenging, to make a space plane as big you'll need bigger landing gear or to make it space shuttle like.

[Mach_XXII]

That ought to be challenging, to make a space plane as big you'll need bigger landing gear or to make it space shuttle like.

Max said we will also be getting bigger landing gear

[check]

Max has said that the mk3 parts will be big enough to have a 2.5m cargo

Yay! Mission accomplished

Thanks.

[Jouni]

If the Mk3 parts are going to be 3.75 m parts, then 2.5 m payloads will fit in the cargo bay about as well as 1.25 m payloads fit in the Mk2 cargo bay.

[CaptRobau]

Max said we will also be getting bigger landing gear

Squadcast info I assume? Either way, cool stuff.

[Deadpangod3]

If the Mk3 parts are going to be 3.75 m parts, then 2.5 m payloads will fit in the cargo bay about as well as 1.25 m payloads fit in the Mk2 cargo bay.

launching a satellite while you dock your station module.

genius.

[Porkjet]

Yupp, new MK3 parts will be large enough to do that!

Any more suggestions while we're at it?

[Darnok]

If the Mk3 parts are going to be 3.75 m parts, then 2.5 m payloads will fit in the cargo bay about as well as 1.25 m payloads fit in the Mk2 cargo bay.

Yupp, new MK3 parts will be large enough to do that!

Any more suggestions while we're at it?

Then we need 5m diameter orange tank and 2.5m diameter SRBs to make things right?

Also would be nice to have larger landing gear and larger wings, so parts count won't go too high for shuttles and 3.75m planes.

[TMS]

Would be good to have landing gear that actually retracted into the fuselage. Not sure if that's possible, because the current stock landing gear opening/closing animation tends to spaz the physics engine if they're clipping other objects.

[Wanderfound]

Still chasing a Mk2.5, personally. Cargo bays designed for 1.25m cores + radially attached miscellany.

[Wanderfound]

Yupp, new MK3 parts will be large enough to do that!

Any more suggestions while we're at it?

Woo!

As mentioned previously: Mk2 SAS/decouplers/batteries, adjustable height landing gear, Mk2 -> 2.5m adaptors, ROVER LOADING RAMPS (apologies for the shouty emphasis). And, as hinted at upthread, something that maintains SP+ aesthetics while stretching the bays just enough to accomodate a conventional 1.25m lander.

[Wanderfound]

To further emphasise, being able to do this is way cool:

Being able to get it back into the cargo bay afterwards would be even cooler.

[Laie]

Max has said that the mk3 parts will be big enough to have a 2.5m cargo

Then we need 5m diameter orange tank and 2.5m diameter SRBs to make things right?

That's my concern. It may work out if the shuttle provides almost zero space for radial attachments to a 2.5m payload; but if it is as roomy as would be desirable and useful, this will shift all perceptions of scale.

I wouldn't mind having even wider rockets and boosters, but then we'd need to scale up the system as well or we wouldn't know where to take all that power. Or maybe not: if the new aerodynamics make asparagus considerably less attractive than it is now, larger rockets may be entirely sensible. This would necessitate stronger joints, though.

[Tommygun]

Yupp, new MK3 parts will be large enough to do that!

Any more suggestions while we're at it?

Some kind of loading ramp for rovers.

Cup holders in the IVA.

[Frozen_Heart]

Any more suggestions while we're at it?

I think the most important thing if shuttle parts are being added is a high gimbal engine. 10 degrees each way like the real thing.

Having to stack tons of reaction wheels to get it done just feels cheaty.

[prophet_01]

Some support for landing big crafts on the runway. It is rly difficult to get alligned and get the right angle when landing a shuttle. Some more markers, lights and an interface that gives you basic info on your allignment.

oh and of course aerodynamics that allow you to actually glide somewhat realistically and do an unpowered landing. If you don't know what I mean try the landing in FAR (gliding on a controlled decent) and stock (falling out of orbit like a rock)

[CaptRobau]

I think the most important thing if shuttle parts are being added is a high gimbal engine. 10 degrees each way like the real thing.

Having to stack tons of reaction wheels to get it done just feels cheaty.

More important I think is a way to be able to angle the engine beforehand, as the launch vehicle needs to be stable on launch. Otherwise it'd be a control hell.

[zeel]

Rover ramps would be great, could have a part that angles up at the back and the underside opens down as a ramp. The top end would narrow to MkII shape.

[Wanderfound]

Ooh, one last request: make sure the Mk3 cargo bays keep the open-ended thing. I wanna use 'em as Battlestar Galactica style fly-in/fly-out hangars on my space stations.

[Capt Snuggler]

Yupp, new MK3 parts will be large enough to do that!

Any more suggestions while we're at it?

Cargo door nose cone for MK2 and MK3

this is what i mean but it doesn't have to look like this.

Edited October 28, 2014 by Capt Snuggler

[Guest Space Cowboy]

I would want to ask for some landing gear. One maybe two more styles, and offered with different strut lengths, or possibly at least different scales. Flying around with girders hanging from the bottom of my craft it's losing it's luster lol

While were at it some ramjets. Who cares if they're impractical tweak the software haha. Make them so that when you look in the front at some angles it is possible to see all the way thru the engine. When the flame animation is active it can be seen in the intake slightly at same angle. Just suggestions.

Edited October 30, 2014 by Space Cowboy