General Question What is/how to attach.

[goaowonk]

I've returned to Orbiter after some months, and I decided I wanted to do more stuff than launching Deltagliders to the ISS. So I investigated for a while and decided to use the Space Station Building Blocks.

Well, problems started when I realized that there are two ways of having some vessels together, docked and attached, and I didn´t manage to get the differences between them (the only thing I've understood is that one is 'automatic' and the other needs some 'attachment managers' & stuff).

So, if somebody could explain me what they are and how can I attach something (and what addons to use/pdfs to read) do I need just to getting things orbiting together (I know, :facepalm: ), I'd be very grateful.

Sorry for my English, and thanks for your time.

 

[PhantomCruiser]

Well, if you want to build something quickly, there the XR-5 mod here. [ame="http://www.orbithangar.com/searchid.php?ID=3426"]XR5 Payload - Station Building Blocks 4.1[/ame] It may do the trick for you.

If you are willing to do a little homework, this here will help out also [ame="http://www.orbithangar.com/searchid.php?ID=3853"]Tutorial: Configuring Payloads for XR Vessels[/ame] as it'll help you rig the XR-5 to carry anything that'll fit in her bay.

 

[wingnut]

Anyone has some guidance, lessons learned and recommendations for using the Space Shuttle and/or launch vehicles other than Delta Gliders or XR-5s for building space stations?

I figured out how to attach payloads in the form of Space Station Building Blocks to the Space Shuttle Atlantis or the Proton but I'm having difficulties launching those vehicles into precise orbits required for rendezvouzing the space station parts already located in orbit...

 

[PhantomCruiser]

I use a method I learned from OFSS (the first one that Tex put together years ago).
You'll need launchMFD, and select your station as the target, there is a countdown timer that will show you the time to intercept.
If you are using Shuttle Fleet, you can enter Item 777 when the countdown timer reaches 350, and during the launch nudge the rudder a bit while watching AlignplanesMFD to get a minimal RinC. This method should get you pretty close to where you need to be for a rendezvous after a bit of practice.

 

[Loru]

Anyone has some guidance, lessons learned and recommendations for using the Space Shuttle and/or launch vehicles other than Delta Gliders or XR-5s for building space stations?

I figured out how to attach payloads in the form of Space Station Building Blocks to the Space Shuttle Atlantis or the Proton but I'm having difficulties launching those vehicles into precise orbits required for rendezvouzing the space station parts already located in orbit...

Apart from method of launch - horizontal or vertical, randez-vous and docking are based on the same principles regardless of the type of craft.

I suggest reading and watching tutorials provided here: orbiter-forum.com/tutorials.php