Project New VTOHL or capsule multistage design - need assistance

[trekie015]

Hello :tiphat:
I have a goal to create a VTOHL or capsule type multistage spacecraft for orbiter. I am able to model these meshes in 3ds max and anim8tor. Attached is a concept mesh of the design. For the HL type I could add wings or for the Orion type capsule I could make the aft area detachable. I have completed the - Anim8or tutorial: How to model a rocket (Lesson 2). That,pretty much, is the extent of my "astronaut training." So I hope that some of you orbiter wise people could help me, maybe start out by replacing the DG with some mesh so I can start understanding the basics of addon creation.
Thank You
~Daniel

 

[Donamy]

Very cool design. Are you planning on texturing it, or just want to get it into Orbiter to experiment first ?

 

[trekie015]

Probably get it into Orbiter to assure that it works and familiarize myself with the basics after I complete the tweaking and such texture it as a final mesh. Also, how would I include different objects grouped together such as CBDs and other mobile parts?

 

[Grover]

a winged design will sacrifice realism, but would likely be quite nice. if you want to keep it realistic, you should allow the front section to detach, leaving the aft to burn up, and the fore to re-enter and be recovered

 

[trekie015]

That is what I was considering, the fore section actually being a command module and the aft to be left after complete separation. If there was a way, that I could include a winged design in a separate folder or something...

 

[Grover]

doing both will take quite a long time, meshing each one, coding controls for both. better to start with one, get it stable and released, then work on the second

good luck man!

 

[trekie015]

Thanks, I think I will just first work in modeling an ares type rocket to start. How would I have the SRBs separable with different objects?

 

[Arthur Dent]

Very nice design!

BTW: How did you manage to cut out the front windows in Anim8 or? I remember it didn't really support boolean operations.

 

[trekie015]

Thank you for the compliment, this was actually a long term project on 3ds max that I imported to anim8tor. If I built is solely in anim8tor, how would I include the windows, texture?

 

[n0mad23]

Unless you are a C++ coder, you'll probably want to use Vinka's Spacecraft 3 and Multistage for putting this together. Unfortunately, both come with their own limitations. However, Multistage will probably be the easiest way to get your SRBs to separate.

In Anim8or window materials are made by adjusting the transparency setting, and tweaking the specular settings (to create light reflection). I've found there's no single answer to what these settings should be, and are really more dependent on what you're trying to achieve.

 

[Arthur Dent]

What n0mad32 said.

If you"re not a C++ coder, I suggest to use Artlav's spacecraft3.dll converter:
[ame]http://www.orbithangar.com/searchid.php?ID=5177[/ame]

It uses the spacecraft3.dll script code and converts it into a proper dll module. And it also creates a file with the converted C++ code. This makes it easier to learn and understand C++ coding in Orbiter.

 

[trekie015]

Thank you all for your responses! The weekend is approaching so I can see how that multistage and converter work then.
Thanks!
~Daniel

 

[Urwumpe]

I would at least replace the retro rockets with complete RCS modules that can also be used for maneuvering. Must not be big thrusters, the torque of a "small" 5000N thruster should be enough for government work (Like the Space Shuttle primary RCS)

 

[trekie015]

Ah, okay the RCS on the aft oms section?

 

[Arthur Dent]

The RCS is this "pile" of nozzles below the OMS Engine on your picture. It is also in the front of the space shuttle.

 

[trekie015]

Yes, I was wondering if the array would be that in the image or that of the Apollo program. (on SM)