Project "Starlab" space station
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Nicholander
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Sorry if this has already been answered before, (Or I asked and got an answer but forgot) but when can we expect Starlab to be released? Is it going to be released along with the FOI probes?
K_Jameson
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Depends on how much complete the package must be. If the addon will include only the station and some basic scenarios... Well, I can send it out tomorrow. But if we want include more scenarios, more toys (Expansion module, canadarm) and a more comprehensive documentation, the work will take a longer time.
PhantomCruiser
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No matter when it's released; it's going to be a Tuesday. It's always Tuesday somewhere.
K_Jameson
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Inspired by the Pipcard efforts, I've produced a concept for the Starlab insigna:
Again, Skylab is a source of inspiration:
While in the Skylab insigna the Sun is featured prominently, revealing the sun-related mission of the station, on Starlab the scientific mission is revealed by the infrared sky background, that is related to the IR telescope, main scientific instrument aboard.
Again, Skylab is a source of inspiration:
While in the Skylab insigna the Sun is featured prominently, revealing the sun-related mission of the station, on Starlab the scientific mission is revealed by the infrared sky background, that is related to the IR telescope, main scientific instrument aboard.
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K_Jameson
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Currently, this is the plan, because in these days i have heavy personal matters that prevents me from completion of the planned addon with the expansion module, the BLEO propulsion module, the canadarm and other gadgets.
Even the interplanetary probes projects are currently on hold.
Actually, I begin to think that all these project will be halted... i have really some heavy personal problems in these days.
Even the interplanetary probes projects are currently on hold.
Actually, I begin to think that all these project will be halted... i have really some heavy personal problems in these days.
PhantomCruiser
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Sorry to hear that you are haveing troubles. Your own personal well being is the priority. Tuesday will get here when it gets here.
K_Jameson
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Resuming (slowly) some work on the space station. I have completely redone the main solar panels, also enlarging it from sixteen to twenty meters of length. The new unfolding mechanism don't rely anymore on mesh elongations, thus avoiding the weird illumination issues of the previous panels in the simulation (alternatively one bright, one dark - no explanation for this).
The downside of this is that, now, we have at least forty new animation entries, that are making me crazy in the process of implementation on sc3.
The downside of this is that, now, we have at least forty new animation entries, that are making me crazy in the process of implementation on sc3.
Pipcard
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I'm glad you're back.
In Wings3D, you can highlight or click a point, edge, or face and it'll tell you the exact midpoint.
Another tip: name your objects/mesh groups in a rational way (like a01-a10 for each segment of a solar array going outwards), so their group numbers can be easily identified when they are imported into [ame="http://orbithangar.com/searchid.php?ID=2740"]Mesh Wizard[/ame].
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K_Jameson
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Well, i'm still using Anim8or; the groups and coordinates of my animations are well defined but i'm only a little out of practice on the Sc3 configurations ;-)
Thank you anyway!
---------- Post added 07-28-15 at 07:17 AM ---------- Previous post was 07-27-15 at 07:37 AM ----------
Besides the problems with the solar panels (that i'm going to remake for the third time because of an unexpected problem with the timing of the truss animations, that is impossible to reconcile with the unfolding of the solar arrays itself), I'm at work at the Starlab's auxilliary spacecrafts.
The "Starchaser" is reimagined as a larger module, not based anymore on the HES-5 stage but instead on the very same Quasar upper stage utilized for Starlab. Essentially the new spacecraft is a strongly simplified Starlab without the shelter and the complicate node-cupola-telescope-airlock installation. In my current project the solar panels and the radiators are fixed and applied around the module (HTV-style), removing the need of complicate animations. Internally, the gym-restroom-meeting area is removed and replaced with additional experiment racks. This configuration allows me to reutilize the work already done on the Starlab, for a very fast construction time (i've done nearly all the work in a single evening session). Arguably, Starchaser can be inserted directly in the first release of the addon.
A propulsive module ("Startup" module?), also derived from the same Quasar third stage, is conceived to dock with Starlab and inject it in a larger orbit than LEO. The delta-V is enough for a Earth-Moon trajectory; a double Startup stack could be sufficient for TLI and LOI.
The modifications on the standard Quasar third stage are: removal of one of the two J-2X engines; addition of a second RCS set for traslation maneuvres, installation of a docking ring, solar panels, improved thermal blankets.
---------- Post added at 10:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:17 AM ----------
Some fresh images:
Concept of the Starchaser expansion module:
Thank you anyway!
---------- Post added 07-28-15 at 07:17 AM ---------- Previous post was 07-27-15 at 07:37 AM ----------
Besides the problems with the solar panels (that i'm going to remake for the third time because of an unexpected problem with the timing of the truss animations, that is impossible to reconcile with the unfolding of the solar arrays itself), I'm at work at the Starlab's auxilliary spacecrafts.
The "Starchaser" is reimagined as a larger module, not based anymore on the HES-5 stage but instead on the very same Quasar upper stage utilized for Starlab. Essentially the new spacecraft is a strongly simplified Starlab without the shelter and the complicate node-cupola-telescope-airlock installation. In my current project the solar panels and the radiators are fixed and applied around the module (HTV-style), removing the need of complicate animations. Internally, the gym-restroom-meeting area is removed and replaced with additional experiment racks. This configuration allows me to reutilize the work already done on the Starlab, for a very fast construction time (i've done nearly all the work in a single evening session). Arguably, Starchaser can be inserted directly in the first release of the addon.
A propulsive module ("Startup" module?), also derived from the same Quasar third stage, is conceived to dock with Starlab and inject it in a larger orbit than LEO. The delta-V is enough for a Earth-Moon trajectory; a double Startup stack could be sufficient for TLI and LOI.
The modifications on the standard Quasar third stage are: removal of one of the two J-2X engines; addition of a second RCS set for traslation maneuvres, installation of a docking ring, solar panels, improved thermal blankets.
---------- Post added at 10:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:17 AM ----------
Some fresh images:
Concept of the Starchaser expansion module:
K_Jameson
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Starchaser study model 2.
Now we have only two narrow strips of solar panels around the circumference and two small deployable arrays.
You can notice the built-in canadarm (thanks to Vittorio).
Starchaser will add new laboratory and storage areas for at least 400 cubic meters of extra pressurized volume.
Depending on the final mass, Starchaser can require Jarvis H or Jarvis M launchers. I hope to remain in the Jarvis H range but further calculations are needed.
Now we have only two narrow strips of solar panels around the circumference and two small deployable arrays.
You can notice the built-in canadarm (thanks to Vittorio).
Starchaser will add new laboratory and storage areas for at least 400 cubic meters of extra pressurized volume.
Depending on the final mass, Starchaser can require Jarvis H or Jarvis M launchers. I hope to remain in the Jarvis H range but further calculations are needed.
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K_Jameson
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Main solar panels rotation.
Sorry, no sun-tracking here. Manual animation, because the mesh of the panels is built in the station, that is ruled by sc3, and i'm too lazy to dismantle all. The rotation is meant primarily for rotating all the main panels in the same overall direction even in case of docking of two Starlabs in a perpendicular angle (using the docking port 2), as showed in the image at the very beginning of this thread.
Starchaser study model 3.
This is a return of the original concept of conversion of the HES-5 stage of Jarvis M. The concept is refreshed here with new solar arrays (single instead double) with the same deployment mechanism of the mother station and four docking ports for future expansions.
While the previous concept is primarily a new, large laboratory with a pressurized volume comparable with the Starlab, this is a smaller, logistic module with about 160 cubic metres of pressurized volume, used for storage and for electricity production. The aft section (the LOX tank in the original stage) is not pressurized and hosts the service equipments and the solar panels.
I'm thinking to name this module "Challenger". The connection with the Jarvis from which this module is derived can be obscure but in reality is quite obvious.
Now I have to choose the one to realize for the final package...
---------- Post added at 09:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:23 PM ----------
The same image above, with some indications.
Note that the mesh is not complete, and some equipments aren't yet installed (eg. the thrusters).
---------- Post added at 10:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:38 PM ----------
The in-space reuse of the valuable High Energy Stage 5 (HES-5) is an old idea of mine. In the best days of the Antares development, I had the secret dream of a special version of it equipped with a deployable docking port, for a docking with the manned spacecraft and the subsequent use of the spent stage as a "wet workshop" allowing extra living space for the long duration missions that Antares-LR would have been able to perform.
---------- Post added 08-07-15 at 12:58 PM ---------- Previous post was 08-06-15 at 10:39 PM ----------
A version of the "Challenger" module closer to the completion:
I've added: reinforcement truss for the forward structure, RCS, auxilliary solar panels, a second set of omni low gain antennas. Now is the turn of the internals, that will not be that complicated.
Sorry, no sun-tracking here. Manual animation, because the mesh of the panels is built in the station, that is ruled by sc3, and i'm too lazy to dismantle all. The rotation is meant primarily for rotating all the main panels in the same overall direction even in case of docking of two Starlabs in a perpendicular angle (using the docking port 2), as showed in the image at the very beginning of this thread.
Starchaser study model 3.
This is a return of the original concept of conversion of the HES-5 stage of Jarvis M. The concept is refreshed here with new solar arrays (single instead double) with the same deployment mechanism of the mother station and four docking ports for future expansions.
While the previous concept is primarily a new, large laboratory with a pressurized volume comparable with the Starlab, this is a smaller, logistic module with about 160 cubic metres of pressurized volume, used for storage and for electricity production. The aft section (the LOX tank in the original stage) is not pressurized and hosts the service equipments and the solar panels.
I'm thinking to name this module "Challenger". The connection with the Jarvis from which this module is derived can be obscure but in reality is quite obvious.
Now I have to choose the one to realize for the final package...
---------- Post added at 09:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:23 PM ----------
The same image above, with some indications.
Note that the mesh is not complete, and some equipments aren't yet installed (eg. the thrusters).
---------- Post added at 10:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:38 PM ----------
The in-space reuse of the valuable High Energy Stage 5 (HES-5) is an old idea of mine. In the best days of the Antares development, I had the secret dream of a special version of it equipped with a deployable docking port, for a docking with the manned spacecraft and the subsequent use of the spent stage as a "wet workshop" allowing extra living space for the long duration missions that Antares-LR would have been able to perform.
---------- Post added 08-07-15 at 12:58 PM ---------- Previous post was 08-06-15 at 10:39 PM ----------
A version of the "Challenger" module closer to the completion:
I've added: reinforcement truss for the forward structure, RCS, auxilliary solar panels, a second set of omni low gain antennas. Now is the turn of the internals, that will not be that complicated.
Nicholander
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That looks awesome, K_Jameson! :thumbup: I do also like the HES-5 wet workshop idea, perhaps you should return to that someday.
By the way, do you have an idea of when we can expect a release of this awesome station?
By the way, do you have an idea of when we can expect a release of this awesome station?
K_Jameson
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Well, the main Starlab station is complete in almost every aspect.
If I can continue my work regularly, I expect to complete the Challenger module in a matter of days, with all the animations and engines and docking ports. The Starchaser extra laboratory, born to be easy and fast to realize and implement, has become more complicated because of the inclusion of the canadarm and because I want also include a pallet for experiments (Kibo style). Probably this module will be slated for future expansions of the package.
The Star-tug module, essentially a rocket stage conceived to propel the station in higher orbits, is relatively simple but probably will not be in the initial package because I have to think about it yet.
Arguably, if everything goes well, I can expect to release an initial package in September...
If I can continue my work regularly, I expect to complete the Challenger module in a matter of days, with all the animations and engines and docking ports. The Starchaser extra laboratory, born to be easy and fast to realize and implement, has become more complicated because of the inclusion of the canadarm and because I want also include a pallet for experiments (Kibo style). Probably this module will be slated for future expansions of the package.
The Star-tug module, essentially a rocket stage conceived to propel the station in higher orbits, is relatively simple but probably will not be in the initial package because I have to think about it yet.
Arguably, if everything goes well, I can expect to release an initial package in September...
K_Jameson
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Revised internals for Challenger: now, even the LOX tank is used as extra storage area. The entire pressurized volume is now 254 cubic meters, including the front and rear areas with the docking ports. With this module attached, the total pressurized volume of Starlab exceeds the ISS.
K_Jameson
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First test of the Challenger module in the simulation. The solar panels animation must be implemented yet (later today).
The internal is a derivation and simplification of the Starlab, a reuse of the excellent work of the friend Vittorio (Robitaille_Fan). At the end, I I've decided to give at the internal a more "multipurpose" appearance rather than "logistic/storage", with three sides of the main exagonal module occupied by work stations.
The total mass of the Challenger module is set at 54,915 Kg, so the launch can be accomplished with a Jarvis E launcher, altough it will require a 10 meters fairing, that is unusual for this version of the rocket.
---------- Post added 08-14-15 at 10:42 AM ---------- Previous post was 08-13-15 at 01:43 PM ----------
Main solar panels opened.
The total surface, counting the two sides of the panels, is 266 square meters, exactly one half of the Starlab's main arrays. I leave you to calculate the total amount of electric production.
Challenger has autonomous flight capabilities (somebody has called it "a big resupply vehicle"), so it can reach Starlab with no assistance by other spacecrafts. In my view, the auxilliary panels are sufficient for the trip, and the main panels are unfolded once docked, to provide a substantial amount of additional power to the station.
Arguably, this will be the last update for some time. I'm about to embark on a relocation and I have other problems (relationships...) that drains so much time and energy... and joy... but this is another story
---------- Post added at 01:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:42 AM ----------
Another pill: preview of two possible configurations of Starlab with the expansion module.
The station's layout is not predetermined: the orbinauts will decide to assemble it in the way they want. Or even to mantain the modules separated and place it in different orbits.
Subsequent modules:
- Starchaser laboratory (the one with the canadarm and the Kibo-style experiment pallet)
- Deep Space 2 module. Another water-based shelter identical to the Starlab's one. For supporting an extended crew.
---------- Post added at 09:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:03 PM ----------
A last snapshot for you: concept of the Deep Space 2 or Shelter 2 module:
Substantially a stand-alone duplicate of the first Shelter module that is built in the main Starlab station, with a docking port and a service module. With facilities for an additional crew. Total pressurized volume: 60 cubic metres (only).
This is a very simple module, with no animations (except for the hatches), no special functions, only one docking port. A rather boring module.
But, with the addition of the water-based radiation shield, that alone is 50 tonnes, the module has a fantastic total weight over 85,000 kg, that is pretty high for the mere 7,000 kg of hypergolic propellant. In result, the delta-V autonomy is low. The challenge for the orbinaut is to manage a rendevouz and docking with Starlab using this heavy and difficult vehicle.
The expected launcher is the Jarvis H.
The internal is a derivation and simplification of the Starlab, a reuse of the excellent work of the friend Vittorio (Robitaille_Fan). At the end, I I've decided to give at the internal a more "multipurpose" appearance rather than "logistic/storage", with three sides of the main exagonal module occupied by work stations.
The total mass of the Challenger module is set at 54,915 Kg, so the launch can be accomplished with a Jarvis E launcher, altough it will require a 10 meters fairing, that is unusual for this version of the rocket.
---------- Post added 08-14-15 at 10:42 AM ---------- Previous post was 08-13-15 at 01:43 PM ----------
Main solar panels opened.
The total surface, counting the two sides of the panels, is 266 square meters, exactly one half of the Starlab's main arrays. I leave you to calculate the total amount of electric production.
Challenger has autonomous flight capabilities (somebody has called it "a big resupply vehicle"), so it can reach Starlab with no assistance by other spacecrafts. In my view, the auxilliary panels are sufficient for the trip, and the main panels are unfolded once docked, to provide a substantial amount of additional power to the station.
Arguably, this will be the last update for some time. I'm about to embark on a relocation and I have other problems (relationships...) that drains so much time and energy... and joy... but this is another story
---------- Post added at 01:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:42 AM ----------
Another pill: preview of two possible configurations of Starlab with the expansion module.
The station's layout is not predetermined: the orbinauts will decide to assemble it in the way they want. Or even to mantain the modules separated and place it in different orbits.
Subsequent modules:
- Starchaser laboratory (the one with the canadarm and the Kibo-style experiment pallet)
- Deep Space 2 module. Another water-based shelter identical to the Starlab's one. For supporting an extended crew.
---------- Post added at 09:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:03 PM ----------
A last snapshot for you: concept of the Deep Space 2 or Shelter 2 module:
Substantially a stand-alone duplicate of the first Shelter module that is built in the main Starlab station, with a docking port and a service module. With facilities for an additional crew. Total pressurized volume: 60 cubic metres (only).
This is a very simple module, with no animations (except for the hatches), no special functions, only one docking port. A rather boring module.
But, with the addition of the water-based radiation shield, that alone is 50 tonnes, the module has a fantastic total weight over 85,000 kg, that is pretty high for the mere 7,000 kg of hypergolic propellant. In result, the delta-V autonomy is low. The challenge for the orbinaut is to manage a rendevouz and docking with Starlab using this heavy and difficult vehicle.
The expected launcher is the Jarvis H.
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