OFMM Lite

Tex

O-F Administrator
Administrator
Retired Staff
Tutorial Publisher
Joined
Oct 16, 2007
Messages
6,574
Reaction score
67
Points
123
Location
Houston
Website
youtube.com
I'd be happy to fly a mission as well. I'm more than capable of interplanetary travel with any spacecraft. My suggestion would be to setup base on Phobos first. It would be easier to transit on and off compared to entering the Martian atmosphere. It would make a good jumping off point for transferring supplies down to the surface of Mars as well.

Although not realistic, I like Bj's idea of packable Prelude bases! After all we're trying to make this less formal and fun, it will get things rolling. To increase realism a bit, perhaps we could do the first few trips with inflatable UCGO modules and cargo transported with the Arrow, then move up to Prelude bases. Perhaps simulate constructing upgrades to the inflatable bases turn them into prelude bases.

Just running it up the pole...
 

Izack

Non sequitur
Addon Developer
Joined
Feb 4, 2010
Messages
6,665
Reaction score
13
Points
113
Location
The Wilderness, N.B.
EDIT:
I would like to clarify that I'm new to orbiter (>_> you can tell by the postcount...). I'm pretty good at transx though.
I've only been here since February, but my postcount is monstrous! :rofl:
Welcome to the club.
I'd be happy to fly a mission as well. I'm more than capable of interplanetary travel with any spacecraft. My suggestion would be to setup base on Phobos first. It would be easier to transit on and off compared to entering the Martian atmosphere. It would make a good jumping off point for transferring supplies down to the surface of Mars as well.

Although not realistic, I like Bj's idea of packable Prelude bases! After all we're trying to make this less formal and fun, it will get things rolling. To increase realism a bit, perhaps we could do the first few trips with inflatable UCGO modules and cargo transported with the Arrow, then move up to Prelude bases. Perhaps simulate constructing upgrades to the inflatable bases turn them into prelude bases.

Just running it up the pole...
A base on Phobos, hmm... The Dv between Mars and Phobos is less than 600m/s either way, so it's very doable. It would also make a space station even less useful (The orbiting Arrow is already an enormous mobile space station after all.)
I like this! :)
 

Tacolev

Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2009
Messages
211
Reaction score
0
Points
16
As for the stack propulsion for this, I suggest the LANTR from the "To the moon in 24 hours" addon. It is smaller in diameter than the NERVA, has high thrust with the LOX augmentation and light enough (23 tons) when empty to launch on a rocket in the delta-IV heavy or proton class rather than requiring a heavy-lift vehicle.
 

Mojave

60% Ethanol
Moderator
Addon Developer
Joined
Apr 6, 2010
Messages
1,647
Reaction score
132
Points
78
Location
Somewhere, but not here.
I think I'd be better useing the DGIV, I can't even begin to think about reentering the XR vessels. Every time I try, something goes wrong. (Most time a Hull breach at Mach 12.3) :) I have read the manual tho' but I still mess up horribly.

I'm going to try to make a transfer to mars today. I will let you guys know how it goes.


(And anybody that knows how to deorb the XRvessels; please PM me and tell me what to do)
 

Izack

Non sequitur
Addon Developer
Joined
Feb 4, 2010
Messages
6,665
Reaction score
13
Points
113
Location
The Wilderness, N.B.
Alright, I think we can safely begin these missions! :)

Outline of the first:
There is a loaded unmanned Arrow Freighter in a low-inclination orbit a few weeks before the launch window to Mars.
Missions 1:
Crew launch. XR-2 out of Wideawake Int'l. Rendezvous and dock with the Arrow. Crew: 12; no cargo
Mission 2:
Return the Ravenstar to WIN.
Mission 3:
Mars lander delivery. Undock a DG-IV from the ISS, rendezvous and dock with Arrow. Crew: 2; cargo: 4 (UCGO outpost equipment and XPDR beacon)
Mission 4:
TMI/Transfer. Wait for the launch window, and then use the tools of your choice to get the Arrow to Mars. Mission ends in HMO.
Mission 5:
Phobos. Rendezvous with Phobos. Separate the DG-IV. Land the Arrow on Phobos.
Mission 6:
Phobos Base construction begins.
Mission 7:
First Men on Mars. Land the DG-IV in the Tharsis equtorial region of Mars and take a stroll. Set up the little outpost and beacon. If you can get Orulex or the OGLA terrain client working, more power to you! Crew: 4; cargo: base equipment and XPDR beacon
Mission 8:
Arrow to orbit. Make sure the Phobos base is self-sustaining, leave some crew and take the Arrow to LMO.
Mission 9:
Reunite the two crews. Launch the DGIV from Tharsis and rendezvous with the Arrow freighter. Congratulations, humans have begun their conquest of the Red Planet.

Suggestions and feedback! This isn't just my mission! :tiphat:
Alright, first let me explain my rationale for picking the DG-IV over the XR-2. There were two reasons:
1. Scramjets are useless on Mars, but the turbopumps on the DGIV should work anywhere.
2. The XR-2 can carry way more people than necessary.
 
Last edited:

Tex

O-F Administrator
Administrator
Retired Staff
Tutorial Publisher
Joined
Oct 16, 2007
Messages
6,574
Reaction score
67
Points
123
Location
Houston
Website
youtube.com
Looks good. I think we need to test/resolve any issues with landing on Phobos correct?

EDIT - To add to this, why not repeat the missions - with some changes, but sort of like a "second" expedition to Mars/Phobos to add to and improve the bases. That is of course assuming we have more pilots than 8 interested which I think is likely.
 

River Crab

SpaceX Cheer Captain
Addon Developer
Donator
Joined
May 4, 2010
Messages
945
Reaction score
3
Points
18
Location
Washington, D.C. area
Good choice of vehicles, DGIV and XR2 can do those tasks well.

Is it possible we could do some ISRU with the GDI Mk1 miner (ISRU practice)? Can we get a setup with one that makes fuel on Mars, as discussed for OFMM Prometheus?
Or, we could have our colony mine metals from Phobos, maybe to build a prelude there or on Mars.
Also, no Azure...?
IDK, seems like we're lacking in ground ops. :shrug:

That's me again, adding complications. :p
Anyway, this is good, we're doing something! :)
 

Bj

Addon Developer
Addon Developer
Donator
Joined
Oct 16, 2007
Messages
1,886
Reaction score
11
Points
0
Location
USA-WA
Website
www.orbiter-forum.com
IDK, seems like we're lacking in ground ops. :shrug:

Any ideas on what to setup using existing cargo? Since it lasts a few months inflatables are probably there. Perhaps a prelude base if desired.

Looks good. I think we need to test/resolve any issues with landing on Phobos correct?

I tried landing Arrow in Phobos... IIRC it is very difficult but possible. I think because of Arrow's large mass, Arrow's primary gravitational influence is Mars.

EDIT - To add to this, why not repeat the missions - with some changes, but sort of like a "second" expedition to Mars/Phobos to add to and improve the bases. That is of course assuming we have more pilots than 8 interested which I think is likely.


Good ideas perhaps as RiverCrab said, have the miner on Phobos or on Mars and try to get 30 some cargoes to Arrow for transport back. Phoboes would be easiest for that objective with no atmosphere and proximity to orbit.
 

River Crab

SpaceX Cheer Captain
Addon Developer
Donator
Joined
May 4, 2010
Messages
945
Reaction score
3
Points
18
Location
Washington, D.C. area
LOL, I meant no Azure being used on Mars? Seems like a waste to take it if not.
I would think it's useless on Phobos, wouldn't you risk the Azure escaping if you tried to go above UMMU walking speed?

As for landing on Phobos, It's more like docking than landing, so yeah, that's to be expected.
 

Izack

Non sequitur
Addon Developer
Joined
Feb 4, 2010
Messages
6,665
Reaction score
13
Points
113
Location
The Wilderness, N.B.
That's why I didn't specify the Arrow cargoes. ;)

And yeah...I don't know how to get the Azure down there. The Arrow can't land on Mars without cheating...

I was thinking the second operation could have the James Cook as its centerpiece, and it could build a station in LMO, but hey, whatever you guys want. :)

I'd like to get flying by Tuesday, so the problems have to be dealt with. Maybe cheating is acceptable... Instead of relaunching the DGIV, just leave the beacon out and land the Arrow directly. :thumbup:
 

Bj

Addon Developer
Addon Developer
Donator
Joined
Oct 16, 2007
Messages
1,886
Reaction score
11
Points
0
Location
USA-WA
Website
www.orbiter-forum.com
That's why I didn't specify the Arrow cargoes. ;)

And yeah...I don't know how to get the Azure down there. The Arrow can't land on Mars without cheating...

I was thinking the second operation could have the James Cook as its centerpiece, and it could build a station in LMO, but hey, whatever you guys want. :)

I'd like to get flying by Tuesday, so the problems have to be dealt with. Maybe cheating is acceptable... Instead of relaunching the DGIV, just leave the beacon out and land the Arrow directly. :thumbup:


Azure cannot actually land on ground without the Arrow, but that doesn't mean you really need to scratch the Cook. Make multiple stations. The Cook can carry cargo too, use cargo deck... just make sure your weight added still leaves you enough fuel to get back unless you want to cheat ( more :lol: )
 

Izack

Non sequitur
Addon Developer
Joined
Feb 4, 2010
Messages
6,665
Reaction score
13
Points
113
Location
The Wilderness, N.B.
I just don't like the idea of having the Phobos and Mars crews being separated even more than they are already. Ah well, it's not like they can hang around for a year and a half for the next ship before they land.
...Unless the Arrow is powerful enough to bypass the launch window, and fly directly? I haven't messed with it enough to know... If that were the case, then a second Arrow could be sent just a month later, and the first one can land.
 

Bj

Addon Developer
Addon Developer
Donator
Joined
Oct 16, 2007
Messages
1,886
Reaction score
11
Points
0
Location
USA-WA
Website
www.orbiter-forum.com
I just don't like the idea of having the Phobos and Mars crews being separated even more than they are already. Ah well, it's not like they can hang around for a year and a half for the next ship before they land.
...Unless the Arrow is powerful enough to bypass the launch window, and fly directly? I haven't messed with it enough to know... If that were the case, then a second Arrow could be sent just a month later, and the first one can land.

Not sure about the launch window requirements of the Arrow.

I was thinking of the Mars crew really as just a 'touch Mars crew' for this first part *tell me if it isn't, they could return to Phobos within a month to help with whatever.
 

Izack

Non sequitur
Addon Developer
Joined
Feb 4, 2010
Messages
6,665
Reaction score
13
Points
113
Location
The Wilderness, N.B.
Not sure about the launch window requirements of the Arrow.

I was thinking of the Mars crew really as just a 'touch Mars crew' for this first part *tell me if it isn't, they could return to Phobos within a month to help with whatever.
Yeah, it's just a touch crew. That's why it was just a DGIV at first. :lol:
 

fireballs619

Occam's Taser
Donator
Joined
Nov 4, 2009
Messages
788
Reaction score
4
Points
33
I suppose I'll get back into this, eh? I couldn't stay away from the project for long:thumbup:.

I can fly any type of mission, but interplanetary might go horribly, horribly wrong :D.

On another note, is there any way of sending out group wide messages? Half of the people in the OFMM group have probably forgotten about it, because it took so long in conceptual stages. That might generate interest in OFMM Lite, as well as OFMM hardcore. Just my thoughts.
 

Izack

Non sequitur
Addon Developer
Joined
Feb 4, 2010
Messages
6,665
Reaction score
13
Points
113
Location
The Wilderness, N.B.
Welcome back, Fireball!
On another note, is there any way of sending out group wide messages? Half of the people in the OFMM group have probably forgotten about it, because it took so long in conceptual stages. That might generate interest in OFMM Lite, as well as OFMM hardcore. Just my thoughts.
Well, I could individually PM each of them... :uhh:
 

dgatsoulis

ele2png user
Donator
Joined
Dec 2, 2009
Messages
1,924
Reaction score
340
Points
98
Location
Sparta
...Unless the Arrow is powerful enough to bypass the launch window, and fly directly? I haven't messed with it enough to know... If that were the case, then a second Arrow could be sent just a month later, and the first one can land.

Not sure about the launch window requirements of the Arrow.

An Arrow, fully fuelled but with no cargo has an estimated total DV of approximately 92.4 km/s. That's plenty of power. No need to worry about launch windows.
(Of course, we have to take the weight of the cargo into consideration... but still...) the Arrow can handle a mission to Mars - launch anyday- easily.
 

Tex

O-F Administrator
Administrator
Retired Staff
Tutorial Publisher
Joined
Oct 16, 2007
Messages
6,574
Reaction score
67
Points
123
Location
Houston
Website
youtube.com
What were your plans for the schedule? Do you have your own program for this or did you want me to create an OFMM calendar on the forum here like I did for OFSS?

The forum calendar isn't the easiest thing in the world to work with, but it comes with benefits like listing events on the home page as well as event reminders for the members in which the forum will automatically notify you in advance of your mission date.
 
Top