GLS
Well-known member
The RMS (actually the OV) has to be the parent, so it can move the child around.
Discussion Space Shuttle Vessel - Payload Development Thread
- Thread starter GLS
- Start date
Tiny_Bob
Addon Developer
so is this kind of setup just not possible with how Orbiter attachment points function?
GLS
Well-known member
Thinking about it, I'd say no...
We need an attachment system that retains the existing attachment behavior, but does away with the parent-child relationship and replaces it with the mated vessel physics that is used in docked vessels. This way, we could have the MMU and the RMS attached to the Stinger, and it attached to the HS-376 at the same time, and if either the MMU or the sat started firing thrusters, the whole thing would start spinning (sorry, no RMS dynamics).
Tiny_Bob
Addon Developer
would docked vessels with attachment points work instead or is it just not viable any way its done?
GLS
Well-known member
My guess is yes... but maybe a small test to confirm it works isn't a bad idea.
gattispilot
Addon Developer
Tiny_Bob
Addon Developer
yeah that MFR was covered in Kapton for the Hubble service missions. afaik they might have had the EVA crew outside help with alignment for grappling the MFR.
Tiny_Bob
Addon Developer
Can we define custom payload latch positions like the cameras, or could that be implemented in the future?
GLS
Well-known member
Hmm, in the sills or keel? The existing positions were fixed, and the payloads had to adapt to them.
If you mean the attachment of a SPARTAN or others, I haven't done anything for that as I simply don't know how that was operated... plus, the base is another vessel, so that means that actually the OV should (somehow) connect to that vessel to command the latches, and all the attachment business, animation, etc, should be handled by that base vessel. In addition to this, there would have to be the cooperation between vessels to allow the attachment hand-off.
Tiny_Bob
Addon Developer
any idea why a payload vessel would spawn in with NaNs for the position in the scenario when its installed in the payload bay?
GLS
Well-known member
What is the attachment configuration: is it attached to anything else? Parent, child?
Tiny_Bob
Addon Developer
GLS
Well-known member
Is the attachment ID in the PL edit dialog valid? Are the attachments "manipulated" by the vessel, i.e., created or deleted other than at the vessel creation?
Tiny_Bob
Addon Developer
Tiny_Bob
Addon Developer
does anyone have a good source for PAM deploy procedures? I'm aware flights that used them had checklists, but none are available online from my looking.
GLS
Well-known member
Without the GPC, SCA, etc, it comes down to this:
1) close sunshields once in orbit
2) once time comes to deploy, point vehicle +Zo -VV
3) open sunshields
4) unlatch PAM
5) spin up PAM
6) when crossing the equator, deploy PAM
7) move away
8) 45 minutes later watch it fire from a safe distance
Tiny_Bob
Addon Developer
whenever the time is right for the DPS Pages for payloads, this looks like a good reference for them: https://edan.si.edu/slideshow/viewer/?eadrefid=NASM.2014.0025_ref156
GLS
Well-known member
If only it were as simple as making the displays... there's at least one process behind each of those SPECs, that needs to get data from and send command to a box connected to bus PL-1 and/or 2, and that is where the payload interfaces. Plus, you might also have the Standard Switch Panel for certain commands, and backups.
The PAMs will need most of this, so that will open the way. Not that this is easy, but the thing I'm most concerned about is: how to configure all of this???
Tiny_Bob
Addon Developer
GLS
Well-known member
Yes, plus which code to run, connected to where, which SSP to show, where, connected to where... the Shuttle had so many options, that it's like lego for engineers.
