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FSX Spaceflight dynamics module for FSX
- Thread starter Misho
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Success! I have created this space station using 5 separate objects (4 AI and one user-controlled). They are all "hard" linked, so that the whole structure is rigid. Any object can be separately controlled, so for instance, if I fire up-down thrusters on the bottom-docked Orion, the physics will properly start rotating the whole space station according to where the force was applied. Since the force is asymmetric, there will be some "wobble" around the centre of gravity of the whole structure...
I think I have the core of the functionality in place to be able to assemble a launch "stack" (a multi-staged rocket) and launch it off the ground. The bulk of the work from now on, hopefully, will be the UI, the saving/loading of the structures and instrumentation programming (I need to be able to find stuff up there in order to rendezvous and dock with it
).
I think I have the core of the functionality in place to be able to assemble a launch "stack" (a multi-staged rocket) and launch it off the ground. The bulk of the work from now on, hopefully, will be the UI, the saving/loading of the structures and instrumentation programming (I need to be able to find stuff up there in order to rendezvous and dock with it
).
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Hi Marc, Happy New Year to you too! I'm doing well, thanks! I making good progress, but at the moment in a holding pattern, waiting for the author of the physics engine to make some crucial updates pertaining specifically to spaceflight case 
I hope to have a demo out... "soon"
I hope to have a demo out... "soon"
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Yayyyyy
But for now, I only hope someone will make a realistic space Shuttle (Atlantis) to put object in orbit (preset sateltite, or user custom satelite)
Here you go, although it's payware: https://www.captainsim.com/products/s001/
You won't find a better model anywhere else
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I know this one
but will it be compatible with the Space Module? dockable? can put object in orbit? the CS one c'ant even simulate liftoff...
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Yes, it will be dockable.
Yes, you can put it in orbit.
If you have a nice Space Shuttle (Orbiter) model, yes, you can use it as a visual model and define an "aircraft.cfg" file for it so that it has spacecraft properties. However, you will have to do a bit of research as far as orbiter's astrodynamic properties, as in coefficient of drag, blunt body properties, angle of attack body area, etc... I am making new entries in aircraft.cfg for spacecraft-specific features, such as:
However - if you use an EXISTING model, then the animations, like cargo bay doors, solar array deploys and stuff like that won't work insofar as being recognised in the simulator as spacecraft "operation". For example, my models have specific animations that are tagged as what they are: Solar array deploy, hatch open, antenna extend, etc, and as such, they are recognised by the spaceflight module. I will also release a SDK so that, if you want to create your own spacecraft model in 3DS MAX for use as a spaceflight module object, I will make available my animation tags so that you can tag them properly.
A model designed without my animation tags won't be able to take advantage of the space-specific tagging system, so for example, If you use CS Shuttle, I am almost certain that its cargo door open/close animation is tagged as exits:
[exits]
number_of_exits = 2
exit.0 = 0.4 // (0=Main 1=Passenger)
exit.1 = 0.4 // (0=Main 1=Passenger)
So, you will be able to activate these animations by default FSX keys, but they won't register in spacecraft instrumentation as being activated, or what they are. I MIGHT look into this a bit more carefully and perhaps have some kind of method of naming these and having them recognised properly, but this would be on the lowest of the priorities.
Yes, you can put it in orbit.
If you have a nice Space Shuttle (Orbiter) model, yes, you can use it as a visual model and define an "aircraft.cfg" file for it so that it has spacecraft properties. However, you will have to do a bit of research as far as orbiter's astrodynamic properties, as in coefficient of drag, blunt body properties, angle of attack body area, etc... I am making new entries in aircraft.cfg for spacecraft-specific features, such as:
- Reaction control thruster engine parameters (positions, strengths, propellant amount...)
- Main rocket engine(s) parameters
- docking hatch(es) locations and parameters (for instance, only compatible docking systems will be able to mate)
- Solar array power generation
- ... and much more.
However - if you use an EXISTING model, then the animations, like cargo bay doors, solar array deploys and stuff like that won't work insofar as being recognised in the simulator as spacecraft "operation". For example, my models have specific animations that are tagged as what they are: Solar array deploy, hatch open, antenna extend, etc, and as such, they are recognised by the spaceflight module. I will also release a SDK so that, if you want to create your own spacecraft model in 3DS MAX for use as a spaceflight module object, I will make available my animation tags so that you can tag them properly.
A model designed without my animation tags won't be able to take advantage of the space-specific tagging system, so for example, If you use CS Shuttle, I am almost certain that its cargo door open/close animation is tagged as exits:
[exits]
number_of_exits = 2
exit.0 = 0.4 // (0=Main 1=Passenger)
exit.1 = 0.4 // (0=Main 1=Passenger)
So, you will be able to activate these animations by default FSX keys, but they won't register in spacecraft instrumentation as being activated, or what they are. I MIGHT look into this a bit more carefully and perhaps have some kind of method of naming these and having them recognised properly, but this would be on the lowest of the priorities.
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Oh - and, I've set up a FaceBook page for this project:
https://www.facebook.com/TerraBuilder/
If you're interested in this project, please like it and follow it as I'll be making announcements and updates there first.
Once I get a bit more time I will (obviously) create a proper official standalone website. These days it is a bit more complex, as it has to flawlessly work on mobile devices as well
https://www.facebook.com/TerraBuilder/
If you're interested in this project, please like it and follow it as I'll be making announcements and updates there first.
Once I get a bit more time I will (obviously) create a proper official standalone website. These days it is a bit more complex, as it has to flawlessly work on mobile devices as well