Brazilian Space Program for Orbiter v2 is released!

Brazilian Space Program for Orbiter v2, including the Alcantara Launch Center (CLA) , the VLS-1 satellite launcher (Veículo Lançador de Satélites), the VLM-1 microsatellite launcher (Veículo Lançador de Microssatélites), a Microsatellite, the VS-40 sounding rocket and the SARA reentry experiment .

Current version release notes:

Improved VLS detailed mesh and textures, now using normal maps for high resolution light effects on the latest graphic clients for Orbiter.
Improved textures with normal maps for the VLM-1, VS-40 and SARA.
Expanded the Alcântara Base, that now features details such as trees, terrain and various structures. Instead of adding new surface bases to Orbiter, this implementation builds upon my “Stock Orbiter default bases upgrade” add-on, only replacing (and improving upon) the Alcantara one.
Notice: please remove the Alcantara_CLA.cfg and Base_de_Alcantara.cfg base config files from your Orbiter installation, if installing over the previous version.
Improved launch autopilot for the VLS-1 satellite launcher, which is now able to induce a stabilization roll to the upper stage, previous to the final burn.
Notice that the last stage on both VLS-1 and VLM-1 rockets is designed for a delayed burn (more than 200sec) and has no attitude control system (only spin stabilized). So be patient and let the guidance run until all fuel is spent.
To give some replay value, the autopilot will not place the satellite in a circular orbit. The guidance program provided is only meant to provide a reference to the intended launch profile and timings. It’s your job to launch manually or by autopilot to whatever orbit you desire.
New VS-40 rocket. This is a sounding rocket from the same family of the VLS-1, using the same solid rocket engines. I’ve programmed accurate flight behavior in LUA, including roll induced by the tail fins and launch from a dedicated tower.
New SARA reentry experiment, using both the VS-40 and VLS-1 rockets for suborbital and orbital flights. Aerodynamic parameters for reentry are “beta”, but usable.

Download it here: http://www.orbithangar.com/searchid.php?ID=6079

Comments

Space Station Freedom interior resources

Although the project was canceled and evolved into the ISS, at least some mock-ups and trainers were built. Being the late 1980's not much reference photos exist on the web. I'm posting the all the images I could find for the convenience of having them together at a single place. This way the general layout of the station can be understood. Some of the solutions found their way into the ISS, others didn't. On general the station seems bigger and the concept would make a nice virtual cockpit for a "alternate history" simulation. Mock-ups: The four long modules running left to right contain the three laboratories and the habitability area. Between these are connecting capsules, and at far right can be seen the station commander's observation cupola. The colored spheres in the foreground assembly are gas containers, with oxygen, nitrogen and other gases for experimental use. A variation of the above arrangement 1989 mock-up with American, Eu

Gemini B cockpit layout

The Gemini B was the military version of the Gemini spacecraft, adapted for use on the MOL (Manned Orbiting Laboratory) program. The general cockpit layout was similar, but many instruments were changed. I'm doing a 3D model of the cockpit, and as part of that I need to recreate the dashboard layout. For the normal Gemini we have great detailed instrument layouts, but for Gemini B we must work based on photos. I've identified as much labels as possible. Some probably have errors, but still I think you get the idea of the general operation. The main difference from the stock Gemini is that gauges and switches are more protected perhaps from accidental touching. Also you have controls for the MOL laboratory on the right hand panel. Left panel Center panel Bottom panel Right panel I'm working mainly based on two reference photos: (http://www.nro.gov) (unknown origin)

Orion cockpit layout

In preparation for my Constellation program add-on, I collected some images about Orion's cockpit panel layout. These are quite interesting and you can see how it is evolving. 2012 (NASA Systems Engineering Simulator) 2014 layout I assembled this view from a NASA video showing most parts of the panel and LCD displays. Resolution is good enough to read most of the labels. 2014 Mockup 2015 Mockup The 2015 mockup shows some diferences from the 2014 version. The design seems less monotonous and with a few less flip switches. Image sources: NASA

Orbiter Spaceport

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