Orbiter Spaceport

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)

This year I released the final versions of my textures for the Mercury and Gemini addons. It's compatible with the latest add-ons and features normal and reflection maps for extra details. Project Gemini repaint v2 (13-11-15) Gemini spacecraft:  Complete overhead and side control panel textures Cleaned up VC and doors Normalmaps for graphic clients. Agena Docking target Improved Agena target textures Normal and reflection maps. Mercury Rockets Updated textures for the rockets used in the Mercury Program. Same as with the previous update, but with now with normal and specular maps added. Titan II repaint Adds normal maps to the improved Titan textures, already avaliable on previous Gemini repaints. Compatible with Project Gemini and CVEL Titans.

Here's my Skylab B 3D model. It follows actual hardware references closely. Skylab B from 4throckrn on Sketchfab .

Working :-)

This add-on for Orbiter Space Flight Simulator will add a Virtual Cockpit to the ISS Zvezda module. Although complete, the mesh is a little basic on some parts, nevertheless I feel it's good enough for release. As such, I simply added it to an existing Zvezda add-on- the "Zvezda-J" add-on by jekka. There are 2 visible MFDs (on the TORU workstation) and a HUD display over the periscope. This 3D virtual cockpit model is more of a resource for developers than a complete add-on. Feel free to include it on your space-station add-ons and to improve upon it. Get it here:  http://www.orbithangar.com/searchid.php?ID=6083

Besides the well know Kennedy Space Center or Baikonur launch sites, there are many other such places around the world. Some of them aren't used for rocket launches, it they played an important role in space history, or are part of current aerospace activities. As part of the development of my Orbiter stock bases upgrade add-on, I've done some research regarding this sometimes little know sites. My objective was to provide high resolution surface tiles for each base and to represent, using the stock base objects, the main structures present. I'll share here some interesting places I discovered. Matagorda was considered as a possible location for NASA's spaceport, along with places like Cape Canaveral... While it was not chosen in reality, it's still featured as a space base in some Ben Bova books. In reality, two close airfields exist at that location, one of them related to private space firms in the 1970s.   Matagorda Island AFB   Matagorda...

Besides the  well know Kennedy Space Center or Baikonur launch sites, there are many other such places around the world. Some of them aren't used for rocket launches, it they played an important role in space history, or are part of current aerospace activities. As part of the development of my Orbiter stock bases upgrade add-on, I've done some research regarding this sometimes little know sites. My objective was to provide high resolution surface tiles for each base and to represent, using the stock base objects, the main structures present. I'll share here some interesting places I discovered. Gran Canaria Airport (IATA: LPA, ICAO: GCLP), (also known as Las Palmas Airport) was an official alternative (emergency) landing site for the NASA Space Shuttle.Also nearby is the Gran Canaria drop zone , an air-launched rocket drop zone, located lat/long 27.0, -15.3. Runways: 03L/21R : 10,171 x 148 ft (3,100 x 45 m) — paved — lighted 03R/21L : 10,171 x 148 ft...

Some images of the final Launch Center model fully textured. Really happy with the results, specially with the vegetation, since my goal was to make a low polygon model for easy export to Orbiter simulator. General view of the two pads: left for sounding rockets, right for the VLS and VLM VLS-1 rocket on pad. The TMI (Mobile Integration Tower) is retracted to a safe distance. After a successful export, here's the Alcantara Launch Center in Orbiter, with the VLS ready to launch.  Alcantara Launch Center in Orbiter

I've finished modeling the VLS rocket. Here's what it looks like in SketchUp after texturing! After export, the model in Orbiter Space Simulator looks like this: Very consistent. I'm using the DX9 renderer, and I've yet to add normalmaps! As I'm happy with the way it looks already, here's an image sequence of a test launch. VLS lifts-off from Alcantara Ascending on first stage, after booster separation Ascending on first stage VLS rocket ascending on first stage. This configuration was the basis for the early VLM project. Second stage ignites. VLS rocket upper stages. Detail of the upper stage attitude control systems and fairing A small satellite is successfully released in orbit!

I've been working on an updated model of the VLS rocket to go with the new Alcântara base.  The first stage rocket boosters have better textures and a more geometry detail. I worked out the fixation points of the boosters to the main rocket, and it looks great! Also, the pad structure was corrected to match the rocket.  The next step is to detail the other stages. Part of the work is done for the VS40 rocket, that shares identical hardware. But there are always differences. The fairing also needs some work to give it a less plastic impression. Booster rocket Pair of boosters The upper stages are also under work. Here I'm using the new textures. The complete VLS rocket stack.  A quick test render of the rocket on pad.  Detail of the first stage, boosters, and pad support structure.