Difference between revisions of "Tutorial: ISS"

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{{Stub}}
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{{Outdated|
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* This article is based on a version of KSP which is over three years old and doesn't account for several gameplay changes and content additions.}}
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{{Quote|"It's fantastic. I can't say how much this means to all of us."|Robert Cabana|first person to enter the ISS }}
 
{{Quote|"It's fantastic. I can't say how much this means to all of us."|Robert Cabana|first person to enter the ISS }}
 
Welcome to my first tutorial! Here, we will try to re-enact one of the most important space programs: the '''International Space Station(ISS/MKC)'''
 
Welcome to my first tutorial! Here, we will try to re-enact one of the most important space programs: the '''International Space Station(ISS/MKC)'''
  
 
All of the designs are based on actual modules and rockets. Of course, I can't do it perfectly, but I am trying my best. Also, I am doing it without any mod parts, but I suggest using the part welder plugin to reduce lag.
 
All of the designs are based on actual modules and rockets. Of course, I can't do it perfectly, but I am trying my best. Also, I am doing it without any mod parts, but I suggest using the part welder plugin to reduce lag.
 +
 +
'''''This article is in need of images for visual representation and supplement of which would be greatly appreciated'''''
  
 
==Vocabulary list==
 
==Vocabulary list==
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Some of the parts of the station like the Nodal Module have not yet been launched.
 
Some of the parts of the station like the Nodal Module have not yet been launched.
  
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==Proton Rocket family - Russian Launchers==
+
==Rockets==
 +
 
 +
===Proton Rocket family - Russian Launchers===
 
The proton rocket family had 7.4 meter diameter fuel tanks but we do not so I just used 4 large sized tanks to make the diameter 7.5 meters but however this causes problems as it has nothing surrounding the small tanks, so I used a few [[Modular Girder Segment XL]] to connect the boosters to the inner part. Since all the rockets in the Proton rocket family are so similar they will be used interchangeably in this tutorial.
 
The proton rocket family had 7.4 meter diameter fuel tanks but we do not so I just used 4 large sized tanks to make the diameter 7.5 meters but however this causes problems as it has nothing surrounding the small tanks, so I used a few [[Modular Girder Segment XL]] to connect the boosters to the inner part. Since all the rockets in the Proton rocket family are so similar they will be used interchangeably in this tutorial.
−
=== Ship Design ===
+
==== Ship Design ====
−
* 1x Payload in fairings (use 21 [[M-1x1 Structural Panel]] in each circumference layer)
+
[[File:Ksp Proton.png|thumb|This is the layout for the Rockomax Jumbo Tanks to make a Proton family rocket. The black lines are just for reference.]]
 +
* 1x Payload in fairings (Use pre-made fairings such as the [[AE-FF2 Airstream Protective Shell (2.5m)]])
 
* 3x [[TR-XL Stack Separator]] (Connect it to a few [[M-2x2 Structural Panel]] under/part of the fairings)
 
* 3x [[TR-XL Stack Separator]] (Connect it to a few [[M-2x2 Structural Panel]] under/part of the fairings)
 
* 3x [[RC-L01 Remote Guidance Unit]]
 
* 3x [[RC-L01 Remote Guidance Unit]]
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*** 18x [[Rockomax "Mainsail" Liquid Engine]]
 
*** 18x [[Rockomax "Mainsail" Liquid Engine]]
  
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==STS - Space Shuttle==
+
===STS - Space Shuttle===
−
This is the American launcher. I'm trying to make a replica that is flyable and dockable. Unfortunately, it used a mechanical arm to dock modules, a thing we don't have.
+
This is the American launcher. I'm trying to make a replica that is flyable and dockable. Unfortunately, it used a mechanical arm to dock modules, a thing we don't have.  Alternatively, you could use the stock [[Learstar A1]], which closely resembles the Shuttle.  The Learstar still needs some items (such as the parachute) which aren't on the craft.  The Learstar, however, also includes [[cargo bay]]s which make it easier when transporting cargo.
−
===Ship Design===
+
====Ship Design====
  
−
==== Orbiter ====
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===== Orbiter =====
 
* 1x [[Mk1 Cockpit]]
 
* 1x [[Mk1 Cockpit]]
 
** 3x [[Rockomax Mark 55 Radial Mount Liquid Engine]] (Put in the middle between tip and the slant beginning)
 
** 3x [[Rockomax Mark 55 Radial Mount Liquid Engine]] (Put in the middle between tip and the slant beginning)
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** 1x [[Small Gear Bay]] (Middle)
 
** 1x [[Small Gear Bay]] (Middle)
 
** 2x [[Illuminator Mk2]]
 
** 2x [[Illuminator Mk2]]
−
* 1x [[Inline Reaction Wheel]]
+
* 1x [[Small Inline Reaction Wheel]]
 
* 16x [[M-2x2 Structural Panel]] (Put it so it is 1x4 of the 2x2 panels in a square shape)
 
* 16x [[M-2x2 Structural Panel]] (Put it so it is 1x4 of the 2x2 panels in a square shape)
 
** 16x [[Z-400 Rechargeable Battery]] (Four on the top side of each panel)
 
** 16x [[Z-400 Rechargeable Battery]] (Four on the top side of each panel)
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**** 1x [[Mk16 Parachute]]
 
**** 1x [[Mk16 Parachute]]
  
−
==== External tank and solid rocket booster ====
+
===== External tank and solid rocket booster =====
 
* 1x [[Rockomax Brand Adapter]]
 
* 1x [[Rockomax Brand Adapter]]
 
** 1x [[Mk16-XL Parachute]]
 
** 1x [[Mk16-XL Parachute]]
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** 4x [[Hydraulic Detachment Manifold]] (Use to shoot the Jumbo-64 tank off the '''shuttle''' do ''not'' use it to shoot the shuttle off from the Jumbo-64 tank)
 
** 4x [[Hydraulic Detachment Manifold]] (Use to shoot the Jumbo-64 tank off the '''shuttle''' do ''not'' use it to shoot the shuttle off from the Jumbo-64 tank)
  
−
==Falcon 9 - SpaceX rocket==
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===Falcon 9 - SpaceX rocket===
−
The Falcon 9 was developed by SpaceX and resupply the ISS with the Dragon capsule. The payload in real life is supplies but as kerbals need no supplies to live you can use it to send up fuel, solar arrays, science, or a tug. <!--http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/elements/dragon.html#.U1g9Ao7D9pU--> SpaceX is developing the Falcon Nine to be reusable. The first stage will fly back to the launch pad while the second stage is doing an orbit and then return to the launch pad. The Dragon capsule is along with the Soyus the only vehicle to return back to Earth intact.
+
The Falcon 9 was developed by SpaceX and resupply the ISS with the Dragon capsule. The payload in real life is supplies but as kerbals need no supplies to live you can use it to send up fuel, solar arrays, science, or a tug. <!--http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/elements/dragon.html#.U1g9Ao7D9pU--> SpaceX is developing the Falcon Nine to be reusable. The first stage will fly back to the launch pad while the second stage is doing an orbit and then return to the launch pad. The Dragon capsule is along with the Soyuz the only vehicle to return back to Earth intact after the retirement of the Space Shuttle.
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===Ship Design===
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====Ship Design====
 
* 1x Payload in fairings
 
* 1x Payload in fairings
 
* 1x [[Probodobodyne OKTO2]]
 
* 1x [[Probodobodyne OKTO2]]
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* 1x [[Inline Advanced Stabilizer]]
 
* 1x [[Inline Advanced Stabilizer]]
 
* 1x [[Kerbodyne S3-7200 Tank]]
 
* 1x [[Kerbodyne S3-7200 Tank]]
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* 1x [[LV-T45 Liquid Fuel Engine]]
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* 1x [[S3_KS-25_"Vector"_Liquid_Fuel_Engine|S3 KS-25 Engines]]
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** 8x [[LV-T45 Liquid Fuel Engine]]
 
 
* 1x [[TR-XL Stack Separator]]
 
* 1x [[TR-XL Stack Separator]]
 
** 2x [[Kerbodyne S3-14400 Tank]] (One on top of the other)
 
** 2x [[Kerbodyne S3-14400 Tank]] (One on top of the other)
−
*** 1x [[LV-T45 Liquid Fuel Engine]]
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*** 4x [[A.I.R.B.R.A.K.E.S]]
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**** 8x [[LV-T45 Liquid Fuel Engine]]
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**** 1x [[S3_KS-25_"Vector"_Liquid_Fuel_Engine|S3 KS-25 Engines]]
 +
***** 8x [[S3_KS-25_"Vector"_Liquid_Fuel_Engine|S3 KS-25 Engines]]
 +
****** 4x [[LT-2 Landing Strut|LT-2 Landing Struts]]
  
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==Soyuz Rocket==
+
===Soyuz Rocket===
 
A Soyuz rocket is another Russian rocket used to launch the manned Soyuz craft mainly but was also used to launch the Pirs docking compartment and airlock.
 
A Soyuz rocket is another Russian rocket used to launch the manned Soyuz craft mainly but was also used to launch the Pirs docking compartment and airlock.
  
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===Ship Design===
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====Ship Design====
 
* 1x Payload in fairings
 
* 1x Payload in fairings
 
* 1x [[TR-38-D]]
 
* 1x [[TR-38-D]]
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** 1x [[Kerbodyne KR-2L Advanced Engine]]
 
** 1x [[Kerbodyne KR-2L Advanced Engine]]
  
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==Progress - resupply ship==
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==Spacecraft==
 +
 
 +
===Progress - resupply ship===
 
Progress is an unmanned Russian resupply ship the routinely sends up supplies to the station as kerbalnauts need no food you can send up fuel and/or spare parts.
 
Progress is an unmanned Russian resupply ship the routinely sends up supplies to the station as kerbalnauts need no food you can send up fuel and/or spare parts.
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===Ship design===
+
====Ship design====
 
* 1x [[Clamp-O-Tron Jr.]]
 
* 1x [[Clamp-O-Tron Jr.]]
 
* 1x [[FL-A10 Adapter]]
 
* 1x [[FL-A10 Adapter]]
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*You can add an extra fuel tank(s) or solar arrays if you want to actually send up stuff and not just let it be there. The three adapters are meant to look like progress and are NOT meant to do anything.
 
*You can add an extra fuel tank(s) or solar arrays if you want to actually send up stuff and not just let it be there. The three adapters are meant to look like progress and are NOT meant to do anything.
  
−
==Soyuz - Russian/International Crew Transfer Vehicle==
+
===Soyuz - Russian/International Crew Transfer Vehicle===
 
A soyuz can carry three Cosmonauts to the station at a time.
 
A soyuz can carry three Cosmonauts to the station at a time.
  
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===Ship Design===
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====Ship Design====
 
* 1x [[Clamp-O-Tron Docking Port]]
 
* 1x [[Clamp-O-Tron Docking Port]]
 
* 1x [[Mk1-2 Command Pod]]
 
* 1x [[Mk1-2 Command Pod]]
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* 1x [[Rockomax "Poodle" Liquid Engine]]
 
* 1x [[Rockomax "Poodle" Liquid Engine]]
  
−
==Cygnus - Orbital Sciences Resupply Ship==
+
===Cygnus - Orbital Sciences Resupply Ship===
 
Cygnus is a craft made by Orbital Sciences contracted by NASA. It is launched by the Antares rocket.
 
Cygnus is a craft made by Orbital Sciences contracted by NASA. It is launched by the Antares rocket.
  
−
===Ship Design===
+
====Ship Design====
 
* 1x [[Clamp-O-Tron Docking Port]]
 
* 1x [[Clamp-O-Tron Docking Port]]
 
* 1x [[RC-001S Remote Guidance Unit]]
 
* 1x [[RC-001S Remote Guidance Unit]]
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* 1x [[LV-909 Liquid Fuel Engine]]
 
* 1x [[LV-909 Liquid Fuel Engine]]
  
−
==Zarya - 1A/R==
+
===Dragon - SpaceX Resupply Ship===
 +
Dragon is launched by SpaceX with their Falcon 9 rocket.
 +
====Ship Design====
 +
* 1x [[Clamp-O-Tron Docking Port]]
 +
* 1x [[Rockomax X200-8 Fuel Tank]]
 +
* 6x [[Rockomax Mark 55 Radial Mount Liquid Engine]] (Three pairs)
 +
* 1x [[Kerbodyne ADTP-2-3]]
 +
* 1x [[TD-37 Decoupler]]
 +
* 1x [[Kerbodyne S3-3600 Tank]] (Remove all the oxidizer and liquid fuel)
 +
 
 +
==Station Parts==
 +
 
 +
===Zarya - 1A/R===
 
'''Zarya''' (Dawn in Russian) or '''FGB''' (Functional Cargo Block) was the first module of the ISS. FGB Zarya initially provided flight control  as well as electricity and fuel supplies. Now, it is mostly used for storage. It is the connection between the Russian and American side of the station.
 
'''Zarya''' (Dawn in Russian) or '''FGB''' (Functional Cargo Block) was the first module of the ISS. FGB Zarya initially provided flight control  as well as electricity and fuel supplies. Now, it is mostly used for storage. It is the connection between the Russian and American side of the station.
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=== Ship Design ===
+
==== Ship Design ====
 
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right"
 
| colspan="2" | [[File:Zarya-zenith.png|thumb|center|upright|Zarya before launch]]
 
| colspan="2" | [[File:Zarya-zenith.png|thumb|center|upright|Zarya before launch]]
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** 2x [[RV-105 RCS Thruster Block]] (port and starboard on the 1x1 panels)
 
** 2x [[RV-105 RCS Thruster Block]] (port and starboard on the 1x1 panels)
 
** 2x [[Z-400 Rechargable Battery]] (zenith on 1x1 panels)
 
** 2x [[Z-400 Rechargable Battery]] (zenith on 1x1 panels)
−
* 1x MechJeb 1m Pod '''OR''' [[Inline Reaction Wheel]] (if you don't have MechJeb, put a manned pod on the launcher)
+
* 1x MechJeb 1m Pod '''OR''' [[Small Inline Reaction Wheel]] (if you don't have MechJeb, put a manned pod on the launcher)
 
* 1x [[Rockomax Brand Adapter 02]]
 
* 1x [[Rockomax Brand Adapter 02]]
 
** 4x [[Z-400 Rechargable Battery]]
 
** 4x [[Z-400 Rechargable Battery]]
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** 4x [[RV-105 RCS Thruster Block]]
 
** 4x [[RV-105 RCS Thruster Block]]
 
** 2x [[Rockomax 24-77]] (zenith and nadir)
 
** 2x [[Rockomax 24-77]] (zenith and nadir)
−
* 1x [[Inline Reaction Wheel]]
+
* 1x [[Small Inline Reaction Wheel]]
  
 
* 1x [[Rockomax Brand Adapter]]
 
* 1x [[Rockomax Brand Adapter]]
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* 1x [[Clamp-O-Tron Docking Port]]
 
* 1x [[Clamp-O-Tron Docking Port]]
  
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===The Mission===
+
====The Mission====
 
The original Zarya launch happened on November 20, 1998. <s>I can't find the original orbital information</s> The module was placed on a Low Earth Orbit, which usually corresponds to 160 to 2000&nbsp;km. The current ISS orbit is 402&nbsp;km PE × 424&nbsp;km AP with a 51.6° orbital inclination. So, if you want to make it good, launch as usual, with a gravity turn starting at 10&nbsp;km. Turn towards 38.4 degrees (the 51.6 inclination). Continue until you reach 424&nbsp;km apoapsis, then burn there to get 402&nbsp;km periapsis. <s>''I'll have to test myself if it's possible with the current Proton-K design''</s> It is possible to achieve this orbit with precise flying or an autopilot. It leaves 60% of 3rd-stage fuel and a full on-station tank.
 
The original Zarya launch happened on November 20, 1998. <s>I can't find the original orbital information</s> The module was placed on a Low Earth Orbit, which usually corresponds to 160 to 2000&nbsp;km. The current ISS orbit is 402&nbsp;km PE × 424&nbsp;km AP with a 51.6° orbital inclination. So, if you want to make it good, launch as usual, with a gravity turn starting at 10&nbsp;km. Turn towards 38.4 degrees (the 51.6 inclination). Continue until you reach 424&nbsp;km apoapsis, then burn there to get 402&nbsp;km periapsis. <s>''I'll have to test myself if it's possible with the current Proton-K design''</s> It is possible to achieve this orbit with precise flying or an autopilot. It leaves 60% of 3rd-stage fuel and a full on-station tank.
  
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There you go, the ISS begins to exist!
 
There you go, the ISS begins to exist!
  
−
==Unity - 1A==
+
===Unity - 1A===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right"
 
| colspan="2" | [[File:unity.png|thumb|center|upright|Unity as seen in VAB]]
 
| colspan="2" | [[File:unity.png|thumb|center|upright|Unity as seen in VAB]]
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'''NOTE:''' : I made a little mistake, because the PMAs are supposed to be moveable. Check lower for info.
 
'''NOTE:''' : I made a little mistake, because the PMAs are supposed to be moveable. Check lower for info.
 
* 1x [[Clamp-O-Tron Docking Port]]
 
* 1x [[Clamp-O-Tron Docking Port]]
−
* 1x [[Inline Reaction Wheel]]
+
* 1x [[Small Inline Reaction Wheel]]
 
* 1x [[Rockomax Brand Adapter 02]]
 
* 1x [[Rockomax Brand Adapter 02]]
 
* '''2x [[Clamp-O-Tron Docking Port]]''' for moveable PMAs
 
* '''2x [[Clamp-O-Tron Docking Port]]''' for moveable PMAs
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* '''2x [[Clamp-O-Tron Docking Port]]''' for moveable PMAs
 
* '''2x [[Clamp-O-Tron Docking Port]]''' for moveable PMAs
 
* 1x [[Rockomax Brand Adapter 02]]
 
* 1x [[Rockomax Brand Adapter 02]]
−
* 1x [[Inline Reaction Wheel]]
+
* 1x [[Small Inline Reaction Wheel]]
 
* 1x [[Clamp-O-Tron Docking Port]]
 
* 1x [[Clamp-O-Tron Docking Port]]
  
−
===Mission Phases===
+
====Mission Phases====
 
The original launch happened 2 weeks after deployment of ''Zarya'', on December 4, 1998.
 
The original launch happened 2 weeks after deployment of ''Zarya'', on December 4, 1998.
−
====Launch====
+
=====Launch=====
 
For my launch, I had to use the '' Proton-K'' launcher, because there isn't any solid fuel boosters as powerful as was used by the ''Space Shuttle''. It had two boosters, each at 12.5 MN while the [[Rockomax BACC Solid Fuel Booster|Rockomax booster]] has only 300&nbsp;kN (2.4%).
 
For my launch, I had to use the '' Proton-K'' launcher, because there isn't any solid fuel boosters as powerful as was used by the ''Space Shuttle''. It had two boosters, each at 12.5 MN while the [[Rockomax BACC Solid Fuel Booster|Rockomax booster]] has only 300&nbsp;kN (2.4%).
  
 
Try your best to put it on the same orbit as ''Zarya''. If you have an auto-pilot, use the "Launch to rendezvous" function. If not, try to send it with ''Zarya'' at a 45 degree LPA. Once again, the orbit is 424&nbsp;km AP × 402&nbsp;km PE.
 
Try your best to put it on the same orbit as ''Zarya''. If you have an auto-pilot, use the "Launch to rendezvous" function. If not, try to send it with ''Zarya'' at a 45 degree LPA. Once again, the orbit is 424&nbsp;km AP × 402&nbsp;km PE.
−
====Rendez-vous====
+
=====Rendez-vous=====
 
Check the tutorials on rendezvous and [[docking]] if you don't know how to. The goal is to attach one of the PMA ends (front or aft, they're symmetrical) to the Hubmax (front end). You may need to switch between vessels to put them in the right diretions.
 
Check the tutorials on rendezvous and [[docking]] if you don't know how to. The goal is to attach one of the PMA ends (front or aft, they're symmetrical) to the Hubmax (front end). You may need to switch between vessels to put them in the right diretions.
−
====They connected!====
+
=====They connected!=====
 
[[File:ISS orbit 2.png|thumb|Unity connected to Zarya]]
 
[[File:ISS orbit 2.png|thumb|Unity connected to Zarya]]
 
On the actual mission, there were 3 EVA's to connect cables between the modules, and once to enter the ''ISS''. As of 0.19.1, you can only do that last point. If you brought any Kerbonauts, put them in EVA and let them enter the Hitchhiker. After some time, get them back on what's left of your launcher.
 
On the actual mission, there were 3 EVA's to connect cables between the modules, and once to enter the ''ISS''. As of 0.19.1, you can only do that last point. If you brought any Kerbonauts, put them in EVA and let them enter the Hitchhiker. After some time, get them back on what's left of your launcher.
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I didn't use a manned pod, so I just dropped the launcher with as less fuel left as possible. Instead, try to return the Kerbonauts on the last stage of your ''Unity'' launcher. You can pump the fuel from the ''Zarya'' launcher if it's still docked; you'll also need the aft docking port of ''Zarya'' for the next mission.
 
I didn't use a manned pod, so I just dropped the launcher with as less fuel left as possible. Instead, try to return the Kerbonauts on the last stage of your ''Unity'' launcher. You can pump the fuel from the ''Zarya'' launcher if it's still docked; you'll also need the aft docking port of ''Zarya'' for the next mission.
−
 
−
==Zvezda - 1R '''Coming Soon'''==
 
−
[[File:zvezda.png|thumb|center|Zvezda as seen in VAB]]
 
−
[[File:ISS orbit 3.png|thumb|center|Zvezda connected to the ISS]]
 
  
 
==What now==
 
==What now==
 
Possibly a [[Tutorial:Building a Lunar base|lunar base]]? Let your imagination run wild!
 
Possibly a [[Tutorial:Building a Lunar base|lunar base]]? Let your imagination run wild!
  
−
[[Category:Tutorials|Tutorial: ISS]]
+
[[Category:Tutorials|ISS]]

Latest revision as of 21:32, 12 June 2023

This article is a stub. You can help KSP Wiki by expanding it.


“ "It's fantastic. I can't say how much this means to all of us."

— Robert Cabana, first person to enter the ISS

”

Welcome to my first tutorial! Here, we will try to re-enact one of the most important space programs: the International Space Station(ISS/MKC)

All of the designs are based on actual modules and rockets. Of course, I can't do it perfectly, but I am trying my best. Also, I am doing it without any mod parts, but I suggest using the part welder plugin to reduce lag.

This article is in need of images for visual representation and supplement of which would be greatly appreciated

Vocabulary list

With LPA as α and object in sky as P

Just so you know, some terms I am using here :

  • Zenith - top side of the ship; usually oriented away from the orbited body.
  • Nadir - bottom side of the ship; usually oriented towards the orbited body.
  • Port - left side of the ship
  • Starboard - right side of the ship
  • Front - front side/end of the ship
  • Aft - back side/end of the ship
  • LPA - launch phase angle; angle between the vector of the launching rocket and the line drawn from the launchpad to another object in sky


Construction sequence

Part Launch Vehicle Diameter (m) Mass (Metric tonnes)
Zarya (FGB) Proton-K 4.1 19.3
Unity (Node 1), PMA-1 & PMA-2 US Shuttle 4.57 11.6
Zvezda (Service Module) Proton-K 4.15 19.1
Z1 Truss and PMA-3 US Shuttle 4.2 8.8
P6 Truss & SolarArrays US Shuttle 4.9 15.8
Destiny (US Laboratory) US Shuttle 4.27 14.5
External StowagePlatform-1 US Shuttle
Canadarm2 (SSRMS) US Shuttle .35 4.9
Quest (Joint Airlock) US Shuttle 4 6.1
Pirs (Docking Compartment and Airlock) Soyuz-U 2.55 3.6
S0 Truss US Shuttle 4.6 14
Mobile Base System US Shuttle 2.9 1.5
S1 Truss US Shuttle 4.6 14.1
P1 Truss US Shuttle 4.6 14.0
ESP-2 US Shuttle 4.9 2.7
P3/P4 Truss & SolarArrays US Shuttle 4.9 15.9
P5 Truss US Shuttle 4.6 1.8
S3/S4 Truss and SolarArrays US Shuttle 4.9 15.9
S5 Truss and ESP-3 US Shuttle 3.9 12.6
Harmony (Node 2) Relocationof P6 Truss US Shuttle 4.48 14.3
Columbus (European Laboratory) US Shuttle 4.5 12.8
Dextre (SPDM) Japanese Logistics Module (ELM-PS) US Shuttle 4.4 4.2
Japanese PressurizedModule (JEM-PM)JEM Robotic Arm (JEM-RMS) US Shuttle 4.4 15.9
S6 Truss & SolarArrays US Shuttle 73.2 x 10.7 15.9
Japanese ExposedFacility (JEM-EF) US Shuttle 4.1
Poisk (MRM-2) Soyuz-U 3.7
ExPRESS LogisticsCarriers 1 & 2 US Shuttle
Cupola and Tranquility (Node 3) US Shuttle 4.25 (Node3) 2.95 (Cupola) 12.2
Rassvet (MRM-1) US Shuttle 5.1
Leonardo (PMM) and EXPRESS Logistics Carrier 4 US Shuttle 9.9
Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, OBSS and EXPRESS Logistics Carrier 3 US Shuttle 6.7
Nauka (MLM) EuropeanRobotic Arm Proton-M 20.3
Nodal Module (UDM) Soyuz 2.1b 4.0
Science-PowerModule-1 Proton-M
Science-PowerModule-2 Proton-M
BigelowExpandable Activity Module Falcon 9

Some of the parts of the station like the Nodal Module have not yet been launched.

Rockets

Proton Rocket family - Russian Launchers

The proton rocket family had 7.4 meter diameter fuel tanks but we do not so I just used 4 large sized tanks to make the diameter 7.5 meters but however this causes problems as it has nothing surrounding the small tanks, so I used a few Modular Girder Segment XL to connect the boosters to the inner part. Since all the rockets in the Proton rocket family are so similar they will be used interchangeably in this tutorial.

Ship Design

This is the layout for the Rockomax Jumbo Tanks to make a Proton family rocket. The black lines are just for reference.

STS - Space Shuttle

This is the American launcher. I'm trying to make a replica that is flyable and dockable. Unfortunately, it used a mechanical arm to dock modules, a thing we don't have. Alternatively, you could use the stock Learstar A1, which closely resembles the Shuttle. The Learstar still needs some items (such as the parachute) which aren't on the craft. The Learstar, however, also includes cargo bays which make it easier when transporting cargo.

Ship Design

Orbiter
External tank and solid rocket booster

Falcon 9 - SpaceX rocket

The Falcon 9 was developed by SpaceX and resupply the ISS with the Dragon capsule. The payload in real life is supplies but as kerbals need no supplies to live you can use it to send up fuel, solar arrays, science, or a tug. SpaceX is developing the Falcon Nine to be reusable. The first stage will fly back to the launch pad while the second stage is doing an orbit and then return to the launch pad. The Dragon capsule is along with the Soyuz the only vehicle to return back to Earth intact after the retirement of the Space Shuttle.

Ship Design

Soyuz Rocket

A Soyuz rocket is another Russian rocket used to launch the manned Soyuz craft mainly but was also used to launch the Pirs docking compartment and airlock.

Ship Design

Spacecraft

Progress - resupply ship

Progress is an unmanned Russian resupply ship the routinely sends up supplies to the station as kerbalnauts need no food you can send up fuel and/or spare parts.

Ship design

  • You can add an extra fuel tank(s) or solar arrays if you want to actually send up stuff and not just let it be there. The three adapters are meant to look like progress and are NOT meant to do anything.

Soyuz - Russian/International Crew Transfer Vehicle

A soyuz can carry three Cosmonauts to the station at a time.

Ship Design

Cygnus - Orbital Sciences Resupply Ship

Cygnus is a craft made by Orbital Sciences contracted by NASA. It is launched by the Antares rocket.

Ship Design

Dragon - SpaceX Resupply Ship

Dragon is launched by SpaceX with their Falcon 9 rocket.

Ship Design

Station Parts

Zarya - 1A/R

Zarya (Dawn in Russian) or FGB (Functional Cargo Block) was the first module of the ISS. FGB Zarya initially provided flight control as well as electricity and fuel supplies. Now, it is mostly used for storage. It is the connection between the Russian and American side of the station.

Ship Design

Zarya before launch
Statistics
Mass (full) 13.02 t
Δv (vacuum) 1 081 m/s

Front to aft (1st-level bullets indicate the body; 2nd-level indicates radially-mounted parts):

The Mission

The original Zarya launch happened on November 20, 1998. I can't find the original orbital information The module was placed on a Low Earth Orbit, which usually corresponds to 160 to 2000 km. The current ISS orbit is 402 km PE × 424 km AP with a 51.6° orbital inclination. So, if you want to make it good, launch as usual, with a gravity turn starting at 10 km. Turn towards 38.4 degrees (the 51.6 inclination). Continue until you reach 424 km apoapsis, then burn there to get 402 km periapsis. I'll have to test myself if it's possible with the current Proton-K design It is possible to achieve this orbit with precise flying or an autopilot. It leaves 60% of 3rd-stage fuel and a full on-station tank.

When you have the stable orbit, open the solar panels and the antennas. Move the station to orient it the good way (the one radial docking port facing the Earth; the HubMax towards your prograde vector). Transfer any fuel or electricity (if you are in the dark zone) then either undock the third stage or keep it until the Zvezda mission.

There you go, the ISS begins to exist!

Unity - 1A

Unity as seen in VAB
Statistics
Mass (full) 3.79 t

Unity, also known as Node 1, is the first American-only module on the ISS. It is basically a connector between many parts of the station. It was delivered with two PMA (Pressurized Mating Adapters), one that is permanently placed between Zarya and Unity, and the second has moved many times since its installation.

Ship Design

I can't really simulate the PMA's, because they aren't straight but a bit tilted. Here's what I did:


NOTE: : I made a little mistake, because the PMAs are supposed to be moveable. Check lower for info.

Mission Phases

The original launch happened 2 weeks after deployment of Zarya, on December 4, 1998.

Launch

For my launch, I had to use the Proton-K launcher, because there isn't any solid fuel boosters as powerful as was used by the Space Shuttle. It had two boosters, each at 12.5 MN while the Rockomax booster has only 300 kN (2.4%).

Try your best to put it on the same orbit as Zarya. If you have an auto-pilot, use the "Launch to rendezvous" function. If not, try to send it with Zarya at a 45 degree LPA. Once again, the orbit is 424 km AP × 402 km PE.

Rendez-vous

Check the tutorials on rendezvous and docking if you don't know how to. The goal is to attach one of the PMA ends (front or aft, they're symmetrical) to the Hubmax (front end). You may need to switch between vessels to put them in the right diretions.

They connected!
Unity connected to Zarya

On the actual mission, there were 3 EVA's to connect cables between the modules, and once to enter the ISS. As of 0.19.1, you can only do that last point. If you brought any Kerbonauts, put them in EVA and let them enter the Hitchhiker. After some time, get them back on what's left of your launcher.

Landing on Kerbin

I didn't use a manned pod, so I just dropped the launcher with as less fuel left as possible. Instead, try to return the Kerbonauts on the last stage of your Unity launcher. You can pump the fuel from the Zarya launcher if it's still docked; you'll also need the aft docking port of Zarya for the next mission.

What now

Possibly a lunar base? Let your imagination run wild!

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