Difference between revisions of "Vehicle Assembly Building"

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(Description)
(Radical rewrite! -{{Outdated}} with new VAB_editor.png and 0.24 additions described. +Usage section. ==Description== became ==Appearance==. +References section.)
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{{Outdated|The images and descriptions are missing the funds display added in [[0.24]]}}
 
{{Stub|article requires information on the tabs in top left corner and how they are used. This article}}
 
 
{{:Vehicle Assembly Building/Box}}
 
{{:Vehicle Assembly Building/Box}}
[[File:VABin.jpg|thumb|right|The interior of the VAB with ground crew.]]
 
 
:''Vehicle Editor redirects here; see also [[Space Plane Hangar]].''
 
:''Vehicle Editor redirects here; see also [[Space Plane Hangar]].''
  
The '''Vehicle Assembly Building''' (abbr. '''VAB''', sometimes wrongly called "Vertical Assembly Building") is a large construction facility at [[Kerbal Space Center]]. It is used for designing rockets and other spacecraft in a vertical orientation. [[Parts]] can be placed singly or with two-, three-, four-, six- and eightfold radial symmetry as opposed to the [[SPH]]'s bilateral symmetry. Vessels constructed in the VAB will launch from the [[launch pad]]. [[Kerbal]] scientists, engineers, and utility vehicles roam through the VAB, in addition to cargo lifts, with various animations although they do not affect the design process. Occasionally, the utility vehicles will drive through one another. The VAB is the largest single building at the KSC.
+
The '''Vehicle Assembly Building''', commonly called the '''VAB''' (sometimes wrongly "''Vertical'' Assembly Building"), is one of the two [[craft]] construction facilities at [[Kerbal Space Center]] and is KSC's largest single building. In [[Kerbal Space Program]] game development history, it can also be considered the oldest.
  
Since {{version|0.22}} it can store [[subassemblies]] which can be attached to other vehicles later. Those subassemblies are shared between the VAB and SPH allowing exchanges of crafts between them.
+
== Usage ==
 +
Like its counterpart the [[Spaceplane Hangar]] (SPH), the VAB's use is constructing craft. The available [[parts]] list is the same in both facilities. The essential difference between them is that while the SPH's axis of symmetry when placing or moving parts is [[w:Bilateral_symmetry|bilateral]], the VAB provides [[w:Radial_symmetry|radial symmetry]] and its axis is vertical with respect to the building like a [[rocket]] rather than horizontal like a [[plane]]. Parts can be placed singly or with two-, three-, four-, six- or eight-fold radial symmetry. Vessels constructed in the VAB will launch from the [[Launch pad|Launch Pad]].
  
== Description ==
+
[[Subassemblies]] of user-combined parts can be stored and copied to other vehicles later. Subassemblies are shared between the VAB and SPH allowing exchanges of crafts between them, though care must be taken which part is the root others trace their attachment to.
The VAB is a large cubical assembly bay located at the very center of [[KSC]]. Large yellow doors act as auxiliary entrances and are located at the north, west, and south faces of the building. On the east face however, there is a giant shutter that spans the whole height of the building. This shutter makes way for all vehicles that are created inside the VAB. There is also a small complex that juts out of the south side. There are stairs and ladders that lead to the roof of the VAB, but dismounting the tops of the ladders is difficult. On the roof, there are 2 helipads beside the skylights. There are no helicopters in the game as of yet, but the pads can be landed on by VTOL vehicles, like the stock [[Rocket-power VTOL]].  If a kerbal jumps off of the VAB roof, they will survive, but may temporarily glitch on landing, with the arms shooting outward and becoming the "thing" for a few seconds.  It is similar to the effects experienced when falling into [[Jool]].
 
  
 
== Interface ==
 
== Interface ==
 +
[[File:VAB editor.01.png|thumb|right|Editor view within the VAB]]
 +
'''Mode''': Along the top of the screen are several controls. The left most controls vary with the current mode the VAB is in. Mode is controlled by the three blue icons just to the left of center along the top. These are:
 +
[[Parts]] (the default mode), [[Action group|Action Groups]], and [[Crew]]. These modes are each described on their own page.
  
'''VAB mode''': Along the top of the screen are some of the VAB controls. The left most controls are dependent on the current mode the VAB is in. The mode is controlled by the three blue icons just to the left of center along the top. These are:
+
'''Craft Name''' is in the top center. Clicking on the name allows the user to edit the name before saving the current craft. It also opens a drop down box that lets the user enter longer text such as a description of the vehicle, operations guides, or anything else noteworthy. Clicking anywhere else on the screen closes the drop down box.
[[Parts]] the default mode, [[Action group]] and [[Crew]].  
 
  
'''Vehicle name''' is in the top center. Clicking on the name allows the user to edit the name before saving the current vehicle. It also opens a drop down box that lets the user write a description of the vehicle, along with any notes about changes, uses or features they might find noteworthy. Clicking anywhere else on the screen closes the note box, but does not save the vehicle to disk.
+
'''Mission Flag''' is just to the right of top center. It presets the [[Flag (Image)|flag]] used, if this is a manned vehicle, when a [[Extend-o-matic Series A1 Deployable Flag]] is placed once landed.
  
'''Mission Flag''' presets the [[Flag (Image)|flag]] used, if this is a manned vehicle, when a [[Extend-o-matic Series A1 Deployable Flag]] is placed once landed.
+
File controls are located along the top right of the screen.
  
'''File controls''' are located along the top right of the screen.
+
*''' New''' - Clears currently active vehicle from the VAB.
  
*''' New''' - Clears currently active vehicle from the VAB, and does not save any changes.
+
*''' Load''' - Opens a pop up window to load any previously saved vehicle assemblies.
 +
 
 +
*''' Save''' - Saves the currently active vehicle to disk.
 +
 
 +
'''Launch''' is second in from the top right corner. If not recently saved, overwrites ''Auto Saved Ship'' on disk, then switches from the VAB to the [[Launch pad]].
 +
 
 +
'''Exit''' is the rightmost button. It exits the VAB back to the [[Kerbal Space Center|Space Center]].
 +
 
 +
'''[[Stage|Staging]]'''
 +
On the right edge of the screen, rising from the bottom, is a dynamic and editable list of the current stages of the vehicle under construction. The game will attempt to build the stages as the user adds parts. However, the user may want to change the order that stages are activated, or edit what happens at each stage.
  
*''' Load''' - Opens a pop up window to load any previously saved vehicle assemblies.  
+
'''Notifications''' are on the bottom, second in from the right. These report completed Contracts.
 +
 
 +
'''[[Contracts]]''' are on the bottom, just left of Notifications. These list currently active contracts accepted in [[Mission Control]].
  
*''' Save''' - Saves the currently active vehicle to disk. If not previously named, it is saved as ''Untitled Space Craft''.
+
== Appearance ==
 +
The Vehicle Assembly Building is structured around an approximately 100 m tall assembly bay tower (108 m including helipad) located at the center of [[KSC]]. A wing extends south from the assembly bay tower, itself taller than most buildings at KSC and structured in three tiers. A smaller, lower wing extends a short distance on the north side. On the roof, there are 2 helipads between the skylights. There are no helicopters in the game{{check version||0.24.2}}, but the helipads provide a suitable landing target for [[Craft#VTOL|VTOL]] vehicles.  
  
*'''Launch''' - If not recently saved, creates ''Auto Saved Ship'' on disk, then switches from the VAB to the [[Launch pad]].
+
On the east face of the assembly bay tower is an 8-leaf vertical lift door<ref>[http://www.international-door.com/vertical-lift-docked-doors.php Term "multi-leaf vertical lift door" used by real-world maker of similar door for NASA]</ref> approximately 93&nbsp;m tall. Closed at all other times, during craft assembly the east door is visibly open (giving 50&nbsp;m clearance) as though ready for the craft to be rolled out. However, craft appear directly on the Launch Pad and the door is never seen in motion. The view outside is always lit as midday regardless of time in-game. Additionally, on the north, west, and south faces of the VAB are large, yellow, swinging doors which appear to be auxiliary entrances.
  
*'''Exit''' - Does not save the current ship and exits the VAB back to the [[Kerbal Space Center|Space Center]].
+
[[Kerbal]] scientists and workers roam the floor while a gauntlet of ground crew remain stationed at the main east door. Utility vehicles drive in and out and onto cargo lifts set in the north and south interior framework of the VAB. Occasionally, the utility vehicles will drive through one another, or through Kerbals on the floor, all without any effect on each other. None of this activity interacts with the build process, though scientists appear to examine the craft and workers hammer, drill, tighten, and wrench thin air.
  
'''Mode Controls'''
+
Just to the northwest of the VAB is the retirement monument to the old Mk1 Pod used in the earliest versions of KSP.
The left 25%-30% of the screen will be occupied by the various controls related to the mode. See the individual modes listed above.
 
  
'''[[Stage|Staging]]'''
+
{{SpoilerBox|description=Additional things to discover.|content=Beginning at the southeast corner of the assembly bay, a series of climbable stairs and ladders lead to the roof of the VAB. However, surmounting the ladders onto the helipad deck is very difficult.}}
On the right edge of the screen is a dynamic and editable list of the current stages of the vehicle under construction. The game will attempt to build the stages as the user adds parts. However, the user may want to change the order that stages are activated, or edit what happens at each stage.
+
{{SpoilerBox|description=Glitch|content=If a Kerbal jumps off of the VAB roof, they will survive, but may temporarily glitch on landing, with the arms shooting outward and becoming the "thing" for a few seconds.  It is similar to the effects experienced when falling into [[Jool]].}}
 
   
 
   
 
== Gallery ==
 
== Gallery ==
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;{{Version|0.7.3|}}
 
;{{Version|0.7.3|}}
 
* Initial release
 
* Initial release
 +
 +
== References ==
 +
<references/>
  
 
[[Category:Space Center Buildings]]
 
[[Category:Space Center Buildings]]

Revision as of 15:47, 13 August 2014

Vehicle Assembly Building
KSC building
Vehicle Assembly Building
Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
Level 1 Level 2
Location TinyKerbin.png Kerbin
TinyKSC.png Kerbal Space Center
Altitude 67 m
Since version 0.7.3
Vehicle Editor redirects here; see also Space Plane Hangar.

The Vehicle Assembly Building, commonly called the VAB (sometimes wrongly "Vertical Assembly Building"), is one of the two craft construction facilities at Kerbal Space Center and is KSC's largest single building. In Kerbal Space Program game development history, it can also be considered the oldest.

Usage

Like its counterpart the Spaceplane Hangar (SPH), the VAB's use is constructing craft. The available parts list is the same in both facilities. The essential difference between them is that while the SPH's axis of symmetry when placing or moving parts is bilateral, the VAB provides radial symmetry and its axis is vertical with respect to the building like a rocket rather than horizontal like a plane. Parts can be placed singly or with two-, three-, four-, six- or eight-fold radial symmetry. Vessels constructed in the VAB will launch from the Launch Pad.

Subassemblies of user-combined parts can be stored and copied to other vehicles later. Subassemblies are shared between the VAB and SPH allowing exchanges of crafts between them, though care must be taken which part is the root others trace their attachment to.

Interface

Editor view within the VAB

Mode: Along the top of the screen are several controls. The left most controls vary with the current mode the VAB is in. Mode is controlled by the three blue icons just to the left of center along the top. These are: Parts (the default mode), Action Groups, and Crew. These modes are each described on their own page.

Craft Name is in the top center. Clicking on the name allows the user to edit the name before saving the current craft. It also opens a drop down box that lets the user enter longer text such as a description of the vehicle, operations guides, or anything else noteworthy. Clicking anywhere else on the screen closes the drop down box.

Mission Flag is just to the right of top center. It presets the flag used, if this is a manned vehicle, when a Extend-o-matic Series A1 Deployable Flag is placed once landed.

File controls are located along the top right of the screen.

  • New - Clears currently active vehicle from the VAB.
  • Load - Opens a pop up window to load any previously saved vehicle assemblies.
  • Save - Saves the currently active vehicle to disk.

Launch is second in from the top right corner. If not recently saved, overwrites Auto Saved Ship on disk, then switches from the VAB to the Launch pad.

Exit is the rightmost button. It exits the VAB back to the Space Center.

Staging On the right edge of the screen, rising from the bottom, is a dynamic and editable list of the current stages of the vehicle under construction. The game will attempt to build the stages as the user adds parts. However, the user may want to change the order that stages are activated, or edit what happens at each stage.

Notifications are on the bottom, second in from the right. These report completed Contracts.

Contracts are on the bottom, just left of Notifications. These list currently active contracts accepted in Mission Control.

Appearance

The Vehicle Assembly Building is structured around an approximately 100 m tall assembly bay tower (108 m including helipad) located at the center of KSC. A wing extends south from the assembly bay tower, itself taller than most buildings at KSC and structured in three tiers. A smaller, lower wing extends a short distance on the north side. On the roof, there are 2 helipads between the skylights. There are no helicopters in the game[outdated], but the helipads provide a suitable landing target for VTOL vehicles.

On the east face of the assembly bay tower is an 8-leaf vertical lift door[1] approximately 93 m tall. Closed at all other times, during craft assembly the east door is visibly open (giving 50 m clearance) as though ready for the craft to be rolled out. However, craft appear directly on the Launch Pad and the door is never seen in motion. The view outside is always lit as midday regardless of time in-game. Additionally, on the north, west, and south faces of the VAB are large, yellow, swinging doors which appear to be auxiliary entrances.

Kerbal scientists and workers roam the floor while a gauntlet of ground crew remain stationed at the main east door. Utility vehicles drive in and out and onto cargo lifts set in the north and south interior framework of the VAB. Occasionally, the utility vehicles will drive through one another, or through Kerbals on the floor, all without any effect on each other. None of this activity interacts with the build process, though scientists appear to examine the craft and workers hammer, drill, tighten, and wrench thin air.

Just to the northwest of the VAB is the retirement monument to the old Mk1 Pod used in the earliest versions of KSP.

Spoiler: Additional things to discover.
Beginning at the southeast corner of the assembly bay, a series of climbable stairs and ladders lead to the roof of the VAB. However, surmounting the ladders onto the helipad deck is very difficult.
Spoiler: Glitch
If a Kerbal jumps off of the VAB roof, they will survive, but may temporarily glitch on landing, with the arms shooting outward and becoming the "thing" for a few seconds. It is similar to the effects experienced when falling into Jool.

Gallery

Changes

0.22
  • Added possibility to add and use subassemblies
  • Redesigned exterior
0.21
  • Redesigned exterior and interior with supply trucks, animated lifts, and more Kerbal Engineers.
  • Tweaked lighting for VAB interior and Launchpad
0.16
  • Added ground crew
0.7.3
  • Initial release

References

  1. Term "multi-leaf vertical lift door" used by real-world maker of similar door for NASA