Service Bay (2.5m)

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Service Bay (2.5m)
Part image
Part image
Service bay by
Found lying by the side of the road

Radial size Large
Cost (total) 500 Funds
Mass (total) 0.3 t
Drag 0.3-0.2
Max. Temp. 2900 K
Impact Tolerance 14 m/s
Research  Command Modules
Unlock cost 1,000 Funds
Since version 1.0
Part configuration ServiceBay_250_v2.cfg
Packed volume None

The Service Bay (2.5m) is a part introduced in version 1.0. It is used to protect items, specifically science items, from reentry heating. Batteries, power generators, scientific equipment, deployable radiators, etc can all be stored in the service bay. It is also just big enough for a minimalistic rover (e.g. Probodobodyne RoveMate, 6 RoveMax Model S2's, OX-STATs, Z-100 Rechargeable Battery Packs and a separator), a fact exploited in many interplanetary designs.

Turning Service Bay (1.25m) or Service Bay (2.5m) into cockpit has noticeable advantages over normal cockpits: if loaded with all devices to work as cockpit (command seats, batteries, cargo storage unit, advanced inline stabilizer, monopropellant tanks, antenna, variable thruster blocks), it ends up lighter than normal cockpit, and may still have some space for "intended" payload. It's maximum heat temperature is higher than any other cockpit option, which helps in orbital re-entry; Service Bay doesn't need heat shield to survive entering Kerbin's atmosphere at 45° and 3190 m/s speed, which is barely enough to make overheat bar appear. Doors can be used as impromptu aerobrake, and if doors are opened, personal parachutes of Kerbols can be deployed. The main misuses of such approach, are large number of parts (may be problem in early-game Carreer), and regular minuses of using EAS-1 External Command Seat (e.g. can't refill Pack Fuel of EVA Suit).

By default, it only has mounting points at the top and bottom of the interior, centered. You can buy yourself some interior radial-mounting space by jamming a rectangular or octagonal strut in there. It also has variants which changes the endcaps.

Product description

A heat resistant service bay, ideal for protecting delicate instruments or stowing small service components such as RCS tanks, batteries, etc.

Changes

1.2
  • Moved from Utility to Payload
1.0
  • Initial release