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Gerbil Space Program Test Site

Several people have asked me how to build a spaceship - This is the answer!

This 2 stage rocket system has been mounted on a fortress for convenience and can be deployed to provide you with an easy way of constructing spacecraft in orbit without the hastle of strapping enough engines on to them to get them up there!

The Angara 5 main rocket is setup to propel the smaller Pioneer Orbiter into space where it can use its repair tentacles and blue print spawner to construct new space craft. The orbiter has sufficient cargo to begin building work and will resupply from the fortress on the ground without needing to dock.

The process is semi automated but requires a little patience to ensure things go smoothly:

1: Move the fortress into a resource zone. - It has AI and will do this automatically, DO NOT attempt a launch while it is moving.
2: Assign a payload to the docking clamp at the top of the blue launch gantry
3: Go and sit in the front middle seat in launch control (the one with the complex controller)
4: Press `Y` to prepare the rocket (this takes a few seconds - be patient and wait for the yellow warning lights on the launch pad to stop flashing)
5: Press `T` to launch - Again this takes a little time... be patient, the delay is there to ensure stability.
6: Within a few seconds, the orbiter should be in low orbit and moving itself upto a height of about 1750m. The rocket should be on a balloon coming down towards you.... OR everything exploded and you are dead.
7: Press `U` to redock the rocket, it will refuel and charge its batteries automatically.

If you have to abort the launch Hit `i` to redock the rocket and orbiter and cancel the launch - (Do not use this if you want to keep the orbiter in space!)

You can now build spacecraft in zero gravity without needing heavy jet engines etc to get them there.

CAMPAIGN MODE: before building this in the campaign, load it up in vehicle designer and save the fortress, rocket and orbiter as unique models as it wont build the additional vehicles automatically. Once builtm in campaign, assign the rocket to the bottom docking clamp, and the orbiter to the top clamp, or to the storage area on the deck if you dont intend on using it straight away.

Larger payloads - The Angara 5 rocket currently uses about 60% of its engine power to lift the 24 weight orbiter. Thrust is staged (30% for lift off then 60% thrust to hit the edge of space) to ensure the payload doesnt clip through the rocket as it accelerates. There are 2 controllers (Painted bright Green and Pink) inside the rocket that can be adjusted to lift larger payloads with a little testing. Ensure the Green Controller is set to Half the thrust of the Pink Controller. Payloads should be built with an origin block at the base, protected by a 3x3 square of rubber blocks as on the orbiter. Try and keep the centre of mass and drag in line with the origin block and it should be fine. Avoid payloads using AI control until they exceed 1000m to ensure they dont flip the rocket!

FUTURE UPDATES:

1) I intend to improve the Orbiter to make full use of the rockets lifting capacity and provide more control over its movement in space.
2) Expand the range of starter modules to include a variety of orbital satelites that can be launched from ground level.
3) Design a starter space station that can be built by the orbiter for a more permanent orbital base and faster building.
4) The fortress will receive several retrofit options that will include defensive armament and a helipad.