Reentry - A Space Flight Simulator News

[p][/p][p]This patch rolls out a new Apollo Command Module lesson designed to teach you the most important housekeeping procedures required during full length Apollo missions. It also aims to improve the current FDAI ball drive logic used during a GDC align logic and a LM coarse align logic. It also improves the CO2 absorber logic, updates various checklists and typos, and refines the CM battery charger.[/p][p][/p][p]Update: Version 1.0.54 was rolled out as a minor hotfix for some additional logic related to the Attitude Indicator Alignment drive logic.[/p][p][/p][p]You can always revert to a previous version via the Steam Betas tab if needed. The latest previous version is: 1.0.42. The rollback option is there to ensure smooth user experience in case something does not behave as expected.[/p][p][/p][p]Command Module House Keeping[/p][p]Most of the in-game missions related to Apollo has been split up into multiple chapters due to the length of an Apollo mission. However, the recently introduced Flight Plan Modes (Apollo 8, Apollo 11, Apollo 16 so far), multiplayer modes, and the Free Play missions lets the player fly the full missions from the launch pad to landing. During a full Apollo mission, you are required to maintain a healthy craft by following scheduled housekeeping tasks (also referred to as coasting tasks).[/p][p]These tasks are for example purging the fuel cells (O2/H2 purge), stirring the cryogenic tanks, changing the CO2 absorber elements, charging the batteries, draining the waste water tanks, and so on.[/p][p]A new checklist has been added to the Timeline tab where the player can, unless provided by the mission, follow a generic schedule of when to perform these housekeeping tasks.[/p][p]A new Academy Lesson for the Apollo Command Module has been added to teach you the main procedures, why they are done, and where to find them in the checklists.[/p][p][/p][p]Attitude Indicator Drive Logic[/p][p]I have updated the Attitude Indicator (FDAI) drive logic and alignment logic to better support GDC Align and the LM to CM coarse alignment logic. You can still use the simplified mode, or you can try to follow the more realistic procedure (in the GDC to IMU alignment checklist) backed up with manual slew. All modes are explained in the checklist.[/p][p]Update: The 1.0.54 hotfix fixed additional issues with this logic.[/p][p] [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]CO2 Filtering[/p][p]I have updated the CO2 filtering logic and CO2 absorber element replacement logic in the Apollo Command Module. The replacement schedule is provided by the mission or the new housekeeping checklist, and you are now able to open the actual CO2 doors, see the exposed CO2 absorber element, and see a small animation when replacing them.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]CM Battery Charger[/p][p]I have continued to build upon the changes from the previous patch to improve the CM battery charger. It should now behave better after having some issues due to some fundamental EPS changes a while back. No changes to the procedures, but the charge amps and voltage should show the current charging state.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Reflection Probe Test[/p][p]This patch rolls out a new test implementation for the reflection probes setting. If you select the TESTING setting, the reflection probes will update in real time again, but with a low resolution of 16x16. If this mode seems to work with some broader testing, I will iterate the implementation with the ability to select what resolution the real-time probes will have. This is a very hardware demanding setting as updating the reflection probes in real-time is an expensive rendering task.[/p][p][/p][p]Patch notes:[/p]

• [p]New Apollo CM lesson: Lesson 19 - Housekeeping[/p]
• [p]CM GDC Align fixes[/p]
• [p]LM IMU coarse align[/p]
• [p]CM CO2 Absorber replacement logic updates[/p]
• [p]CM LiOH Canister modelling[/p]
• [p]Checklist fixes and updates[/p]
• [p]Connected CM panel 306 to the LEB integral light system[/p]
• [p]Fixed an issue with the Gemini burn time estimator[/p]
• [p]Continued to refine the CM battery charger logic[/p]
• [p]Reflection Probe testing option: lowered resolution to allow no time slicing (very hardware demanding)[/p]

[p][/p][p]After a week-long winter break, development now continues toward the upcoming 1.1 phase. I will soon share a dedicated post outlining what players can expect from this next stage.[/p][p]This minor update focuses on improving overall usability and addressing issues reported by the community following the recent physics update. Several mission typos have been corrected, along with small mission flow adjustments and checklist updates aimed at making procedures clearer and easier to follow during gameplay.[/p][p]One important fix resolves an issue where incorrect use of P52 could cause the spacecraft to teleport to another location, most commonly during the Command Module entry phase. This behavior was caused by invalid data being passed into the physics system, leading to calculation instability.[/p][p]Additionally, an issue with the Command Module battery charger has been fixed. Previously, instruments could indicate a small charge flow even when batteries were already fully charged, making it difficult for players to reliably interpret system status. The fix improves feedback clarity and supports more confident decision-making during operations.[/p][p]These 1.0.X updates are part of the ongoing effort to respond to feedback and refine the experience through continuous improvements between larger feature updates.[/p][p]You can always revert to a previous version via the Steam Betas tab if needed. The latest previous version is: 1.0.41. The rollback option is there to ensure smooth user experience in case something does not behave as expected.[/p][p][/p][p]Patch notes:[/p]

• [p]Checklist updates[/p]
• [p]Typo fixes[/p]
• [p]Fixed and issue where P52 option 2, if supplying a time in the past, could make the craft teleport due to a crash in the physics engine. This is a common call during the current CM entry procedures.[/p]
• [p]Command Module Battery charger fix[/p]

[p][/p][p]For the past few weeks I have been working on a major physics upgrade, updating Lyra Engine and Gravity Engine to their latest versions. This has been a demanding process with a lot of moving parts, and almost everything related to orbital mechanics has been affected in one way or another. A significant amount of functionality has been re-implemented, and several post-migration issues discovered during testing have been resolved.[/p][p]The goal of this upgrade is first and foremost to improve overall stability and reliability of the physics engine. It brings in important bug fixes from the latest engine versions and lays the foundation for more advanced physics, trajectory calculations and orbital mechanics as we move toward version 1.1. In short, this update is about making Reentry more robust and opening up for more features for orbital maneuvering.[/p][p]This has been a costly upgrade in terms of time, and it will likely require a few additional iterations to address quirks and edge cases that may not yet have surfaced during testing. The build has been in the hands of the Test Pilots and available on the public alpha-floor branch for the past two weeks. Since this is a major underlying change, you may notice differences in behavior compared to previous versions. If you encounter issues that were not present before, please report them and your feedback is highly appreciated. [/p][p]You can always revert to a previous version via the Steam Betas tab if needed. The latest previous version is: 1.0.30. The rollback option is there to ensure smooth user experience in case something does not behave as expected.[/p][p]I have tried to keep this update primarily focused on the physics engine upgrade. However, some critical mission updates, checklist updates, content fixes and minor bug fixes are also included to ensure consistency.[/p][p][/p][p]Patch notes[/p]

• [p]Lyra Physics and Gravity Engine (orbital mechanics) version update[/p]
• [p]Fixed typos in the new CM Academy lesson 9A (Earth Entry)[/p]
• [p]Updated the CM Academy lesson 6 (SPS) to reflect the latest SPS electricity and logic changes[/p]
• [p]Fixed the collider of the O2 HI RATE switch in Gemini[/p]
• [p]Fixed the Highlight Handler transparency as it made it hard to see the panels through it[/p]
• [p]Fixed an issue where the CM SM/RCS jets can correct rates even when AUTO RCS JET sw is in OFF[/p]
• [p]Made fixes to the CM RCS powered jet Ring 1&2 logic circuits[/p]
• [p]Tied the CM optics star identification helpers to the UI labels showing what star you are looking at[/p]
• [p]Fixed an issue where the SIVB had the potential to overwrite V49 auto maneuvers (roll to 180)[/p]
• [p]Iterated on the CM SPS logic[/p]
• [p]Fixed an issue with the Gemini Retroburn Planner that prevented input if previous retro time was in the past[/p]

[p][/p][p]This update adds a search feature to the Mission Pad -> Checklists page, rolls out a full overhaul of the CM Academy lesson 8 (SPS burn planning) and CM Academy lesson 9 A (Atmospheric Entry). It also fixes and improves many internal systems in the Apollo Command Module, fixes quite a few of internal and reported VR issues and general bug fixes.[/p][p]As mentioned during the 1.0 release, the current phase of development has been mainly focused on fixing zero-day issues, crash to desktop issues, stability, Quality-of-Life fixes and in-game content (academy, missions, checklists, language) based on feedback from you who play the game.[/p][p]I want to thank you all for helping me improve the game to the best of my ability, and for being part of shaping this product. At this point, these types of reports are slowing down a bit. I will continue to remain in this phase for a few more patches before shifting gears towards the 1.1 bits. Check the in-game Roadmap for details about all of this.[/p][p][/p][p]Note: If this patch causes new issues for you, please report them. You can always revert back to a previous version using the Steam Betas tab for the game. The latest previous version is: 1.0.29.[/p][p][/p][p]Checklist Search[/p][p]A text field is added to the checklist page that provides search capabilities on the checklist names. Typing anything into this field will filter the checklists in the Mission Pad, and clearing it will revert the results back to normal. Use this to quickly find the checklists you need.[/p][p][/p][p]For example, filtering on P52 will reduce the visible checklists to all those containing P52 in its header.[/p][p][/p][p]Recall that you also have the Checklist Bookmarks that you can use to favorite various checklists.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]This system has rolled out to all Mission Pads, making it available in Mercury, Gemini and Apollo.[/p][p][/p][p]CM Lesson 8 and Lesson 9 overhaul[/p][p]I have completely overhauled the Apollo Command Module lesson 8 (SPS burn planning) and Lesson 9 A (Atmospheric Entry). The lessons should now guide you through all the actual procedures and better hold your hand as you learn how to master these more advanced topics.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Checklist Tab as a back button[/p][p]In the previous patch I rolled out a feature that would take you back to the checklist overview if you press the Checklist Tab button, acting like a "back" button.[/p][p]I have refined this logic to only call that "back" logic if you press the Checklist Tab while it's already open. This is because a player might want to visit the Transcript Tab, the Map Tab, etc, to verify things, while still walking through the checklist.[/p][p][/p][p]Virtual Reality[/p][p]I have refined the new VR Hands Menu to support the old hot keys, and made so you can toggle it on or off. I also made quite a lot of improvements in the internal implementation of these to make this more stable. In addition, I refined the time scale buttons in the Mission Pad -> VR screen to match the changed internal values.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Updates to the SPS logic and electrical systems[/p][p]I have fixed some issues and improved the entire electrical system and logic behind the Service Propulsion System (SPS) and its surrounding systems. These includes the SPS He Valves and the SPS Pilot Valves circuit breakers, the SPS He Valves talkback indicators, the A/B arming logic and the systems driving these components.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]No major procedural changes to these systems except the importance of handling the various system circuit breakers, and that the previous required order of first having to set the A/B ΔV THRUST before the DIRECT THRUST switch no longer exist. The systems now support, as in real life, enabling these in any order to ignite the SPS engine (SCS direct mode).[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Command Module ΔV THRUST switch changes[/p][p]I have made a small change to the ΔV THRUST switches in the Command Module. In real life, if you would close the protective covers of these, the switch would also be pushed to the down position. This is also now true in-game. It is important to be aware of this as closing them can disarm the SPS, so keep them OPEN during any SPS maneuver.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Command Module Three-phase electric power (3ϕ)[/p][p]I improved the internal three-phase electric power (3ϕ) for multiple systems. This wires the Suit compressor cbs, Cabin fan cbs and Glycol Pump cbs to the new logic. This system still keeps things gamified but makes the operation of these circuit breakers important.[/p][p][/p][p]Command Module Fixed Cabin light and flood light power sources[/p][p]I have improved the Command Module lighting system where each flood light is driven by their respective MNA/MNB connections (instead of general DC availability), and connected their Fixed light switches to the logic. This will allow you to set the Fixed switched to FIXED for full brightness, or OFF for dim control. This will let you briefly illuminate the selected flood light fully if needed without having to turn/change your preferred dim setting.[/p][p][/p][p]I have added this logic to the Left, Right and LEB flood light systems.[/p][p][/p][p]P40 fixes[/p][p]I have made a fix to the Program 40 (P40) thrusting program in the CMC that would prevent it from moving from V06 to V16 automatically, leading to an excessive PRO button push that could potentially confuse you as you progress through the procedures.[/p][p][/p][p]Gemini Retroburn Plannet Set button fix[/p][p]The Gemini Retroburn planner had an issue with the SET button that could, in some cases, prevent the timer from being set. You will also now get a radio message when the Time to Retro has been updated.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Broken links in the Flight Documents (SHIFT+M) pad[/p][p]NASA has made multiple changes to their site hierarchy and moved things around. This has led to some links in the Flight Documents folder to be broken (such as finding the Apollo 13 Flight Plan in the Apollo 13 Historic Mission).[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]MOCR panel and texture fixes[/p][p]Based on reports and feedback I have made multiple fixes to the various panels and textures used in the Apollo Mission Control Room (MOCR).[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Gemini Voltmeter Fix[/p][p]An issue in the Gemini Voltmeter would typically indicate 0 volts on the Main DC bus (M) configuration. The issue is seen below:
[/p][p][/p][p]Gemini Rendezvous program[/p][p]I made a fix to the Gemini Rendezvous OBC module that would illuminate the inverted IVI arrow indicator on the left/right axis. This module is used to align the attitude/orientation of the spacecraft relative to Agena, and on the IVIs show what direction you need to translate to align your position relative to Agena.[/p][p][/p][p]Special thanks to Freeze, Folgers, GoForTLI and the Test Pilots for the help with these Command Module system improvements.[/p][p][/p][p]Patch notes:[/p]

• [p]Checklist and mission fixes[/p]
• [p]Added a checklist search filter to allow searching for checklists in the current context[/p]
• [p]Complete overhaul of CM Academy lesson 8 (SPS burn planning)[/p]
• [p]Complete overhaul of CM Academy lesson 9 A (entry)[/p]
• [p]Improved the "Checklist" tab click to only revert to main checklist selection if the checklist tab is already open (to allow using other tabs while still getting back to where you left off in a current checklist)[/p]
• [p]VR: Bound the new VR Hand Menu to the Comms button to allow visibility toggle[/p]
• [p]VR: Implemented so you can toggle VR Current Objectives and VR Mission Pads using hot keys while in VR mode[/p]
• [p]VR: Updated time scale labels in VR Mission Pads to match updated logic[/p]
• [p]CM: Re-added the logic where closing the dv Thrust A/B switch covers will set them to OFF/Down[/p]
• [p]CM: Suit Compressor three state AC wiring[/p]
• [p]CM: Cabin Fan three state AC wiring[/p]
• [p]CM: Glycol Pump three state AC wiring[/p]
• [p]CM: Implemented the P5, P8 and P100 Fixed Light switch[/p]
• [p]CM: Improved the Flood Light logic[/p]
• [p]CM: Fixed an issue where P40 would not move from V06 to V16 in some cases (indicating burn completion), resulting in an additional PRO push.[/p]
• [p]CM: Updates to the SPS logic and SPS electrical flow[/p]
• [p]Fixed the CLOSE (X) button on the S-IVB Burn planner[/p]
• [p]Improved CJK (Chinese/Japanese/Korean) font character sets[/p]
• [p]Fixed an issue with the Gemini Retroburn Planner time set logic[/p]
• [p]MOCR texture typo fixes[/p]
• [p]Updated some broken links in the Flight Documents browser for Apollo[/p]
• [p]Gemini: Fixed an issue with the "M" setting of the Voltmeter[/p]
• [p]Gemini: Inverted rendezvous IVI suggestions fix[/p]

[p][/p][p]This update continues to iterate on core gameplay bug fixes and features designed to improve game play. Quite a lot of fixes has been applied and is covered in the bottom of this post, so be sure to scroll down and check it out. I have highlighted some of the bigger changes below.[/p][p]Note: This patches contains quite a lot of internal changes in addition to the feature list as I am preparing the solution for some new things yet to be announced. If this patch causes new issues for you, please report them. You can always revert back to a previous version using the Steam Betas tab for the game. The latest previous version is: 1.0.21.[/p][p][/p][p]Additional Mission Pad Drag Zones[/p][p]Moving the Mission Pad around on the screen can be a bit hard as some pages contains many interactive elements. To supplement the existing system I have added specific drag zones on each side of the Mission Pad.[/p][p][/p][p]To avoid clutter, they will all be visible for the first second after opening the mission pad before fading out. Each zone will become visible if you move the mouse into its zone. Click and Drag on any of these zones to grab the Mission Pad and move it around. This system as been added to Mercury, Gemini and Apollo.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Mercury Cockpit improvements[/p][p]One frequent bug report I get is that some sequencer lights does not illuminate correctly. This is because not all sequencer blocks contains a light. I made a re-model of those to better communicate this, and improve the model towards a more realistic visualization of what they actually looked like.[/p][p][/p][p]In addition I updated all the Mercury Gauges to look more like what they did in real life. They should all behave like you are used to but with slightly updated textures and models.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Failures added to the Mission Debrief Timeline[/p][p]I added a Key Moment for each failure to the mission debrief timeline to better help you analyze and understand what you had to deal with in a mission, when having random failures enabled.[/p][p][/p][p]Right Clicking a Push Button[/p][p]I added support for right clicking a push button. It will basically just be handled in the same way as a left click. Previously an issue triggered the button push animation but not the logic when pressing it with the right button. This will hopefully help with some of the confusion, especially in VR.[/p][p][/p][p]Lunar Module Powered Descent (PDI) request changes[/p][p]I have improved how the REQUEST PDI logic works. This changes the procedure on requesting the PDI burn compared to previously and Ground will communicate the instructions to you.[/p][p]Previously, when pressing REQUEST PDI, the inertial platform stored in the IMU would automatically be updated to the required orientation for powered descent. It did this by slowly adjusting it until the landing calculation was complete. This logic caused slight confusion, and was the only place left where the inertial platform would "magically just change".[/p][p]Going forward, you still need to press REQUEST PDI. Ground will let you know that they are working on the parameters. A few moments later (up to 60 seconds), they will uplink the parameters as before, along with the required orientation (stored in preferred). You will then need to use P52 option 1 in the LM to torque the platform to the new orientation (like you are used to during all other burns).[/p][p][/p][p]GET/MET rendering in UI date/time section[/p][p]Improved the date/time section to contain both the local/UTC time and the current mission time (Ground Elapsed Time (GET)) after liftoff.[/p][p][/p][p]Note: If you want to declutter the screen or be more dependent on the internal mission timer, you can always toggle this section completely off using the bindable hot keys on the Input configuration.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Toggle Crew Models[/p][p]I added a hot key to toggle the crew models manually. [/p][p] [/p][p]Previously you could enable or disable the crew models from the Main Menu -> Settings. With the new hot key, you can override this setting to manually toggle them on or off. When enabled, their normal detection (hide/show) logic is on.[/p][p][/p][p]VR Hand Menu[/p][p]I have started to implement a simple VR Hand Menu that can be used to toggle the Mission Pad, the Current Objective menu and trigger an Abort. More features can be added to this menu as needed.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Patch notes:[/p]

• [p]Checklist fixes and updates[/p]
• [p]Added additional Drag Zones to the Mission Pad to make it easier to drag it around the screen/reposition it[/p]
• [p]Failures added as a debrief moment so you can analyze why things happened[/p]
• [p]Fixed: Right Clicking a push button will press the button but not trigger the function[/p]
• [p]Request PDI changes[/p]
• [p]TEI planner stability fix[/p]
• [p]Stop EVA breathing SFX after EVA[/p]
• [p]Improvements to the Gemini CO2 scrubbing system[/p]
• [p]Added a default key bind for SLOW MODE timescale (CTRL+SHIFT+F1)[/p]
• [p]Added the CM GPI and CM SYS Test Voltmeter gauges to integral light power circuit[/p]
• [p]Main Menu UI Hard lock Bug (Contribute conflicts with Developer Message)[/p]
• [p]Gemini EVA orientation reset for each egress[/p]
• [p]Fixed the LM He Supercritical venting logic[/p]
• [p]Fixes to the UI Scaler[/p]
• [p]Realism improvements to the Mercury cockpit gauges and monitoring instruments[/p]
• [p]Fixes to the Mercury Sequencer model[/p]
• [p]Added a setting to automatically skip the cinematic intro cutscene[/p]
• [p]Made a hotkey (bound in Input Config) to toggle the Crew Models on or off during gameplay[/p]
• [p]Made a feature on the gauges to control their interpolation direction to avoid needles taking rotating the wrong direction to reach its target[/p]
• [p]Clicking the Checklist tab in the Mission Pad will take you back to the Checklist selection (back) (thanks Nepzukka)[/p]
• [p]Fixed an issue where the OAMS/RCS shutoff valve would play the sfx if trying to maneuver while the system is off[/p]
• [p]S-IVB plume not stopping after TLI burn fix[/p]
• [p]Corrected the Phi symbol on the CM AC voltmeter[/p]
• [p]Flickering cockpit cursor fix[/p]
• [p]Removed the Photo Camera button in Apollo[/p]
• [p]GET/MET rendering in UI date/time section[/p]
• [p]Fixed an issue that could automatically scroll the Mission Debrief screen upwards for some players[/p]
• [p]VR: Added a way to trigger Abort[/p]
• [p]VR: Added a VR Hand Menu[/p]

[p]*Update: meta fix for lm camera[/p][p][/p][p]Happy New Year 2026![/p][p]-Petri W.[/p]