Development Insight: Pressurizing the Lunar Module
I'm happy to announce a new type of posts around Reentry - the Development Insights!
These posts aim to just describe some of the systems I'm working on, as well as let you know of some of the progress and depths of the simulator.
Anyways, let's get started! Today I have been focusing on the Lunar Module entry systems, and the procedures around this - all available with the release of Reentry v.0.3.x.EA.
To be able to gain access to the Lunar Module, after docking with it, you will need to pressurize the Lunar Module tunnel and cabin. You will use the oxygen on board the Command Module to do this initially, before activating the Lunar Module ECS system.
The access tunnel has its own tunnel light that you can turn on from the CM panel (MDC-2), and next to the tunnel, you have various controls for pressurizing it.
The primary method is to open the CM Pressure Equalization Valve by rotating the handle in the center of the hatch door. This will slowly equalize the pressure in the tunnel.
Another method is to use the LM/Tunnel Vent Valve, with the controls located on Panel 12. Panel 12 has a gauge that reads the difference in pressure, and controls for operating the valve.
Once the pressure is equal, you can remove the hatch and enter the Lunar Module to start the LM entry procedures and the LM Subsystems Activations checklist.
Thanks for the patience through the development of Reentry 0.3.0.EA. :)
These posts aim to just describe some of the systems I'm working on, as well as let you know of some of the progress and depths of the simulator.
Anyways, let's get started! Today I have been focusing on the Lunar Module entry systems, and the procedures around this - all available with the release of Reentry v.0.3.x.EA.
To be able to gain access to the Lunar Module, after docking with it, you will need to pressurize the Lunar Module tunnel and cabin. You will use the oxygen on board the Command Module to do this initially, before activating the Lunar Module ECS system.
The access tunnel has its own tunnel light that you can turn on from the CM panel (MDC-2), and next to the tunnel, you have various controls for pressurizing it.
The primary method is to open the CM Pressure Equalization Valve by rotating the handle in the center of the hatch door. This will slowly equalize the pressure in the tunnel.
Another method is to use the LM/Tunnel Vent Valve, with the controls located on Panel 12. Panel 12 has a gauge that reads the difference in pressure, and controls for operating the valve.
Once the pressure is equal, you can remove the hatch and enter the Lunar Module to start the LM entry procedures and the LM Subsystems Activations checklist.
Thanks for the patience through the development of Reentry 0.3.0.EA. :)