Reentry - A Space Flight Simulator News

The test pilots have been working hard on the latest version of Reentry, and a lot of fixes and changes has been made - big shout out to the Test Pilots!

I haven't really spoken much of what version 0.45 contains, other than that it's a rebase of the game, so in this post, I will try to explain some of the new things!

Physics
First of all, as you probably know, the physics of Reentry has had an upgrade. You will most likely not notice too much of this, but the general feel of the simulator should be smoother. The world size has increased a bit from the physics perspective, allowing me to start looking at the possibility to increase the world size further in future updates.

In addition, this allows for much more stable orbits; previously you would notice that your orbits apogee and perigee would flux and jump with an offset of multiple kilometers within even one orbit. Now, the orbit remains fully stable (with offsets limited to just a few fractions of a km). However, if you fire a thruster or an engine, the orbit will change, as expected!

This stability was really bad around the Moon. In fact, this was one of the major issues that needed to be fixed for me to write a proper Lunar Ascent Guidance algorithm. Lunar Orbits were almost impossible to work with and you had to request Ap and Pe from mission control to get accurate values. In this update, that button is gone, and the orbit is perfectly calculated in real time!

This has made it much easier for me to start writing tools that will execute much faster (remember the TLI and LOI calculations that could take a minute just to get a rather random value?). In 0.45, TLI and SPS maneuvers are planned using a new in-game tool!

Anyways, a lot of other changes has been made within the physical space, but let's keep it brief and move on to the tools!

Tools
Two new tools are added to the Apollo program (currently in experimental phase). Once complete, you can expect similar tools for Gemini and Mercury as well.

The first tools I wish to mention is the SPS Burn Maneuver tool. It's meant to be used by the Apollo CSM/SPS engine. A future update will allow you to select the Lunar Module DPS engine as the propulsion for the CSM (Just like in Apollo 13) as well.

The goal of the tool is to help you plan and execute burns to reach desired orbits. Currently this has not been possible except for eye-balling and manually burning.
Using the new tool, you can select at what point in the orbit you wish that the burn should be executed (in degrees, where 0 is at Pe and 180 is at Ap). Then you select how much delta V you wish to burn, and in what direction. An orange trajectory will then show you the estimated new orbit. In addition, the tool calculates when the burn should start (TIG), and for how long the burn will last. Keep in mind that all of these values are estimates, the actual orbit you will reach will differ based on how well you perform the burn.


Above you can see that I plan to execute a burn around Perigee, with a dV of 50 fps retrograde. The new orbit and burn parameters can be seen to the left, and a TIG icon will be rendered in the orbit view. The number of decimals will be reduced :D.


In the screenshot above, I plan a larger burn in prograde direction, at the orbital phase/true anomaly of 45 degrees from Pe. The orange trajectory shows the new orbit I will reach (again, estimate).


Lastly, I wish to highlight another feature of the tool. In this screenshot, you can see that the tool shows an Atmospheric Entry burn. This is all automatic. If the tool senses that you are planning a burn that will take you into the atmosphere, it automatically classifies this as an atmospheric entry burn/de-orbit. If this happens, it will show you where the entry interface starts and render an EI icon, as well as the entry angle at this point.

When you press REQUEST, mission control will get back to you with the burn data, as well as uploading this to the AGC so you simply can run P30 and P40 to execute the burn.

Let's move on to the next tool; the S-IVB Burn Planner. This tool will take you to the Moon. Previously TLI was calculated by requesting this from Mission Control. They would return to you with burn parameters what might take you to the Moon if you manually corrected the trajectory by eye balling.

This tool changes all that. TLI is now planned by you using some simple parameters. The tool will show you the estimated trajectory that will be recalculated as you change these parameters. This trajectory shows the path from Earth and at what Pe you will reach the Moon. In addition, it will also show you your Free Return trajectory, and at what Pe you will reach when returning to Earth.


Above you can see the tool. It shows you when the burn will happen, and and estimate of your new orbit. You will leave Earth following the blue line, and return following the orange line. A white line shows your trajectory around the Moon as seen below.


Once you reach the Moon, the SPS burn tool is used to calculate your LOI burn.


The tool will also let you know if you plan a path that will collide with the Moon.


Console
Another new feature is the in-game console. It aims at the advanced users and is meant to be used as a tool. It can be use to many tasks such as checking the game log, spaceship data (future), re-orientate the sun, monitor ascent data, check your orbital parameters, save the session state (and provide a file name!) and so on. I have just started working on this, so some programs will have more than others but this will evolve as we progress towards release.


The console is rather simple, and shows a large area for text, and one input field. You write your commands here and press ENTER to submit. By default, back quote is bound as the console button, but this can be re-mapped.

Above, I entered the command setsunphase 180. This moved the sun to a new position, a great tool while debugging or providing feedback.

A lot of commands are available, but much more will come.


Apollo ascent trajectory data
I have decided it's time to open up the simulator a bit more, and give you a glimpse into the details. The main reason is that I wish to create a better simulator, and creating algorithms that works equal on all hardware is a huge problem.
Given that, I have added another useful feature of the console: the possibility to export flight data. Currently, only Apollo Saturn V ascent and Lunar Module Powered Descent data is available but this will expand. The ascent trajectories in the sim are still rather coarse, but this data will be really valuable for me once I get to focus more on them. The data can be exported as either text or json.


This data can then be used in other tools and programs. A future update will also bring live and realtime graphs into the game so you can see this data nicely directly from the sim.


In addition, you can monitor this data live during your ascent.
To do this, you can use the monitor command:
mon -ascent



DevJournal
Another missing feature is the ability to talk to you directly inside the game. A news/DevJournal section is added to the main menu, but is also accessible from the in-game console in case you with to read the news while coasting towards the Moon, or Agena. This feature will keep you posted about news, major issues, fun stuff and so on.





Graphics improvements
Not a huge focus on graphics in this update but a lot have still be done. Shadows has received an overhaul, as well as some reflections and materials. Not too much to mention, but here are a few pictures to describe.


This sums up the new major features of 0.45.

Thanks again for your patience!
- Petri

The long awaited 0.45 update has rolled out to the Test Pilots!

This is a major update with a lot of fundamental changes to Reentry. I will post another post very soon with details of what this update contains and how it will affect Reentry, but for now please refer to my previous post.

The update has changed how the physics is Reentry works, and will improve many aspects of the game play. This update required me to rewrite a lot of the logic, and the Test Pilots will spend some time testing each of the spacecrafts in Reentry.

The 0.45 update will be tested in 4 waves:
1. The first will focus on Project Mercury (the testers has started testing this today).
2. The next will be Gemini and everything Gemini has to offer
3. Then the Apollo Command Module and Saturn V, ascent guidance, Earth orbit, TLI etc. needs to be tested and verified.
4. Then the Lunar Module and powered descent/lunar landing will be tested

The reason for this in-depth testing is due to the fundamental changes of the simulator.

I suspect there will be some major issues that has to be fixed, but once this is done, the update will roll out to you who are part of the Early Access of Reentry - An Orbital Simulator.

Thank you for your patience - I will keep you posted as we make progress with the testing!

- Petri

A lot is happening on the internal side of Reentry. As we are progressing towards version 0.5 where the Lunar Ascent and CSM/LM rendezvous will be introduced, a decision was made to rebase the physics in Reentry (this covers all programs; Mercury, Gemini, Apollo CSM and the LM).

This has required me to uncouple most of the internal maneuvering functions such as ascent guidance, mechanics, rendezvous (Gemini), orbital maneuvering, TLI, LOI etc, create the rebase, and rewire everything back together using the new methods. It has been taking a lot of time, but it's well worth the wait - it brings Reentry to a whole new level!

So, what does this really mean?
This means we can finally get much more stable physics. The orbital parameters will be more reliable, and new tools for burn planning and TLI is introduced, allowing the player to plan better and more precise burns. Also, the orbits around the Moon are now stable (no more fluxing ap, pe etc), and maneuvering around it is much easier.

Most of the work is complete, with the exception of the TLI burn planning tool. This is almost done but requires some tweaking to get right. Once this is ready, the first build of 0.45 will roll out to the test pilots!

This physics update is also required by version 0.5 to get a stable ascent from the lunar surface.

Stay tuned as we progress towards 0.45! :)


So, what's ahead?
Version 0.45 will be the physics update needed for version 0.5
Version 0.5 will cover lunar ascent, rendezvous and returning to Earth, as well as atmospheric entry for the Apollo command module.
Version 0.6 will cover major rework in Project Mercury, introducing failures, missions and better systems, as well as some awesome surprises I have in-line for you.
Version 0.7 will cover major rework in Project Gemini.
Version 0.8 will cover major rework in Project Apollo.
Post 0.8 will be mostly around content and polish.

Post version 1.0 will be all about looking ahead, and figuring out what's missing in Reentry ;)

The long awaited update containing the Lunar Descent and Landing, as well as a lot of changes to the Lunar Module, has been released.


With this update, you finally get to follow more realistic procedures to undock from the CSM, use the LGC to set up P63 to initiate a lunar descent and land. P63 will try to guide you through the descent and will automatically change to P64 and P66 for a soft landing.


The Lunar Module Academy has been updated with new lessons, covering many of the new systems introduced in 0.4.

Between P64 and P66 a transition happens. This is to give you a more immersed experience for the Lunar Landing itself. In this transition, the Lunar surface is procedurally generated using realistic elevation data, and also places boulders, rocks and generates a better lunar surface than what's possible in the Orbit world (floating point issues). Another feature this transition brings is the possibility to have a more realistic EVA experience on the lunar surface. This transition is a new addition, and is still being worked on.


During descent, it's important to use the tools you have available to monitor the descent. These are the Landing Radar, Tape Instruments and the X-Pointer, as well as the FDAIs.
The X-Pointer is used mostly during P66 to check your velocity relative to the surface. Keep the needles centered while performing the last part of the landing, until touchdown.


In addition, a lot of internal systems are working together to make the landing possible. The DPS is consuming fuel and oxidizer, while two helium tanks are used to pressurize it. Pay attention to these, and ensure the super-critical Helium is used after DPS ignition.



With this update, you also get to open the LM hatch (procedures for this will be come with future updates), climb down the ladder in a first person view, walk around on the Moon, place the US flag and drive the Lunar Roving Vehicle (preview).



A new radial context menu has been added, and is currently available as a test in the EVA views, but the plan is to gradually replace parts of the cockpit UI such as the Comm UI to this. The same hotkey is used to bring this up and allows you to open/close the EVA suit visor, toggle flashlight, exit the LRV, place the flag etc.


A landing flag can be toggled in SETTINGS, and will be visible after the transition during P66. This shows the planned landing location. But feel free to touch down anywhere.


If you wish to spawn the LRV, exit the LM and use the C menu to render the in-game buttons. Walk over to it on the external hull of the LM, and click it. You now enter a placement view. Select where you wish to place it, and click there to spawn it.


A lot of other things has been update as well. For example, shadows has improved inside and outside the cockpit.


Checklists for the descent is available, but does not currently have the automatic RUN feature implemented.

Keep in mind that this update is another Early Access update, so be prepared for anything. To compensate for this, the REALISM and GRAPHICS section has been change a bit too, so you can toggle some of these new features if things are running slow, or if the transition has a performance hit on your system.

Thanks to all of you who are part of the Early Access of Reentry, the Reentry community, and to anyone reporting issues, feature requests and/or contributing to the project. This makes Reentry a better simulator for all of us.

Special thanks to all the Test Pilots who have spent a lot of time working on this new version.

Thanks, and good luck on the descent!

Where would be a better place to celebrate Apollo 11 and the lunar landing 50 year anniversary than from inside the Lunar Module, developing the Lunar Descent?

With that, I'm happy to announce that Reentry version 0.400 is now in the hands of the Reentry Test Pilots. I'm working closely with the team to fix major bugs, and once I'm satisfied I will roll this out to all of you!

Keep in mind that this is still an Early Access title, and a lot of the features you will find in version 0.400 will be in a very early stage, and will improve as the game is patched and updated. Just like the other things you can play today.

So, what will version 0.400 have? Well, it's quite a lot. So I'll explain most of it with screenshots.

The Lunar Descent
The major part of version 0.400 are the capabilities needed by the Lunar Module to perform a descent down to the lunar surface. This is a combination of radars and the lunar guidance computer, and some game mechanics elements. Program 63, 64 and 66 are used during the descent.


The Lunar Landing
The last part of the descent is the landing itself, and the touchdown on the Lunar Surface. You slowly control the LM the last 200 feet to touchdown. Using the radars, and the X-pointer, you can perform the entire landing without looking out of the windows (but it's not recommended). The lunar surface data is based on real elevation data and textures created by NASA, so you can explore and see most of the lunar areas yourself.


Lunar EVA
Another feature I decided to add to 0.400 is the initial version of a Lunar EVA. This means you can enter and exit the Lunar Module, and walk on the Moon. The controls will be similar to what you are used to inside the Virtual Cockpit, and you will be walking around from a 1st person perspective.

Lunar Roving Vehicle
The last addition to 0.400 is the LRV. The LRV is the latest "spacecraft" added to Reentry, and will come with its own operations manual, with systems as deep as the other spacecrafts. The electrical system and drive mechanics are already in place, and you can select what engines will be active, and what wheels (front/rear) will be used for steering, just like it was with the real thing. The controls are similar to the other virtual cockpits.



Thanks for reading!