Versions

From Project Apollo - NASSP
Revision as of 17:37, 16 October 2006 by imported>Tschachim
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Original NASSP website

Project Apollo - NASSP was originally called NASSP (Nasa’s Apollo Space Simulation Project) and was developed by Jean-Luc Rocca-Serra, who released the source code to version 4.x. Mark Grant then rewrote the code as C++, added an initial C++ implementation of the Apollo Guidance Computer and replaced the control panel bitmaps with new ones from P64, releasing 'NASSP COSTAM' and a derivative which provided basic support for the Virtual AGC software.

Jean-Luc released NASSP 5.0, an updated version based on that source code, for the next release of Orbiter, including, for example, new particle exhaust support and a Skylab launch module. His website is still online: http://spacebarjoe.free.fr/.

With the 6.x release it became Project Apollo - NASSP, an open source Apollo simulation add-on. The latest 'stable' version is 6.4.3.

The 7.0 release is currently in Beta, including a near-complete simulation of the Command Module control panel and most of the internal systems, and support for new spacecraft. It is also capable of flying most of an Apollo mission using the Virtual AGC software.

As there is no definitive list of functionality changes between NASSP versions, many of these changes have been deduced from release documentation and test-flying of versions which are still available for download.

Early NASSP

Versions prior to 3.0 seem to be unavailable on the web. If anyone has a copy and can update this and/or add screenshots, please do so, or at least let us know what the differences are.

NASSP 3.x

  • Saturn 1b and ASTP support.
  • Rewritten to use Orbiter docking support.

NASSP 3.0 still runs under Orbiter 2006, with no modifications required.

NASSP 4.x

  • Control Panel for both Saturn V and Saturn 1b.
  • LM Panel available.
  • Engine Gimbal control for all rocket stages, Service module and LM.
  • Totally rewritten Autopilot (a semi auto mode is available for engine control only).
  • New Saturn V and Saturn 1b meshes.
  • Optional high-res Saturn V and Saturn 1b meshes.
  • Docking system enhancement etc...

NASSP 5.x

File:NASSP5-ControlPanelSmall.jpg
NASSP 5.0 control panel
  • New CSM and LEM meshes. Only high-res meshes supported for the Saturn 1b and Saturn V.
  • New control panels with illumination support from P64.
  • Skylab.
  • Exhaust particle streams.
  • New exhaust textures.
  • C++ AGC implementation for launch and TLI.
  • Rewritten in C++, to eliminate bugs and crashes due to global variable use.
  • Revised launch autopilot for increased accuracy.
  • Same functionality level for Saturn V and Saturn 1b.
  • NASSP-specific solar system configuration.

NASSP 5.x does not currently run under Orbiter 2006 as its Solar System files are incompatible with the new Orbiter format. It could probably be made to run with some changes to the config files.

NCCP 1.0

New panels by Moonwalker...

Project Apollo - NASSP 6.x

  • Rebuilt for 2005 Orbiter release.
  • Basic virtual cockpit view.
  • New control panel.
  • Initial support for unmanned Saturn test flights.
  • More SIVB payloads.
  • Basic LM ascent autopilot.
  • Improved AGC emulation.
  • Improved Saturn 1b autopilot.
  • More realistic Command Module aerodynamics.

Project Apollo - NASSP 7.0 (beta)

File:NASSP-panel.jpg
NASSP 7.0 control panel
  • Fully functional 2D Panel Support throughout the CM.
  • 3D Virtual Cockpit (nonfunctional at the moment)
  • Realist simulation of most major spacecraft systems.
  • Historically accurate checklists.
  • NEW CM, SM, and KSC meshes (VAB, LUT, LC34/37/39, MSS, MLP, Crawler etc.)
  • Integrated Virtual AGC.
  • Full launch and landing autopilot for the LM, and enhanced autopilot for the Saturns and CSM.
  • Meshland integration.
  • Engineering camera views during launch.
  • Realism settings to accomodate orbinauts from 9 to 92!
  • Support for low-res Saturn 1b and Saturn V meshes as well as high-res.
  • Partial Apollo 5 (unmanned LM test) support.
  • Service Module breaks up on re-entry, based on re-entry heating.
  • Apollo 13 oxygen venting simulation.

...and MORE!