The 0.99.16 update has been released. The update mostly focuses on Project Mercury where I have been correcting and reimplementing issues around the Mercury Electrical Power System and Environmental Control System.

Note: If you are experiencing issues with this build you can roll back to the previous using the Steam Betas Tab accessible from the Steam client (games properties).

Mercury Retro time
The Mercury radio command "Request Retro at next Ap" has been fixed. You can use the functional bubble button to request an update of the retro time. This will automatically configure the Time to Retro timer on the center panel.

Please note that you can always adjust the time to retro manually using the handle next to the Time to Retro timer.


Mercury Electrical Power System
I have rewritten the Mercury fuse logic and rewired some of them to improve realism. Most of the fuses containing "Emer" has been rewired to their emer backup logic as part of the sequencer (such as manually triggering functions and logic by pulling the ring handles or trigger buttons).



Mercury Environmental Control System
I have updated the Environmental Control System of the Mercury capsule to improve water/H2O dynamics. I have also fixed the H2O accumulator to correct issues where the ECS has not been capable of maintaining temperature after some time in orbit. The cabin and suit temperature control logic has been improved as well.


Apollo checklist updates
I have updated multiple checklists in the Apollo CSM mission pad with reported issues related to ground crew ingress and P40. In addition, the Apollo checklist dictionary has been updated.


0.99.16 release notes:

• Mercury EPS logic rewire
  
• Mercury ECS fixes
  
• Mercury H2O accumulator changes
  
• Mercury cabin and suit temperature control fixes
  
• Fixed the Mercury radio command "Request Retro at next Ap"
  
• Mercury: Corrected the global to inertial attitude platform disturbance after transitioning to landing
  
• Updates to Mercury ascent checklists (minor) for both Redstone and Atlas
  
• Apollo TVC: Added limits (this is still in its first dev phase)
  
• Apollo P40: Corrected checklist with regards to AC on RHC(2)
  
• Apollo Ground Ingress checklist for section P122 Optics panel fixes
  
• Apollo Checklist Dictionary Updates

The 0.99.15 update comes packed with a bunch of feature improvements and bug fixes corrected over the holiday. Most importantly the update fixes breaking issues such as the Gemini translation thrusters being too weak and the Apollo VR laser pointers. It also rolls out the first phase of more correct P40 procedures, adds a dedicated P40 checklist with the RUN feature.

Note: If you are experiencing issues with this build you can roll back to the previous using the Steam Betas Tab accessible from the Steam client (games properties).

What updates and fixed would you like to see?


P40 - SPS Thrusting
The AGC P40 (CSM) - SPS Thrusting program flow has been updated to better reflect the realistic program flow.

P40 will now initially request the automaneuver to desired attitude, and the Verb will indicate when the maneuver is in progress and when it is complete. Pressing PRO will re-request the maneuver, while pressing ENTER when the maneuver is complete will exit the automaneuver routine and continue the normal P40 flow. The SPS gimbal check is also added to make the P40 flow more correct (can be skipped by pressing ENTER on the SPS gimbal check cl page).


I have updated the Apollo Academy lesson to reflect this change (I would recommend you to re-take the lesson to get familiar with the new procedure).

I have added the P40 - SPS Thrusting checklist to the game. If you load up this checklist, you can read the exact procedures required, and the RUN feature will take you through it all on a basic level.



CSM Thrust-Vector Control (TVC) phase 1
To be able to make the P40 procedures more realistic, I went ahead and started improving the non-existing TVC logic. The first phase of this implementation contains the main logic to support the P40 procedures, and contains most of the underlying infrastructure logic and some actual TVC motion during CMC or SCS AUTO burns.

You will not need to focus on setting correct trim yet, this will still happen automatically and will always be 0.0 in pitch and yaw - so no procedural changes here except for the P40 program flow mentioned above. You can however use the trim set thumbs to set trim, and attitude input is directed to the gimbal motors (M1 and M2) based on switching.

Manual TVC is not yet supported during powered burns, but you should be able to now gimbal the SPS engine and run the P40 gimbal checks.


Star database updates
Multiple stars and constellations has been corrected and updated. I have also made updates and fixes in the Apollo Optics logic to better identify and reflect what star you are aiming at with the scopes.



Gemini updates
Multiple fixes has been applied to the Gemini translation jets (OAMS), and I have increased the forces to better support rendezvous. I also fixed a bug that made the RCS too weak, making it impossible to rendezvous.

The ADI rate needles has been inverted.


Apollo updates
Multiple updates has been applied to the Apollo CSM and LM. Mainly the G ACCEL gauge has had some issued for a while. I finally managed to identify the source of this and corrected it. I have also inverted the CSM and LM rate needles.
I also added logic to the AGC DSKY rendering procedures to support "blanks", where some register displaying certain nouns renders part of it blank such as when displaying time.


THC rotation test support
I have added support for the three CSM THC (translation controller) positions: CCW, NEUTRAL and CW and the logic is in a testing phase. The logic supports the required features needed for the P40 procedures flow, and in the future this will also support SCS/MTVC and Aborting.


VR updates
Multiple fixes and improvements has been applied to VR, mostly internal rendering logic. I have also corrected the blocking issue of the Apollo VR laser pointer being invisible.


0.99.15 release notes

• Star database updates
  
• Corrected Denebola optics ID rendering
  
• G ACCEL fixes during SPS burns
  
• Initial AGC blanks logic for some nouns
  
• Inverted CSM and LM rate needles
  
• Inverted Gemini rate needles
  
• Added the P40 - SPS Thrusting checklist
  
• Phase 1 of TVC Gimbal
  - Implemented the main features required to complete P40 checklist
  - TVC and MTVC control will come in TVC Gimbal phase 2.
  
• Updated P40 academy lesson to support the changes
  
• Minor updates to campaign 3 and 4 (Apollo campaigns)
  
• VR: Fixed the Apollo VR laser pointer
  
• Gemini translation thruster fixes

Reentry has been patched to 0.99.14. This patch is a minor update and will cover issues reported by the community. You can see the patch notes below:

0.99.14 release notes:

• LM V48 - DAP setup corrections
  
• HGA rendering updates
  
• CM MA fix while pausing the game
  
• Mercury Satellite Clock Hours fix
  
• Mercury external pressure fixes
  
• Mercury Going Orbital splashdown condition check corrected
  
• Mercury campaign mission updates
  
• LM Water tank qty adjustments
  
• LM RR radar fixes
  
• Gemini RCS tuning
  
• Gemini translation changes
  
• QRH updates

The 0.99.13 will mainly focus on the Apollo Command Module. It will correct issues reported by the community and improve existing systems. It will also improve the fuel cell purge, attitude ball drives, GDC align and HGA antenna deployment.

Note: If you are experiencing issues with this build you can roll back to the previous using the Steam Betas Tab accessible from the Steam client (games properties).

FDAI Attitude Ball improvements
I have improved the logic behind the attitude indicators (FDAI). Logic will now drive the attitude balls to the internal attitudes instead of snapping when for example performing a REFSMMAT, aligning the platform and during GDC Align.

This requires you to press and hold the GDC ALIGN button during pre-launch procedures and alignment procedures. I have updated the Academy and the checklists to include this.


Fuel Cell Purge logic
The Fuel Cell Purge logic has been improved to better reflect the real procedures - and will add up to the things you need to do during coasting. The Fuel Cell flow indicators will reflect the purge as O2/H2 flows through the system. I have also mapped the Caution and Warning System logic so that a Master Alarm will trigger due to the increased flow.



Checklists related to these procedures has been updated.



SM RCS Fuel Quantity Sensor
I have improved and fixed issues related to the SM RCS Fuel Quantity sensors used to show how much fuel you have in the various SM RCS fuel quads.


Apollo Save State improvements
I have added some new data to the Apollo Save State. The SPS Helium quantity, SPS N2 quantity, O2 and H2 quantities, and Battery A,B,C and Pyro Bat A, B charges are now stored. I have also added the triggered Failures to the save state.

HGA deployment
The High Gain Antenna logic and model has been updated. The antenna will now spring out during SIVB/SLA separation. The rotation joints has been update so both pitch and yaw is mapped correctly with the model joints.


Attitude Set Control Panel (phase 1)
I have started to work on the logic behind the Attitude Set Control Panel to better reflect real procedures. The switches related to the platform and GDC align has also been reimplemented. You should now be able to follow more realistic procedures when performing a GDC Align such as aligning the GDC with the IMU inertial platform.

The simplified logic still exists and is the recommended approach. If you set the ATT SET switch on MDC-1 to IMU and press in GDC ALIGN, the GDC platform will automatically be set to exactly match the IMU platform.

If you set the ATT SET switch to GDC, you will need to use the procedures to set the attitude using the ASCP, then press and hold the GDC ALIGN button while the new logic will drive the attitude towards the desired alignment attitude set on the ASCP.


N20 has also been update to map the angels better


Note: This logic still have some issues when the attitude is far or facing Euler challenges, so if you execute this procedure and the logic is unable to align and drive the platform correctly, use the simplified approach, or maneuver the command module closer to null the error needles in ATT SET->GDC mode.

Checklists related to these procedures has been updated.

SPS Pc gauge
I have fixed a bug that would freeze the SPS Pc gauge at 45. The gauge should now show the SPS thrust while performing an SPS burn.

Patch Notes:

• Updates to the FC1,2,3 purge logic
  
• Fixed the SPS Pc gauge to monitor SPS thrust
  
• Fixed the SM fuel qty sensor -> gauge on the MDC-2
  
• Corrected a typo in the SPS Deorbit (Earth Entry) checklist
  
• Apollo Save State improvements
  
• Attitude ball drives
  
• ASCP improvements
  
• HGA deployment
  
• HGA pitch/yaw control joint updates
  
• Backspace will null rates in Mercury and Gemini

This update will correct multiple issues reported by the community.

Lunar Ascent fluctuations
During the Lunar Ascent, the CSM orbit fluctuates as the Lunar Module burns its APS engine. This update makes this stable.


Optics Panel
For some reason the Optics panel textures had reverted itself to the CM Block I configuration. I remade the textures and updated the logic so it correctly represents the CM Block II configuration.


LM Batteries
After the previous update, the LM batteries all had low voltage. This has been corrected but more work is needed in the LM circuit logic.



0.99.12 patch notes:

• MNB undervolt while connected to GSE/ground umbilical due to recent EPS changes corrected
  
• Gemini O2 High Rate switch corrections
  
• Fixed the Optics panels that had, for some reason, reverted the textures to Block 1 (thanks for reporting GoForPDI)
  
• Modifications to TLI (concatenated) checklist
  
• Published the CSM charge battery procedures
  
• Corrections to the LM battery circuit & voltage logic
  
• Lunar Ascent fluctuations on the CSM
  
• Corrections to Mercury Cabin H2O Warning light

This minor patch will continue to improve the logic related to how the voltage of the CSM batteries are rendered. This will take into account the amps load on the battery as well as the depletion of the battery when you monitor them using the DC VOLTs gauge on MDC-3.

It will also fix the runnable steps of the Battery Charging procedure. In the video I made yesterday, I opened both of the Battery Relay Bus circuit breakers when I demonstrated the procedures. Do not open both of these as it will shut down the entire Battery Relay Bus - making it impossible to make critical changes to for example the FC radiators, inverters etc. - the battery relay bus powers these.

Thanks to Folgers, Amaryllis, CaptainSwag101 for helping me with the details!

The following patch will correct bugs/issues reported by the community and add more realism and tasks during coasting. This new feature will improve the way you charge the Apollo Command Module batteries, both the logic and the procedures. This is a procedure referenced in the various Apollo Flight Plans and usually had a schedule (battery charging schedule).

Note: If you are experiencing issues with this build you can roll back to the previous using the Steam Betas Tab accessible from the Steam client (games properties).



The update will also change the seat you sit in when you enter the Lunar Rover Vehicle, and correct the radial menu used during Lunar EVAs and while riding the LRV (this broke with the previous patch).



This patch will also fixes the issue where you were unable to draw on the in-game Gemini PAD-forms.

Improved CM Battery Charging logic and procedures
It has been possible to charge the batteries in the Command Module, but no proper output was shown to you. This update changes this to follow the real procedures use to charge the batteries.

This video will cover the procedures and details around charging the batteries:


The following schedule shows the charging of Battery A and B during a real Apollo mission:


Thanks for everyone for reporting issues.

Change log:

• Fixed the radial menu during Lunar EVAs
  
• Corrected so the player sits on the drivers side of the LRV
  
• Prevented external view modes during VR
  
• Prevented opening the Gemini Mission Tools if in VR
  
• Updated the procedures for charging the CSM batteries
  
• Improved the battery charging logic/implementation and instrumentation
  
• Fixed an issue where the Gemini PAD pen did not work
  
• Added more system tests to panel CM panel 101

This is a minor patch that corrects and improves the anti-aliasing (visible artifacts/bleeding) during normal play, and the laser pointers while in VR mode. This will make interaction easier as the pointers will now better and more correctly target the object it points at, cut the ray and render a small cursor at the collision point.

The patch will also fix an issue with the anti-aliasing located in the post-processing layer of the game. This issue rendered a glare on one of the eyes in VR, and caused bleeding artifacts during flat mode rendering (non-VR).

This layer is combined with the general anti-aliasing setting accessible through the Quality settings from the Main Manu.

Post processing can be toggled completely from the same menu. For VR play, I recommend turning off all post-processing layers and antialiasing for performance reasons if you struggling with low framerates.

Patch notes:
- Improved the VR laser pointer and ray casting logic
- Fixed anti aliasing issues

This patch will roll out the first bits of the Apollo VR implementation. This will let you experience the Apollo Command Module and the Lunar Module in VR. It will also fix issues related to Gemini EVA, add a SYNC MET TIMERS bubble function to the Lunar Module and update the Lunar Module Timer activation procedures.

This video will show some of the new features:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpsETt2CM7c

Note: If you are experiencing issues with this build you can roll back to the previous using the Steam Betas Tab accessible from the Steam client (games properties). The previous version can be found under the Reentry Version 0.99.RC11 branch.

Apollo VR
The aim of PT-4 and the first iterations of Apollo VR is let you complete most of the missions and academy lessons, except for Lunar EVAs. I have been working hard on both rendering methods and mechanics to be able to render the Apollo Command Module and the Lunar Module in VR. This has been an extremely challenging task, but I'm very happy to be able to share the first bits with you. With the current bits I have been trying missions from the pad to a lunar landing, and created a simple implementation of the tools required to request burns, TLI, PDI, Lunar Ascent and TEI.


The checklist guidance system has also been added for Apollo.


If you wish to give it a try, enable the Virtual Reality alpha feature from the Main Menu. When you enable VR, the Moon will render in your headset to verify that the initialization worked. At this point, take off the HMD, configure the graphics (make sure that you uncheck Post Processing (or a strange glare will render above the image - see section below for configuration) and select a mission.

Once the mission loads, the game will be rendered in the HMD, and you will need to use the controllers to interact.

Keep in mind that Apollo VR is very demanding on your system. Ensure that the quality setting is set to VR (looks better) or MINIMUM (better fps than VR) and that the Earth textures are set to LOW.
In addition, set the general Texture Quality slider to Half. Play with the settings until you find something that works. Ensure that you also correctly set the OpenXR Default Runtime.

My setup:
Geforce 2070 Super
Quest 2
32 Gb of RAM

Quality: VR
Earth Textures: Low
Graphics Settings:
- Textures: Half
- Shadows: Low
- AA: Disabled/1x
- Post processing and SSAO Pro: Off

Please share your quality settings suggestions in the #vr-development channel on Discord, or in the comments below.

Note: External views and Lunar EVAs are not yet supported in VR

Adjustable Rotational Hand Controller and Translational Hand Controller armrests
To be able to support executing mission in VR, you will be required to adjust the Rotational Hand Controller (RHC) armrest and the Translational Hand Controller (THC) armrest to easier be able to reach the sticks for attitude and maneuvering control. This is needed when you need to use the windows and the COAS to perform docking for example.

To do this, as shown in the video above, you need to place your hand on one of the three joints in each armrest that you wish to adjust. The armrest has three main parts, the inner joint is where it is attached to the seats, the middle joint is an extender that will let you modify its length and the final joint is a lever on the bottom of the control assembly that lets you adjust the final tilt of the controller itself.



VR Flashlights
I have added VR enabled flashlights to each craft.

- Mercury
The existing orange flashlight located on the wall above the fuses can be grabbed by either hand. Move the hand in it, and press the grip button to toggle if it is in your hand or not. Then use the other hand to grab and hold the head of the flashlight, give it a twist, to turn it on or off. The mechanics are similar for each craft.

- Gemini: ACR Model FA-3 Penlight

Gemini 9 penlight (image courtesy RRAuction)


- Apollo: ACR Model FA-5 Penlight

Neil Armstrong's Apollo 11 penlight, part of the NASM collection


Gemini EVA changes
Gemini EVAs har changed in both Normal and VR mode. You now need to fly close to the spacecraft entrance door to get back into the cabin, and close to a model of a backpack rendered on the back of the ship to pick up the extra fuel. The UI will let you know when to press the interact button (left mouse button by default) to execute the action.

Patch Notes:

• Tweaked the Gemini EVA, and added a backpack model. Fly close to it and press left mouse button to pick it up
  
• Added a VR Flashlight to Mercury
  
• Added a VR Flashlight to Gemini
  
• VR: Use the left thumb to micro-adjust head position in the various views (like arrow keys in normal mode)
  
• Added SYNC MET TIMERS bubble function to the Lunar Module
  
• Minor tweaks to the Apollo Mission Pad look-and-feel
  
• Apollo VR
  
• Added a VR Flashlight to Apollo
  
• Made it possible to adjust the TCA and RHC positions, to make the controls more accessible depending on mission phase

Below is the general information that will pop up every time you enable VR:
Implementation state: Pre-testing 4 (PT-4)

This is the beginning of the new VR implementation. The previous implementation has been entirely abandoned, although you can still access it via the "Virtual Reality" branch on Steam. Instead, a new implementation has been initiated from the ground up.

Please help me by reporting issues and requesting features at our reentry Discord channel: discord.gg/reentrygame.

While VR remains a post 1.0 feature, the groundwork for its core logic has already begun to be developed.

Crafts with VR support:
- Mercury
- Gemini
- Apollo (CSM/LM)

Current implementation state
- Internal views only (no external views supported)
- Device support & Rendering
- Basic interactions & Controller binding system
- Mission Pad interaction
- Mission Commands to progress through missions
- Checklist Guide

Use the laser pointer and the A/B button on the right controller to interact with switches.
You can bind the buttons on the VR section of the Main Menu.

Important: When VR is enabled, the game will be rendered in the headset when a Mission loads - use the desktop (2d mode) during Main Menu operations.


ROADMAP
Current:
PT-4: Basic Apollo implementation (pre-1.0)

Future:
PT-5: Main Menu rendering
PT-6: Improved controller interaction with cockpit panels
PT-7: HMD Laser Cursor for those who do not have controllers

Complete:
PT-1: Device support and core HMD rendering
PT-2: Basic Mercury support
PT-3: Basic Gemini implementation

Hi!
As you probably know, the old Virtual Reality implementation was depreciated and moved to a dedicated stale branch accessible from the Steam Betas tab ("Virtual Reality"). The first VR implementation was a learning project where I would take the learnings and create an improved implementation.

The new implementation is a post 1.0 feature, but development was started during various code freezes. The fundament of the Mercury and Gemini bits are available in the public release as an alpha-feature that can be toggled from the Main Menu.

I wanted to take this moment to share a low key direct recording as I interact with some of the new mechanics that will become available in a later patch.



I hope you will like some of these new features, and I look forward to sharing the bits with you.

- Petri