As promised, here are some in-game screen shots of the new SLS Launch Umbilical Tower and Mobile Launch Platform (SLS LUT/MLP). All the service arms and umbilicals are animated - they retract at launch, or on command!
Check out the multi monitor setup, showing 5 different FSX cameras simultaneously monitoring pre-launch operations. While this is a standard FSX feature, it comes really handy and adds to the versatility of the simulation!
With the summer, and a lengthy pause (vacation ːsteamboredː ) behind us, we are making steady progress towards the release date, although a few "gotchas" within the FSX engine set us back considerably. We are working on these and it looks like we'll be soon able to overcome FSX's somewhat limiting sound engine and have a custom sound layer on top of it.
In the mean time, we updated a whole lot of visuals - namely, we have a new SLS Launch Umbilical Tower (LUT) and Mobile Launch Platform (MLP) with moving parts, and they look amazing! We'll soon post screenshots/videos of the launch with the new, accurate structures - stay tuned!
We've been getting a lot of interest in this title, and many questions pertain to the compatibility with FSX-legacy platforms (versions of Microsoft's Flight Simulator X that were licensed from Microsoft and developed by other developers).
In short, here is our position:
We're developing FSX SpacePort exclusively on FSX Acceleration platform, mainly to keep it simple with respect to all the proprietary and legal aspects of developing for all the legacy platforms. We are not using any technology that circumvents or supersedes FSX's own SDK APIs (namely SimConnect). In other words, FSX SpacePort is being developed solely and exclusively with Microsoft's own SDK, including content (models, textures, etc...)
As such, we are not in position to confirm or advertise that our product will work on FSX's legacy platforms. However, if those other platforms fully support FSX's SimConnect-created modules and SDK-created content, we don't see any reason why they wouldn't support FSX SpacePort without any modifications, out of the box.
Here at our virtual Kennedy Space Center, things are proceeding smoothly towards the final countdown. We might even beat NASA with their own flight by about a year!
I have been working feverishly, adding a lot of background functionality: Dynamic Pressure simulation, realistic rocket engine performance, (including altitude-dependent specific impulse performance, realistic ramp-up and burn-out performance), vectored thrusting, precise angular damping calculations, completely customizable event-based auto sequencer, and many other rocket-science technical and scientific details guaranteed to fog up the glasses of every spaceflight nerd-enthusiast ːsteamhappyː
Stay tuned for an upcoming full length video of the complete SLS launch sequence from launch pad to orbit, including complete detailed staging sequences, brand new ICPS (Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage) model and awesome visuals!!!
