A Shuttle-A class cargo ship after successfully completed docking approach to the ISS. Notes: For precise attitude control with the keyboard use the attitude thrusters in “low power” mode (Ctrl + Numpad key). Rotational alignment is not currently enforced, but may be in future versions. Currently no collision tests are performed, so you might fly straight through the station if you miss the docking approach. Docking at rotating stations Stations like Luna-OB1 rotate to use centrifugal forces for emulating gravity – which is nice for their inhabitants but makes docking a bit more complicated. Docking is only possible along the rotation axis, so at most 2 docking ports can be provided. The docking procedure is similar to the standard one, but once aligned with the approach path, the rotation around the ship‟s longitudinal axis must be aligned with that of the station. Important: Initiate your ship‟s longitudinal rotation only immediately before docking (when past the last approach marker). Once you are rotating, linear adjustments become very difficult. Once the rotation is matched with the station, don‟t hit Num (Kill rotation) by accident, or you will have to start the rotation alignment again. Cheat:
ORBITER User Manual (c) 2000-2010 Martin Schweiger
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