How to assemble & configure a complete SDHI CSM stack
The following guide demonstrates how to assemble and configure a complete Command & Service Module (CSM) stack using the parts included in the SDHI Service Module Systems pack.
Ensure that you have installed the latest version(s) of all the required dependencies.
1) Place a Mk 1-3 Command Pod (from the Pods tab) into the assembly area
2) Right-click on the Mk 1-3 Command Pod and click Install Umbilical Port
This is a cosmetic feature that provides a plausible justification for where the umbilical arm of the Crew Module Adapter would visually provide life support liquids and gases to the command pod.
3) Add the SDHI 2.5m Heat Shield (from the Thermal tab) to the bottom of the pod
4) Add either the SDHI Clamp-O-Tron Docking Port with Parachute (from the Parachute tab) to the top of the pod
Make sure its staging icon (the parachute symbol) is in Stage 0.
5) Add the SDHI Crew Module Adapter (from the Coupling tab) to the bottom of the stack
Note: If you have MechJeb installed, the Crew Module Adapter may show up in the staging list as a vertical decoupler - you can safely ignore it as this decoupler already has its staging functionality disabled. (Alternatively, you can move it to an extra stage between the Command Pod and the Service Module in the next step)
6) Add the SDHI Service Module (from the Engines tab) to the bottom of the stack
The Service Module is essentially a fuel tank combined with an engine, so make sure its staging icon (the liquid engine symbol) is in Stage 1.
7) Add the SDHI Spacecraft Adapter (from the Coupling tab) to the bottom of the stack
The adapter is hollow to accomodate the Service Module's engine.
Make sure its staging icon (the vertical decoupler symbol) is in Stage 2.
8) Add solar panels, RCS thrusters, antennae etc. to the recessed ribbed surface of the Service Module
The fairing panels we will add in later steps will protect these from aerodynamic stresses during launch.
Here we're using stock parts; feel free to choose accessories from stock or third-party add-ons that best fit your specific mission requirements.
9) In Action Group editing mode, assign all your solar panels, antennae and any other items you want to deploy in orbit to Custom01
When the Alpha1 key (1 in Windows) is pressed in-flight, this will automatically deploy all of your accessories simultaneously, instead of having to extend/retract them one-by-one.
10) In Action Group editing mode, assign the Crew Module Adapter's Decouple action to Custom02
When the Alpha2 key (2 in Windows) is pressed in-flight, this will decouple the command pod from the rest of the CSM stack. This should be reserved for normal / end-of-mission decoupling, as we will be handling abort scenarios separately.
This decoupler was deliberately designed not to be staged, to prevent accidentally leaving a command pod in orbit without a means to deorbit it and bring the crew home safely.
11) In Action Group editing mode, assign the SDHI Clamp-O-Tron Docking Port with Parachute's Arm parachute action to Custom03
When the Alpha3 key (3 in Windows) is pressed in-flight, this will arm the drogue-mains parachute deployment sequence to automatically activate at an altitude of 12.5km.
12) Add the SDHI Service Module Fairing Panel (from the Aerodynamics tab) to the attach nodes on the Service Module
Make sure that their staging icons (the vertical decoupler symbols) are in Stage 3, as the fairings need to be jettisoned before the CSM stack separates from the rest of your lifter rocket.
TIP: To place the fairings on all three sides simultaneously, set your Symmetry Mode to 3x and enable Angle Snap.
13) Add the SDHI Mk1-3 Pod Boost Protection Cover (from the Aerodynamics tab) to the stack node on top of the docking port
The slot cutout in the BPC should be aligned with the umbilical on the Crew Module Adapter.
Make sure that its staging icon (the horizontal decoupler symbol) is in Stage 4, as during normal flight, the BPC needs to be jettisoned before the side fairings.
14) Add the SDHI Launch Abort System (from the Utility tab) to the top of the stack
Make sure that its staging icon (the solid booster rocket symbols) are in Stage 4, as during normal flight, the abort system will be jettisoned along with the BPC.
15) Right-click on the SDHI Launch Abort System and toggle RCS to Disabled
We will be reactivating the LAS's steering motor RCS thrusters via the Abort action group later, so don't panic.
16) In Action Group editing mode, assign the Boost Protection Cover's Decouple action, as well as the Launch Abort System's Switch Mode and Activate Engine actions, to Custom10
When the Alpha0 key (0 in Windows) is pressed in-flight, the BPC will separate from the CSM stack and be pulled away by the LAS Jettison Motors.
17) In Action Group editing mode, assign the Launch Abort System's Switch Mode, Activate Engine and Toggle RCS Thrust actions, as well as the Crew Module Adapter's Decouple action, to Abort
When the Abort key (Backspace in Windows) is pressed in-flight, the Command Pod will be severed from the rest of the CSM stack and be pulled away by the LAS Abort Motors. At the same time, the steering motor RCS thrusters on the LES will get reactivated, allowing the Pod to be steered in mid-air during abort.
18) Build the rest of your lifter rocket
TIP: Have your second stage main engine in the same stage as the Boost Protection Cover and the Launch Abort System, so that during normal flight the latter items will be discarded when the second stage engines are first fired.
- Custom01: Deploy solar panels / antennae
- Custom02: Crew Module Adapter decoupler (normal, end-of-mission)
- Custom03: Arm drogue-mains parachutes
- Custom10: Boost Protection Cover jettison, LAS Jettison Motor
- Abort: LAS Abort Motor, LAS RCS thruster enable, Crew Module Adapter decoupler (abort)
