This update mainly cover reported issues such as Mercury attitude control, Apollo entry REFSMMAT and PAD data, and an attempt to make a fix for a "crash to desktop" if for some reason the game storage file is corrupt while booting the game.
Note: If you experience new issues related to this update, please report them. You can revert back the a previous build (0.99.77) using the Steam betas tab for the game.
Games system storage file size check
One issue I have seen at times is related to a CTD (crash to desktop) issue related to the game storage file. If the game has been working for you and you suddenly start to experience an immediate CTD after launching the game, it could be related to this. I now do some additional checks when the game boots and loads the settings to avoid the CTD.
Apollo Entry attitude
During a Command Module atmospheric entry there was a difference between the attitude you would received in the Entry PAD compared to what the external forces would guide you to once you hit the aerodynamics of the atmosphere. I have made some changes to the PAD data logic and the entry attitude REFSMMAT logic to correct this. Keep in mind that you need to do a P52 Option 2 with the time of EI as the parameters to get the correct entry REFSMMAT. With this change I will soon add a new button to the crew members toolset that will allow you to directly request the entry REFSMMAT, and align to it using P52 opt. 1.
Mercury AUTO attitude control fixes
There has been a difference in what RETRO and RE-ENT attitudes you would achieve in the Mercury capsule. The ASCS controls the attitude, and you can use the attitude switch to select if you want to maintain the retro fire attitude or the reentry attitude. The attitude should now be the same for Atlas and Redstone.
Setting the switch to RE-ENT should now place you at the target reentry attitude (pretty much aligned with the horizon), and retro should be -34 degrees for both Redstone and Atlas missions.
Note: Recall that you are in complete control of the ship and can use the RE-ENT mode during orbital operations if you wish to be more level with the horizon. I generally recommend players to switch into manual modes during orbit to save fuel (ASCS uses a lot to maintain attitude).
Gemini cabin lights
Unlike the Mercury Capsule, the Gemini cabin lights has been bright white. I have change the lighting logic, and tweaked the lighting to a warmer setting. I have also made some minor re-modelling to the light bulbs and assembly. I have also increased the max light strength of the cabin lights to give better cabin illumination control for both practical reasons and mood setting. I have used reference images to set the warmth/color.
Apollo Entry cue card
I updated the entry cue card graphics and removed the existing scribbles on it.
Mercury Lights test
I have continued to iterated on the Mercury Lights test logic and better connected this to the electrical power system after the recent Mercury EPS work you have seen over the recent patches.
Patch notes:
Games system storage file size check
Apollo entry attitude tuning
Mercury: Fixes and tweaks to the Retro and Reentry attitude modes of the ASCS. RE-ENT should now place you at the target reentry attitude (pretty much aligned with the horizon), and retro should be -34 degrees for both Redstone and Atlas missions
Mercury Lights Test power wiring
Mercury: Minor fixes to some comm-request checks
Mercury: General ASCS attitude logic fixes
Gemini: Warmer Cabin light color/Kelvin and light tweaking
Pad hotkey fix (TLI and Entry pad swapped)
Entry cue card sheet graphic updates and removal of existing scribble