Another command module concept

[Sasza22]

After some discussions about the command modules i got another idea how to balance them while not restricting the build freedom inside them too much:

1. No debris rule. - Ground debris and liquids need to be removed before start (they don`t cause problems when in space though). They could also get automatically marked for sweep or automatically dumped out of the rocket during the start.

2. Storage buildings forbidden. - No regular storage building can be build in the command module. They just hold way to much mass to be balanced. Along with no debris it will no longer allow to carry ridiculous amounts of mass in the rocket. (i`m not sure about conveyors but i think it won`t get as crazy).

3. Special advanced rocket storage. - It would take the same amount of room as a compactor but hold much less mass. There would also be a same size building for liquids and gasses with an input and output. Each holding a small amount of mass. Those containers would be directly connected to the rocket platform and allow resource exchange via the platform add ons. Each one could get certain resources marked as accepted which would make it take them from the platform if available, other resources pumped in would get auto removed by the platform if possible. This would allow for efficient waste removal and automatic ressuply.

4. Space toilet. - Smaller than usual ones, just 1 tile width. Waste gets dumped into space. Can be used only after launch.

[JaxckLl]

Another piece which would make early game rockets much more manageable & less fiddly, "Oxybars". Made from Tofu & Oxylite, they provide some calories (approximately the same as the Tofu) but they also provide a day's worth of Oxygen (and thus cost a substantial amount of Oxylite). They don't offgas, rather serving as the perfect food stuff for space travelers. Additionally, they serve as a moderately efficient (in terms of space) Oxygen store which allows dupes to ignore their surroundings temporarily. This would thus fit in as a third option alongside Oxygen Masks (which sorely need a gas input and/or to not cost any metal) and ExoSuits.

1) Agreed. Perhaps there's a Sweepy built into the Rocket Platform that comes along & hoovers everything out of the Command Module as part of the launch checklist.

2) Agreed.

3) I like this suggestion. Perhaps make it three tiles tall, with two containers per tile. This would allow the storage of up to six different types of objects, probably no more than 20kg each (for reference Apollo 11 came back with 20kg of moon rocks, and later missions far more). Each capsule is limited on how many storage containers it can carry, with each upgrade of engine unlocking an additional storage (1 storage for Sucrose, 2 for CO2, etc etc).

4) Great Idea!

[AndreyKl]

23 hours ago, Sasza22 said:

2. Storage buildings forbidden. - No regular storage building can be build in the command module. They just hold way to much mass to be balanced. Along with no debris it will no longer allow to carry ridiculous amounts of mass in the rocket. (i`m not sure about conveyors but i think it won`t get as crazy).

1. From my point of view rockets are already comparatively underpowered. Warping items works at 20kg/s (rails only)->12t/cycle, so for us to have the 'interesting rocket automation' part and not just teleport items over, command module needs to carry at least 24t of resources (assuming cycle long one way trip) or one hell of a boost to cargo bay (because not only cargo bay is tiny, but is also limited by same 20kg/s loading speed). And it is without accounting for liquids, gasses and overall used space. Proposed change if implemented by itself will just kill any existing rocketry beyond initial colonization and passenger delivery.

2. Proposed change won't prevent player from cheating in addition cargo by the way of insulated tiles and temp-shift plates.

[Sasza22]

5 minutes ago, AndreyKl said:

1. From my point of view rockets are already comparatively underpowered. Warping items works at 20kg/s (rails only)->12t/cycle, so for us to have the 'interesting rocket automation' part and not just teleport items over, command module needs to carry at least 24t of resources (assuming cycle long one way trip) or one hell of a boost to cargo bay (because not only cargo bay is tiny, but is also limited by same 20kg/s loading speed). And it is without accounting for liquids, gasses and overall used space. Proposed change if implemented by itself will just kill any existing rocketry beyond initial colonization and passenger delivery.

My thinking is that the command module should not function as a resource transport module so yes my intention is to kill the module use outside of passanger delivery and colonization. You also mention the cargo bay. It should by all means be more efficient in resource transport than the command module (like that`s common sense right) so it needs a buff for sure i didn`t cover it in my post as i focused on the command module itself. On a second thought i think i should have mentioned a cargo bay buff to counteract the changes.

9 minutes ago, AndreyKl said:

2. Proposed change won't prevent player from cheating in addition cargo by the way of insulated tiles and temp-shift plates.

Can`t get rid of all the exploits. If someone wants to spend that much time building those (they take a while to construct) let them have it. If we get better means of transporting stuff, like a mentioned previously cargo bay buff or the rumored orbital cannon it will be a non issue as it would just take too much effort compared to the alternatives.