Quality of Life: Docking

[Cyberknight]

This is a proposal to make docking at space constructs easier and less time consuming / dangerous.

 

Suggestion: create a docking tether module that can be deployed on a space construct that will 'grab' any authorized, unpiloted construct within a certain radius (configurable, or based on size?) and give some visual queue that the construct is tethered.  The construct should still be maneuverable while tethered, but will not stray from the station.  A pilot should be able to manually engage the tether while piloting the craft, or receive a que that they are in range and free to release control of the construct.  The tether could also govern the maximum speed of a construct in tether range.  An unpiloted, tethered construct should rapidly come to rest in relation to the tether module when it becomes unpiloted or the maneuver tool is disengaged.  It should not be possible to maneuver a construct out of tether range once the tether is engaged.

 

Future enhancement: the tether module could also in the future serve as a valet point, where a player could approach and choose to 'park' their construct.  The module would remove the construct from view until the player re-approached the module and claimed the construct.  This action could automatically activate the player's maneuver tool, restore the construct and allow the player to place their ship within the tether range.  The player would then be free to place the construct, board and be on their way.

[TobiwanKenobi]

I've long wanted something like this, but also a step further - a docking element that snaps a construct to another construct in a specific position. Like a magnetic docking clamp. Using this, you could more easily dock to specific spots on stations, carriers, etc., without having to use the awkward maneuver tool. Or you could use it to pick up/detach cargo pods without even getting out of your pilot seat.

[Hazard0814]

Docking computer, that brings up a list of saved locations to navigate to. Manual/automatic, auto brings you in hands free and manual shows a docking column of rings for you to get into and drop on your own.

[Wyndle]

Suggestion:  Docking Magnet - attracts nearest extended landing gear of authorized construct.