I saw the command module recently being added to the public roadmap. Anything you can tell us?
TL;DRThe command module is a technical feature, scheduled to finish internally in December, that enables detach/dock with control transfer; that isn't a release date for the Caterpillar, and the Ironclad module is hoped for.
So, command module on the roadmap: that's the technical feature done by not the content team to allow us to set up the command module, which you've seen on the side of the Caterpillar. And it's also on the Ironclad. That allows it to be a fully independent ship that can dock, detach, dock. The complexity here that requires the feature development is it's not the same docking system as you see like Starfarer refueling or Merlin and Constellation series, because those are simply just two ships attaching to each other. The command module is that plus the transfer of control authority from one ship to the other. So when you're in the command module, it needs to have its own set of IFCS parameters and more, but we'll just talk IFCS, so it can fly off and do the same thing. And then when it's attached to the base portion of the ship, it then needs to essentially absorb all the control links of all the items that are in that other section, take over control of them, take over flight of the whole thing. So we are getting that feature-wise in a position where we can update the content to support it.
And I think I said it was recently added to the public roadmap, not in the release view, but in the technical development view; the technical feature team is doing it. And then when they're done, then it can be applied to ships like the Caterpillar. I want to be real clear: I think it was scheduled to end in December. That's not when the Caterpillar is getting it in December. That's when the work internally is scheduled to be done. And then the vehicle content team can grab that work and say, thanks, and then start applying it.
And it's not a hard requirement for some of our upcoming ships, but I think everyone would be pretty disappointed if we're not able to ship the Ironclad with its module. And obviously, like I say, it unlocks us to then be able to work on the Caterpillar and everything else. From our side, we're not in control of it, but we are pushing to try and get as much support as we can for it.