The_8th_Bit

I think NASA will use private contractors like SpaceX and ULA to launch their manned mars missions. NASA will design the overall mission and they will rely on contractors to supply hardware and launch services. I don't see SLS flying much more than the currently scheduled flights. Spacex will likely not go to mars by themselves because there is no profit to be made.

First of all, I would recommend finding a local rocketry club. They will be able to help you especially with the legal FAA stuff. Secondly, when designing your rockets, there is a lot of aerodynamic stuff to consider. Here is a link to free software that you can use to design rockets. Link: http://openrocket.sourceforge.net/ It's geared for smaller rockets but will handle larger ones. My college's rocketry team uses this software, and we built a rocket designed to fly to 25,000 feet. Also, recovery is important. There are a lot of parachute options. Below is a very good paper about recovery systems for large rockets. It may be too much for where you are now but as your designs grow a lot of this information will become very useful. http://www.ricknewlands.webspace.virginmedia.com/downloads/technical-papers/Parachute%20recovery%20system%20design%20for%20large%20rockets.pdf Finally, PLEASE BE CAREFUL!!! These things can be very dangerous. I will reiterate that it is a very good idea to join a club because they will help you stay safe.

Both Zeus and Vulcan are much better than their original choices. Also, a poll should be added to this thread, it would be interesting if the KSP community had a different opinion than the results of ULA's poll.

The Opportunity rover has driven the distance of a marathon (26.2 miles) after driving for over 11 years on mars. Article: http://spaceflightnow.com/2015/03/25/with-memory-restored-opportunity-rover-completes-marathon-on-mars/ Quite an achievement considering the rover's original life expectancy was only 90 days.

I just had mine out over spring break, its not fun. Hope you feel better soon. Also, great devnotes, I'm really excited for this update.

Life support has been discussed a lot and there are several mods. However, I like the idea of monitoring vitals, it would be amusing to see Jeb's heart rate or blood pressure increase as his ship explodes around him. This raises the question though, do kerbals have hearts? By the way, welcome to the forums:)

Around the Kerbin system, sure, but I may have to think twice about the longer trips. Spending months in a spacecraft could get boring. Also, I don't think I would if deadly re-entry heat was installed.

Was a probe core attached? Otherwise it may have been considered debris. Try turning up your max debris in the settings or leaving a probe core attached.

I wonder if Lockheed Martin has considered using the tug for other purposes when not delivering cargo. It could be used to repair or deorbit satellites reducing orbital debris.

NASA is planning on sending an inflatable module to the International Space Station later this year. It was built by Bigelow Aerospace and will be launched in the trunk of a SpaceX resupply flight. Article: http://www.nasa.gov/content/new-expandable-addition-on-space-station-to-gather-critical-data-for-future-space-habitat/index.html So what's your opinion on inflatable habitats for space travel.

I got it down to the second...

I happened to view the NASA website at the right time. 1 day, 1 hour, 1 min, 1 sec to launch:cool: In all seriousness though, the data on magnetic reconnection this mission will provide should be very interesting.

Here's another picture from the article, apparently there are actually two white spots. It will be interesting to see what they are

I think Valentina's first mission should be to Vall

Well they say any landing you can walk away from is a good landing, and I've walked away from all my "landings" My kerbals on the other hand...