michal.don

Oh, I'm so sorry, I totally missed that one.... The next time this happens to me, please, ping me after a few days, so I get back to my job Very nice video, and the planets do look great - which mod combo is that? I don't think I've seen that one before. About the mission - great payload design (I love the MMU assembly, nice touch ), and very well flown indeed. If that's really your first Jool system trip, it's a pretty impressive one. Good job! Here's your badge: And the next time it won't take me so long, I promise It's up to you, really. Both methods are OK. Looks interesting - how does that work? Is it just to increase drag/stability? Or is there something I can't see? Michal.don

Well, since I and most of the shuttle guys moved here for a while, the challenge is going a bit slow right now But I can't complain, it went just fine before DE posted this one, and will probably continue strong after we finish this one Yeah, 10t fairings seem a bit.... excessive. To be honest, I'm probably not going to bother with fairings for Duna aerobraking at all. I'm looking forward to seeing your designs in work - I have a feeling that it will be a very impressive piece of engineering Michal.don

Are you planning some kind of high-energy non-hohmann transfers? Because if my calculations are correct, your second SLV will be ready to launch some 80 days after the planets are ideally alligned. That's why I picked 31 tons as my NPM, just to get two rockets to launch for the first window.

If it's only for looks, go for it Michal.don

Alright, I'm finally up to date with the story.... Now I'm not sure if I wish I found about it much, much earlier to be there from the beginning, or much, much later to be able to read it all at once That aside, thank you again for the ride it has been, and I'm looking forward for more when it comes. Michal.don

"Kronal Vessel Viewer" mod for the payload screenshots, and AutoCAD and a lot of spare time for the rest

Almost ready to fly.... Almost.... Everything neccessary should arrive to Duna in transfer window 3, except for a bit of LS supplies every now and then. So, plenty of time to correct any screw-ups on my part.... Michal.don

Finalising the planning phase of the "Duna Outpost Mission Architecture" challenge. It got a bit out of hand.... Michal.don

One of the last pieces, the EAV (Emergency Ascent Vehicle), for the "Backup plan" achievement: Crew capacity of two, so four of these will be needed in LDO. The nuke tug is a concept I'm considering to change orbital inclinations of the EAV to be able to reach places with high latitude. Updated chart with life support needs. I'll be able to get pretty much everything to Duna in the first three transfers. In the remaining launch oportunities, I'll either expand the system to be more robust and player-friendly, or just send some "bonus" life support supplies. Or, things will go wrong and I'll be in a hassle to save the mission and crew, you never know.... MIchal.don

That would be one option.... But I decided to do this a bit differently, while ditching the nukes altogether..... A few screenshots to show what I was up to the last few days: The DALV (Duna Ascent/Landing Vehicle), which will also serve as a shuttle to Ike, and the redesigned ISRU facility. It will only go to low Ike orbit, where a second vehicle will take the fuel. This small thing will transfer full fuel tanks from LIO to LDO, and empty ones back. Two of these will be deployed to HKO, to prevent any instances of Mun blocking the signal from Duna operations The first module of KSS, which will be used as a parking lot for the "Anette" and "Betty" shuttles in LKO. And finally, a little sport car to entertain the crew on Duna. Also, I found out that while quite light-weight, my payloads tend to be a bit.... sizable. Just a few small bits left to design, so hopefully, I'll start flying the thing soon Michal.don

Glad to see this one back, good luck guys Michal.don

Thanks for the reply. I thought about the systems a bit, and I'd just like to have one (hopefully ) last question: If the primary Duna lander is capable of making it to Ike and back, is it possible to use it to complete the "Duna shuttle service" achievement? The "Backup ascent vehicle" will be a separate vessel (meaning that the crew left on Duna will have means to get to LDO while some kerbals are on their trip to Ike). Thanks! Michal.don

That's interesting, but it brings another question: Is it possible to have one vehicle serve multiple purposes? For example, the Duna surface -> LDO shuttle be used as the Backup Ascent Vehicle for the "Backup Plan" achievement? Or do I have to have three separate vehicles on the surface (The main Duna Ascent/Landing Vehicle, The Backup Ascent Vehicle, and the Sufrace/LDO shuttle for the "Duna Shuttle Service")? Thanks, Michal.don

Well, with this "droptank" arrangement, the possibilities are quite limited. But I did some math, and discovered some issues, so a complete ISRU redesign is going to take place.....

Did not have much time yesterday, so only one new piece of architecture is sort-of-designed. The ISRU rig which is going to Ike. It is able to fill the silver LF/O tank in cca 12 days, take it to DSS in LDO and come back to Ike. The DSS will then refuel the crew shuttles, the DALV and the Duna-Ike shuttle. Quite a lot of flights from Ike to LDO will be neccessary, but I don't think I can sacrifice more payload weight for the rig. Michal.don