Maybeso83

My original plan was for 100 m segments, which don't fit in the VAB so I used "flying girders" to duplicate 3 outer connections when the center is connected. Reduced that to 50 m; here's two segments connected in orbit, with around 2k extra fuel in that final lifter stage (and waaay too much rcs). Two 3-symmetry segments Next version has 5 connection points. Another two segments in orbit, again with over 1.5k fuel left over. I'll get it eventually. Two 4-symmetry segments Third version - turns out the structural fuselage is the same mass as two struts. Here's a 50 m segment plus lifter on the pad. I extended the arms because of the diameter. I'm thinking about connecting two or three, transferring last stage fuel to the upper one and using that to get to the mun ... One 4-symmetry segment plus Lifter -Maybeso83

The key factor so far is that my modules are 50 m pillars, so my lifter is attached radially in 3 or 4 pieces (based on symmetry) to put CoM just above 25 m for arrow-stability. Version 1 was 3-way and easy to tweak stages but I still ended up with enough dV to get to the mun. Version 2 was 4-way, tough to tweak but my excess was much lower. I'd like to continue this somewhere with pictures ... the "show us your stations" thread or where? Maybeso83

Thanks for all the great answers. I'll send the first sandbox test in pieces. Then for the real thing I'll assemble in LKO only if I suck at orbital rendezvous. I'll try to put together progress pics or a vid for the space station thread - I figure it will succeed or fail spectacularly so ... Maybeso83 FYI: A 4.86 km equatorial orbit around the mun is too low ...

I'm designing a ridiculously large mun orbital station*. Since the modules are mostly the same size/mass, I'm planning on using the same lifter to get them all into LKO. And then another lifter to send them to mun orbit. Are there any advantages to putting it together in LKO and then sloooowly moving it to the mun? Other than some epic visuals perhaps? - I am already joining pairs in LKO to verify alignments, clearances, etc. and I want to avoid mun rendezvous if they're harder than Kerbin. Maybeso83 *It's a test of a sky hook. I suspect with a 1 km arm I can't spin it fast enough to get the tip stationary near the surface. Assuming I can solve the persistent rotation thing. Plan B is minmus, or a spinning secondary arm ...