Chequers

Then it'd get past the OBC committee. So long as the manoeuvre is planned and carried out by the pilot, then I see this as no different to using a manoeuvre node to plan a circularisation burn.

Welcome to Orbit Boot Camp - glad you're enjoying the challenge! Science Experiments do count as parts: So if you're going for the Silver Claw and Pearl Escutcheon (for conducting the four science experiments), then that will add 4 parts to your count. If you're going for the 1st Class Insignia, then you'll need to carefully choose which adornments you are going for! While doing all the science experiments gets you two adornments, you might struggle to get some of the more 'simple' adornments, like part count or launch cost below 5k. Looking forward to seeing your entry! Remember, you're more than welcome to submit multiple entries, so even if your first doesn't get you on the 1st Class Register, if you complete the base challenge of 'Orbit and back for less than 5,000 mission cost', then you'll be added to the Honour Roll, awarded the Kerbin Crescent, and can use the badge in your signature.

@CBase It probably wasn’t well thought out enough, for the reasons you’ve mentioned. When I say efficiency, I mean trying to complete the challenge with the tightest margin. But as you say, that’s actually hard to calculate in this engine, as the delta-v calculation as affected by so many things. Many of which can be used to confuse KSP Good idea about how to reposition this though - I think we’re closing in on a replacement.

I’m with you @Klapaucius and I included the same rule, but it gets a bit subjective. One persons exploit is another’s understanding of the game engine. The original intent of the lowest dV adornment was to promote efficiency - not game the way it’s calculated. But that’s just the way it goes. @mystifeid, you’re right - I think it’s run it’s course. Ill replace the Gold Florettes with a different challenge - perhaps ‘Highest Apoapsis’

@mystifeid - it would appear this particular challenge has been broken: it might be time to replace that particular adornment with one less game-able. I'm open to suggestions.

Having never installed a mod for KSP, I don't know how much it helps with your re-entry. Looking at it though, it seems to just give more information about your landing trajectory, but doesn't actually do anything for you - is that correct? I'm happy to take your word on whether you feel it's enabling you to do something you couldn't do without it - or whether it's giving you an advantage over modless entries, but if you disabled it, then that'd remove all grey-area.

Well done on your entry, @CBase, but unfortunately, as @mystifeid mentions, MechJeb would be classed as a 'performance enhancing mod' - and after an embarrassing scandal at last year's International Orbital Engineers championships, the OBC committee have outlawed it. Are you able to complete your mission without it?

My humble apologies for not noticing the temperature reading - and confusing your recovered costs for your final mission cost. You are absolutely awarded the Silver Claw (with Kelvin Ribbon) for your temperature experiment; I've updated your entry, and its cost, on the Honour Roll. Regarding the highest delta-v; - yes, you're absolutely right, and I believe that's why I didn't have that unique adornment originally: thanks for reminding me! I like your suggestion: I've amended it to 'Highest dV remaining in orbit'. You still currently hold this unique adornment; with 934 m/s remaining once orbit had been achieved. Thanks for taking part!

Ah, what an honour! I was going to call it Luncheon Ledge, in honour of Jebediah and the prawn mayonnaise sandwich he delightfully consumed whilst dwelling on the meaning of Kerbal-kind. But if you'd prefer something suggestive of an Eyrie, then perhaps 'Erudite's Eyrie' - as in, to be erudite: having or showing knowledge that is gained by studying - as this spot marks a wonderful place to survey Kamp David, and ponder the beauty of Kerbin. It is a spot that tempts one to flirt with all manner of philosophy.

-72-

Congratulations @CBase on passing out of Orbit Boot Camp with your aptly named rocket, 'Fatty I'; a well utilised knowledge of the fuel-filled adaptor, which I don't believe has been done before in OBC. Thank you for your screenshot mission report - you certainly get the quirked eyebrow of approval from the OBC Committee for bringing your craft safely back to the tarmac. You are awarded the Kerbin Crescent, adorned with Zircon Chevron, Amber Leaves and Crossed Swords. You are also the first to claim one of the new unique adornments - the Opal Festoon, for setting the benchmark for the highest d/v vessel. --- @bayesian_acolyte, thank you for going into more detail about how you pilot Nervous Energy 4. Demonstrating that this challenge isn't simply about building a low-cost vessel - but having the knowledge and skill to pilot it to orbit and back.

Today, I took pleasure in the simple act of a sunset flight from the KSC to the nearby mountain range and back again in time for supper. Taking a break from trying to fling ships millions of miles away, reminds me just how massive space is.

The call of adventure and challenge was incessent, and so I was compelled to answer. The previous expedition to Kamp David revealed a tantalising luncheon spot - a plateau just beyond the ridge. The 'Talon' was too heavy and fast a bird to set down on such a narrow wedge of land. And so Jebediah made the return in the AP-I 'Rapscallion' - designed for just such a feat. And the views were suitably magnificent. Photographs

Update Now we have a fairly robust list of 'additional adornments' for challengers to collect, I've been thinking about some more unique adornments for those wanting to compete. Two new unique adornments have been added: Opal Festoon - Highest DeltaV (atmo) at Launchpad Cobalt Stripe - Heaviest Payload Delivered (some restrictions apply. See OP) The Kerbin Crescent Adornments image has been updated. For fairness, these will be applied to new entries, rather than retroactively. Good luck!

You can use it however you like!

I've made it have a transparent background, if that tickles your fancy. Unless you were asking generally... in which case... 'pretty good, I guess.' Regarding your latest entry, congratulations on what I agree is a ludicrous submission! But ludicrous or not, it shaves off the 1m/s of dV needed to reclaim the Gold Florettes! Well done!

Update I've updated the image of the Kerbin Crescent on the OP with some of the more recent adornments, including the Pearl Escutcheon and 1st Class Insignia, for those that want to know what these look like 'in the flesh'.

@Klapaucius, congratulations on launching a low-cost vessel that is able to deploy not one, but two satellites into Kerbin orbit! It does make me consider whether delivering a payload into orbit might warrant an additional adornment; I shall take it to the OBC committee for consideration. Thank you for submitting your screenshot mission report. This flight is awarded the Zircon Chevron. --- @TheFlyingKerman - well done on improving the design of your vessel, to produce what I assume has been named 'Slowfish 2'? I particularly enjoy the angle launch trajectory - a good use of the launch clamp! It is awarded the Zircon Chevron and reclaims the Gold Florettes for your effort. --- @mystifeid, thank you for your latest entry, 'Bootcamp Duo', and for providing a video of your mission report - it was highly enjoyable to watch - particularly the double-SRB lifting stage, and pinpoint landing! This mission does indeed award you the Silver Claw (with full ribbon complement), Pearl Escutcheon, Onyx Eyes, Crossed Swords and Vermilion Heart. For achieving at least 5 additional adornments, you are awarded the 1st Class Insignia, and your name and vessel will be recorded on the 1st Class Register. Congratulations. --- I don't disagree with you - it is certainly about ensuring everyone can get involved. Regarding DLC parts, I don't know enough about them to know whether it would unfairly unbalance this challenge. I don't own the DLCs (not because I don't want to, but because I wanted to get a handle on the base game first. I don't use mods for the same reason). From a quick look at the DLC parts list, it doesn't feel as though any parts are simply 'better' versions of others. They are balanced with cost etc. I'm happy to defer to greater wisdom, but for now, I think keeping DLC is off limits just ensures the most even of playing fields.

My sincerest gratitude for your most gracious welcome; I count it the highest honour to be considered among this most prestigious of organisations, and hope my contributions uphold the legacy of this esteemed institution of brave and intrepid explorers. And furthermore, my heartfelt apology for disclosing the secret of the monolith at Kamp David - if indeed, it was to remain a surprise to visitors. I could scarce contain my excitement; it was indeed the first I had encountered 'in the wild'.

Well done @mystifeid on improving the design of 'RUsureaboutthis', to shave more off the delta-v cost. And also good sportsmanship in acknowledging that @TheFlyingKerman did indeed achieve a lower dV number than your craft in their latest entry, and thus did claim the Gold Florettes. That said, your latest entry achieves the Amber Leaves, and reclaims the Gold Florettes. TheFlyingKerman, your entry on the Honour Roll has been updated to reflect that you did achieve the Gold Florettes with 'Slowfish 1'.

Kicking Jeb out of the plane at 20,000m did the trick.

@TheFlyingKerman, well done on your low cost, low tech, low dV entry with 'Slowfish 1'. As mentioned, the lowest dV adornment is just one aspect of this multi-faceted challenge. While it ties with mystifeids entry for the Gold Florettes, only one person can hold a unique adornment at a time - and so you must beat that score to claim it. However, you are awarded the Zircon Chevron, Amber Leaves and Onyx Eyes for this mission. --- I wondered this too. It happens because the manoeuvre was made whilst still in the atmosphere (usually while coasting towards apoapsis above 70km), and it takes that into account when calculating the dV requirement. Once you leave the atmosphere, it recalculates the cost. Looking at old orbit tutorials, I believe you had to manually 'fire' your engines for a second so that the planner would know the efficiency of your engine - I think it does this automatically now as you pass through 70km, as I've never had this issue. --- I hadn't though to disallow it - the cost seems prohibitive for this challenge.

Whilst on a mission to conduct some atmospheric flight readings, Jebediah uploaded a mission progress report, including images of a rather interesting mountain formation. 'Zounds!' I exclaimed, for I immediately recognised the topography, 'that simply has to be Kamp David, in the Molar Valley, first documented by the honourable @Hotel26, of the Kayak Club!' I immediately ordered Jebediah to set down, deciding it was against our interests to advise him of the previous casualties of other Kerbals who had attempted the landing. As expected, the landing was hazardous; a small plateau just beyond the ridge would make a fine landing platform for a smaller vessel, but Jebediah had to land the SP-IV 'Talon' within the valley proper. While exploring the beautiful surroundings, he spotted a strange object a short distance from the landing site... and on approach, was delighted to discover a Squad Monolith; no doubt in memorium to the brave Kerbals who were not so lucky to walk away from a landing among the mountains. Jebediah marked the spot with a flag, before returning to the Talon for the flight home. As an aside, looking at previous screenshots of this location, I applaud the developers for making Kerbin look so beautiful with the latest 1.9 update. I didn't play before this update, but I certainly appreciate the improved visuals! Photographs

@mystifeid, now that's what I call cutting it close! Well done on your entry, with the most precise of margins to allow your brave Kerbal to return safely from orbit. Thank you for your video mission report. Critics are calling it 'the nail-biting, white-knuckle thrill ride of the year.' One member of the OBC committee remarked, 'I should only have paid half-price for this seat, because I'm only using the edge of it!' You are awarded Amber Leaves, and reclaim the Gold Florettes.

Welcome @CR7Matty, what might have happened, is you will have gotten an advance for accepting the contract, and then a further amount for completing each component of the mission, and then a final amount for completing the contract itself. I sometimes forget that you get some money upfront for actually accepting the contract in the first place. Reputation itself doesn't give you funds though.