grynspan

Went through a few design iterations on the Mun before heading for Duna to investigate the southern ice cap. 100% stock parts.

After this shot was taken, Jeb took off from Duna. Turns out I had a lot of extra fuel, so Jeb landed on and took a stroll on Ike while waiting for Bill and Bob to get there in the return craft.

Been listening to John Hodgman's latest audiobook. It's in my braaaaain.

Jeb looks on as the sun disappears behind Ike. "Must be Ragnarok," he thinks to himself. "I always liked Ragnarok."

Every body has a different set of requirements. No one lander design will be optimal for all of them.

The aerospikes would give you higher thrust but would burn through the fuel more quickly (I believe?) Atmospheric drag would end up killing any benefit.

The whole thing is the ascent AND descent module. You don't burn any fuel on descent, and rely on parachutes.

Pictshurs: http://imgur.com/a/Q4zOE/ This lander is capable of reaching the surface of a celestial body with an atmosphere. It is then capable of ascending to orbit around any such body with the exception of Eve (due to excessive drag.) The lower stages are not included; only the lander is. Once in orbit around a body, you will want a second ship to rendezvous with the C.L.A.M. and ferry its kerbstronaut back home (think Apollo.)

Thanks! The best missions are the ones where something actually goes right.

They're currently on Eve right now. Gallery is on hold while I figure out how to get enough fuel to them to get them off Eve.

It was dumb luck, really. Saved me a huge amount of fuel.

Sent three kerbstronauts to Jool, landed one on Laythe, and returned them all to Kerbin, with far less fuel than I was expecting to need. Yay for gravity assists! Photo Gallery

Depends what I'm trying to accomplish. For a new rocket/system, I'll test stages. 1) Ensure my new rocket can get to Kerbin orbit. 2) Ensure it has enough fuel to transfer to its destination. 3) Ensure it can get back. 4) Actually land it, if applicable.

Oh, the pain!

You really don't need much to get to another planet. Returning from it, however, takes a fair bit more effort, so I had to design all-new ships for that (see my newer thread.)