robotroadkill

Back in the day I made my own KSP rocket based on an Estes model. (See here: http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/showthread.php/120-Kerbal-Space-Program-Fanart?p=19466&viewfull=1#post19466) I used the in-game textures printed out on sticky labels for "paint," and they're now horribly out of date. Even the (poorly) carved balsa wood command module isn't recognizable as a part of the game anymore, but it still flies, and that's the important thing. Anyway, I finally got around to taking a video of it being launched. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFg5rqsEXEg&feature=youtu.be My wife took the video and stopped recording when she lost sight of it, but the little sucker goes pretty high.

Their small population size is probably limited by the low biodiversity on their planet.

I spent a minute looking for the 'like' button. Too much time on facebook I guess.

Welcome to KSP! Is your forum name a joke or unintentional irony?

Yeah but... ummm... Damn you and your facts!

That is awesome! ...although the red baron flew a triplane Make it happen!

I received the 'Thank you for your donation' email on Aug 12th, but nothing since. Please send a pre-order confirmation. Thanks! EDIT: Got the confirmation Thanks so much!

Launch in a wide open area, have friends around to help keep an eye on things, and some luck.

Haha, that happened even though I used the proper engines. Actually, it went up about 800 feet, then tipped over about 90 degrees and flew horizontally away from us for the rest of the burn. the nose cone popped off, but I didn't wrap the streamers tight enough so they jammed and weren't ejected. From far away it looked like it was coming down like a missile. Amazingly the end of the tube was only slightly damaged, I found all the parts, and it'll see a second launch.

That's one detail I'm hoping not to have replicated. Not at first, anyway.

IRL KSP! I give you my first (and probably only) real-life Kerbal-inspired Estes mod, HarvesteR I. This is based off of this rocket I chose the mini max because the nose-cone is made of balsa and could be carved to make the command module. Please note I have no proper carving tools or skills, just an exacto knife and some sandpaper. The fins had to be slightly modified and they're still too big, but I'd rather have a stable flight than an exact kerbal replica. The 'paint' job was done by printing texture maps onto adhesive shipping labels. Finally, if anyone's curious, the rockets in the back are the comanche (orange one) and the patriot missile (with custom fins and retro paint job (both are Estes kits).

Evolutionary biologist, pretty solidly in the middle of my PhD studies/research.

Thanks for the info, you two!

This is the shuttle you should not use http://www.kerbalspacerepository.com/?s=orbiter It looks very nice, but isn't a challenge to deal with.

The challenge is to haul up ONE space shuttle and release it in orbit with the ability for command module AND shuttle crew to deorbit. (obviously you can't control the shuttle once you've let go. RULES: 1.Only stock parts (except the orbiter) 2.Orbiter must be 'decoshuttle v 0.3' available here --> http://kerbalspaceprogram.com/forum/index.php?topic=808.0 (the other shuttle out there has barely any mass or drag) 2a. only one shuttle may be used on a rocket. 3.Occupants of both the shuttle AND the command module must have a way to de-orbit. (the orbiter is an SRB. Release it without igniting it) 3a. Show an image mousing over the shuttle (highlighting it and its corresponding icon) to show that it has not been fired. 4. as long as the shuttle is released while the command module is in a stable orbit, the shuttle is considered to be in orbit. (Decouplers may propel the shuttle away so that you cannot observe it throughout the course of a full orbit. 5. Post picture of rocket on launch pad, highlighted shuttle in orbit (with SRB icon visible and un-fired), and end-mission screen. 6. fewer parts = better. Style points for circular orbit, return to launch pad, maintain visual with shuttle for a whole orbit, etc. Here is my attempt, in a very eccentric orbit. The failure is in that I don't have the fuel for a retro-burn to get the command module back. It isn't a very hard challenge, but I blocked out some details on my orbiting rig and won't show the whole rocket at the launch pad just so people are inspired to be more creative. Winner gets my admiration.