AeroQC

So a perfect orbit at maximum altitude within Kerbin's SOI would yield a scoring equation such as this: Payload Mass*84,159 Kerbin's SOI: 84,159,286 m = 84,159 Km Since none of the traditional payloads are valid (Fuels and Oxidizers) what are we supposed to send up? Empty tanks? Science equipment? Seems kind of pointless, since they don't weigh much at all and will just add a whole lot of bulk. I think if fuel is going to be used as a payload, it shouldn't be used to propel the rocket, just cut off the access before launching.

Update: Waypoint Alpha reached heading for Waypoint Beta Alpha has come and gone, gonna need a refuel. Well *****, I lost my back radial, things just got real, I guess now is a good time to stop and refuel. And then this happens literally seconds after... RIP Jonke Kerman, you shall be remembered... Or not. Time to restart, since I forgot to quicksave at the waypoint. I'll make a point of changing the pilot though, for story sake.

After much deliberation and preparation, my hydrofoil circumnavigation is now underway! First off a presentation of my route: It's exactly the same as Spacek531's route, except without the refuelling stations dotted all along the way. The Start/Finish Line First waypoint Second Third Fourth Fifth Last Now about the whole refuelling station thing? Yeah there aren't any. Whenever I need some fuel I'll just call in ordnance, because I can. With this: the Intecontinental Ballistic Refuelling Missile a.k.a. IBRM. Complete with a 300 unit jet fuel payload and an Advanced Grabber Unit for easy docking and fuel transfer (yes, somehow the AGU can transfer fuel, but hey it's to my benefit). Last, but certainly not least, the star of the whole sh-bang: The Hydra-L, perfectly fit for adequate land travel and superb "flight" over water. Top Speed: 150 m/s (291.5 knots) Fuel Capacity: 300 units Crew Capacity: 1 Kerbal (with IVA view) Here it is in the water. At rest. IVA In Motion I'll post an update whenever I reach a waypoint or when I need refueling or if something funny happens, because it's KSP. Kraken-speed Jonke Kerman, I hope you packed an extra helping of patience.

Update: Currently refining the hydrofoil, for lighter and faster travel.

Could I try this challenge with a hydrofoil? I don't see anywhere in the rules that the vehicle has to fly, just that it has to circumnavigate Kerbin and return to KSC without any outside help. Here's my craft if it where to be valid: http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2014/117/b/d/ksp_hydrofoil_by_aeroqc-d7g6b68.png

Would a Hydrofoil entry be accepted? Granted, my craft's top speed is 92.1 m/s so it would take a while, but regardless would it be viable for the leaderboard? It's completely stock. Here's a link: http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2014/117/b/d/ksp_hydrofoil_by_aeroqc-d7g6b68.png

Build a boat that can get to the second runway and back to KSC, fastest mission time wins. Rules: 1. Maximum part count of 30 parts 2. No air breathing engines 3. No external seats 4. Everything you start with must still be attached when you finish (no staging to ditch excess weight) 5. You must plant a flag on the dirt runway Good Luck

Decided to switch the configuration of the engines, one aerospike and two jet engines (despite my fear of spin-outs in the upper atmosphere). Achieved a faster lift-off, always a bonus.

Decided to take up the challenge, despite all my previous efforts for a regular SSTO spaceplane. Yet I managed to get a stable low Kerbin orbit, VTOL and all. The design is inspired by the Shryke that's been going around, but I like that I can land the spacecraft as a plane in atmosphere. I find that my launch procedure is quite awesome from atmospheric landing. A view of my orbital path and re-entry. Landing procedure in atmosphere. This is a VTOL, theoretically I could do a vertical landing, but that is best achieved when I have fuel to spare. I basically need a refuel once in orbit, or maybe a docking attachment for interplanetary travel.

Greetings to you guys. Challenge ideas for you, I have: -Build a kerballed rover that can hover on low-gravity bodies like Mun, Minmus or Gilly (no going into orbit) and circumnavigate a crater of your choice, fastest time MET wins. Rules: Plant a flag where you start in order to easily determine time. Movement around the crater is only permitted if the craft does not touch the surface. The craft must not leave the surface more than 20 meters (or shadow of the craft must always be in view). Bonus for using the EVA seat. Quicksaves not permitted after starting a lap. -Build a carrier with a kerballed glider attached, achieve a 15000 m altitude and at least 20000 m distance from KSC, then detach and glide back to the runway at KSC. Rules: Only the Carrier may have engines. The glider must use the EVA seat. Quicksaves only permitted after reaching 15000 m altitude and 20000 m distance from KSC. Quicksaves not permitted during the glide to KSC. Bonus points if your glider can achieve a loop or an aileron roll. First to land back on the runway wins.