Spaceplanes.

[Space_Wyvern]

Let`s talk about spaceplanes.But not the SSTO or STS kind.

More like this:

The esa`s hermes.

or,this:

 

The Roscosmo`s Klipper.

 

Are they useful?

Capsules are better?Why?

Does ksp have a good suport on making this kind of spacecraft?

There`s a mod on this subject?

Will we see a spaceplane like this in our lifetimes?

What company/country will build one first?

 

Let`s discuss.Be friendly. 

[KerikBalm]

"Are they useful?"

If you want to bring something up there back down here, then sure.

If you want a reusable upper stage, then sure.

If you want to more precisely control where you land

"Capsules are better?Why?"

Simpler with less mass, making the whole thing much cheaper

"Does ksp have a good suport on making this kind of spacecraft?"

Yes, just add wings to your upper stage, use a fairing or large fins on the lower stages to keep it stable.

Also consider using mk2 fusalages, they are lifting bodies.

"There`s a mod on this subject?"

Not specifically, but as stated, you can do that in stock.

"Will we see a spaceplane like this in our lifetimes?"

The X-37. Were you not alive for the space shuttle?

"What company/country will build one first?"

The US already built the space shuttle and X-37

Russia built the Buran.

Edited March 12, 2016 by KerikBalm

[Evanitis]

I love to use spaceplanes for re-entry in early career before I can build proper SSTOs. Notice the verb 'love' - it's not a choice of efficiency, precision or anything. I don't think it's cheaper and part-count is bigger unless I don't include gears and aim for ocean-landings.

I use low-tech spaceplanes because controlled gliding re-rentry is really fun. I also like the added difficulty of launching. Having a winged something on top of a rocket isn't really an option, and the solutions for having the payload on the bottom of the rockets are interesting.

Lemme drop my most efficient design here, the Eight-Pack.

It takes 8 tourists (+pilot) to orbit (and back) with 29 parts. I'm working on a version that can also do rescues - this one is a free spirit that does backflips on the way up, resulting in highly inclined orbits.

[superstrijder15]

To go with evanitis, my first orbiters usually have some srb's and one long core, the whole core returns, with double fins that can get it down to like 30 m/s before releasing my chutes, which is hilarious.

[Evanitis]

5 minutes ago, superstrijder15 said:

that can get it down to like 30 m/s before releasing my chutes, which is hilarious.

Just a note in case you want to save some parts/funds - 30m/s is enough to safely splashdown kinda' anything into the ocean. Hell, even 50-60 m/s is.

[superstrijder15]

Just now, Evanitis said:

Just a note in case you want to save some parts/funds - 30m/s is enough to safely splashdown kinda' anything into the ocean. Hell, even 50-60 m/s is.

But my accuracy is horrible, so a got no idea where I wil land, even with mechjeb and trajectories helping me.

[tranenturm]

I find early career space planes easier to use longer reentry vehicles. Attacking the mk1 crew compartment to the mk1 pod without excessive SAS units will result in the craft flipping over and then burning up. 

Attaching a pair of wings and then setting pariapsis to 45k allows reentry with no heat shield and hence a long reentry vehicle. Too steep and it will burn up. But enough time in the upper atmosphere and it will be fine. It's my first or second rescue vehicle.