Eve Jr

[Hotel26]

A KSP challenge to demonstrate an operational SSTAP and interceptor operating between LKO and the KSC Space Center.

 

Definition: an SSTAP is a Single-Stage To APoapsis vehicle.

 

Mission Elements:

• Both an SSTAP and a STRIKE Interceptor are docked to a space station in LKO and fully-fueled from the space station fuel reserves.
• The SSTAP loads 3 krew minimum. Then, under its own power, deorbits and makes a precision landing on the KSC Green.
• A fuel truck refuels the SSTAP.  Krew is exchanged with surface personnel.  "Science" [TBD] is loaded into storage on the SSTAP.
• Use of robotics for re-positioning the SSTAP for launch is NOT permitted.
• The SSTAP relaunches to an apoapsis in space, as the orbiting STRIKE approaches, with the intention of rendez-vous.
• The SSTAP may not raise its periapsis above 0 km; may not maneuver leaving the atmosphere or after ECO in space, whichever comes later; and may not relight engines once in space^[1].
• STRIKE maneuvers to execute the intercept and dock. Then circularizes both itself and the SSTAP using only its own engines but any fuel remaining onboard.
• STRIKE/SSTAP need not redock with the space station but will be assumed capable of doing so, fuel permitting, since it can dock with the SSTAP.
• The SSTAP must be intact and fully reusable: no shed/damaged parts.

[1] use of trickle power to defeat the intention of the rules will be regarded with grim disfavor.

 

Objective Metrics:

• The SSTAP must land within 1 km of the surface fuel truck. Kudos for closest distance.
• Key metric is "successful interception of the SSTAP with lowest maximum PE at final ECO"

 

Evidentiary Metrics:

• photo on the Green with a distance measurement to the fuel truck (or vice versa) would be helpful
• STRIKE/SSTAP docked in space just after docking, with resources open plus altitude/speed would be nice
• nothing onerous; just whatever you think tells the story; remember that this is a design challenge, not a flying challenge -- and the point of it is "transfer of knowledge".  Therefore:
• in the case of a dispute, you should be prepared upon request to post your craft and to carefully describe the maneuvers/techniques you used to succeed

 

"This is not about Eve and neither is it a challenge", discuss amongst yourselves!

 

Edited April 26, 2022 by Hotel26

[Hotel26]

Challenge Rationale:

(According to the (old fogeys) at KSC Mission Command:)

• The only justifiable exports from Eve are Kerbals and, possibly, Science.  Science may be transmitted, so even that is dubious.
• For much of its history, Eve has held the status of "prison colony" and the vast majority of visitors to the planet likely traveled there on a lifetime one-way visa.
• Mission Command believes that an SSTAP vehicle, capable of transporting a small number of Kerbals to low Eve orbit is the snazziest way to open up round-trip travel.
• Space navigation expertise will be honed.

Therefore, we start with a warm-up exercise on Kerbin, but keeping an eye on the coming(?) Eve Sr challenge.  "We can do this, Space Cadets!"

For the interception, time is of the essence.  Therefore, the SSTAP boosts its AP into space and, thereafter, coasts, leaving the STRIKE interceptor to perform the rest.

The SSTAP will be aiming:

1. to get to space
2. spend the longest time possible in space (before re-entry)
3. have the fastest orbital speed (horizontal component)

This will maximize feasibility of interception.

To be meaningful, it will do this with the least effort, measured by lower PE.  This may seem counter-intuitive but it represents The Eve Test.

"We at Mission Command know there are other ways to attempt to 'solve' this conundrum, such as robotics (ptuh), propellers (ptuh), hot-air balloons (ptooie), but we are old-fashioned about the Good Old Way: Rocketry."

Questions/issues are welcome.

Edited April 21, 2022 by Hotel26

[Hotel26]

[Reserved for a leader board, "Crème de la crème": COMING]

Topic is NOW OPEN.  Thank you for your patience.

Edited April 21, 2022 by Hotel26

[Maria Sirona]

What does STRIKE stand for

[Hotel26]

6 hours ago, Maria Sirona said:

What does STRIKE stand for

That's a great question and I'm embarrassed to say I don't have an answer! 

"Orbit like a butterfly; STRIKE like a bee!"?

[Hotel26]

Eve Jr Challenge Update

• "The SSTAP loads 4 krew".  This has been amended to "3 krew minimum".
• I can now confirm one (1) definite entry in this challenge.  I understand that vehicles are "on the drawing boards".
• I am certain there will be a 'mental gestation' period by prospective entrants before things get underway in earnest.
• Please stay tuned.

Edited April 26, 2022 by Hotel26