GoSlash27

Boolybooly, The Kraken drive exploits a weakness in the physics engine, sort of like infiniglide. The short version is this: It doesn't require any fuel to operate. The longer version: Kraken drive works by forcing a loosely connected part to attempt to be in 2 places at the same time. The physics engine sees that the part is out of place and attempts to reposition it. The K drive then immediately disconnects it again. Every time the physics engine reattaches the part, it imparts an acceleration to the entire craft. The downside is that decelerating below 750 m/sec is likely to destroy the K drive if it's active. So the way my SSTO works is fairly straightforward; use infiniglide to accelerate to roughly 1,200 m/sec in a climb, then engage the K-drive as necessary to establish orbit. Once in orbit, you can use the K-drive for unlimited DV, thus rendering "transfer windows" obsolete. You can get anywhere in the system in a matter of days by direct intercept. Hope this clears up any questions, -Slashy

What key are you using to activate it? Also, do you see the rear SAS gyro moving when it's engaged? Best, -Slashy

Here are some more recent challenges: http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/89915-Eve-SSTO-Now-with-cheaty-goodness%21 http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/85728-Ion-glider-collier-trophy%21 http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/89485-0-24-X-The-Easier-Ion-to-Orbit-Challenge http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/85196-Eve-SSTO-is-impossible%21 For the cheaty Eve challenge, I produced a practical manned ion SSTO infiniglider. It failed on Eve, but was successful on Kerbin. For the easier ion challenge, I produced a staged glider that escaped kerbin soi. It's all about the terms of the challenge. Ion to orbit has been done repeatedly. What has not yet been done is the holy grail of ions: SSTO from Kerbin, stock physics, stock parts, no glitch cheats, ion power only. I currently hold the record for that, and it ain't orbit. Best, -Slashy

So I took my groundbreaking "Ion powered SSTO" and replaced the "Ion powered" and associated gear with "Kraken powered". Behold: The Krakelicious Mk 1! http://s52.photobucket.com/user/GoSlash27/library/KSP/krakelicious I would like to submit this one for an advanced pilot precision award now, with more to follow as I document them. Being kraken powered, this ship has unlimited DV and is capable of direct flight to any SOI I choose, as well as (at least in theory) SSTO operation from any body with an atmosphere. I'm currently flying a direct mission to Eve with it (estimated total trip time 2 days). If successful, I'll post links for the proof. Thanks, -Slashy

Just under 5 hours from launch, and preparing for midcourse flip. Amazing what you can do with unlimited DV! -Slashy

Pretty vehicle! Best, -Slashy

Eve was close to CPA, so I'm going for broke. Treating it like an orbital rendezvous with a suicide brake maneuver halfway. ETA under 3 days and still accelerating.

Mission 2: To Eve. Bob took this one. Liftoff and orbit were uneventful and Bob has laid in a course for Eve intercept... Now that I have unlimited DV, I will have to relearn how to navigate...

STS had a 30 year career amassing 135 flights and put more total payload into orbit than every other launch vehicle in the world combined. Buran, OTOH, had a single unmanned test flight. Buran may or may not have been a better vehicle in practice... but it was never put into practice, so we'll never know that. Based on the record of accomplishments it's not even a contest. Best, -Slashy

Reentry & landing Reentry. Controls set to fine, reaction wheels disabled, SAS off. Turning base to initial for runway 09. Gear down. Close final on runway 09. Raise gear to park and disembark for a little EVA. Success! On to Eve... -Slashy

Phase 2: Orbital ops Preparing to "burn" prograde to establish periapsis. Orbit established. Preparing for reentry "burn".

Okay, I've got it sorted out now. Introducing the world's first conventional takeoff and landing SSTO powered by nothing at all: The Krakelicious Mk 1! Phase 1: Launch Control set to the okto 2 and controls set to light. Climb established and gear up. Set controls to full. Pitch 20* and engage SAS. Hang on! Release the Kraken! Control settles down after escaping the lower atmosphere during insertion "burn"...

Very odd: My first attempt at a glider ran without a hitch, but I haven't been able to reproduce the result since. I did something different the first time, but not sure what... -Slashy

Cool, thanks! *cracks knuckles* -Slashy

Actually, I accomplished that as well. It required infinigliding,though. The only thing that hasn't yet been accomplished is SSTO stock without infinigliding. Best, -Slashy

kerbingamer, As CavemanNinja said, this has been done several times already. Check the other Ion glider threads. Best, -Slashy

I need a kraken drive to play with. Anyone have one handy? Best, -Slashy

It's also not "engineering" -Slashy

Monthar, Snoopy's doghouse is on the leaderboard. Best, -Slashy

My (not so humble) entry for the greatest stock vertical launch SSTO in the history of ever! TR5 SS.craft I'm not going to include a huge sales pitch for this one. Once you play around with one and ponder all the things you can do with it, I'm confident that you'll see why I submitted it. No special instructions necessary Release the hounds! -Slashy

^ His craft *did* win first place in the Eve cheaty SSTO, and he didn't need a rocket boost to make it happen! -Slashy

Tsevion, Outstanding! I really can't say enough about how impressive this accomplishment is! Do you have a name for this craft? Congrats, -Slashy

Caveman, I could do that, but then it would bump me into "exhibition" class. Best, -Slashy

XP-86, Me-262, or whatever. That's not my point. The X-1 program wasn't merely about strapping a guy in a rocket and exceeding the speed of sound. It was a scientific endeavor to explore and understand the sound barrier and ultimately conquer it. It was by it's very definition groundbreaking. Best, -Slashy