StormKat

Construction is complete. Now I just need to add the fuel to the center section.

I've got it and use it all the time. I was just wondering if there wasn't a stock solution. Hoy, I may try that as well. Thanks everyone!

So many good ideas! I did confirm that the micronode works.

That's the same as the two clamp-o-trons. They work two ways. My Hex Station is what started all this. I got two of my arms backwards. The in-line clamp-o-trons point inward instead of outward.

Only one actually is docked. The other connects on magnetic attraction alone. I use the technique often on my stations. For example --

This looks promising. Finally a use for the micronode.

I want to make a fool proof connection that guarantees the attached part is connected a certain way. Two clamp-o-trons would allow me to connect the module two ways. 0 degrees and 180 degrees.

I have built a ton of stations and I am pretty good at docking. I have used single docking ports and multiple docking ports. The docking port alignment mod is fantastic for getting those critical angles just right. But... Has anyone done anything like a keyed docking port? A modified docking port that will only dock at one angle? Or maybe something with a Docking port with a Jr. Docking port just above it? I can't seem to get the vertical alignment right because of the different thicknesses of the ports. The Jr. sits higher. Can anyone shed some light on this for me?

Mine isn't modular, but it's simple and pretty easy to land. It has the bonus of ejecting the landing pods once it's on the ground.

I have used them in a couple of space stations.

I bet it gobbles fuel.

How about something like this? It's the biggest ring I have ever built and it all went up on a single launch! The core is ready for fuel modules and living quarters.

For example, right now you can get a contract that wants you to test a part in orbit at a minimum altitude of 90,000m and a maximum altitude of 110,000m. What if you could go into the Tracking Station or the Launch Complex and file a flight plan to go to Jool. A series of contract-like milestones show up: Reach Kerbin orbit at an <height> altitude by <date> date. Reach escape trajectory by <date> date. (this is where I get fuzzy) Reach Jool orbit at an <height> altitude by <date> date. After each milestone, a maneuver node is created for the next milestone. As long as your reach all the milestones in order, you've just made it to Jool!

It took me almost an hour to figure it out. Here's what you do -- Sign up for a free Imgur account and add all your images. Then create an album and add your images to the album. There is a link at the top of the album page called "Embed album" or something similar. Click that and it will give you a link. You only need the group of random characters after the "slash" a "slash". (For my album it was "SPXmC") Lastly, when you create a post here, use the IMGUR tags and put that embed code between them. http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/misc.php?do=bbcode#imgur TA DA! That should do it. Thanks for posting this challenge, Norcalplanner! It's been a very long time since I stayed up until 4AM playing a game.

What if there was some way to file a flight plan before launch? It could then use the contract modules for the different milestones needed.

I have updated my image album. I took screenshots of both launches on the pad and pasted in the info screen from the map.

I'll get this posted later tonight.

This is my first time attempting a challenge... here goes nothing. This is Challenger Station. 180 parts, 61 tons, 5 Kerbals, 20 Kerbal maximum capacity Mission time: 2y, 391d, 4h, 22m It took two launches. One for the core and another for the tanker - Core cost: 618593 Tanker cost: 190343 The only mod used was the Docking Port Alignment. It's in an orbit around Jool at 15million km by 2million km. Scoring: 6100 +100 per ton in orbit around the chosen celestial body, including any dedicated craft docked to the station (tugs, landers, miners, shuttles, etc.) -2308 -2 per ton on the launch pad or runway (all launches combined) 500 +100 per Kerbal on the station 3200 +200 per comfortable seat of station capacity (Hitchhikers, Cupolas, OKS Habitation, or similar - pods, cans, and cockpits do not count as comfortable seats) 500 +500 if a manned science lab is included 0 +500 if Snacks are provided 0 +1,000 if TAC-LS or other more complex life support mod is used 0 +1,000 if the station has dedicated lander(s) or shuttle(s) that can take at least two Kerbals down to the surface simultaneously, and then return to the station 0 +1,000 if all Kerbals on board can make it back safely to the surface of Kerbin without a dedicated rescue craft being dispatched from Kerbin (dedicated lander(s) or shuttle(s), escape pods, or the capability for the entire station to make it back to the surface of Kerbin and have all Kerbals survive the landing) 0 +2,000 if the station and dedicated craft have the ability to mine/harvest/generate new fuel 0 +3,000 if the station and dedicated craft are fully self-sufficient for both fuel and life support, and don’t need resupply from Kerbin for 50+ years Subtotal: 7492 Scoring Multiplier: Jool and its moons - x3 Total: 22467 Maybe I got it all correctly listed.

Put it above 120k Kerbin. You get an extra warp level above 120k.

You should check out this thread for design ideas and inspiration: http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/22251-Showcase-SPACE-STATIONS!-Post-your-pictures-here

Took my cargo bay station core to the next level

Gorgeous. Simply gorgeous...

The packed modules don't have RCS. The tugs are more than capable of wrestling them into place.

Sippyfrog got it! I put two remote drone tugs just for balance. Normally, I just use one to do the work. Would you like the craft file?

NavyFish's Docking Alignment http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/43901-0-23-5-Docking-Port-Alignment-Indicator-%28Version-4-0-Updated-06-29-14%29 It's almost a necessity when building stations.