killakrust

Here is my first attempt at the challenge using a mod (not counting the tweakscaled BFG). I used the Behemoth Aerospace Engineering Large Parts I proudly present the GTLR10 (Gosh That's a Large Rocket - 10m) Score - 69.59

Exactly. Personally, I'd prefer to keep the challenge as Stock only really. I'm sure I could hunt around and find a mod with really massive tanks and engines, then easily get a massive score. I wonder if the infernal robotics parts can be re-scaled? I could give my stubby robot some kewl arms.... "Danger Bill Kerbalson... Danger!!!"

I guess to make a point that the tweakscale mod can seriously screw with this challenge, here is another submission. But this time I have just tweakscaled the "Twin-Boar" engine part and a decoupler up to a 20m part. I'll call it the BFC (Big Fat Cheater) With 2 whole lifter parts this thing would get whopping score of 491.7 (but of course it is disqualified).

Here's one I put together. It's called the Gorgon2. Figured the best way to get a decent score was to have a big payload, so here we go... If my math is good then the score should be: 183.63 / 13 = 14.12 Edit: FYI no fuel or other resources were transferred from the payload at all, and it also only has RCS, so it could just sit around until a craft needs to dock with it. Let me know if you need a screenshot to prove it.

Here is my entry. I tried making a teeny tiny little ssto, but it's pretty difficult without lots of part clipping, and I'm not really a fan of that. So here is the WASP instead: Wasp-SSTO by killakrust on Sketchfab It weighs in at 6.6t (recon I could shave a bit more off by removing more oxidiser). It's a variation of an SSTO I designed ages ago, and was a lot easier to get into orbit prior to the new aero, so it's a bit bigger now. Because it is so light the flight profile is pretty easy; just point her to 45degrees till about 6-7km altitude, then push the nose down to 30 degrees and ride it out. Here is a video of Valentina taking it for a spin to AP 81148 / PE 79066, then returning to the KSC runway.

Forgot to record my last missions, but basically I went to Minmus's north pole with a non-returnable probe, then sent the last probe to the Mun's north pole, then realised I had enough Dv to return to Kerbin. I actually landed back on Kerbin without a chute after a few aerobreak's (to save fuel); smashed my engine but the probe and science all survived. Here is the tech tree: KSC: and most of the rocket designs I used.

Okay, so my last mission didn't go as well as I had planned. I sent Jeb to get some crew reports from Minmus. The plan was to do a high and low orbit report, then land at the equator and head north to the equator in a few jumps to the pole. Unfortunately he only made it halfway before running out of fuel. It's cool though, Jeb decided he liked the view, and has been referring to the craft as his new winter cabin. Got enough science to unlock one more node, so I guess I'll be doing at least two more missions to finish this off.

I've been having a go at the challenge over the last week or two in my spare time. I originally intended to do a dry run of the challenge, then record it proper. However, it's taken a lot longer than expected, so I'll just post this video of me going to Minmus to grab some science. I've sped it up to x16 so as not to bore you guys. I've also cut out a load of reverts (had some solar panel issues, and the darn thing kept tipping over on Minmus and I blew up a few times trying to take off again. Anyway, I've got two more missions planned that I reckon will net me enough science to finish the challenge. I'll post that up here when I'm done.

You might benefit from the Trajectories mod. It'll work in 0.90 once you have upgraded your communications and mission control. It shows you the adjusted trajectory your ship or probe will take after passing through the atmosphere. I found it perfect for Mun returns, as you could hit exactly the right altitude to kill off your speed and end up with a tidy 100km periapsis.