Mad Rocket Scientist

I am beginning a powered decent to duna, with the cargo lander. The worst is over now, almost time to pop the chutes: Is spun around a bunch, but then settled like this: At about this point, I realized that I had left infinite fuel on, and that 2 of my engines weren't firing, because they were "Occluded" by a fairing base I had slightly clipped into them. I cannot believe what a good job I did landing it! Normally I'm terrible at landings! Final report: Many problems, to be fixed. Lag: Possibly to much. The lag is incredible! I may end up making 2 versions, this one, and a simpler, lower part count one. What do you think, and what are you working on?

And how did you do that?! It must be witchcraft...

I have wanted radial parachute spreading for so long! +rep

What! How did you do that!?

Sorry, I don't think I'm going to have a dv problem with my NTRPP, 10,000 dv unloaded, with not all of the fuel tanks loaded. I haven't yet tried a powered landing, but I will soon.

Thanks! With any luck, there shouldn't be too many more parts, I'm going to use wings for the exterior, and I'll need some fuel tanks, but that should be it! How are people coming along now?

Great! Thank you!

My cargo lander is 536 parts and counting... At least I have the DIPS, FSPS, and SPR installed.

So can I ban commenters? Pretty please? And, does approving or disapproving blog posts do anything?

Why do I have "Inline Mod" tools on my blog?

Come to the 21st century side... Inspired by Majorjim's Altair.

Thanks! Here's some images of the semi-finished product: (Prototype model, may be subject to change.)

What I love seeing is a reference to a craft I've built, like: Or:

Thanks! I'm rebuilding the windscreen, which will add a bunch of parts. I think I'll stick with the tray, I think I like how it looks better that way. It should seat 3 kerbals, but I haven't tested that yet.

Ohh, I can't wait! Thanks, here's another picture of it: Thanks, it has 82 parts.

Just a prototype, but it needs a rebuild, right?

No, I haven't had this problem, maybe it's caused my another mod? You might try this thread: http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/75554-Exploded-ship-view-Axes-on-the-VAB-other-stuff-now-released-into-public-domain

FSPS stands for Fission Surface Power System, in other words, RTGs. It would provide all of the power for the martian base, and would be driven 1km away from the touchdown location by the DIPS power cart. For those of you interested in a detailed description of the constellation base systems, look no further: http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/373665main_NASA-SP-2009-566.pdf It includes, interestingly, a section on "Public Engagement Strategy".

So, I had this idea: Radiators are basically big panels, right? So are fairings, so if, instead of fairings being blown off of the the spacecraft, they could hinge away, only attached at the bottom, so they would have the maximum area as far away from the spacecraft as possible. What do you think of this idea? How is it not possible?

I completely understand you opinion on sim games is yours, but, as a trainz 2010 and nolimits simulator (Roller coasters), I have to say, there is something very fun in creating your own little world, and then experiencing it in a semi-realistic way.

Nice! I've been think of think of releasing a low part count apollo.

That's because I don't have one yet. Nice! I will be stealing that airbrakes as ramps trick. EDIT: Isn't that the crew engine config, and isn't the DAV on the cargo lander?

- - - Updated - - - MRS: Today I worked on my Cargo lander, mostly. First I built the frame, then I began work on the Duna crew ascent vehicle. The CAV seems to have enough delta-v to dock to the DTV, but it hasn't been tested yet. The CAV tends to catch on the Cargo lander frame, but that should be easy to fix.

Thanks! EDIT: Update on the lander: And, before you ask, it has 242 parts.

Thanks! I can't wait to see! I noticed a error in the video with the landers, after the cargo and crew modules arrive at mars, the NTRPPs separate from the modules, before they have entered orbit! This makes sense for the cargo lander, because it aerobrakes to landing, but the crew module next shows up magically in martian orbit! Does anyone know what really would have happened? Does the SPR go in the cargo, or crew lander?