scottadges

Next part of my Elkano Challenge: Minmus is done. The Mk1A Rover is orbiting Minmus at a stable 12Km orbit and ready to begin the journey! I updated My First Elkano Challenge mission report with screenshots of the launch and Minmus transfer.

I think that would be fine. If you wanted to post a quick screenshot of your craft, that would give some context? But I don't think you have to limit yourself to only the Sr. Docking port. Also, since its an escape pod, you may not even need two docking ports. For example, I put the small 2-Kerbal Lander Can Escape Pod on KSS-1 which only had a standard size docking port.

LAUNCH & TRANSFER TO MINMUS: The launch of the Mk1A is complete with the Drop Carrier (Disposable) sitting comfortably in orbit around Minmus! Actually got there with fuel remaining in the Transfer Stage. I'll keep that attached to change inclination so the craft is on a perfect equatorial orbit. Time to prep for the Drop Carrier descent. Captured a few nice screenshots along the way: Check out the step-by-step of the Launch here: Behind-the-scenes building out the Launch Stage:

Thanks, no worries. Just go ahead and put your name back on the Waiting List document when you'd like another go. If @HerrCrazi is OK with it, you can take the next turn. @JK_Kerbineer what were you thinking of adding to KSS--1? Looking forward to your escape pod (I re-read the Waiting List doc) I'll update the Save File from Turn 60 on the Google Drive. UPDATE: The latest save has been uploaded: "Kommunity Space Station Jhorriga Scottadges TURN 61.zip" This combines Turn 60 and Turn 61. I added @Jhorriga's "Crew Arrow Mk3" craft in the SPH, but this save doesn't have that in orbit.

I saw your notes in the Waiting List doc, thanks that helps with communication! To clarify, are you suggesting you need to do it this weekend? When you say "once the weekend is over" that (to me) implies you can't do it if your turn would be after Monday. Again, just making sure I understand. We'll work it out either way Appreciate your helping with the station!

The past couple days, I've started on an Elkano Challenge for Minmus. I'm keeping track of progress in a mission report: I'll be taking this ISRU-based rover on a generally-equatorial route: Wish me luck!

GETTING STARTED: I started like any other adventure in KSP: I designed a spacecraft. In this case, a rover that was capable of traversing Minmus. It needed to be maneuverable with a minimum of weight. It needed a decent amount of fuel, but most importantly, it needed to be refuelable. I planned around an ISRU (the engine bit under the radiator) and two small drills. Propulsion was important, but had to use the minimum amount of fuel. While the LV-1R mini jets used considerably less fuel than larger 24-77 Twitch jets, the thrust was way less. After some extensive testing, including a test-run mission to Minmus, I decided to make some refinements. Hence, the Mk1A was the final craft for this Minmus Elkano Challenge attempt: STATS: Mass: 17,763kg DV: 608m/s TWR: 0.16 EQUIPMENT 1x SPW 3x2 Solar panel 4x PB-NUK RTGs Convert-o-tron 125 2x 24x77 Twitch LFO engines 4x Radial Ore tanks 2x Drill-o-matic drills 4x Small Radiator Panels 6x TR-2L Rugged Wheels RESOURCES E/C: 2055 MP: 727 Ore: 300 LF: 351 Ox: 429

Thanks!

So here I go... My first Elkano Challenge. Going to Minmus, since I've heard that's a bit easier to manage on the first one. I'll be keeping notes with progress on the challenge, along with screenshots from key parts of the mission. For reference, here is the thread for the Elkano Challenge, including the rules to complete this one.

Hi @Jhorriga, if you think can you update the save by end of today, that would be great. Otherwise, I'd suggest we move on to Turn 62 @HerrCrazi and you can come back to it in another turn. But I'll leave it up to @53miner53 to police the turns (just trying to keep things moving!).

@Jhorriga Unfortunately, it looks like you used a non-stock part "SmRadialDecoupler" on this craft. I don't see anything near the KSS-1 or anything resembling your craft in this save. Do you want to go ahead and re-run this without that decoupler? If you use only stock parts, it won't unload your crafts.

Since you did the KSS-1, you can grab this image file: https://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/370248KommunitySpaceStationKSS1.png Then go to Account Settings at the top-nav, then Signature. Copy/paste that image link in the open field, and voila. It'll show up on all your posts.

Hmm, I can take the save and dock it if that helps. I have MechJeb on my KSS install. Go ahead and save the Community Space Station folder as a ZIP with the filename + Jhorriga Turn 61 and upload to the Google drive. And don't forget to get one of the badges that @HerrCrazi made! @53miner53 - Herr is up next for Turn 62, but I'll take a quick Turn 61-A in between to update with the docking.

Hi @Jhorriga you have one more day for Turn 61.

I've been watching this thread for a while and I think it's time for me to start an Elcano. Thinking Minmus, since as I've been reading that's a good spot for a first attempt. Working on a car, I thought I'd post it here for feedback/suggestions. I'm going for a Stock Craft but using Mod tools. Appreciate any comments! This is an ISRU-based vehicle (in the engine-looking area) with a pair of small drills, ore tanks, and radiators. There are 6 small RTG underneath and a backup solar panel on top. There are 6 mini-jet engines along and a medium reaction wheel at the rear. I also included RCS jets to ensure maneuverability in a vacuum. UPDATE: Doing drive testing on Minmus, but I'm finding it hard to control the wheels and the back end keeps jumping up. I think it's the low gravity. Anything over 25m/s and I'm lifting off the terrain. Any recommendations for vehicle design on Minmus? Also, the mountains are super-steep... Any suggestions on dealing with that?

I looked up the Dream Chaser / DynaSoar. So I get to fly an in-development rocket plane. And hopefully not die horribly. Before the zombies get me.

So 59,000 tons is almost 54,000,000 Kg. Awesome!

You got a third/fourth/fiftieth vote from me for standalone parts pack. Very cool, @Icecovery ! I would love that as a complement to how I personally build in KSP. Like adding a thin decoupler-looking ring or something.

Isn't that a little bit like this though, but for space?

O to the MFG. That thing is insane. What is the total weight of the launcher? And I gotta ask... TWR? LOL

I had to wiki the Dream Chaser. Love the history with the DynaSoar and HL-20. Scott Manley actually did a YouTube video with a NASA-geek girl (I mean that in the best way) where they built a DynaSoar in KSP. Can't wait to play with the craft on my next turn!

Looks really cool @Jhorriga. How well does she fly in atmo? One nitpick, technically this would be over the 5-part rule. Maybe @53miner53 can weigh in on an exception? Hard to make a pilotable craft with just 5 parts.

So I was adding notes and thoughts to the KSS-2 Planning Document and I thought I could communicate better if I just made something for demonstration purposes. Here's what I'm thinking for a solar panel section, habitat "spindles", and a separate refinery area. While I did try to maintain the 5-part limit, the solar panels for example were obviously more parts. I'm definitely not saying, "This should be the station" but I think it's a starting point for discussion on the construction. Starting from the current core, I added the 6-port docking node we discussed, and then ran with it from there. The ends of the main spindles would serve as dedicated vehicle docking and refueling using the shielded ports. There is also a structural extension with a shielded docking port below the ore containers. Also thinking this could orbit at around 500Km and be a transfer station for Mun, Minmus, etc.

@Jhorriga is up next for Turn 61. Do you have any thoughts about where your Crew Escape Vehicle might go?

Turn 60 Complete: KSS-Polar Telescope and Survey Scanner Added I noticed when I went to run the survey and orbital imaging... the station doesn't have any antennae So for my next turn, I'd like to add two small dishes to the Jr. docking ports at the opposite ends of the Hab ring ('cause, symmetry). I'll add this to the Waiting List document. The Save file is uploading to the Google Docs now. Mission Breakdown: The challenge was docking each module where only one end had a docking port. This mission profile comprised two identical launches for the modules, each with the same "scaffold" and grabber drone (expendable) per payload. In addition to allowing simultaneous launch of two components, once at the station the scaffold guided the grabber drone into place using the momentum from the decoupler above it. This was preferred over fighting with RCS controls to get a clean alignment using only one drone (although perhaps not the most "efficient" use of equipment, etc.). Once connected, the scaffold separated around the modules. The smaller extended RCS arms of the grabber drone ensured a better balance once the module was connected. It was a very maneuverable little craft. Launch & Maneuvering: Screenshots included below for key moments of the launch.