TerLoki

I mostly use it for orbital transfers, inclination changes, and landing, stuff where precision is a real necessity. I particularly suck at landing, it's a very nerve-wracking experience for me and enough on the "not fun" side that I have no qualms letting MechJeb handle it pretty much all the time. I also use it for executing maneuver nodes on my interplanetary missions, but that's more out of necessity than laziness. I mainly use ion engines for those kinds of ships, and I am NOT staying up 9 hours to babysit a braking burn.

Nope, haven't even tried landing yet. The most I've done is a flyby and a couple of one-way lander probes. Honestly Eve will probably be the last body I try a manned landing on, if ever.

My solution this save? Don't use LV-Ns. Well, okay, I've used them once on a Duna flyby ship, those landed in the ocean on Kerbin. Aside from that however, I've been sticking to LV-909s for Kerbin's SoI and the near future pack's argon-fueled ion engines for interplanetary flights. I plan on making good use of nuclear reactors, but those will just be refueled and reused.

The first few days aboard for LSE-4 were anything but restful. Almost as soon as the crew was settled in Bob and Adlas were sent off for a landing at the anomaly. Adding to the already high tension on this mission was the fact that the landing site was on the dark side of Minmus at the time. The crew put down roughly 500m away from the anomaly, not bad on a planetary scale, but still a bit of a hike for Bob. What you see here is what they found, the "Hawking Monolith" as they dubbed it. KSC is contemplating a long term base at this location for further study. That will have to wait for another time however, as the launch window for the planned inter-munar transit and landing test was a mere 16 hours away. In that time the crew had to return to Libra station, drop off and clean out the samples, then have the Dres 2 refueled and ready to go. It was a tight schedule, but they pulled it off. At 2 hours before the launch window Bob, Donbal, and Munsey rendezvoused LSE-3's CTV with the lander and moved off from the station. The flight inbound to the Mun was uneventful, though Munsey raised concern that there may not be quite enough fuel for a proper landing. The Duna 2 CTV was just a crew transfer vehicle after all, it wasn't designed to haul around landers in Kerbin's SoI. Again, a clean landing, this time in the canyon between the Mun's twin craters, named "Foglio Canyon" by the crew. But it seemed Munsey may have been right about fuel in one regard: It had taken nearly half the lander's fuel to touch down. Still, this being an unexplored area of the Mun the crew took their time in getting ready for lift-off. Need to collect all those samples and readings after all. It had been high noon when they landed, and the Dres 2 took off from roughly the terminator. Orbital rendezvous. Again, taking more fuel than estimated. The lander only had ~100m/s of the 2000m/s it had started out with, not much to donate back to the CTV. Low fuel reserves on both craft by the time they entered Minmus' SoI meant that the crew needed to use an RCS-assisted burn to circularize. Cutting it a little close guys... . And a collective sigh of relief from both LSE crews and KSC as the two spacecraft rendezvoused with Libra Station, with only 3m/s of bipropellant remaining. Two things are for sure: We won't be trying THAT again, and next on LSE-3/4's to do list is a Kethane run. But that can wait for a bit, for now there are samples to process, and I'm sure Bob and his team could use a good shower.

Docking is my bread and butter. Granted, I don't do it pretty, but I've definitely got the hang of it. Building spaceplanes one the other hand... .

I've used them on planetary flyby missions to save weight. Sending the MPL along means I can hit get as much science as possible from the Science Jr. and Mystery Goo without having to send more than one. The boosted transmission on everything else helps to, it makes me feel better about just transmitting data and bringing the capsule back by itself, rather than designing, launching, and returning so huge monstrosity of a lander with multiples of EVERY experiment. I've also used it on my Minmus Station for biome-hopping, so that I don't have to launch the same lander over and over and, again, make sure all the science returns safely to Kerbin. Now with one science lander and one kethane lander I can get nearly as much science as sending about 10 more complex landers would get. And, of course, it's great if you like role-playing your space program a bit.

Found my first post 0.23 anomaly on Minmus, now my science station and its lander crew have new landing site for tomorrow. This one's too important to leave up to rookies, I'm sending up Bob on the next crew rotation to command the mission.

It's been an eventful (in-game) week for Libra Station to be sure. Kicking things off was the arrival of the long-awaited Dres 2 exploration lander. Modeled after craft like the Apollo LEM, the Dres 2 is an RTG powered lander with seating for two, driven by a single LV-909 engine. Unlike the LEM however, the Dres 2 is refuelable and fully reusable, provided access to an orbital facility like Libra Station, of course. The crew was itching to see it in action, and as soon as all systems were double-checked and everything was at the ready the little lander was off on its maiden flight, with Milbert and Ribfield as its crew. The crew poses for a remote camera photo at the newly named Newton Basin. Excited Kerbals jumping around on EVA have been a bit of a headache for KSC engineers, causing at least three previous landers to lose solar panels. This is the main reason why the Dres 2 is RTG powered. Lift-off! The Dres 2 flies pretty good, though admittedly the experiment payloads are a bit off-center, which leads to a bit of a list when at low throttle. Nothing Milbert can't handle, though. I'm glad to report that it is also rather overpowered for its role, carrying enough fuel to land on Minmus and dock with Libra station 3 times and still have some to spare. The lander crew takes a well deserved break while Philman and Donbal analyze the samples and experiment modules in the lab. Meanwhile at KSC, the delayed Surveyor 10 global mapping probe has finally launched and started its trip to Minmus. Hopefully this probe will help aid in selecting future landing sites. And help it does! Even before munar scans are completed the probe's multispectral scanner picks up an anomalous signature in the northern highlands. The crew and KSC alike are mystified as to what it is, but one thing is clear: Someone needs to go down and find out! That will have to wait however, as LSE-2 has hit the end of their assignment and needs to return home. This was my first descent with deadly re-entry. I'm very relieved to say that it went off without a hitch on the first try. Maybe I'm better at this than I thought? The anomaly resulted in a last-minute change of crew for LSE-4. Now in charge of the mission is Commander Bob, one of the first to land the Mun and Minmus. Within three days they'll have arrived, bringing a shiny new "Block D" Duna CTV with them. The anomaly isn't the only thing on LSE-3/4's docket. Assuming all goes well a second Kethane excursion is planned, and, launch window provided, KSC has approved flight testing of the Dres 2 on the Mun, using one of the CTVs as an orbiting command module. The result of these flight simulations and live tests could step up the timetable for new Mun landings, and cause KSC to reevaluate the immediate need for Capricorn Station.

I've landed more on Minmus, but yeah, I can make it to the Mun and back. Contemplating whether my next mission from my Minmus station should be another local biome-hop, or a quasi-Apollo-style Munshot.

That one black stripe on my ribbons will be the only one. I've lost two Kerbals so far on this save. Not one more!

I think I'm one of the weird ones. Docking is pretty easy for me, to the point where only weirdly balanced or light loads pose any real problem and I will GLADLY dock four components together in orbit rather than launch the whole 38 ton payload in one shot. Yet I can't make a spaceplane to save my life and have only ever successfully landed manually on Minmus. Twice. I've been playing since at least 0.17.

Today's docking was long, tedious, and few other adjectives that aren't quite forum appropriate, but ultimately worth it. Before any real work could begin, the second of Libra Station's compliment of support craft arrived: The Gilly Work-Bee. The little work-bee was redesigned a bit, now as a pure RCS tug rather than the more conventional capsule with liquid-fuel main engines that it had been. It didn't really need those anyway, it's small enough to jsut hitch a ride anywhere. It took three days for the solar truss to arrive, about the standard trip from KSC to the station, and enough time for Milbert to familiarize himself with the little ship. Good thing he did, because next came the hard part. Despite the simplicity of the maneuver involved, those lightweight trusses proved a real pain to get into place. Next time I make something like this I'll have to check the CoM and RCS placement more thoroughly. Hang in there Milbert, you're half done! This one truss could probably run the whole station by itself, then again it was running fine with just the panels on the Dres K, station core, and a single Duna CTV, but what's a station without big ol' solar panel arrays, right? Not the cleanest alignment in the world on that last bit, but good enough for government work. So with that done, the work-bee docked, and Milbert cozy in the hab module's hitchhiker with the guys, it's time for a well deserved break for our crew, as mission control readies the Dres 2 for the next launch. See you all then!

It's certainly a neat idea, but I'd like it as a mod or an option that can be toggled. Some people have enough trouble on missions without random parts breaking, so it should be optional. But yeah, I might be up for trying something like that.

New analysis of the Constellation Program has led to a few changes, resulting in a bit of streamlining due to budget cuts (read: worries my computer can't handle everything on one station). Because of this the requirements for Libra station have been modified, reducing it to one habitat and one laboratory module, and adding the second docking node to the lab. Additionally the development of a long range KSO and the Tylo CTV have been put on hold indefinitely, as the Duna 2 CTV has reliability and lower launch vehicle demands in its favor. Still, launches are proceeding on schedule. The lab module was remotely launched and docked successfully on the first try. Now Libra Station can start serving its purpose as an orbital lab, and the real work over Minmus can begin. Of course that's still a little ways off, and until then it's time for the crew of LSE-1 to head home. This was the first time for a Duna capsule to return with the new "Block C" heat shield and parachute/docking ring equipment from Minmus orbit, and I'm happy to say it went off flawlessly! Kudos to Sumghai for the great parts. And with LSE-1 on the ground it's time for LSE-3 to head out. This mission was the first launched on a standard Draco 1 rocket rather than a Draco Heavy, and the first to use the KSPX launch escape tower. Well if NASA isn't going to use it, I may as well, right? The station as it is now, with LSE-3 and the lab module docked. LSE-3 is the one with the open antenna. The next launch is a little uncertain right now, and will either be the first solar truss (if our engineers can settle on a design) or the delivery of the Dres 2 lander.

FINALLY managed to land a KSO intact, and with a method I can repeat too. Now I can get to work using it for crew transfers. What, it's in one piece isn't it? Every time I aim for KSC the thing actually starts heading back to orbit at around 20km.

Ooo very nice, I'm digging the offset cockpit layout.

Jeb got bored today, and, as we all know, bad things happen when Jeb is bored. This time he decided to recreate a scene from Cowboy Bebop, specifically the episode "Wild Horses". Some of you are already probably thinking this is either insane, hilarious, or both, but for those who do not know the scene in question... Well, it involved a rescue mission using an old NASA space shuttle a mechanic was refurbishing in his spare time. Launched without the LFT or SRBs. Sadly, Jeb was unable to tow the modified KSO shuttle he managed to procure out to the runway with an M4 Sherman as he had hoped to do. Main engine start! I feel sorry for Bill, first he nearly gets stranded at Eve with only Milbert for company, and now Jeb's roped him into this crazy scheme. Shockingly enough the little sepratrons on the nose worked pretty much exactly how they were supposed to, and had to be jettisoned about half-way through their burn to keep from flipping the orbiter on its back. Woah there Jeb, easy on the throttle, we don't want to lose too much thrust to air resistance. In the show the internal tanks was dumped outside the atmosphere, but Jeb thought safety was for wimps and tried to ditch it in while accelerating. With the unfortunate side effect that airpressure overcame the decoupler and held it in. Oops. Aaaand outta gas. I think that went well, all things considered. 24km isn't half bad considering my piloting skills (or lack there-of). Maybe I'll make a challenge for this. But if anyone does try this, you've got to use the right . See you, space Kerbal!

Looks like the ALCOR pod, KW Rocketry, and the Sum Dum Heavy Industries service module system. Not sure about the lower part of the lander though.

Construction of Libra Station continues to go smoothly, with the first habitat/docking module now added to provide a more comfortable environment for our crew. Help in preparing the station for full operation also arrived in the form of LSE-2. The absence of a second hab module means that the crew of LSE-1 will need to return sooner than a typical mission, but they'll still be around for the arrival of the first science lab. Testing of the KSO mini-shuttle are also going quite well. The first test article had a perfect take-off and was able to make a controlled gliding descent with ease, but unfortunately overshot the runway considerably and was forced to ditch in the ocean. Thankfully this was an unmanned test. A second trial run is intended as KSC's next launch, followed by the delivery of Libra Station's first science lab and the return of the LSE-1 crew.

Yeah, it's not like testing out all the equipment and infrastructure to get there prior to actually trying to land is a good thing.[/sarcasm] Apollo 8 and 10 would like a word.

That was beautiful. Favorited.

Makes sense to me, gaming is one of the few software fields that focuses on simulating a lot of things at once, and one of the big ones there is almost always physics. So if you want someone to code flight control software who's already interested in what you do, gamers are a good place to start looking. What I should've gotten from that article: Real-life space agencies love KSP and that is awesome. What I actually got from it: SpaceX went to E3 hunting modders to make MechJeb for the Falcon 9.

Multi-Player would certainly be neat, but iDunno. KSP is one of those games I play to get away from multi-player, where the only other interaction I have with other people is inspiration mods and challenges from the forums and YouTube. I guess it would be awesome to make a truly international space station without having to resort to mods or playing hot potato with a save file, but I'm a bit hesitant on this whole "teamwork" thing. Yeah, it can be more rewarding, but I just like doing my own stuff.

Finally worked up the nerve to try flying this thing today, and it went great! Well, except the landing. I overshot KSC badly enough that I was still at 20km up when I passed it. One quick question, how does the MechJeb autoland function work with the orbiter? Does it do well with FAR installed? Because I'm absolutely terrible at flying planes of any kind.

This is basically just an account of my current projects in career mode. Following the poor execution and near disaster of the Dyson's first manned Eve flyby, the decision was made to focus on exploration of Kerbin and its moons while simultaneously assembling infrastructure and researching components and techniques required for more advanced long duration missions. This initiative will take the form of three orbital stations and a small fleet of support craft built to take on various tasks. Each station will be modular and built from mostly the same components, or modifications there-of, to differing specifications based on role and location. The three stations will include: Libra Station: Built in Minmus orbit, Libra Station is the first station to be constructed and will serve a dual role as an orbital kethane refinery and scientific research outpost, eliminating the need for landers to return to Kerbin after each mission. The station will consist of a core including solar panels, orbital thrusters, and 9 docking ports of 1.25m and 2.5m sizes, a fuel module with storage tanks and kethane refining equipment, at one or two habitat modules with docking nodes supporting .625m and 1.25m sizes, one or two science laboratories, and two solar trusses. The station will also have docking space for up to four 2.5m fuel tanks. Finally, the following craft will be permanently assigned to Libra Station: 1 "Dres K" kethane lander, 1 "Dres 2" scientific lander, 1 "Gilly Work-Bee" material handler. Enough Crew Transfer Vehicles to facilitate evacuation will also be present at all times. Gemini Station: Gemini Station will be in LKO, and serve as the hub for all Kerbin orbital activities, specifically serving as a dry-dock and refueling depot for multi-part vessels, with fuel provided from either Libra station via orbital tug (LF/O, Monopropellant) or Kerbin via direct launch (Xenon, Argon, Hydrogen). The station will consist of a core including solar panels, orbital thrusters, and 5 docking ports of 1.25m size, a control module with cupola and attachment points for two to four 2.5m docking ports, four habitat modules two with docking nodes supporting .625m and 1.25m sizes, two permanent fuel tanks of 2.5m size, two gantry docking arms for berthing large spacecraft, and two solar trusses. 1 "Gilly Work-Bee" material handler will be permanently assigned to Gemini Station, and enough Crew Transfer Vehicles to facilitate evacuation will be present at all times. Capricorn Station: The last station to be constructed will be Capricorn Station in Munar orbit. This will primarily be a scientific station with some refueling capabilities, primarily servicing Crew Transfer Vehicles and various landers stationed at the Mun, enabling scientific studies without the need to return to Kerbin. As such, Capricorn Station will be smaller, consisting of one core module of the same type as Gemini's, two standard habitat modules with docking ports, two science laboratories, two solar trusses, and a 2.5m fuel tank. 1 "Gilly Work-Bee" material handler and a yet-to-be-designed lander will be permanently assigned to Capricorn Station. Enough Crew Transfer Vehicles to facilitate evacuation will be present at all times. The stations will be serviced by the following vehicles: The "Duna 2 CTV" is the current workhorse Crew Transfer Vehicle of CosMech Astronautics. It uses a "Duna" Mark 1-2 three man command pod, and when launched atop a Draco Heavy rocket can easily make a round trip to Minmus with fuel to spare to a few rendezvous. Kethane mining on Minmus will be carried out by the "Dres K" lander. The Dres K is our heaviest successful lander yet, capable of mining 6000 units of kethane and returning to Minmus orbit for processing. Minmus science will be carried out by the smaller and more conservative "Dres 2". The Dres 2 is a two-man lander powered by an LV-909 engine with a small suite of science experiments, and was designed in response to the need for a lighter lander for the Constellation program. A heavier variant with a replaceable science palette for Kerbin return is being investigated. The "Gilly Work-Bee" is designed to be a small, nimble craft for maneuvering heavy modules and fuel tanks into position once they arrive on station. The one-man craft has yet to be tested, but projections show that it should be capable of making the trip from Kerbin to Minmus on its own. Designed alongside the lighter Work-Bee, the "Gilly Orbital Tug" is meant to move fuel tanks around Kerbin's SoI, particularly to and from Libra Station. This one-man craft uses 4 LV-909s, rather than the typical LV-N NERVAs, in order to decrease difficulty docking cargo to the large rear-mounted 2.5m docking port. *Image To Be Added* Two craft are currently being evaluated as replacements or expanded counterparts to the three-man Duna 2 CTV, the KSO mini-shuttle and in-development "Tylo CTV". The Tylo CTV will be a bulkier craft, but with longer range and planned seating for up to seven. The KSO on the other hand offers reusability and flexibility, as flights to LKO can carry cargo and launch small ion-driven satellites and probes as well. As of this writing construction on Libra Station has begun, and its status is "operational". With the core, fuel module, and Dres K in place the station was manned for the first time by the crew of LSE-1, consisting of Commander Greglock, Pilot Thompfred, and Mission Specialist Cortrey. So far the crew has performed the first Kethane retrieval mission successfully, and are awaiting the arrival of the next two station modules before their return.