TalonX273

I just tested v1.1 on KSP 0.24.2 32bit. I also had this problem with v1.0, but it seems to be fixed in the new version. I can also confirm (at least at first glance) it's playing nicely with both Editor Extentions and Kerbal Engineer Redux.

Update 3/6/14: I've done some practical testing. I used a bare-minimum SSTO test platform with the following stats: Dry/Wet Mass: 16,474kg/51,474kg TurboJets: x4; TWR ~1.8 in Jet Mode; 4 Ram Intakes per Jet Rockets: x1 LV-N; TWR ~0.13 in Rocket Mode, after Jet Fuel is expended According to this test, with this platform, the maximum Delta-V I was able to carry into orbit was about ~7500m/s. Now, this platform was essentially a poorly built flying orange tank, with 4 Mk1 tanks attached. Not to mention, I botched Cruise and Circularization Phases too. So it might be possible to cram a little more dV out of this. I'm not entirely sure what numbers to use for the Delta-V calculation, hence why I did a practical test. Can anyone please confirm what's the maximum dV an SSTO can carry into orbit? Or is this test already the best case scenario? Once I have that number, the next step is finding the most Delta-V effecient flight path to execute the mission. If those two numbers don't match... Well, this mission is impossible then. Thanks in advance, - Talon

Agreed. I did the math, and came to the same conclusion. I still think it might be possible though. I do have a flight plan calculated using an online calculator. (I forget which one) Of course, this flight plan might be optimized further since it doesn't include Gravity Assists or the Oberth Effect. If there's a better flight plan (that satisfies the challenge requirements), please share it! Approx. Delta-V Requirements; "inside-out" approach, using online calculator: Note: Calculations start from 1y/1d; From/To orbits are chosen by the lowest calculable transfers using the online calculator. To Low Kerbin Orbit - ~4500m/s Kerbin Orbit to Jool Intercept - 1,990m/s (From 100km orbit, 1y/171d > To 15,000km orbit, 2y/208d | For 15,000km orbit via aerocapture, ~1000m/s dV required to circularize) Jool to Laythe - ~500-1000m/s Laythe to Vall - 110m/s (From 3000km orbit, 2y/215d > To 1900km orbit, 2y/215d) Vall to Tylo - 110m/s (From 1900km orbit, 2y/218d > To 5700km orbit, 2y/219d) Tylo to Bop - 670m/s (From 5700km orbit, 2y/223d > To 1000km orbit, 2y/227d) Bop to Pol - 340m/s (From 1000km orbit, 2y/238d > To 900km orbit, 2y/244d) Pol to Jool Orbit - ~500m/s (From 900km orbit, 2y/248d > To 190,000km orbit, 2y/250d) Jool Orbit to Kerbin - 1670m/s (From 190,000km orbit, 2y/264d > To 100km orbit, 3y/193d | For 100km orbit via aerocapture, ~500m/s dV required to circularize) >> Total: 11,890m/s dV! (or 12,500m/s, with added margin for error) You are also correct with my definition of "SSTO." It must stay as single stage when delivering each payload to count. This means I can't drop all six satellites in Jool orbit and have them insert themselves into their orbits alone. It would only count as "one" satellite being dropped by the SSTO. As for inserting the satellites into their orbits on their own, during an intercept, I don't think that counts. I messaged the mods and they said they have to be in their "parking orbit" when dropped.

As the title says, I'm stuck with the design phase. More specifically, I want to figure out how much "stuff" I actually need on this SSTO, before I build it. I've been trying to figure out the calculations myself. But, I'm likely doing it wrong or I'm missing something. Because of that, I've been bashing my head against a wall for about a month now. So here, I concede defeat, and ask the community for help. My primary goals for this Interplanetary-capable Carrier SSTO are: In a true Single Stage space-plane (no drop tanks or refueling!), visit Jool and each of it's moons, then return at KSC Deliver a satellite around Jool and each of it's moons in GSO (or Semi-GSO or any other high and stable orbits) Optional Ultra-Hardcore Goal: Drop a rover/science package at each moon Design it so it's modular, and can be used as a workhorse carrier to LKO Here are the design specs I'm trying to achieve to meet the goals above: Must be 100% stock parts! The Carrier SSTO should have enough resources to reach LKO with it's Payload and/or fuel for Interplanetary Flight Payload and Interplanetary-only resources should stay isolated to the Payload Bay (this way, I can keep it modular) By my calculations, it needs to have 8000-9000m/s dV after it reaches LKO in order to visit and return from the Joolian System It should be able to carry about 6,000kg to Jool (each satellite is about 1,000kg) Assume standard SSTO ascent profile is in use and should be able to accelerate to 1800-2000m/s before using rockets Should include 3-4 Ram Air Intakes per TurboJet TWR for Jets and Rockets should be 2 in both modes. For interplanetary engines, have at least 0.1 If possible, I'd like to figure out how much of the following I actually need (in % of Total Mass; on average): Fuel %, Engines %, Dead Weight %, and Payload %. I have that partially calculated. Basically, it needs to be 64-70% Fuel Mass by the time it reaches LKO. Theoretically, that should give it the 8000-9000m/s dV I need. That's also assuming I'm using LV-N engines for the interplanetary portion of the flight. So that leaves me with about 30-36% of Total Mass for anything that isn't Fuel Mass. Problem is, I don't know how to divide up that 30-36%. Plus, these percentages are only relevant after I reach LKO! This means, I don't know how much I actually need on the Carrier SSTO itself. If anyone can help me figure this out, I would appreciate it very much! Miscellaneous Points: Current design scheme I'm using involves having CoM/CoL in the center of the payload bay. This whole thing is for the "Green Scout Challenge" on reddit. I'm essentially doing the Hard Mode version, but six times in one flight! That's why this has to be 100% stock. I might also have to avoid some parts/features from after version 0.20 to keep it "legal." The Hardcore Goal is likely impossible since I'll hit the Max Theoretical dV with that much weight. That's unless I make the packages MUCH lighter, or I make the SSTO unreasonably large. I was trying to create a sort of "template formula" for Carrier SSTOs. Essentially, I wanted a formula that can give me a good estimate of how much I need for an SSTO. It should be based on how much payload I want to carry and/or fuel for interplanetary flight. If anyone can figure that out, it would be extremely helpful for future designs! Sorry this became rather lengthy. I hope someone can help me finish this design, because I sure as heck couldn't. Thanks in advance, - Talon

You did a good thing. Personally, I think the main reason people pirate is because of lack of funds or because they don't have credit card access. Anyhow, well done! And try convincing your parents to get it. At $18, they have to be very mean to turn you down!

Thanks for the tip!

Since this is a thread for all things KSP and kurtjmac... Eat you heart out guys! I got him! I was curios, so I took a look at my persistent.sfs file: name = Kurt Kerman brave = 0.8481619 dumb = 0.3064306 badS = True state = 1 ToD = 0 idx = -1 Compared to: name = Jebediah Kerman brave = 0.5 dumb = 0.5 badS = True state = 0 ToD = 19062502.1028774 idx = 0 Not only is Kurt a "badass" (assuming that's what "badS" means) hes braver, and less dumb than Jeb! Although, I'm disappointed at the lack of 3D glasses. PS, Anyone know what state, ToD, and idx mean?

H-How does it spin with out breaking off? What dark sorcery is this?! O_O

Ah, good'ol Kurt! Nice to have a dedicated thread for him.

That's not the Kraken. The Kraken has been found dead on the Joolian moon Bop. That's the Space Cthulu! =S

My fastest shot with that hydrofoil design was 210m/s! That was with 2 Aerospikes BTW. Of course, that was when I turned on unlimited fuel before my tanks ran dry. Also, I had to keep the SAS on above 40-50m/s, otherwise it would've flipped itself to pieces! I also find that as time went by, the hydrofoils spontaneously ripped off row-by-row until all of the foils came off aaaaaand boom. (This was the case even when Unbreakable joints and No Crash Damage were on.)

MechJeb. Rendezvous Module. Time Launch with Rendezvous. When close, ram your ship into debris. Done. (Unless mods are banned and/or the debris has to hit the ship and not the other way around.)

I too did this. Well, sort of. Instead of the Mun, I went to Minmus for the first time. It was a complete success for a first attempt. I even landed right next to KSC. Here's the album: http://imgur.com/a/qXQk3 Thank you for everything you've done Mr. Armstrong. May you rest in peace. *salute*

Congrats on your first landing! Now, your next challenge, if you choose to accept it: Land on Minmus on your first try! (If you haven't already )

I originally thought of using a centrifugal approach that's made of stock parts and re-useable. I have a design in mind involving four long arms and a docking clamp system. So far, I completed ground testing of the docking clamps, and they work great. Now, I too remembered that engine exhaust can pushes vehicles. I now have a few designs for it, but so far, getting it in orbit, then making a successful rendezvous it daunting... I'll post more updates when and if I continue trying.