The STS-JATO The TST-JATO is a modified Space Transport System, which launches from a runway. During ascent the STS-JATO uses it's 3 SSMEs to bring the apoapsis to 100-150 kilometers. The fuel for the SSMEs is contained in a fuel tank, attached to the inside of the cargo bay. Due to this arrangement, however, the STS-JATO is unable to carry any significant payload to orbit, and can therefore only serve as a crew carrier and station resupply craft. It can also recover large payloads from orbit, and bring them back to Kerbin. Once the shuttle exits the atmosphere, the cargo bay door are opened and the fuel tank is jettisoned. The STS-JATO then uses RCS to move away from the tank. At the apoapsis, the OMS is used to circularize the orbit. The shuttle can the proceed to fulfill its mission target. Maiden Flight The takeoff was flawless, with V1 (Maximum abort speed) at 70m/s and VR (Liftoff speed) at 50m/s. STS-JATO P1 lifted off well short of the runway end, and pitched up to 20 degrees to start the climb. Within 5 minutes the apoapsis was at 100,650 meters. The SSMEs were shut down, and upon exiting the atmosphere the fuel tank was jettisoned. The OMS was ignited at apoapsis, and the orbit circularized. Due to pilot error, the STS-JATO ended up in a 96X88 kilometer orbit. After OMS shutdown, the cargo bay doors were re-opened and the docking port extended to test all hydraulics and electrical systems. Several orbital maneuvering tests were also conducted. Kerbal Space Program officials dismiss the proposition that all of this was done just for the "...nice cinematic photos." During re-entry the shuttle flew perfectly, up untill the moment that aerodynamic heating began. At this point STS-JATO P1 began rolling to the left, and when Mission Commander Jebediah Kerman tried to bring the ship under control it "...began dancing and going in every possible direction BUT where I was trying to point the [CENSORED] shuttle [CENSORED]!!!", as said by the Mission Commander himself. As the heating subsided, the shuttle rolled over and nosedived towards the ground. Jebediah Kerman nearly managed to pull it out of the dive, but STS-JATO P1 impacted the ground at high speed. The impact destroyed most of the shuttle. Below is the preliminary evidence infographic, from the KASAIB (Kerbal Air and Space Accident Investigation Board).