meyst

This is good to see and I admit temptation to join you all... I have not heard anything about those for a while! I used an outbound Aldrin-Cycler (S1L1) cycler myself. Some problems I encountered ironing out the bugs of that outbound orbit; Expecting to always see a Ballistic Trajectory on the Kerbin gravity assist (usually but not necessarily always the case due to the angle needed on the gravity turn. [This is even more true of an Earth<->Mars Aldrin-Cycler]) Not recognizing/correcting course/orbit deviations early enough. Errors escalate every orbit. Orbital duration, drifting/not in sync with the Synodic orbital period of Kerbin and Duna, 19 645 697.3 seconds. I settled on an outbound Kerbol (solar) orbit Ap of 31 505 200 km and Pe of 13 400 000 km but anything that matches the Synodic period should work. I strongly suggest you test that inbound Duna>Taxi>Aldrin-Cycler>Kerbin transfer before committing to it. That one is a surprisingly high Delta V intercept for the taxi and not the easiest thing to fly either.

I give it a well earned F minus Expansion adds parts, mission editor and consistent game crashes; When loading rockets/space planes onto the pad/runway. I have yet to be able to fly anything in a making history expanded game due to the aforementioned game crashes. As of this writing the best thing I have seen regarding the expansion is that the uninstall making history expansion program works. I reserve the option to change my opinion IF a stable version is ever released.

You want to do your outbound trip faster to arrive early in the transfer window so you have time to do an outbound trip back during the same transfer window, I hope you have extra Delta V to spare. Fortunately for you Alexmoon has an App for that.

After a long hiatus I find myself on a KSP kick and to my surprise I was mentioned in a new post. Those look like high Delta V corrections to me. I saw no images of the cycler orbit you are using to confirm this but my guess is that your orbital period is off. You want the orbital period of the cycler to match or be a whole number multiple of the Synodic period. The Synodic period of Duna and Kerbin per the Wiki is 19645697.3 seconds http://wiki.kerbalspaceprogram.com/wiki/Duna (I used a solar Pe of 13271 and Ap of 31296 as references the last time I did an Aldrin cycler) With an Aldrin cycler it is easiest to slightly miss the SOI of Duna and get your gravity assist off Kerbin. Don't be afraid to undock your taxi vehicle earlier to complete the transit to Duna. Try to make most of your course correction to use the force gravity assist to set up your next flyby with Duna as far from Kerbin as possible. Low thrust to weight is ideal for making the small accurate burns. I like the outbound S1L1 Kerbin --> Duna Aldrin cycler. On the other hand I don't care for the inbound Duna-->Kerbin Aldrin cycler. I found the Delta V needed to make the intercept coming from Duna to be high. A challenge that would suit what Cyclers can offer would; use a life support mod with heavy recycling hardware Have a long or unlimited time frame to execute Want roomy (ie heavy) long term habitation for the transit Want to move significant numbers of Kerbals Of the active challenges the Jool 500 looks like the best fit http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/index.php?/topic/135965-jool-500-kolonization-challenge/

These are pictures from missions I did in 1.02 before the update. I cashed in on a science contract with my probe on the Mun with the last of it's power. Unlocked the advanced rocketry node and upgraded the astronaut complex and did a combined Rescue from Kerbin and Mun return from orbit mission. With all the science I unlock space exporation for more science and fuel systems for... fuel. Took on contracts for and did a combined rescue from Kerbin and get science from the Mun contract, apparently somebody paid up to confirm that space around the Mun was a vacuum.

I unlocked Basic Science for the temp scanner and probe core. I was also lucky enough to be offered a test LV 909 engine, so I took that contract and put a probe called the Stayupnik into orbit with plenty of fuel to spare. The cash was used to upgrade the launch pad for larger craft and take on a 10% commitment for more rep (In the hope I can get more lucrative contracts). The science from the temp scans of the Stayupnik was used to unlock stability tech. I got return from orbit and gather science contracts and sent Jeb into low orbit with the Kersplorinator (The Stayupnik was not equiped with a parachute). On landing Jeb picked up some more science at Kerbins Deserts. Flyby the Mun and Science from space around the Mun contracts became available so I sent the Stayupnik to the Mun! After getting to the Mun I had fuel left so I took contracts to orbit the Mun and get science from the surface of the Mun. Stayupnik is now on the Mun.... Maybe I will rename it to Munnik now. Pictures!

I have decided to try my hand at a Stock Career Game and share my progress. To open I Gathered some Science from the Runway and used that to unlock the first two tech nodes With the new parts made the Omnomnom Science, to do a hop over the pad to devour all the science and recover all the parts Last mission of the night, I unlocked General Rocketry and added Moar Boosters to the Omnomnom Science so it could Omnomnom all the science both high over Kerbin and in space. Rocket assisted Landing ran out of fuel and resulted in some unplanned lithobraking. This sets me up with 211,690 roots and 62.9 science available to work with for my attempt to reach orbit.

The most recent update changed many of the engines in addition to the aerodynamics. I have yet to decide if I will finish this using 0.90. If not I will start a new 1.02+ challenge to revamp the old challenge and start new. What do you all think?

A great deal has been added and changed in the game since this challenge. I don't think a score from an entry now is directly comparable to the original entry scores. Instead of getting a mode to update the original post scores I think it may be better to start a refresh of the challenge and take advantage of the opportunity to updated the rules.

Duna Base

Duna Base

Looks like this is still going, very good. My original plan was going to be so much work (over 150 launches and twice as many dockings) I just ended up doing everything else instead of 'working' at KSP. However I could not stay away because I like the game and have come up with a new more workable plan that I should be able to fly over the next few days I have off. I organized the new plan on a spread sheet to make the plan more organized instead of a long scary notepad laundry list. Any time a Cycler leaves Kerbin or a Taxi is at Kerbin a crew will be delivered to it and I don't have these free missions shown on my list. I made significant changes to the details of the plan but kept the overarching structure the same. I upped my lifter tonnage from 4 tons to 18 (and reduced the launches from 130 to 29). Eliminated the required in orbit assembly, about 300 dockings, from the previous plan. I kept cyclers as I really want to see them in action but I completely resigned them to vastly lowered the mass and use rockets to get them started so they will not take twenty hours to fly. I kept the Rover I was using before because it seemed popular and handles well. I also upgraded to imgur album Pictures for my plan and hardware

I took a break from gaming but I am back with a new plan, pictures and time to fly.

Deadly re-entry can be used but it sounds to me like you are already set. Otherwise make it look like it has a heat shield on it.

The launcher is built to be fully recoverable in the game, unlike many reusable designs that are plagued by issues of debris removal and in game physics range. I present the Fully Recoverable stock 0.90 Launcher, the Helga. Mediafire .Craft download file link. https://imgur.com/a/mCi4V#0 Launcher is intended to deploy payloads not exceeding a mass of 4 tons or volume of a large cargo bay. In retrospect I think I should have done the pictures during the day so it is easier to see them.... Tell me what you think. Also this is my first time using IMGUR so any tips for using that would be helpful as well.

I don't know what the balance is like for that mod having never tried it but it does look interesting.

Good question I just realized I neglected to put a picture of them in this thread. The Roller Bobs will be launched two at a time into orbit using the Sylph lift vehicle and represent supplies (water, snacks etc for the Kerbals). They can be moved (slowly) by rolling on the ground using reaction wheels or by tipping onto an unmanned rover to be moved like in this picture. In the lower gravity of Duna they will be able to 'right' themselves off the rover when the destination is reached. It's the white thing dominated by the jet fuel tank that represents the supplies sitting on top of the moving rover.

long overdue for an update. Just a matter of breaking it all down into the details of the individual launches for the full 1000 day plan to start flying. I have considered asking on the forums if anyone with artistic talent would be willing to make some diagrams as to how this all works. I think this would go a long way to prevent incidents of eye bleeding. I was thinking something like the diagrams showing how the Apollo Moon landings worked. What do you think? Have any ideas for cycler vehicle names? External game tools that I am using for planning or intended to use while executing. Alexmoon's Launch Window Planner Alterbaron's Aerobreaking Calculator PLAD's Flyby Finder Overall Plan Highlights Cyclers! Three of them. One of the planned cycler trips will transit a crew from the SOI of Kerbin to the SOI of Duna, in thirty days. The cycler in question flys a fast outbound Aldrin cycler trajectory. A propulsive Gravity Assisted Breaking Maneuver at the Mun. 4 ton capable reusable lifter used every 7 days, well over 70 total launches in the first 500 days. Eve Flyby on day 217, closest approach of 1622 KM. First crew land onDuna day 260. The first crew will return to Kerbin day 512, using the same cycler vehicle they arrived on for the return trip. All Stock Game. Launch plan for the first 500 days. I think this would look a great deal better in pictures... 10 Duna Hab Fuel Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 17 Duna Hab Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 24 Boosters Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 31 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 38 Fuel Cells Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 45 Rover Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 46 Final assembly of Duna Habitat I in Kerbin orbit (Duna Hab Fuel, Duna Hab, Booster, Fuel Cell, Fuel Cells[3], Rover) 52 Duna Hab Fuel Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 58 Duna Habitat I Trans Duna Injection Maneuver 59 Duna Hab Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 66 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 73 Fuel Cells Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 80 Rover Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 81 Final assembly of Duna Habitat II in Kerbin orbit (Duna Hab Fuel, Duna Hab, Booster, Fuel Cell, Fuel Cells[3], Rover) 87 Solar Array Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 87 Solar Array I start of Trans Duna Injection Maneuvers 90 Solar Array I completion of Trans Duna Injection Maneuvers 94 Taxies Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 95 Duna Habitat II Trans Duna Injection Maneuver 101 Cycler Hab Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 108 Cycler Spine Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 115 Cycler Supply Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 121 Aerocapture of Duna Hab I into Duna orbit. 122 Cycler Supply Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 129 Solar Array Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 136 Boosters Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 143 Roller Bobs Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 150 Roller Bobs Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 151 Final Assembly of Cycler vehicle I (Cycler Hab, Cycler Spine, Cycler Supplies [2], Solar Array) and payload (Taxi, Booster, Roller Bobs [3]) 152 Kerbal delivered to cycler vehicle I via a Tarriance launch 153 Kerbal delivered to cycler vehicle I via a Tarriance launch 154 Cycler Vehicle I start of Trans Eve Injection Maneuvers 157 Duna Hab Fuel Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 164 Duna Hab Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 165 Cycler Vehicle I completion of Trans Eve Injection Maneuvers 171 Roller Bobs Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 178 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 185 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 192 Rover Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 199 Fuel Cells Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 200 Final Assembly of Duna Habitat III with supplies in Kerbin orbit (Duna Hab Fuel, Duna Hab, Rover, Roller Bobs [3], Fuel Cell[2], Fuel Cells[2], Booster) 206 Cycler Hab Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 213 Cycler Spine Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 217 Cycler Vehicle I Eve Flyby, closest approach of 1622 KM for gravity assist to Duna. 220 Solar Array Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 223 Propulsive Capture of Solar Array I into a high eccentricity Duna Orbit. 227 Larders Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 234 Boosters Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 235 Final Assembly of Cycler Vehicle II (Cycler Hab, Cycler Spine, Solar Array, Larders (3), Booster, Taxi) 239 Aerocapture of Duna Hab II into Duna orbit 241 Larders Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 248 Taxies Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 255 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 256 Final Assembly of Taxi vehicle for intercept of Cycler Vehicle I during Kerbin Flyby (Taxi, Larders(2), Booster, Fuel Cell, Fuel Cells) 257 Two Kerbals, Taxi, Booster and Roller Bobs (3) Depart from Cycler Vehicle I. Minor propulsive maneuvers of Taxi, Booster and Roller Bobs to facilitate Duna aerocaptures. 260 Aerocapture of Roller Bobs (3), Taxi and Booster into Duna orbit. Cycler Vehicle I Duna Flyby and closest approach of 544 KM for gravity assist to Kerbin. Taxi docks with Duna Habitat I. Two Kerbals transfer to Duna Habitat I. Duna Habitat I and three Roller Bobs land on the surface of Duna. Solar Array I maneuvers into position to support landed Duna Habitat. 262 Monopacks Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 269 Roller Bobs Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 276 Roller Bobs Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 282 Kerbal delivered to cycler vehicle II via a Tarriance launch 283 Kerbal delivered to cycler vehicle II via a Tarriance launch 283 Boosters Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 284 Cycler Vehicle II start of Trans Duna Injection Maneuvers 289 Duna Habitat III Trans Duna Injection Maneuver 290 Landing Pack Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 295 Cycler Vehicle II completion of Trans Duna Injection Maneuvers 297 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 301 Cycler Vehicle I, Mun Interception Maneuver 304 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 305 Final assembly of Supply Mission I (MonoPack, Landing Pack, Roller Bobs[3], Booster and Fuel Cell[2] for transit to Duna) 305 Kerbal delivered to Taxi vehicle via a Tarriance launch for approaching taxi intercept of cycler vehicle I 306 Kerbal delivered to Taxi vehicle via a Tarriance launch for approaching taxi intercept of cycler vehicle I 308 Cycler Vehicle I, Propulsive Gravity Assisted Breaking Maneuver at Mun to set up Kerbin Gravity Assist to Duna. Cycler Vehicle I Kerbin Flyby. Depart of Taxi from Kerbin with two Kerbals on board to randevous and dock with Cycler vehicle I bound for Duna. 311 Roller Bobs Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 312 Supply Mission I Trans Duna Injection Maneuver 318 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 319 Final assembly of Supply Mission II (Booster, Fuel Cell, Roller Bobs[3]) 323 Depart of Taxi and booster with two Kerbas from Cycler Vehicle II in preparation for Duna aerocature. 325 Cycler Vehicle II flyby of Duna. Aerocapture of Taxi and booster carrying two Kerbals into Duna orbit. Taxi docks with Duna Habitat II. Two Kerbals transfer to Duna Habitat II. Duna Habitat II lands on the surface of Duna. 325 Roller Bobs Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 326 Supply Mission II Trans Duna Injection Maneuver 332 Roller Bobs Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 339 Boosters Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 346 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 350 Breakup of Duna Habitat III and Roller Bobs(3) in preparation for aerocaptures 353 Aerocaptures of Duna Hab III and Roller Bobs(3) into Duna orbit 353 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 360 Landing Pack Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 361 Final assebly of Supply Mission III (Booster, Landing Pack, Fuel Cell [2], Roller Bob[3]) 367 Cycler Hab Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 368 Supply Mission III Trans Duna Injection Maneuver 374 Cycler Spine Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 375 Depart of Taxi and booster with two Kerbas from Cycler Vehicle I and three Roller Bobs in preparation for Duna aerocature. 378 Cycler Vehicle I flyby of Duna. Aerocapture of Taxi and booster carrying two Kerbals into Duna orbit. Taxi docks with Duna Habitat III. Two Kerbals transfer to Duna Habitat III. Duna Habitat III and three Roller Bobs land on the surface of Duna. Taxi vehicle remains in orbit 381 Solar Array Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 388 Larders Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 395 Taxies Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 396 Final Assembly of Cycler Vehicle III (Cycler Hab, Cycler Spine, Solar Array, Larders (3), Booster, Taxi) 402 Boosters Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 409 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 416 Duna Hab Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 417 Final Assembly of Taxi vehicle for intercept of Cycler Vehicle II during Kerbin Flyby (Taxi, Larder, Booster, Fuel Cell) 423 Duna Hab Fuel Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 430 Roller Bobs Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 437 Rover Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 442 Breakup of Supply Mission I and Roller Bobs(3) in preparation for aerocaptures 444 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 445 Aerocaptures of Supply Mission I (MonoPack, Landing Pack, Booster, Fuel Cell[2]) and Roller Bobs(3) into Duna orbit. 451 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 458 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 465 Boosters Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 466 Final Assembly of Duna Habitat IV with supplies in Kerbin orbit (Duna Hab Fuel, Duna Hab, Rover, Roller Bobs[3], Fuel Cell[3], Booster) 472 Roller Bobs Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 475 Breakup of Supply Mission II Roller Bobs in preparation for aerocaptures 478 Aerocaptures of Supply Mission II (Booster, Fuel Cell) and Roller Bobs(3) into Duna orbit . 479 Roller Bobs Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 486 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 493 Fuel Cells Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 500 Roller Bobs Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph

Have had limited free time to work on this and what free time I have tends to get put into other things when people I know discover I have free time. Not a bad thing but it is a thing. A progress update is long overdue. The overall plan is set. Just a matter of breaking it all down into the details of the individual launches for the full 1000 day plan and start flying missions. I have considered asking on the forums if anyone with artistic talent would be willing to make some diagrams as to how this all works. I think this would go a long way to prevent incidents of eye bleeding. I was thinking something like the diagrams showing how the Apollo Moon landings worked. Also I am thinking I should name the three cyclers but have not decided on names. External game tools that I am using for planning or intended to use while executing. Alexmoon's Launch Window Planner Alterbaron's Aerobreaking Calculator PLAD's Flyby Finder Overall Plan Highlights Cyclers! Three of them. One of the planned cycler trips will transit a crew from the SOI of Kerbin to the SOI of Duna, in thirty days. The cycler in question flys a fast outbound Aldrin cycler trajectory. A propulsive Gravity Assisted Breaking Maneuver at the Mun. 4 ton capable reusable lifter used every 7 days, well over 70 total launches in the first 500 days. Eve Flyby on day 217, closest approach of 1622 KM. First crew land on Duna day 260. The first crew will return to Kerbin day 512, using the same cycler vehicle they arrived on for the return trip. All Stock Game. Day 500 Summary Kerbals on Duna 6 Kerbal Days spent on Duna 1080 Launches 77, 71 payload, 6 crew. Nominal mass to orbit (71 x 4) 284 tons Early Mission Value 1080 Early Mission Efficiency 3.8 Achievment Score currently 8. Achievement Score expected when complete. 11 Score breakdowns. Mission Execution; current 0, expected 3. Crew Mobility; All crew have rover access, 2. Base Mobility; All bases and landed modules are mobile after landing by various means, 3. Crew Safety; Crew can return alive in the event of a total loss of any non crewed spacecraft and in the event of an engine failure, loss of rover mobility or piloting error resulting in a loss of 20% Delta V, 2. Mission Robustness; Any single launch failure will not prevent the primary objective and a loss can be made up for by accelerating launch rate to once every 6 days until back on schedule. Total loss of Cycler vehicle I before delivery of first crew to Duna could prevent primary objective from being achieved, 1. DREAMS OF DUNA AKA The Laundry List, first 500 days. Now with Moar poor formatting! 10 Duna Hab Fuel Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 17 Duna Hab Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 24 Boosters Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 31 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 38 Fuel Cells Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 45 Rover Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 46 Final assembly of Duna Habitat I in Kerbin orbit (Duna Hab Fuel, Duna Hab, Booster, Fuel Cell, Fuel Cells[3], Rover) 52 Duna Hab Fuel Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 58 Duna Habitat I Trans Duna Injection Maneuver 59 Duna Hab Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 66 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 73 Fuel Cells Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 80 Rover Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 81 Final assembly of Duna Habitat II in Kerbin orbit (Duna Hab Fuel, Duna Hab, Booster, Fuel Cell, Fuel Cells[3], Rover) 87 Solar Array Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 87 Solar Array I start of Trans Duna Injection Maneuvers 90 Solar Array I completion of Trans Duna Injection Maneuvers 94 Taxies Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 95 Duna Habitat II Trans Duna Injection Maneuver 101 Cycler Hab Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 108 Cycler Spine Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 115 Cycler Supply Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 121 Aerocapture of Duna Hab I into Duna orbit. 122 Cycler Supply Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 129 Solar Array Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 136 Boosters Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 143 Roller Bobs Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 150 Roller Bobs Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 151 Final Assembly of Cycler vehicle I (Cycler Hab, Cycler Spine, Cycler Supplies [2], Solar Array) and payload (Taxi, Booster, Roller Bobs [3]) 152 Kerbal delivered to cycler vehicle I via a Tarriance launch 153 Kerbal delivered to cycler vehicle I via a Tarriance launch 154 Cycler Vehicle I start of Trans Eve Injection Maneuvers 157 Duna Hab Fuel Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 164 Duna Hab Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 165 Cycler Vehicle I completion of Trans Eve Injection Maneuvers 171 Roller Bobs Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 178 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 185 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 192 Rover Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 199 Fuel Cells Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 200 Final Assembly of Duna Habitat III with supplies in Kerbin orbit (Duna Hab Fuel, Duna Hab, Rover, Roller Bobs [3], Fuel Cell[2], Fuel Cells[2], Booster) 206 Cycler Hab Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 213 Cycler Spine Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 217 Cycler Vehicle I Eve Flyby, closest approach of 1622 KM for gravity assist to Duna. 220 Solar Array Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 223 Propulsive Capture of Solar Array I into a high exccentricty Duna Orbit. 227 Larders Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 234 Boosters Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 235 Final Assembly of Cycler Vehicle II (Cycler Hab, Cycler Spine, Solar Array, Larders (3), Booster, Taxi) 239 Aerocapture of Duna Hab II into Duna orbit 241 Larders Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 248 Taxies Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 255 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 256 Final Assembly of Taxi vehicle for intercept of Cycler Vehicle I during Kerbin Flyby (Taxi, Larders(2), Booster, Fuel Cell, Fuel Cells) 257 Two Kerbals, Taxi, Booster and Roller Bobs (3) Depart from Cycler Vehicle I. Minor propulsive maneuvers of Taxi, Booster and Roller Bobs to facilitate Duna aerocaptures. 260 Aerocapture of Roller Bobs (3), Taxi and Booster into Duna orbit. Cycler Vehicle I Duna Flyby and closest approach of 544 KM for gravity assist to Kerbin. Taxi docks with Duna Habitat I. Two Kerbals transfer to Duna Habitat I. Duna Habitat I and three Roller Bobs land on the surface of Duna. Solar Array I maneuvers into position to support landed Duna Habitat. 262 Monopacks Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 269 Roller Bobs Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 276 Roller Bobs Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 282 Kerbal delivered to cycler vehicle II via a Tarriance launch 283 Kerbal delivered to cycler vehicle II via a Tarriance launch 283 Boosters Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 284 Cycler Vehicle II start of Trans Duna Injection Maneuvers 289 Duna Habitat III Trans Duna Injection Maneuver 290 Landing Pack Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 295 Cycler Vehicle II completion of Trans Duna Injection Maneuvers 297 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 301 Cycler Vehicle I, Mun Interception Maneuver 304 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 305 Final assembly of Supply Mission I (MonoPack, Landing Pack, Roller Bobs[3], Booster and Fuel Cell[2] for transit to Duna) 305 Kerbal delivered to Taxi vehicle via a Tarriance launch for approaching taxi intercept of cycler vehicle I 306 Kerbal delivered to Taxi vehicle via a Tarriance launch for approaching taxi intercept of cycler vehicle I 308 Cycler Vehicle I, Propulsive Gravity Assisted Breaking Maneuver at Mun to set up Kerbin Gravity Assist to Duna. Cycler Vehicle I Kerbin Flyby. Depart of Taxi from Kerbin with two Kerbals on board to randevous and dock with Cycler vehicle I bound for Duna. 311 Roller Bobs Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 312 Supply Mission I Trans Duna Injection Maneuver 318 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 319 Final assembly of Supply Mission II (Booster, Fuel Cell, Roller Bobs[3]) 323 Depart of Taxi and booster with two Kerbas from Cycler Vehicle II in preperation for Duna aerocature. 325 Cycler Vehicle II flyby of Duna. Aerocapture of Taxi and booster carrying two Kerbals into Duna orbit. Taxi docks with Duna Habitat II. Two Kerbals transfer to Duna Habitat II. Duna Habitat II lands on the surface of Duna. 325 Roller Bobs Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 326 Supply Mission II Trans Duna Injection Maneuver 332 Roller Bobs Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 339 Boosters Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 346 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 350 Breakup of Duna Habitat III and Roller Bobs(3) in preperation for aerocaptures 353 Aerocaptures of Duna Hab III and Roller Bobs(3) into Duna orbit 353 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 360 Landing Pack Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 361 Final assebly of Supply Mission III (Booster, Landing Pack, Fuel Cell [2], Roller Bob[3]) 367 Cycler Hab Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 368 Supply Mission III Trans Duna Injection Maneuver 374 Cycler Spine Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 375 Depart of Taxi and booster with two Kerbas from Cycler Vehicle I and three Roller Bobs in preperation for Duna aerocature. 378 Cycler Vehicle I flyby of Duna. Aerocapture of Taxi and booster carrying two Kerbals into Duna orbit. Taxi docks with Duna Habitat III. Two Kerbals transfer to Duna Habitat III. Duna Habitat III and three Roller Bobs land on the surface of Duna. Taxi vehicle remains in orbit 381 Solar Array Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 388 Larders Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 395 Taxies Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 396 Final Assembly of Cycler Vehicle III (Cycler Hab, Cycler Spine, Solar Array, Larders (3), Booster, Taxi) 402 Boosters Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 409 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 416 Duna Hab Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 417 Final Assembly of Taxi vehicle for intercept of Cycler Vehicle II during Kerbin Flyby (Taxi, Larder, Booster, Fuel Cell) 423 Duna Hab Fuel Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 430 Roller Bobs Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 437 Rover Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 442 Breakup of Supply Mission I and Roller Bobs(3) in preperation for aerocaptures 444 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 445 Aerocaptures of Supply Mission I (MonoPack, Landing Pack, Booster, Fuel Cell[2]) and Roller Bobs(3) into Duna orbit. 451 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 458 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 465 Boosters Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 466 Final Assembly of Duna Habitat IV with supplies in Kerbin orbit (Duna Hab Fuel, Duna Hab, Rover, Roller Bobs[3], Fuel Cell[3], Booster) 472 Roller Bobs Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 475 Breakup of Supply Mission II Roller Bobs in preperation for aerocaptures 478 Aerocaptures of Supply Mission II (Booster, Fuel Cell) and Roller Bobs(3) into Duna orbit . 479 Roller Bobs Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 486 Fuel Cell Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 493 Fuel Cells Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph 500 Roller Bobs Launched to Kerbin orbit on Sylph That will be all for this update!

Keeping busy has a way of keeping one busy but slowly things continue to advance. Good to see more people take interest. The cycler concept is one I have been curious about myself and had not seen done so I wanted to investigate it further by including it. (serious handful though) The Solar Array 'beaming power down' is just thoughts and not game enabled. Much like how some people who did the challenge did so with satellites for communications. Mine just happens to be bigger, more capable (and could be pressed into use as a backup power supply for a crippled cycler vehicle). For this I choose to do it without mods because it feels right to me.

That's a significant challenge and you have some options. Maths, I think this is a Lambert's problem. If you understand the terminology to get the orbits detailed information you can use Alex moon's excellent launch window planner to add your stranded ship as 'a body' in the solar system and it will chart possible intercept courses as a delta Vee pork chop plot, recommend the most efficient option and give you the information needed to execute it. You can wait, after a few years the stranded ship should end up with a relatively close intercept to Kerbin and when it does send your rescue ship out such that the ship you are sending out has the exact same Periapsis and patiently narrow the gap every subsequent orbit by the usually method of using a slightly higher Apoapsis if you are ahead of it and slightly lower Apoapsis if you are behind it and need to catch up. I recommend you practice matching and closing with an eccentric orbit first. Launching two probes into orbit together, sending one out on an orbit just short of a Mun transfer and intercepting it when the probe on the eccentric orbit returns. Create opportunities. Build a big multi-stage rescue rocket with a ridiculous amount of delta V, around 15,000 - 20,000 M/S available once in Kerbin's orbit sounds about right to me (the Moar approach) option A) (The even Moar approach) Use the brute force to make an ugly high energy intercept, match the targets orbit when you get close. option Put the rescue ship in a circular orbit around the sun (the lower your solar orbit the easier and faster it is to make an intercept but the more fuel you will burn doing it) use the in game maneuver node tool to plot and execute an orbit from this circular orbit that's Apoapsis intercepts a part of the targets orbit (higher intercepts above the sun with the target will be easier to work with due to lower relative velocities at time of intercept) I think unmanned rescue ships are best, if it doesn't work out right you aren't inadvertently creating more new lost in space problems.

I think it would be great to be able to select a budget difficulty when starting a new career mode game. I was thinking something along the lines of a multiplier that would be applied to parts costs in the game that would be selected when a new game is started or loaded from a save. ie individual parts in a game client would cost (base Part cost X current games part cost multiplier) A player who wants an easier game may select a game with a 0.5 multiplier for parts that cost half as much (for less costly failures and more freedom to over design). Conversely a very experienced player looking for an extreme challenge could push up the costs to say 400%, with a x4 multiplier. If squad was to implement such a system it should allow all players (regardless of skill) greater freedom to customize their gaming experience to what they enjoy. A new player could avoid being punished by the economy while building, flying, crashing in new entertaining ways. While veteran players build more efficient ships to fly to and land on all the things for fun and profit. Thanks for your time and all your work on the game!

On Duna it does, on Kerbin it does not. I was not certain it could upright itself until I did the test at Duna.

My mission plans keep breaking down because of serious supply issues (using a 4 ton lander to bring in 1 ton of supplies to the surface of Duna was just not efficient enough, even though the mobility offered was amazing) and time constraints due to 'real life stuff' and 'being responsible'. To solve the main issues I have quit my job to play KSP full time! Just kidding but I wish a wasn't I made a new supply delivery craft I would like to share. The new supply craft is light enough to be launched two at a time on my four ton lifter, a 100% improvement! Like the previous larger model its final landing is propulsive, because it's better! I don't actually know if that's true but it does seems to working for me. After landing the legs are retracted and the Bob supply craft lays on it side. Mobility was still a very important feature I wanted to retain but wheels would require more mass, for a larger thermal protection system and um... wheels. Instead the Roller Bob is the wheel! Moving across the surface like a giant rolling pin, it will flatten all in it's path that dare defy it! On the low gravity of Duna it has surprisingly good mobility. I intended to take more screenshots but I destroyed the test craft displayed above when I had it jump off the top of a hill at 23 M/S and slam into the ground resulting in a rapid unplanned dis-assembly. NOT RATED FOR REALLY COOL JUMPS! Alternatively the Supply craft could be moved using other assets after landing, like in this security footage of a Roller Bob full of snacks being stolen The suspected rover seen here remains at large. If you see this Rover or have any tips regarding this theft of snacks or any theft report it to your local law enforcement authorities. This Rover is considered sneaky and hungry. All Kerbals are advised to use extreme caution if they spot this or any ravenous rover pilfering snacks.

I was once curious about this too. KSP Aerogravity assist is possible I think a real one would melt and send debris, everywhere.