LazarusLuan

Awesome - thanks for the feedback! Finishing up the Super Heavy Lift pack now.

The .52 updates and low resolution versions of the SpaceX Launch Packs and Exploration Expansion kits are now ready for download. Please let me know if there are any issues with these releases: Download from LazTek: LazTek SpaceX Launch Pack 2.3.52 [KSP .23.5] LazTek SpaceX Launch Pack HD 2.3.52 [KSP .23.5] LazTek SpaceX Launch Pack LR 2.3.52 [KSP .23.5] LazTek SpaceX Exploration Expansion 1.52 [KSP .23.5] LazTek SpaceX Exploration Expansion HD 1.52 [KSP .23.5] LazTek SpaceX Exploration Expansion LR 1.52 [KSP .23.5] Download from SpacePort: LazTek SpaceX Launch Pack 2.3.52 [KSP .23.5] LazTek SpaceX Launch Pack HD 2.3.52 [KSP .23.5] LazTek SpaceX Launch Pack LR 2.3.52 [KSP .23.5] LazTek SpaceX Exploration Expansion 1.52 [KSP .23.5] LazTek SpaceX Exploration Expansion HD 1.52 [KSP .23.5] LazTek SpaceX Exploration Expansion LR 1.52 [KSP .23.5]

Yes - I saw those a few months back. The dimensions I'm working with now (scaled down to Kerbal size) are from the description Elon Musk recently gave on the unnamed (but we shall call it "Falcon XX", since they called it that in the Powerpoint presentation they gave years ago) launch platform for the Mars Colonial Transporter. From Wikipedia: SpaceX engine development head Tom Mueller said SpaceX would use nine Raptor engines on a single rocket, similar to the use of nineMerlin engines on each Falcon 9 booster core. He said "It's going to put over 100 tons of cargo on Mars."[10] The large rocket core that will be used for thebooster to be used with MCT will be 10 meters (33 ft) in diameter, nearly three times the diameter and over seven times the cross-sectional area of theFalcon 9 booster cores.

I used Photoshop to do the texture reduction on each image and found considerably better results than just using Unity's reduction function, so the low res version is now hopefully of acceptable quality and will be part of my update I'm releasing after testing tonight.

I'm about to put out a patch update for both mods that includes these fixes: - Fixed expanding main tank in regular-res version - Fixed lack of fuel tanks on SHERPA in Dragon 2 build - Added correct exhaust and smoke points to SuperDraco and PulseDraco engines - Fixed "Abort" on Dragon builds - Changed Dragon Chute with higher drag and lower deploy altitude - "8" key opens and closes nose cone on Dragon Explorer build Are there any other issues I need to address in this patch?

Elon Musk doesn't seem to think so... he described it as "100 times larger than an SUV, with the ability to deliver 100 colonists to Mars": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Colonial_Transporter However, the game crashes when I disembark more than 20 kerbals at a time on Duna, so I think a smaller 5-meter craft will work better.

Here's a rough preview of my SpaceX Mars Colonial Transport concept during testing. It carries 108 passengers and crew...

Well, we still don't REALLY know what the Dragon 2 will look like yet, so I'm just making stuff up for now. I will go ahead with creating a Dragon cargo model to add to the launch pack, but in the meantime, enjoy a sneak preview of the true behemoth: the mighty Falcon XX Mars Colonial Transport...

I have a low res pack that I'm going to post up shortly that uses only 80MB for both packs, so that should help. The logos look pretty grainy, but it should allow anyone to use it.

The Dragon explorer craft is at the top in the image, which demonstrates the massive size of the Falcon X Heavy. Each core uses 3 Raptor engines, each generating over 1, 000, 000 lbs of thrust. For my upcoming SpaceX Falcon X Super Heavy Lift pack I've also created a 5m expanded fairing and base for the top. After this, it's on to the really big ship: the Falcon XX Mars Colonial Transport...

You're welcome! I still have a lot of detail to finish, but here's a preview of the Falcon X Heavy Explorer in testing:

Thanks - I appreciate your comments. I already have these and my version of the new Raptor 1A methane engines modeled for 3.75m and am currently doing textures. I will work on a 3.75m colonization and asteroid towing package after the SpaceX Super Heavy Lift pack is released.

I do indeed have a solution for the RCS issue with the realism overhaul... I'll include this in the upcoming .24 update, but for now, just download and unzip it directly into the GameData/LazTek/Parts folder. It is a supplemental RCS pod that attaches below the engines, directly in between the RCS nozzle pairs in a set of four, just like the SuperDracos. I recommend attaching them before attaching the engines using the same technique I recommend for SuperDraco engine attachment, which is to rotate the capsule 45 degrees before attaching and then rotate the capsule back to its original position. After installing, turn off capsule RCS and torque and it should rotate correctly without needing a reaction wheel. LazTek SpaceX Dragon Real RCS

Sorry about that - managed to put the old tanks in the lower resolution launch pack update. I've corrected the error - please let me know any other issues you may find. Download from LazTek: LazTek SpaceX Launch Pack 2.3.5 [KSP .23.5] LazTek SpaceX Launch Pack HD 2.3.5 [KSP .23.5] LazTek SpaceX Exploration Expansion 1.5 [KSP .23.5] LazTek SpaceX Exploration Expansion HD 1.5 [KSP .23.5] Download from SpacePort: LazTek SpaceX Launch Pack 2.3.5 [KSP .23.5] LazTek SpaceX Launch Pack HD 2.3.5 [KSP .23.5] LazTek SpaceX Exploration Expansion 1.5 [KSP .23.5] LazTek SpaceX Exploration Expansion HD 1.5 [KSP .23.5]

Thank you... I'm glad you are enjoying the mods!

The LazTek SpaceX Launch Packs and Exploration Expansion Kits have been updated and are now available for download. Download from LazTek: LazTek SpaceX Launch Pack 2.3.5 [KSP .23.5] LazTek SpaceX Launch Pack HD 2.3.5 [KSP .23.5] LazTek SpaceX Exploration Expansion 1.5 [KSP .23.5] LazTek SpaceX Exploration Expansion HD 1.5 [KSP .23.5] Download from SpacePort: LazTek SpaceX Launch Pack 2.3.5 [KSP .23.5] LazTek SpaceX Launch Pack HD 2.3.5 [KSP .23.5] LazTek SpaceX Exploration Expansion 1.5 [KSP .23.5] LazTek SpaceX Exploration Expansion HD 1.5 [KSP .23.5]

I actually have complete, high-resolution versions of the Merlin 1C, 1D, 1C Vac and 1D Vac engines in Maya, but I don't see where anything but the nozzle is actually exposed in real life other than the current, initial configuration of the Falcon 9 second stage, which will eventually be covered with a protective shroud for recovery configuration with landing gear. Likewise, the Merlin 1D first stage engines are completely enclosed within the engine housing on the Falcon v1.1, so you can't see anything but the nozzles. Are you wanting an exposed 1D/1D Vac engine as just a part you can use in KSP?

I've completed the KSP .23.5 (ARM) update for my SpaceX Launch Packs and Explorer Expansion Kits and will post shortly. Here is a change log: 1. Taking advantage of exponential increases in connected part stability with KSP .23.5, the Falcon Main Tank has been extended to real life proportions. 2. Explorer Tank is now unnecessary and has been removed. 3. Falcon Short Interchange has been added for DragonClaw ship build. 4. All part.cfg files have been updated to work with KSP's new part stability and no longer bend or wobble on launch. 5. Fuel tanks no longer have "expanding" bug in the VAB selector SHIPS: LT SpaceX Dragon 2 - Reconfigured for extended main tank, eliminated struts LT SpaceX Dragon Explorer - Replaced Explorer tank, reconfigured for extended tanks, eliminated engine cluster struts LT SpaceX DragonClaw - Newly created for ARM missions and for general spacecraft towing, ferrying and major mayhem. Designed to pull instead of push LT SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - Reconfigured for extended main tank, eliminated engine cluster struts LT SpaceX Falcon Heavy - Reconfigured for extended tanks, eliminated engine cluster struts Thanks to Scripto23 and Dragon01 for their help in pointing me in the right direction on a few issues that I hadn't figured out yet. Let me know if there are any other changes or additions you would like to see in the .24 update.

I can make the current Dragon cargo capsule if everyone really wants it for historical purposes, but I didn't see a need since KSP seems to be centered around getting our little green friends into space. If they add some sort of cargo function in the game it would seem to make more sense.

@Scripto23: Thanks for the info! Is there something I can edit in Unity to fix this without requiring users to download the mod?

I've tested the current release of the SpaceX Launch pack and Explorer Expansion kit with the .23.5 release of KSP and for the most part, everything seems to work the same or better. There is no longer any need to use struts between the Merlin 1D Housing and the main fuel tank, but upper connecting struts are still needed to stabilize the Falcon Heavy and Dragon Explorer configurations. While the upper stages no longer break, they bend badly without added support and/or the use of the shorter Explorer tank. KSP still requires the Dragon 2 capsule to be rotated 45 degrees before placing the four Superdraco engines to get the thrust vectors to straighten up and not rotate the ship uncontrollably. Here is my current list of changes that still need to happen: 1. Add flag placement on parts 2. Rework Dragon RCS thrust points to get RCS roll to work 3. Fix "expanding tanks" bug with VAB parts selector If there are any changes I still need to address, or if anyone has a clue as to what could cause the "expanding tanks" bug, please let me know. I will also be adding new flame effects to all the regular-fuel engines. Now that KSP has fixed the issues with stability of large parts, I will be releasing my SpaceX 3.75-meter Super Heavy Lifting Pack within a couple of weeks, which will include concept versions of the upcoming Raptor engines.

Good point - that mod been a great stop gap for the breaking engines for the past few months while waiting for the new anchor point system. I just prefer to stick with stock parts when I make craft files to eliminate any requirements for additional mods to allow them to load.

I forgot to mention that I never had problems with the Falcon 9 v1.1 config with a full-length main tank - it would only present itself as a problem with the Heavy configurations and especially with the Explorer using FAR. Even then it was while using MechJeb, not manual control. Since I created this mod to allow me to make demonstration videos for SpaceX for YouTube, I needed MechJeb to be able to recreate the same launch and landings over and over to allow me to shoot from multiple angles. The next version of KSP will make this all irrelevant, since it is going to Unity 4.4 and a completely different way of connecting parts by using anchor points established in Unity and then referenced in the .cfg files with various attributes that can be assigned to each joint. This will allow parts to become one, act as a swivel joint, etc. by assigning values to the anchor points. So, the next full update will have different physics and allow me to exactly duplicate the RL proportions of SpaceX's main tank, along with letting me get rid of any struts that I currently use to keep the engine housing from breaking.

You are correct. I found no way to fly the main stage consistently through the atmosphere (and this was before I even tried Ferram Aero) with the full scale length of the main tank, so I kept testing shorter and shorter tanks until I found an island of stability at the current length. This problem becomes even more apparent when flying the Explorer configuration. The instability with Ferram prompted me to create a 2/3 length Explorer main tank to allow consistent launches.

I've updated the Exploration Expansion Kit on Space Port with these changes: ************ Changes to SpaceX Exploration Expansion Kit 1.1: Dragon Docking Trunk - Removed attachment points for Solar Panel Covers to improve aerodynamics and make compatible with newest version of SpaceX Launch Pack. Dragon Habitat - Removed attachment points for Solar Panel Covers to improve aerodynamics and make compatible with newest version of SpaceX Launch Pack. Dragon Retractable Nose - Completely redesigned to stack as one part on top of Dragon 2 Capsule after Docking Ring has been attached. Aerodynamics have been improved. Dragon Retractable Panel Cover - Now surface attaches to solar panels on Dragon Habitat Explorer Heat Shield - Replaces old Dragon Shield with lower physics requirements SpaceX Explorer Tank - An optional 2/3 height main fuel tank has been added that shortens the center stage of Falcon Heavy and Explorer assemblies for greater atmospheric control and stablity. Habitat Landing Leg - Replaced old upper landing leg with a completely new design that increases stability on all surfaces and remains aerodynamic while retracted. SuperDraco PulseJet Nacelle - Fixed lack of emissive glow from engines ************ Included with this package: PARTS - Dragon Docking Trunk (Designed to allow attachent of docking ring to top, has extra monopropellent fuel) Dragon Habitat (A complete living quarters and mobile laboratory solution for extraplanetary exploration. Has inflatable living/working area that accomodates 7 kerbalnauts with interior views.) Dragon Monopropellant Tank (400 surface-attachable units of monopropellant fuel) Dragon Retractable Nose (Maintains areodynamicism of Dragon 2 capsule for return orbits from surfaces with heavy atmospheres, while providing intake ducts for SuperDraco/PulseJet hybrid engines.) Dragon Retractable Panel Cover (Fits over solar panals and may be toggled to maintain aerodynamics when entering planetary atmospheres.) Explorer Shield (Protects Dragon Habitat during atmospheric entry, has top decoupler) Habitat Landing Leg (Retractable landing gear for Dragon Habitat module, designed to be surface attached in a set of four.) Explorer Main Tank (An optional 2.5-meter center fuel tank that is shorter than the regular Falcon Main Tank by 1/3, increasing aerodynamic control and stability. SuperDraco PulseJet Hybrid Engine Nacelle (Experimental engines utilizing automatically-switching air-breathing and closed-system modes to allow use of planetary atmospheres to greatly extend use of fuel for returns from plantary surfaces.) SHIPS - LT SpaceX Dragon Explorer - Designed and tested to explore and return from every planetary body in the Kerbol system, this ship can be converted to non-atmospheric mode to save weight if desired and is set up to use new experimental SuperDraco/PulseJet hybrid technology, combining air-breathing and conventional closed-system rocket tech. (Use these keys: 5-ladder 6-hatch 7-Science! 8-retractable nose cone 9-retractable solar panel covers 0-solar panels. Use 4 key to disengage booster engines before separation, use 1, 2 and 3 keys to switch between 1-, 3- and 5-engine configurations for stage returns.) NOTES - SuperDraco/PulseJet engine nacelles are designed to attach to the Dragon 2 capsule in a set of four and have been set up for you with pre-made ships. You may do this yourself by rotating the capsule by 45 degrees, attaching the engines and then rotating the capsule back 45 degrees. Additionally, I've reduced the graphics overhead a bit on both versions of the kit. I am currently running both versions in separate installations with several popular mods to test for compatibility and have found none with Clouds and City Lights, Ferram Aerospace, Kerbal Attachment System, MechJeb, etc... Please inform me of any issues found.