Bystander

Curiously the "Training->Basic Flight" mission using exactly the same ship works fine but the apo is a lot lower (about 14k). Enabling SAS helps, coming down engine first works sometimes, other times it's too fast. Wrangling the descent onto its side generally seems to work but doesn't seem like a good FTUE.

Thanks, though at the end of the video I pop on the way down when it says it's safe. I'm going too fast by the time I reach atmosphere for the chute in that version. I'll try SAS - just seems odd to me that 100 new players aren't complaining about this - seems like an oddly obscure puzzle and no hints hence an unintended side effect of tuning somewhere as it never used to happen.

Thanks for answering, I'll give it a go, though it's an SRB so can only add some fins and they most likely won't do much till it burns out, Seems a little rough on new players if they're supposed to find that out somehow. This is literally the first career mode mission. I guess I must be the first player to start career mode in some time.

I'm a returning player, I'm on Steam on v1.8.1.2694 after the update. I've done a complete uninstall/reinstall at this point, no mods. Googling has failed me at this point and I see no pinned topics related. Doing the first career mission "Launch our first vessel". Build Mk1 command pod + RT5 (Flea) SRB + mk16 parachute- these are the only options, fix staging. After launch it ends up at 23Km and there's no way to deploy the chute without it burning up. If I deploy it close to ground I'm going way too fast, if I deploy it at the apo I'm going too fast by the time I hit atmosphere. I seem to remember the Flea only getting you to about 4Km not 23 - buy maybe remembering that wrong. Here's a video of the problem from a clean install https://youtu.be/z1QYPhlNH20 at the end (2.35) I also deploy near the apo. I must be doing something stupid or I've forgotten something or this has been answered a million times but Google isn't showing it - what's going on here?

Okay, so here's a jet fuel launcher at 27.5%

Okay so to wrap up this challenge, I present the ultimate high score that nobody will ever beat - to go with my low score. Using Mephane's craft file and the suggestions (by many, but originally featherwinglove) to drain the Oxidizer first; PLUS the simple addition of a Mainsail. I give you ! 2877 Only 3 units of fuel used - and if I could close the thread here I would !

Thank you my Greek friend, that will certainly qualify. I'm not planning to start this till next week - Monday, so anyone who wants to get a head start (haha) before then is welcome. Also if anyone has suggestions for rules/judging criteria, those are welcome !

I like the jaunty angle sir ! I'm thinking of posting the hat challenge next week so this can be my first entry/proof of concept. All stock I assume ?

Wow, 8 litres of fuel consumed for the entire flight. That's witchcraft ! But it takes the lead

Okay, so as a follow up challenge, I'm thinking of "Give the Water Tower a hat" challenge. With hard mode being the Control Tower - which has lots of antennae and is a lot bigger. Not sure how to score it though, it's clearly an aesthetics challenge so no mod restrictions other than cheats. I guess stuff like "100 points for glasses" ? (Imagine the control tower with a Darth Vader helmet made from procedural fairings)

Hahaha, what the ... Okay, you're in the special section.

Not sure how you'd drain the Oxidizer without using an additional tank ? - which would disqualify you !

Excellent, new top score. I suspect you nailed the reason why nobody else tried it in that they are incredibly difficult to control. All entries welcome.

Neat design and a clever approach - I like it. That score also puts you in the lead !

Excellent piloting skills BoffinBox, I make that 1948 (from 1:26 in the video). Edit: Plus you plastered the score at the start