SeventhDurandal

psuedo-double post

I've used a design very similar to yours for trips to Duna and back many times. The NERVAs have no problem lifting off, especially since I usually leave the lander behind. With this ship I don't even need a transfer stage, with aerobraking it makes the trip all on its own. Like you I also found it easier to launch upside-down with this design.