Non-detaching Struts

[RuBisCO]

Is there a way to modify a strut in config such that it won't detach when two part separate via a coupling. Thus allow for multiple vertical couplings without parts flying apart after decoupling?

[Tex_NL]

Struts can only ever exist within one and the same craft. Through decoupling/undocking one craft becomes two and therefore the struts will break.

KAS cables and fuel pipes can be created between two separate craft but those function radically different than struts.

[RuBisCO]

Oh the KAS pipes work, I need to attach them after launch though.

[RuBisCO]

Is there anyway to attach KAS pipes together before a launch?

[Taki117]

I'm mildly curious why you need struts to do this. If you are making a skycrane you can use the radial plug from KAS with a winch, release the cable from the winch, then when you are less than 20m from the surface change the plug mode. Your rover will drop from the crane (But still be attached by the cable) then when you touch down (Or right before) unplug the cable and watch your skycrane fly away.

[RuBisCO]

Well here is a lander, notice how the decent stage has two parts, outer tanks connected to ascent stage engines and tanks, inner tank and engine connect to lander pods. With the KAS pipes when I decouple the the ascent stage, the descent stage stays intact despite 5 decoupling points and thus 5 parts. Is there a way to do this with struts or regular pipes in VAB?

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[Gaalidas]

I think I get it... you want to be able to attach two tanks, one on top of the other, but not attached to each other except by struts, then attach the two tanks to the main craft via decouplers. Upon decoupling, you want both tanks to stay connected to each other via the struts. The only way I see something like that working is if the two tanks are separate before launch, but then dock together using docking ports after launching your craft. Upon the two decouplers ejecting the separate tanks, the docked tanks should stay together. Otherwise, you're ejecting two tanks that will be treated as separate "crafts" (debris objects) and cannot be strutted together.

[sashan]

Docking ports that are put into such shape that they dock themselves right after launch are your friends man. An old KSP hack.

Would be nice to have it done in an easier way.

[RuBisCO]

Yeah I could attach them via little docking ports, post launch but I don't want to, I asking if there is away to attach them in the VAB. So far the KAS pipes work well, thanks Tex_NL, but I need to do an eva to attach them all.

[Sampa]

you COULD use the radial decouplers in the design but just move the their position in the staging tree to AFTER you decouple from the descent stage! The reason this would work: you lose control over the the staged part (descent stage in this case) upon decoupling. By setting the radial decoupler's position until AFTER you decouple from the descent stage, they then disappear from the staging tree! Quick and easy way to do it!