Jupitec 4-AD SSTO Shuttle

[LitaAlto]

The latest and perhaps final iteration in the Jet Propelled Test Craft project, the Jupitec 4-AD is a stock SSTO rocket designed to efficiently transfer two crew to and from orbits up to 250 km, with fuel left over for softer landings.

Its main use will be for space station crew transfers, but with fueling stations in place, it could conceivably be used for travel to the Mun and Minmus.

Its RAPIER dual-mode engines can utilize air intakes for fuel efficiency in lower atmospheres. A shallow ascent curve--after sufficient vertical velocity is achieved--can maximize air-breathing time for even more efficiency. The oxidizer supply is therefore lower, proportionally, than the liquid fuel supply, for weight savings.

Use Action Group 1 to shut the air intakes after switching from air-breathing to closed-cycle, to reduce drag during the final part of the ascent.

Ladders are keyed to the Gear Action Group.

Craft file available at GameFramer.

[Climberfx]

Cool and Original design. I like it.

[Threadsinger]

Very cool design!

[LitaAlto]

Cool and Original design. I like it.

Very cool design!

Thanks! I was initially inspired by the Buck Rogers/Destination Moon look but given the parts it wound up looking like it came from an 80s SF movie. I'm not complaining.

[GusTurbo]

I like this a lot. Great video too!