Duna in 1.0.2

[Scarecrow88]

I discovered that my standard Duna mission rocket from earlier versions of KSP was lacking sufficient dV in the lander for it to return from the surface of Duna to orbit and dock with the CSM in the new aerodynamics of 1.0.2, so thought this would be a good opportunity to re-work it.

This is a modded craft, but the only modification it uses is the Alcor lander can, as I prefer it's looks over the standard 2-man lander can. Everything else is stock.

Flight profile is pretty standard; 1st and 2nd stage get you to LKO, with some fuel left in the 2nd stage to start your interplanetary burn. This can be important, as the interplanetary stage is tight on dV, and relies heavily on aerobraking at Duna to establish capture and orbit there. Once in orbit, the lander can be extracted and the crew transferred from the command module. A short de-orbit burn and parachutes, with just a short deceleration burn near the surface means you can get down to the planet in the lander with most of your fuel intact. It's a two stage lander, but the first stage is used for both getting to the surface and doing most of the work when returning to orbit, being jettisoned when out of fuel, leaving the lander can to complete the orbital burn and rendezvous with the command module. Once the away crew are back in the command module, the lander can be discarded, and the command module can burn for home when a transfer window comes up.

Lift off

Second stage burn

Interplanetary stage arriving at Duna

Extracting the lander module

Final burn for landing

On the surface

Returning to orbit

Rendezvous almost completed

Burning for home

Hope they've put the kettle on to welcome us back

Craft download file

[Unfawkable]

That's really compact, nice work. Almost hard to believe that final stage can make it back.

[OddFunction]

That's really compact, nice work. Almost hard to believe that final stage can make it back.

Terrier is a beast. Never doubt.

[Unfawkable]

I see you also used it for the lander. Is it possible to to make the lander even more minimalistic with a spark engine? It works for Minmus and Mun landings, but Duna is a far fetch.

[Willy101]

Nice work 

Edited July 7, 2016 by Willy101

[Rubik'sCubeMaster]

Did you use mods because the craft file says that ALCOR.LanderCapsule is missing and I am in version 1.2.2 so did they take it out or what?

[WindShieIds]

17 minutes ago, Rubik'sCubeMaster said:

Did you use mods because the craft file says that ALCOR.LanderCapsule is missing and I am in version 1.2.2 so did they take it out or what?

ALCOR is a separate mod yes.