SSTO Completion

[jbakes]

I just wanted to share that I finally completed my first SSTO. Definitely much harder than building a rocket. It took me weeks to figure out how to design this ship to do what I wanted it to do. It's main objective was to be able to get into a 100km orbit and dock with my fueling station. It can also survive re-entry to Kerbin and land (chutes are for an emergency).

It's not the best looking but it does the job. Complete with 5 engines. The R.A.P.I.E.R. and turbo jet engines get it into orbit and then I use the nuke and RCS for the rest.

Then here it is docked with the fuel station, It's the one all the way to the left. The other ships are previous designs.

I also have another variant that will carry a total of 2 crew.

I'll probably use this SSTO for a while then design another one that can hold more Kerbals.

I also want it to look better as well, that's why we make SSTO's right???

If anyone has anything to share or critique feel free, any input helps as SSTO's are very difficult.

[Geschosskopf]

Welcome to the club, and welcome aboard in general

[Palec]

Nice results for first SSTO!

But for only 2 crew SSTO, you don't need that many engines, especially not nukes as it is not worth the weight if you need to get only to 100km orbit. You should be perfectly fine with 2 rapiers. What is most important one - ascent profile. Be sure to have at least 1100m/s in jet mode on rapiers, before you will switch to rocket mode. Then you need only approx. 1500dv in rocket mode to get to 100km orbit and get back

[spudman2]

Doesn't it feel great finally seeing it orbit freely, no aerodynamic forces on it at all?

I've had great success with SSTO's that use 2 RAPIERs, 1 LV-N, and no oxidizer. (Also make your docking port inline, the nosecap ones don't do well for drag )

[Vanamonde]

This sharing of a craft has been moved to the craft sharing sub-forum.

And congratulations. it took me almost 3 years to make my first useful SSTO plane.

[Kagame]

Try dropping the nuke, clipping the Turbos into the RAPIERs, and using a Mk. 2 profile for your next one- it'll probably be a lot more efficient.

[Frank_G]

Congratulations on this awesome achievement. Very good looking craft.

With the right ascent path, i bet you can get rid of the Turbo-Jets, the nuclear engine and two intakes. Would save lots of weight and reduce drag.

Keep up the great work

[jbakes]

Thanks for the comments guys. I actually just changed the design to something a little more appealing. It functions pretty much the same but it can re-enter Kerbin atmosphere much better. I know 5 engines is a lot but this thing can get to orbit stupid fast and very easily. Basically all you do pitch to 30 degrees then around 10km go to 10 degrees or so and you're in space.

This was after re-entry so the nose is a little damaged. First time landing on the runway back from orbit though

[EdusacconBR]

looks like the SR-71

[jbakes]

looks like the SR-71

Ya it really does. Wasn't my intentions but it flies extremely well and very fast. Great to use for a shuttle or to refuel and go elsewhere.

[jbakes]

Landed on Minmus. Now to get back...

[Rath]

You might want to know that nukes only use liquid fuel.

[jbakes]

You might want to know that nukes only use liquid fuel.

Yes I'm aware. If I'm using oxidizer in space it's because I'm using rockets to save time as the nuke engine has low thrust.

[Vegetal]

Seems a little over complicated to me, especially if it is only to make LKO.

Now, for taking off from minmus, the idea is to be able to point the nose above the horizon before thrusting. I have a spaceplane which has the CG so close to the rear landing gears that I was able to do that with just the cockpit's reaction wheels.

I tried the same on the Mun....lol. Ended up having to run off a crater side to have enough "air time" to go vertical and thrust out to orbit. Very kerbal...