Kerbal tutorials?

[Exoscientist]

Hello, newbie here. I have some spacecraft proposals that I want to create simulations for that I discuss here:

The Coming SSTO\'s.

http://exoscientist.blogspot.com/2012/05/coming-sstos.html

How do you use the kerbal program to simulate a space launch? Also does kerbal have accurate trajectory calculators where you can get a good idea about how much payload your rocket can get to orbit?

Thank You,

Bob Clark

[Dobrodav]

For calculating TWR there is an excellent 'Engineere' part. Be aware, it requires 0,15 version.

http://kerbalspaceprogram.com/forum/index.php?topic=9917.0

For good awareness of flight situation and some autopilot function, look for Mech Jeb part. (No demo compatibility)

http://kerbalspaceprogram.com/forum/index.php?topic=8021.0

For basic understanding and calculating of orbital mechanics and as source of basic astronomical info i can recommend

KSP Orbit Mechanic 1.2a java program.

http://kerbalspaceprogram.com/forum/index.php?topic=4707.0

PS: about SSTO.

We are closing now to moment when it will be possible, BUT, maintaining that system in service will be ridiculously high in cost.

To return back in space, we should turn to the principles that KSP illustrates - not so good, not so optimized, with common materials in use, but dirty CHEAP. I can recommend you to read this:

LEO on the cheap

http://www.dunnspace.com/leo-1-10.pdf

[Exoscientist]

Thanks for those refs. I\'ll give them a read.

Bob Clark

[sal_vager]

Hi Exoscientist.

It looks to me you are after a program where you can display your SSTO concepts to an audience, and things like projected lift capacity and mission duration are important to you.

If this is so then Kerbal Space Program may not be the software you are looking for, it is primarily a game and has no provision for simulating cargo, life support consumables or anything else beyond launching construction kit rockets into space with little green men at the helm.

Perhaps a more suitable program would be Orbiter? It is a much deeper simulator and I think the Direct Launcher guys used it as part of their proposal to NASA.

It\'s something to try if KSP doesn\'t meet your needs

Hope this helps.

[Dobrodav]

Well, i am read through some provided materials. Piece of advice - for that kind of experiment, 'Orbiter' simulator is much more better. It at least deals with the Earth (Kerbin 1st space speed is just one quarter of Earth and therefore, SSTO is not a big deal here, actually), have good, and detailed enough orbit mechanic simulation including complex earth atmosphere. Well its have some flaws, when it comes to making your own craft, but now it have mods, that allow to do this by person even without knowing programming languages (search for spacecraft3.dll on Orbiter forum). Also it have more scientific oriented users, with long story of creating ships and using them. Actually KSP auditory can be very science driven too, but they are investigating that new world Kerbin, therefore, it will not help much with you field of interest. But there is no better place to check some crazy ideas 'on the fly' than KSP, and its actually - very fun.

Good luck on your journeys, Bob Clarck.

[Exoscientist]

Hi Exoscientist.

It looks to me you are after a program where you can display your SSTO concepts to an audience, and things like projected lift capacity and mission duration are important to you.

If this is so then Kerbal Space Program may not be the software you are looking for, it is primarily a game and has no provision for simulating cargo, life support consumables or anything else beyond launching construction kit rockets into space with little green men at the helm.

Perhaps a more suitable program would be Orbiter? It is a much deeper simulator and I think the Direct Launcher guys used it as part of their proposal to NASA.

Thanks for the info.

Bob Clark