SSTO (w/o Rapiers, 1.02) Finally. ...almost...

[GarrisonChisholm]

So, inspired by -

My first attempt at a 1.04 SSTO. While there isn't anything groundbreaking in the design, I was fairly pleased with how it came out.

http://i.imgur.com/ecDiPtr.png

http://imgur.com/a/VfUUT

66 tons, 132 parts without cargo. So far it can take about 10 tons to LKO, and I suspect more, if you can fit it in the bay and pilot well.

Enjoy!

- last night I tried one more time with "low" tech to build my SSTO (100.6 tons; the design uses 8 Whiplash and 4 experimental Aerospikes, with a 909 for final rounding and de-orbit), and Made it! ...except, for the flat-spin on re-entry that caused the 4 inline intercoolers to over-heat and explode, resulting in a parachute landing about 3000km from KSC. I suppose its not really an SSTO if it lands with less parts than it took off with, right? Tweaking of the base model will occur, and a second attempt will be made tonight. I think key is setting the Mk2-Mk1 forward LF as a non-draw reserve for balance.

However, Murphy's Law would have it; after 10, "artful, aesthetic" designs, the one I threw together that looks like a collapsed Pipe Organ is the one that works...

If a further test is successful, I will see about posting in the K-Prize section- this has certainly caused enough angst & time expenditure to warrant trying for the badge! - Special thanks to Slashy, whose postings on SSTO philosophy were very helpful.

[KerikBalm]

Nah, its still an SSTO, you made it to orbit in one piece!

Its just not a SSTOAB... Orbit And Back.

You're still on 1.02?

I made lots of SSTOs in 1.02 without rapiers... Turboramjets are pretty good too

[Slam_Jones]

Shift all your fuel to the front tanks before you re-enter. Helps keep it in balance usually.

[GarrisonChisholm]

Nah, its still an SSTO, you made it to orbit in one piece!

Its just not a SSTOAB... Orbit And Back.

You're still on 1.02?

SSTOAB- heh, I like that. :] My fault for not telling the guys in Engineering to be more specific.

Yes, wanted to finish my 1.02 game before upgrading, also hoping the Launcher will eventually do it automatically for me...

[Pecan]

1.04 SSTO:

Mk1 command pod, 2xFL-T800 fuel tanks, 1xT45 engine. (ETA: Oops, and 3x basic fins)

Mind you, a spaceplane is harder. Let us know when you're ready to try one of those.