Shuttle Launcher : Launch, Flip, Crash

[Ikare]

I'm still learning the basics and a little more. Today, how to launch a shuttle?

I've tried to make a spaceplane, but I never have enough fuel to make it to space. I've given up until I unlock the rapier engine.

So, I made a launcher! My spaceplane/shuttle is quite eavy (it needs to transport 7 Kerbals for station crew rotation), so it doesn't seems illogical.

But I just can't make it take off without flipping!

So, is it just because the center of mass is slightly on the side? Is there a lift phenomenon (I guess not since there is no lift arrow...)?

It would be rather annoying to add a 20 tons counterweight on the other side...

Edited September 4, 2015 by Ikare

[Stoney3K]

Your center of thrust is offset, that's what causes the flip.

Angle your thrust so the arrow is pointing through the center of mass.

[Alshain]

As Stoney3K mentioned, you want the Shuttle's engines angled outward in line with the center of mass so it counteracts the rotation.

[GoSlash27]

Ikare,

Lots of good info here:

http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/132178-how-to-make-space-shuttle

Good luck!

-Slashy

[Ikare]

Thanks to all of you! I just started reading the long thread on space shuttle, and I've already learned super interesting things (like the concept of "thrust torque").

Is there a place where these kinds of useful mega-threads are listed?