Bunny Booster

[Foxster]

I can't remember seeing a booster stage like this, though I'll bet someone is doing it. I call it a Bunny Booster...

I often use a pair (or more) of balanced booster engines and asparagus them with a central engine. Then I thought that that seems wasteful and draggy when I only really need one (asparagused) engine for some payloads. A Bunny Booster only takes a little trial and error to get the angle of the booster engine right and then it flies easily to orbit.

Thoughts?

[Alshain]

Most STS replicas do it. It's the same basic principle of the Space Shuttle main engines. However, it isn't practical as you are using fuel by having the engine vector that far off center. It would be more efficient to half two half-size half power boosters in symmetry than 1 big one that doesn't point prograde like this.

That said, it is fun to test your own creative limits from time to time. As a tip, roll the rocket so the vectored engine is aiming down, just like the shuttle does. It wastes a little less fuel forcing the rocket toward the ground and it should be easier to steer.

Edited October 11, 2015 by Alshain

[Foxster]

It would be more efficient to half two half-size half power boosters than 1 big one that doesn't point prograde like this.

Yea, I know...but where's the fun in that?

[Crown]

Most STS replicas do it. It's the same basic principle of the Space Shuttle main engines.[...]

The Atlas V 411 uses a single SRB, other configurations use more SRBs but they aren't placed symmetrically. So I assume that they use a similar way of tilting the engine nozzle.

[GoSlash27]

I remember 5thHorseman used one for the Caveman challenge.

Best,

-Slashy