STS Challenge v2 (Closed)

[mythic_fci]

*This challenge is closed and will be locked soon. Look for a new challenge administered by @Speeding Mullet soon!*

Space Transportation System Challenge

This challenge is a revised and updated version of Inigma's older STS Challenge, which you can find here.

So, can you build a space shuttle, fly it, and land it? If so, this challenge is for you!

This challenge is split up into several sections (missions), each with increasing difficulty from fairly easy to very hard. All the required subassemblies for each mission will be made avaliable below the mission description. Some challenges will have a leaderboard where you can compete with others to stay in the top few for that category. More missions will be made avaliable as new subassemblies are made and suggestions come in - feel free to suggest a mission you think is suitable!

 

To avoid nitpicking, this is the official definition of a space shuttle for this challenge:

A reusable winged Orbiter which carries kerbals and cargo to orbit and back and is capable of a horizontal landing. It should have at least 2 OMS engines for trajectory changes as well as an RCS system for maneuvering. It must be lifted into space by a Carrier Vehicle which either supplies fuel during to several main engines mounted on the Orbiter or lifts the Orbiter into space with its own engines. If necessary, boosters may be attached radially on the Carrier Vehicle (no other attachment location is permitted) for additional thrust.

 

RULES

Please read these before attempting this challenge.

1. You may not use any mod parts on the shuttle.

2. You may not use autopilot mods (ex. MechJeb) when flying the shuttle

3. All atmosphere-altering mods (ex. FAR) are not permitted.

4. You may not cheat in any way, whether it be by using plugins like HyperEdit or by using the Debug Menu for infinite fuel/RCS (you may, however, use the Debug Menu for part clipping).

5. You are required to use your own shuttle when completing any of the missions below.

NOTE: If you have participated in the previous STS challenge created by Inigma, feel free to look at the list of the missions avaliable and self-certify yourself accordingly.

 

MISSIONS

Once you have completed a mission, please PM me and post your proof in this thread. If I don't respond within 72 hours, assume you have earned your badge and wear it proudly!

All missions require either an Imgur album showing each stage of the flight, or a continuous (1 take only) video showing all stages of the flight.

STS-1

This is the simplest mission - all you need to do is build a space shuttle, fly it, and land it.

Badges Available

STS PIlot - Rank 1

Build a shuttle complying to the above space shuttle definiton and fly it to orbit, then deorbit and land. Land anywhere you want.

STS Commander - Rank 1

Build a shuttle complying to the above space shuttle definiton and fly it to orbit, then deorbit and land. Land either at the KSC, the island airfield just off of the KSC, or at any Kerbal Konstructs airport.

 

Bonus Mission

Inigma Industries has contracted you to take their 42t fuel pod up to Kerbin orbit. Since it requires special on-orbit activation procedures, unmanned expendable launch vehicles are out of the question; it's up to you to take this behemoth to orbit and back. Not only that, but they require a very precise orbit: there must be less than 100m difference between your apoapsis and periapsis. Can you do it?

STS Fuel Pod Available HERE

LEADERBOARD (Top 6 ONLY)

1. Speeding Mullet with 'Buran 11F35 Kerbal Prototype' - 1000km

2. Nefrums with 'STS1' - 750km

3. FCISuperGuy with 'KTS-3 Discovery' - 700km

4. Fraus with (unnamed shuttle) - 117km

 

If you have successfully taken the Fuel Pod to orbit (70+km), you get the special Flight Director badge, the ultimate display of piloting and engineering prowess and skill.

 

STS-2

This mission is slightly harder - your goal is to deploy 2 comsats weighing from your Shuttle and to return to Kerbin. Additional goals are required for higher-ranking badges.

Note: This mission requires the use of an Mk3 Fuselage-based shuttle.

Subassemblies Required

STS Comsats - by inigma

Badges Available

STS Pilot - Rank 2

Reach an orbit of 200+km and deploy your two comsats without spin stabilization to geostationary orbits. Deorbit and land anywhere you want.

STS Commander - Rank 2

Reach an orbit of 350+km and deploy your two comsats with spin stabilization (using the provided Sepratrons) to geostationary orbits. Deorbit and land at either at the KSC, the Island Airfield just off of KSC, or at any Kerbal Konstructs airport.

 

STS-3

Your mission here involves some orbital construction - you are to launch the Hubble Space Telescope into orbit and deploy it. This will require assembly with the 2 MMUs provided, as the solar panels need to be attached on-orbit with Kerbals.

Note: This mission requires the use of a shuttle with at least a CRG-100 cargo bay.

Subassemblies Required

Hubble Space Telescope - by xoknight

Badges Available

STS Pilot - Rank 3

Requires at least STS Pilot Rank 2. Launch the HST to an orbit of your choice and deploy and assemble it; afterwards, deorbit and land. Land anywhere you want.

STS Commander - Rank 3

Requires STS Commander Rank 2. Launch the HST to a 550+km circular orbit inclined at 25-30 degrees and assemble it. After deployment, land at either at the KSC, the Island Airfield just off of KSC, or at any Kerbal Konstructs airport.

STS-4/4R

(Temporary photo only - final photo will be selected from first entries)

This'll be the most daring mission so far - first, you must launch a single shuttle to orbit, then send another shuttle to rescue it. See this article for technical details of the IRL proposed STS-107 rescue.

Note: It is recommended to use an Mk3 Fuselage-based shuttle for this mission.

Subassemblies Required

(OPTIONAL - Requires CRG-100 Cargo Bay) STS-107 SpaceHab Module - by inigma (Used on the first shuttle)

(Recommended - Requires at least a CRG-50 Cargo Bay) STS Operations Module - by inigma (Provides 4 extra seats)

Badges Available

STS PIlot - Rank 4

Launch your first space shuttle into a 200+km orbit with a minimum of 4 crew, then send up your second shuttle to rendezvous with it and rescue its crew before coming in to land anywhere you wish.

STS Commander - Rank 4

Launch your first space shuttle into an 350+km orbit with 6 crew at an inclination of 25-30 degrees, then send your second shuttle to rendezvous with it and rescue its crew. Land at either at the KSC, the Island Airfield just off of KSC, or at any Kerbal Konstructs airport.

STS-5-7

Your mission here is to build a 4 module space station with your space shuttle. Your space station must have:

• A service module with RCS, engines, and reaction wheels
• A habitation module
• 2 scientific modules

Badges Avaliable

STS Pilot - Rank 5

Assemble your space station above 150km. After each mission, you may land anywhere you want.

STS Commander - Rank 4

Assemble your space station above 300km. After each mission, land at either at the KSC, the Island Airfield just off of KSC, or at any Kerbal Konstructs airport.

 

 

Special Badges

Sometimes, people deserve recognition in ways that the normal badges can't reflect. Here are the special badges.

Astronaut Badge

This badge is given to anyone who has completed any of the above missions with a shuttle built by another person.

 

Mission Specialist Badge

This badge is given to anyone who has completed any of the above missions with a shuttle which uses modded parts

 

(No badge yet; pending finalization of badge design)

Skunkworks Badge

This badge is given to people who have submitted especially unique and outstanding designs which abide by the given definition of a space shuttle. Skunkworks badge holders are still eligible for the above mission badges. The full list of Skunkworks badge holders is as follows:

@Foxster - What sets this entry apart is the way it's built. It's the first inline shuttle in this challenge and can lift either a small amount of cargo or (possibly) 4 Kerbals to orbit.

 

Architect Badge

(Temporary badge; new one being designed)

This badge is only given to those who have contributed a lot of quality content to the challenge in invaluable ways. The full list of Architect badge holders is as follows:

 

FCISuperGuy - Challenge Creator

@inigma - Original Challenge Creator/Manager, Builder of highly-capable STS Space Shuttle and numerous STS-related subassemblies

@Speeding Mullet - Temporary challenge admin for a period of 4 months, helped significantly during a period of time (still ongoing) where FCISuperGuy was unable to administer challenge

If you feel that someone has contributed much to this challenge, feel free to nominate them for consideration to receive the Architect Badge.

 

 

Edited April 24, 2016 by FCISuperGuy
Closed challenge, added final nominee for Architect badge

[inigma]

Thanks for taking this back up for me FCISuperGuy. I've not had a lot of time to be able to manage this. You really are a super guy.  

Edited November 30, 2015 by inigma

[ShmikeTP]

Quote

 

 

STS Pilot - Rank 2

Requires at least STS Pilot Rank 1. Reach an orbit of 100+km and deploy your two comsats without spin stabilization to geostationary orbits. Land anywhere you want.

STS Commander - Rank 2

Requires STS Commander Rank 1. Reach an orbit of 200+km and deploy your two comsats with spin stabilization (using the provided Sepratrons) to geostationary orbits. Land at either at the KSC, the Island Airfield just off of KSC, or at any Kerbal Konstructs airport.

 

Relating to deploying satellites, technically- if the shuttle is capable- could we be allowed to bring the shuttle up to geostationary orbit heights, then deploy them there? If you still want spin-stabilization, I can kinda just make the Sepratrons spin the satellite a little in orbit. I'm a bit interested by this challenge.

PS: Can I keep my mods all installed if I don't use them? I'd maybe think using RemoteTech in conjunction with this would work nicely, and I do have it in my install.

Edited November 30, 2015 by ShmikeTP
Adding a question

[Araym]

There was also some different meaning of "Engineer" and "Architect" badges (I earned mine with gentle concession by Inigma), building their own version of a Space Shuttle, or helping to develope the original one (I did very poor attempts a long ago, then I went sideway with some little addition from some mods, on my own)...

... I never did with my creation the explicit parts of the challenge (mostly I'm now following my career save for the comic, and I'm long away to Space Shuttle technology :P) but the original challenge was not so strict to "stock only". It's surelly a good point be stock (to develope sharable crafts) but is not the only possibility (I will feel shameful, but in the day I'll arrive at shuttles in my save, with life support mods and so on, It will be challenging probably more than the "stock option" :P)

Original Inigma's open form could open a lot of options and partecipation (I did also a Buran-like shuttle, not stock, as I use AB launchers and Tantares for the "russian-like" rockets), and a different "Kanadarm-like" module for the cargo for the more Nasa shuttle- like

 

(It was in 1.0.4... follow the link that is hidden in my "Architect" badge Actually the very same craft - after a bit of tweaking caused by radial mount model change - is still flying in 1.0.5, when the "Snowstorm" - the Buran-like - went a radical modification: less fuel, less kredits needed to launch, a lot more capapble in term of range, but still more costy than the Nasa-like, even if my "Olympus" uses old version Mk.3 modded parts that looked, for me, better than the latest released :P)

Edited November 30, 2015 by Araym

[mythic_fci]

7 hours ago, Araym said:

There was also some different meaning of "Engineer" and "Architect" badges (I earned mine with gentle concession by Inigma), building their own version of a Space Shuttle, or helping to develope the original one (I did very poor attempts a long ago, then I went sideway with some little addition from some mods, on my own)...

... I never did with my creation the explicit parts of the challenge (mostly I'm now following my career save for the comic, and I'm long away to Space Shuttle technology :P) but the original challenge was not so strict to "stock only". It's surelly a good point be stock (to develope sharable crafts) but is not the only possibility (I will feel shameful, but in the day I'll arrive at shuttles in my save, with life support mods and so on, It will be challenging probably more than the "stock option" :P)

Original Inigma's open form could open a lot of options and partecipation (I did also a Buran-like shuttle, not stock, as I use AB launchers and Tantares for the "russian-like" rockets), and a different "Kanadarm-like" module for the cargo for the more Nasa shuttle- like

 

(It was in 1.0.4... follow the link that is hidden in my "Architect" badge Actually the very same craft - after a bit of tweaking caused by radial mount model change - is still flying in 1.0.5, when the "Snowstorm" - the Buran-like - went a radical modification: less fuel, less kredits needed to launch, a lot more capapble in term of range, but still more costy than the Nasa-like, even if my "Olympus" uses old version Mk.3 modded parts that looked, for me, better than the latest released :P)

I think what you're referring to is the "spinoff craft" part of Inigma's STS thread in the Spacecraft Exchange, which is seperate from this challenge. Just like the original STS challenge, this version will also be stock-only. Since you've made a modded shuttle, you can take the 'new' STS Mission Specialist qualification (changed the definition drastically); however, if you want to earn more badges, please use a stock shuttle. About the different meanings of the Engineer, Architect, Mission Control, and Flight Director Badges - I changed their meanings to make the scoring system a little bit more flexible and to make it make sense in piloting terms.

About launching directly to GSO - unfortunately, to keep this challenge fair and realistic, I have to mandate that you stay in LKO when deploying the Shuttle. I recommend you use the power of your shuttle to launch the STS Fuel Pod instead

 

Edited December 1, 2015 by FCISuperGuy

[sieve]

that flight director badge...I want it

looks like I have plans for the weekend haha

[mattssheep4]

On 11/30/2015, 8:02:54, FCISuperGuy said:

Your mission here involves some orbital construction - you are to launch the Hubble Space Telescope into orbit and deploy it. This will require assembly with the 2 MMUs provided, as the solar panels need to be attached on-orbit with Kerbals.

Where's the link to the telescope and MMUs, and do you need KAS/KIS to attach the solar panels?

[Mikki]

I am gonna make a try on this challenge! Greetings Mikki 

It`s done!

Craftfile: (with a random Lab in bay, uups looks like a funny typo here)

https://www.dropbox.com/s/znv4hsne4326tn6/Soace Shuttle Lab.craft?dl=0

Imgur Album: (lotsa pics!)

http://imgur.com/a/AMqgl

And one Pic from the album:

Edited December 5, 2015 by Mikki

[mythic_fci]

On 12/5/2015, 3:02:07, mattssheep4 said:

Where's the link to the telescope and MMUs, and do you need KAS/KIS to attach the solar panels?

Whoops...my bad. Forgot to add them to the OP. Since I'm away from home and on my phone, I can't add it to the OP until tomorrow; for now, just go to either the old STS challenge thread or inigma's STS shuttle thread and download it (it's made by xoknight). You don't need KAS/KIS for the solar panels; they're designed to be attached with the 2 provided 'MMUs' (basically orbital tugs) by latching on to them and docking them to the side of the deployed Hubble. I'll post an instructional Imgur album soon.

EDIT: Finally home. Click here to go to the download link. Added to OP as well.

21 hours ago, Mikki said:

I am gonna make a try on this challenge! Greetings Mikki 

-big snip-

Great job! You have qualified for the STS Commander Rank 1 badge. As the cluster of boosters all ignite at the same time and are separated of together, I'll accept it. Normally, I would PM you the full badge link for your rank, but since I'm away from home (as I said above), you can just copy the image URL from the picture itself and put that in your signature. 

Edited December 6, 2015 by FCISuperGuy
DL link added to post

[Foxster]

Here's a little craft I've knocked together for the challenge that does seem match the given definition but that doesn't look very shuttle-like. 

Not too sure what rank this might be but I'm not too bothered. Was just glad it flew as well as it did. 

 

 

Edited December 5, 2015 by Foxster

[mythic_fci]

11 hours ago, Foxster said:

Here's a little craft I've knocked together for the challenge that does seem match the given definition but that doesn't look very shuttle-like. 

Not too sure what rank this might be but I'm not too bothered. Was just glad it flew as well as it did. 

-album snip-

Although this is quite a nice and unique design, I'm afraid it doesn't fit by the definiton of a space shuttle. This is partially my fault - my definiton wasn't clear enough on the specifics of the ET and booster mount locations. Even though you unfortunately can't qualify for the usual badges, I'm planning to add a special badge category for non-standard shuttles. Will most likely post in 24hrs or so.

Edited December 6, 2015 by FCISuperGuy

[Foxster]

2 hours ago, FCISuperGuy said:

Although this is quite a nice and unique design, I'm afraid it doesn't fit by the definiton of a space shuttle. This is partially my fault - my definiton wasn't clear enough on the specifics of the ET and booster mount locations. Even though you unfortunately can't qualify for the usual badges, I'm planning to add a special badge category for non-standard shuttles. Will most likely post in 24hrs or so.

Fair enough. 

I see you have amended the definition. I'll come up with a design that meets that. 

[Foxster]

Here is my mk2: HMS Thuddle...

As far as I can tell, HMS Thuddle meets the challenge's definition for a space shuttle:

• To orbit and back - Check
• Consisting of a resuable winged 'orbiter' which has 3 SSMEs (only used during launch) - Check. Only used the 3 SSME engines during launch and they cannot be fuelled except from the external tank
• 2 OMS pods - Check. Two Thuds fuelled from onboard tanks. 
• An External Tank filled with fuel for the SSMEs (no fuel for the SSMEs can be stored on the Orbiter) - Check 
• 2 side-mounted boosters mounted on the sides of the External Tank that are discarded once their fuel is depleted - Check

 

[mythic_fci]

8 minutes ago, Foxster said:

As far as I can tell, HMS Thuddle meets the challenge's definition for a space shuttle:

• To orbit and back - Check
• Consisting of a resuable winged 'orbiter' which has 3 SSMEs (only used during launch) - Check. Only used the 3 SSME engines during launch and they cannot be fuelled except from the external tank
• 2 OMS pods - Check. Two Thuds fuelled from onboard tanks. 
• An External Tank filled with fuel for the SSMEs (no fuel for the SSMEs can be stored on the Orbiter) - Check 
• 2 side-mounted boosters mounted on the sides of the External Tank that are discarded once their fuel is depleted - Check

Erm... sorry, but you missed the 'kerbals and cargo' part of the definition.

(Quoted from the definiton in the OP)

Quote

A vehicle which carries kerbals and cargo to orbit and back...

 

It needs to somehow carry at least some cargo up to LKO, whether it's a tiny probe in a Mk2 cargo bay or a huge orange tank or two in several Mk3 cargo bays. Looking at your design, it should be pretty easy to modify it to carry a tiny payload so you can get STS Engineer.

-FCI

Edited December 6, 2015 by FCISuperGuy

[Foxster]

7 minutes ago, FCISuperGuy said:

Erm... sorry, but you missed the 'kerbals and cargo' part of the definition.

(Quoted from the definiton in the OP)

 

It needs to somehow carry at least some cargo up to LKO, whether it's a tiny probe in a Mk2 cargo bay or a huge orange tank or two in several Mk3 cargo bays. Looking at your design, it should be pretty easy to modify it to carry a tiny payload so you can get STS Engineer.

-FCI

Darn. So close. 

Just checking...How many Kerbals do I need to take up and back? Don't want to have to have to change it again for that. 

[mythic_fci]

5 minutes ago, Foxster said:

Darn. So close. 

Just checking...How many Kerbals do I need to take up and back? Don't want to have to have to change it again for that. 

Doesn't matter how many Kerbals you fling up there, so long as they come back down alive.  Although some of the later challenges (Rank 2+) are meant for Mk3 fuselage-based shuttles due to the way the subassemblies are built, the STS Engineer and Pilot/Commander Rank 1 badges just need 1 kerbal minimum.

EDIT: To make this a bit easier and to encourage unorthodox entries like yours, I've changed the definition to 2+ SSMEs instead of a hard limit of 3. If you need more lifting power, go ahead and strap on some MOAR SSMEs.

Edited December 6, 2015 by FCISuperGuy

[Foxster]

Last try at this...

 

 

[mythic_fci]

1 hour ago, Foxster said:

Last try at this...

-album snip-

Third time's the charm  If I followed the rules strictly, you'd only get an STS Engineer badge; however, due to the unique design of your entry (it's the smallest shuttle so far and (apparently) is a lifting body, as well as having unorthodox ET/booster placement) as well as the fact that you landed at KSC, you have been awarded with an honorary STS Commander Rank 1 badge! As soon as I get enough free time to make the badge, you'll also get a new designation called the 'STS Skunkworks' designation for having an unorthodox and unique design!

STS Commander Badge:

(Link PM'd to you as a backup)

Edit pending for the addition of the Skunkworks badge to this post and to OP.

[Foxster]

I thought I would have just one more try and make something a little more shuttle-like...

 

[Nefrums]

It is a bit hard to design a working shuttle.

Here is my first working prototype.

 

I messed up the landing approach a bit but managed to save it by burning the remaining rocket fuel. 

 

 

[Speeding Mullet]

@FCISuperGuy - I presume my Buran would qualify for entry on this challenge?

SM

[mythic_fci]

To encourage more creativity in challenge entries, the challenge rules and missions have been completely redone for more leeway and freedom of design instead of being locked to the 'traditional' Space Shuttle design. After all, the real STS had plenty of different proposals too   By the way, I'm also looking for a graphic artist to help (if possible) with logo design. The current logos work, but they're a bit old and come from the previous challenge, meaning they aren't as flexible. If anyone's interested, please PM me.

 

4 hours ago, Speeding Mullet said:

@FCISuperGuy - I presume my Buran would qualify for entry on this challenge?

SM

Originally, no, but after much deliberation, I changed the rules to allow it. Knock yourself out!

Edited December 7, 2015 by FCISuperGuy

[Speeding Mullet]

6 hours ago, FCISuperGuy said:

Originally, no, but after much deliberation, I changed the rules to allow it. Knock yourself out!

Nice!  This is just the challenge that my shuttle needs in order to prove it's road(?!) worthiness, I'll get on it starting tonight!

@Foxster - nice dinky shuttle there!

SM

[Billyk88]

Is this competition still active? If so I would like to attempt to do this.

Thank You

[Foxster]

3 minutes ago, Billyk88 said:

Is this competition still active? If so I would like to attempt to do this.

Thank You

I'd have thought people posting submissions in the last day and the OP replying would be a bit of clue that it is.