A 1000 ton lifter!

[Redshift OTF]

Many moons ago I made The Peacemaker lifter that could take a payload of 1000 tons into LKO. Today I thought I would revisit it the concept given the many patches KSP has had since. I'm not sure why any one would want to lift 1000 tons into space but who cares about that.

This lifter uses the new Vector engines which means I don't have to resort to clipping to get the needed thrust and don't need many control surfaces as the excellent gimballing of the engines makes it easy to turn.

This version is 374 parts including the test payload. Total weight on launch pad is 5571 tons. The wide top makes it easy to strut your payload securely. 269 parts without the payload. Just don't forget to remove the struts that connect the example payload if you want to turn it into a sub-assembly.

Respirators at the ready when launched!

The first and second stages dropped are just fuel tanks. You'll need to monitor the tanks so you know when they are empty so they can be dropped. If you are using mechjeb this will work automatically of course. 6 are dropped on the first stage and 6 on the second.

The final stage has a probe core and vernor engines so it can be turned and de-orbited if you don't like space junk. You don't need to use the Vernors on ascent however you will need them to turn the craft towards the final orbital insertion manoeuvre.

[url=http://www./download/8mbk53xgsdkudm1/1000_ton_Lifter.craft]Download here.

Edited December 20, 2015 by Redshift OTF