Creating the most efficient SSTOs

[Kerbal101]

20 minutes ago, Temstar said:

I mean for ascent. For reentry high alpha reentry solves almost all heat issues.

For ascent the part that get heated the most is the cockpit/nose cone. Problem is all nose cones and all cockpits only have 2000 degree heat tolerance, and I don' care for using shock cone as my nose. I suppose the shielded docking port is an option. Does the increased heat tolerance of the shielded docking port offset its increased drag?

First thing I learned when initial practicing the re-entry... the basic Nose cone is much better than the Advanced one; as the former exploded right in my face right around 33k from overheating.
Luckily, the exposed basic batteries where strong enough to withstand ~2000K.
That was before I got KER to get accurate readings.

I also lost all four whipsplashes and good part of left wing, but that was due to my greed for an attack angle... =) I landed just barely on the shore mountain near KSC.. =)

Edited January 18, 2016 by Kerbal101