[SpaceX] Falcon 9 Reusable Lifter

[Rdivine]

Falcon 9 Reusable | SpaceX Replica

 

This rocket is a replica of the spaceX falcon9 v1.2 launch vehicle. It's first stage is capable of sending a 2nd stage with a payload of up to 17t into orbit, and autonomously return for a landing.

PAYLOAD REQUIREMENTS

Fairing: <2.1t

Payload mass: <17t

Cost per ton: $1450.59

Cost per launch: $24660

WARNING: Some part clipping involved.

 

Instructions on how to use the launcher.

Spoiler

 

1. Once you've made your payload, check it's mass to see if it's below 17 tons.

 

2. Drag subassembly under the payload.

 

3. Build fairing. Fairing mass must be below 2.1t.

 

4. Strut it up. Make strut connections between payload and fairing, and build a struct connection linking the first stage and the payload together as shown. This step is very crucial.

Optional : you can use part editors to move the struct inside.

 

5. You are now ready to launch! Launch the vehicle and open the kOS tab on the top-right corner of the screen.

 

6. Set up the onboard computers. Click the first icon beside "power on". Do not click the second identical icon below the first. Type "run falcon." into the terminal window. Press enter.

 

7. Open the second terminal window by clicking on the second icon. Type "run land.". Press enter.

 

8. Your vehicle will launch automatically. However, you are required to manually control the vessel's speed. Try to keep your speed the same as that displayed under "MANUAL MAINTAIN:".

 

9. Once the first stage burns empty, DO NOT SEPARATE YET. First, press x to set your throttle to 0. Then, right click the topmost tank of the first stage and enable fuel flow. Next, separate the first stage and slowly throttle up to prevent the engine exhaust from burning the first stage.

 

10. Lock your throttle to 100%. The second stage will burn until your apoapsis reaches 100km. Once your second stage reaches 70km, quickly switch back to the first stage to watch it land.

 

11. Now, click on the kOS tab and open the terminal window. Type "run land." IMMEDIATELY and press enter again. Now sit back and watch the first stage land autonomously.

 

12. Recover the first stage and switch back to the second stage through the tracking station. Wait until it reaches apoapsis and circularise your orbit.

 

13. Congratulations! You just made it into space with a semi reusable rocket!

 

The first stage has 9 engines in an octaweb configuration. During launch, all 9 engines will fire.

However, when returning, only the center engine will fire.

 

DOWNLOAD HERE

 

Here are some gifs showing the first stage landing.

 

Enjoy!

 

Edited January 2, 2016 by Rdivine

[selfish_meme]

I think it's a reasonable functional replica, but the dimensions are better suited to 3.75m and the engine configuration looks like this, still kudos, I built something similar and it takes a bit of tweaking to get right.

[veggero]

45 minutes ago, selfish_meme said:

I think it's a reasonable functional replica, but the dimensions are better suited to 3.75m and the engine configuration looks like this, still kudos, I built something similar and it takes a bit of tweaking to get right. (image)

The one in the pic is the falcon 1.0 and not 1.2.

Rdivine: The landing code are strange, i'll try it

Edit #1:

Uh...  

Edited January 2, 2016 by veggero

[selfish_meme]

49 minutes ago, veggero said:

The one in the pic is the falcon 1.0 and not 1.2.

Rdivine: The landing code are strange, i'll try it

Edit #1:

Uh...  

you are right, did not know there was two versions

[Rdivine]

3 hours ago, veggero said:

The one in the pic is the falcon 1.0 and not 1.2.

Rdivine: The landing code are strange, i'll try it

Edit #1:

Uh...  

Odd... Did you type "run land." into the terminal window too late? You must enter it before the ship reaches below 15km.

Either that or your kOS version has not been updated?

Edited January 2, 2016 by Rdivine

[veggero]

I think it was too late. I tried to write "start land." after stage sep. and the code stopped working. So i edited it... but to late. 

If i'll have more time, i'll try again.

[Mad Rocket Scientist]

Incredible!  I'm making my own Falcon 9, but it can't land autonomously.

[bairdbash]

I'm having trouble with that download link

[Mad Rocket Scientist]

On 2/2/2016 at 3:26 PM, bairdbash said:

I'm having trouble with that download link

Mediafire links were recently removed, see this post for details: http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/index.php?/topic/130041-mediafire-links-removed/