SpaceX inspired Stock Rocket

[Technical Ben]

[Tested in 1.13]

May I present the Space Xplosion ARV9 rocket. A SpaceX inspired stock rocket. It should work without any further mods, though automatic systems such as MechJeb or kOS are recommended for multiple reliable landings.

Click for pics:

Spoiler

Spoiler

Spoiler

 

Available in the standard lifting configuration, a light and a heavy variant. All use the same core boosters, with some changes to the second stage to adjust for the lifting capacity.

 

As KSP does not offer concurrent missions or control it is recommended to launch initially to a 125km to 130km high orbit. This should give enough time for all manoeuvres needed between the stages. There are different possible flight paths for options on how to return the craft.

If you wish to return stage 1 to KSC, follow this example first get the apoapsis is high enough. Then eject shrouds and separate stage 2. Immediately aim stage 1 back as KSC. You should have around 2 to 3 minutes before stage one "lands" with or without your assistance. Use this time to get a stable orbit. As time is vital, you may wish skip circularising at this point. Once you have a safe orbit, switch back to stage one and land... anyway you wish.

If you wish to increase your payload capacity, you can instead land on a barge (I've not tried, it's hard!) or the next continent on Kerbin. At the 125km ballistic trajectory mark, you need very little fuel and time to adjust stage 1 towards your preferred landing spot. However, you will need to use the engines to slow down the descent, else the stage will burn up! But before that, you will have to switch to stage 2 and get it into orbit. You should be able to switch back to stage 1 before it even enters the atmosphere, so may wish to adjust the landing trajectory at this point.

For stage 2 and the crew capsule, it is recommended to approach from a 75km or lower orbit, and keep everything behind the heat shields. Flipping the second stage requires some finesse, but is reliable.

Advice welcome, as I'll be looking to do a redesign for 1.2 when the refined parts drop and they could do with more tweaking to keep everything stable.

Advanced Return Vehicle craft file

Advanced Return Vehicle Heavy configuration craft file

Advanced Return Vehicle Light configuration craft file

Edited September 24, 2016 by Technical Ben