DAMTS - Direct Ascent Munar Transport System

[MedwedianPresident]

DIRECT ASCENT MUNAR TRANSPORT SYSTEM

The Direct Ascent Munar Transport System is a versatile framework for situations in which every minute counts such as rescues of stranded or crashed kerbonauts. Inspired by the Apollo Direct Ascent and the Gemini Lunar Lander hypothetical designs, the DAMTS brings up to 3 crewmen (by default) to the Mun within 6 hours. Sitting atop the massive Supernova rocket which utilizes SpaceY 7.5m and 10m parts, the DAMTS can be outfitted with various functional modules (which serve as the descent stage of the Heavy Munar Lander (HML)) that remain on the Mun and are capable of making ballistic hops or entering Munar orbit for docking with a station.

Launch wet mass is almost 4000 tons.

 

The initial TWR is relatively low.

 

Gravity turn is relatively shallow. Main engine thrust is gradually lowered and then increased to full again when boosters are separated. This saves fuel.

 

The boosters tend to explode upon separation; however, they do not damage the rocket (usually).

 

Six ullage motors kick the first stage away. The LES has already been jettisoned by now.

 

The second stage is over-engineered. It does not only circularize, but also performs the TMI burn and insertion into Munar orbit.

 

The Mun is reachable within several hours.

 

After Munar Orbit Insertion, the 2nd stage is jettisoned using four ullage motors. This shows that the rocket is designed for larger payloads - the 3rd stage is supposed to function as the transfer stage.

 

The HML is a relatively light payload; as such, the third stage controls the first half of the descent.

 

Once it has been determined that the landing must not be aborted, the third stage is separated and the Descent Stage of the HML ignited. Note the eight shallow landing legs which stabilize the lander and allow it to land in sloped terrain without tipping over.

 

The HML, as any other Munar landers, requires advanced piloting skills. Thrust must be modulated appropriately - if piloted incorrectly, the lander crashes.

 

In this case, the HML landed on a ~5deg slope. It slowly skidded down as the Jeb, Bill and Bob posed for a picture.

 

The MUnar REsource Extraction Module (MUREM) slowly mines for Munar ore. It can be used for supplying small bases.

 

The small engine of the Ascent and Return Stage does not damage the Descent Stage with its exhaust.

 

The Ascent and Return Stage steadily rises into Low Munar Orbit.

 

The ARS brings the vessel into a Kerbin Return and Reentry trajectory (periapsis ~20-30k); some fuel is left for course corrections.

 

Note the RCS ports located on the CM - their purpose is translation to clear the ADS after separation and prevent a collision during Reentry.

 

The entry velocity (3000 m/s) is typical for returning from the Mun.