Trouble with designing a 95% reusable VTOL SSTO Laythe Lander

[Spricigo]

3 hours ago, Cpt Kerbalkrunch said:

I still think the OP is better off with a spaceplane in this instance. It's tough to compete with their abilities on Laythe. Especially when you're talking about reusability and efficiency. Not to mention that it's quite a bit easier to choose your landing zone.

It all depends on how much importance is given for each factor. There is no question that almost reaching orbital velocity in jet power is a big advantage (and I'd not hold my breath in doing so without wings) but if you have plenty of fuel available from ISRU you may start to worry more about  time than fuel consumption. And wings are great when picking your landing spot but not necessary if every time you get 'close enough' without it.

I'm under the impression the decisive factor is coming to flying to orbit 'close enough' to ideal ascent profile. And, oddly to me, the spaceplanes seems to have the upper hand.