Apollo-style Mun Landing

[Ekku Zakku]

Link to pics of the ship's maiden voyage and a more in-depth description: http://imgur.com/a/ra0ox#0

The only things lacking in terms of Apollo-style are 2 crew members in the L.E.M., and docking with the command module, which we all know isn't possible yet XD

Otherwise it performs just like the Apollo Moon missions; a Command Module with 3 crew members, a Landing module that separates for the accent stage (and leaves the descent stage on the Mun, which I think is AWESOME, spacecraft persistence ftw), and all in one package (not having to get two modules into the Mun's orbit separately just to have a Command module)

Uses the following mods:

MechJeb v1.9.1 (required version to avoid the automatic decoupling bug, if you download the MechJeb version of this ship. Uses the fuel tank and rockets, just because I had them and wanted things to be compact. It doesn't need the MechJeb module, but it's a nice assist for lazy folk like me XD)

Zoolotac Escape Pod (made this all possible, can't thank him enough)

Modified TR-19A decoupler (only on the version in the screenshots) modified to make them 1m, not necessary with Zoolotac's Escape Pods, but was required when I attempted this with only MechJeb. I removed them in later versions.

EDIT: Posted save file, just did some tests and a Mun landing to make sure it was ready (also in memory of Neil Armstrong, R.I.P.). Only requires Zoolotac Escape Pod and MechJeb (I will be uploading a non-MechJeb version tomorrow)

Edited August 26, 2012 by Ekku Zakku

[Commander Zoom]

That unscheduled EVA was awesome, and very quick thinking indeed.

Congratulations on a successful mission!

[Ekku Zakku]

Thanks! Yeah, it definitely got my heart racing there, I didn't want my first successful Mun landing to end like that lmao. I definitely like the concept of having an ascent stage though, it didn't really matter that that I broke stuff in the landing XD I just need more fuel next time! Also having a command module was nice, I landed on the Mun before without enough fuel to get back and it kinda sucks =P

[kockaspiton]

Nicely done, EVAs sure made this game much more awesome.

[Ekku Zakku]

Did another Mun landing, this time with some short hops around in the lander, and some really interesting terrain as well, and a successful Munar orbit rendezvous with the ascent stage this time! I also really wanted to post again with my second flight, since it shows some of the advantages of this style of Munar landings. I can definitely understand why NASA chose the Lunar Orbit Rendezvous concept for the Moon landings. It leaves a lot of fuel all around for doing different tasks (ex. landing on the Mun, returning to Kerbin, etc.), so I encourage everybody to try it.

http://imgur.com/a/ZHufJ#0

[Ekku Zakku]

Posted the save file, as it was requested, and also, this being (AFAIK) the first true Apollo-style ship in KSP, I want to post it in memory of Neil Armstrong. He will forever hold a place in us KSP player's memories as the first man on the Moon. We should see him as an inspiration, to keep building crazy rockets, and bringing little Kerbals to the Mun following in his footsteps. Rest in Peace.