Apollo/Saturn V Replica

[Ekku Zakku]

I took it upon myself, after my previous Apollo-style lander/service module, to further recreate the Apollo missions in KSP, in Memory of Neil Armstrong. Now, is isn't using the Saturn V parts pack or anything like that. No, it's simply meant to resemble the essence of the Saturn V/Apollo Spacecraft Assembly. Sure the first stage only has 4 engines instead of 5, and the MEM sits on top of the command module to start, rather than waiting until orbit (not until we get docking, folks!). However, it resembles the Saturn V in so many ways, that I think I did it a great service. At launch, you can feel the power, the weight, the car alarms going off and windows breaking miles away. This solely liquid fueled rocket delivers Kerbals to the Mun the way mankind sent men to our moon more than 40 years ago.

This was all possible using the KW LEM, Rocketry, and Payload Fairing sets, along with this Radial Booster Pack, with some .cfg files modified here-and-there (e.g. the LEM pack had WAY more fuel than was needed, I wanted to balance it a bit.) Also I don't think this thing could even get into orbit without MechJeb, so I'm releasing it with the MechJeb module attached (you can remove it, if you're a psychopath and love killing Kerbals). Oh wait, but you don't have to kill Kerbals if things go wrong! That's right, this rocket comes attached with a launch escape system, just like the Saturn V!

This rocket is my pride and joy, so treat it dearly (this includes reading the manual). It took many hours to build and test, and considering its massive size, it turned out better than I ever hoped.

Link to the ship download: Clicky!

It contains all the parts required, NOT INCLUDING MechJeb and Zoolotac Escape Pod, links to those below. Also I didn't include all of the parts from the aforementioned packs, only the ones the ship used. Also, read the manual.

Required Downloads:

MechJeb 1.9.1 (will only work with this version)

Zoolotac Escape Pod

While you're downloading the ship and parts, feast your eyes on the colossal rocket itself, and it's Mun journey! http://imgur.com/a/N7qXG#0

P.S. Read the manual!

Edited September 8, 2012 by Ekku Zakku

[segaprophet]

Good job, but it does look more like a Russian R-7 style rocket, not a Saturn V.

[Ekku Zakku]

True, but the KW 3m -> 4 engine 3m tank/adapter was pretty much required for it, I don't think a 3m adapter exists that would provide what's needed and still look like the Saturn V. Besides, it would probably completely mess up the available fuel and Delta V required! TBH, I believe a larger diameter tank would even be needed, since the 2m third stage isn't nearly wide enough to fit the MEM above it, so to compensate, the rest of the rocket would have to be larger in order to keep up with the relative size of the stages on the real thing.

Just imagine it's a little bit more flared out at the bottom than the real Saturn V... ;3

Bell-bottom rockets anybody?

Edited September 7, 2012 by Ekku Zakku

[AncientAstronaut]

Yeah. That's not a Saturn V. You know there is a Saturn V parts pack.

here's how it looks. I have all the parts if you'd like me to send them to you:

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/474473_10151002864753830_2021492725_o.jpg

[Ekku Zakku]

I understand it's not a Saturn V, I mentioned in the opening post that it's meant to resemble the "essence" of the Saturn V and the Apollo Spacecraft Assembly, mostly in terms of function and little in terms of looks.

Also the Saturn V parts pack is simply NOT capable of bringing this command module/landing module assembly to the Mun; hell, I don't even think it will get it off the ground! Look at the size comparison between my craft and the Saturn V in that picture.

This was simply a logical progression from my Munar Orbit Rendezvous concept that I posted previously.

[Tupin]

Yeah, until docking is connected, an accurate Apollo mission can't be flown. A simulation of the planned Soviet landing, however, could. It didn't involve docking, a spacewalk was required to get to and from the lander, which only held one person.

Still pretty cool.

[Ekku Zakku]

@Tupin thanks for the positive reply! XD and yeah, I think the Soviet rocket could be represented much better in KSP, but I made this craft in memory of all of the brave Apollo astronauts, and it was the passing of Neil Armstrong that led me to recreate the missions as closely as (currently) possible. After my previous concept, I found the KW LEM, and worked on getting that to the Mun, but I felt like it needed something more, and so I built (as close as possible) the Saturn V assembly below it. Turns out, if you make a rocket that is similar to a real life rocket, it'll actually function in a very similar way! I was surprised how the third stage had the perfect amount of fuel to circularize the orbit as well as perform the Munar injection burn. It all just fit so perfectly, thus why I felt like I should release it.

[Ekku Zakku]

Ok, took me much longer than expected, but the download for the ship has been added to the first post. Enjoy! =D

[Shortsonfire79]

Also the Saturn V parts pack is simply NOT capable of bringing this command module/landing module assembly to the Mun; hell, I don't even think it will get it off the ground! Look at the size comparison between my craft and the Saturn V in that picture.

The Saturn V pack is very very capable of getting the S-IC, S-II, S-IVB, LM, SM, and CM to their proper positions in the Apollo missions, though the engines aren't rated to ISP values, they're still the thrust capacity.

Yeah, until docking is connected, an accurate Apollo mission can't be flown. A simulation of the planned Soviet landing, however, could. It didn't involve docking, a spacewalk was required to get to and from the lander, which only held one person.

Still pretty cool.

I just posted a fairly accurate Apollo video yesterday.

And Ekku, I think your rocket's staging might have been messed up when you uploaded your .craft. I could be flying it wrong (with Mechjeb after the first manual failure), but after the initial stage, I initialized the second stage and the fairings blew off and the escape tower ignited and left the bulk of the rocket behind. This was at 13km. Your #8 stage is placed incorrectly.

I really like the design though, its great. I fiddled with the staging, and it does indeed resemble the Apollo missions. Very nice job.

[Ekku Zakku]

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ReadTheFreakingManual Sorry, I love tvtropes, had to link that XD

I saw your video actually, I quite liked it! Yes I know that the Saturn V pack is capable of doing all of that, but it doesn't function to the extent that this rocket does. This rocket is simply meant to be more practical, at the expense of looks (since I don't have the time to spend on modding), and since docking isn't available yet, so I can't put the LEM below the command/service module.

And I feel like it really gives a better feel for the actual Saturn V; this heavy monstrosity that's practically falling apart actually flies, has the perfect amount of Delta-V required for its mission, and it's just plain fun to launch.