Least delta v to orbit

[CrossyCriss]

Simple challenge, the person who uses the least delta v to get to a 100km (tolerence of 5km) orbit wins.

RULES:

Mechjeb/Mods that measure Delta v are the only mods allowed

You must not use any glitch to aid in getting to orbit

Command pod must be manned

Pics or it didn't happen

BONUS:

Return to Kerbin after orbiting, delta v is calculated by how much fuel it took to get into orbit, not the total for orbiting and returning(but you must prove that you returned)

ORBIT TABLE:

1.foamyesque - 4532 m/s

2.

3.

4.

5.

ORBIT & RETURN TABLE:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

GOOD LUCK!

Edited October 15, 2012 by CrossyCriss

[CrossyCriss]

My entry, I'm sure anyone could do better.

I'm sure it's possible to get below 4500 m/s. First person to do so will get an honourable mention.

Edited October 15, 2012 by CrossyCriss

[foamyesque]

Mm, it's hard to get below that, 'least for me. I took a few cracks at it, this was my best:

[AncientAstronaut]

It generally requires 4.5km/s to get into LKO. Sometimes a little less.

[eppiox]

4622m/s here, Using mechjeb for this is not great as one can turn it off and it stops counting, manual orbit = 0 measured delta v.

[EndlessWaves]

Using the Protractor mod's DeltaV tracker would be an alternative.

[CrossyCriss]

Using the Protractor mod's DeltaV tracker would be an alternative.

OK, changed the rules, you can use any mod that measures Delta v, but you need to show Periapsis

Edited October 15, 2012 by CrossyCriss

[CrossyCriss]

It generally requires 4.5km/s to get into LKO. Sometimes a little less.

Exactly, the challenge is to see who can do it for the least

[Mocha2007]

I've broken the record by 4m/s, after a dozen launches. For the longest time I was 3-4m/s behind the record. This is a fairly basic rocket, I just tweaked some setting in mechjeb after testing one percent at a time. As you can see I start with 4672m/s ÃŽâ€v:

Then, FINALLY, I end up with 144m/s ÃŽâ€v after orbit circularization. I hit disengage after I met the 5km wiggle room criteria:

4672-144=4528

Yes, these are two different launches, but they are with the same rocket. Does this count? I can always relaunch.

Edited May 29, 2013 by Mocha2007

[Francesco]

it counts as necro

but hey, these challenges are evergreen, we may as well restart this.

two things:

1. with mechjeb, you can enable "delta-v expended" from the "recorder" tab in custom window editor

2. you can go lower than that - aim for 4400 m/s

[tavert]

Why do so many people completely ignore post dates when replying to these ancient threads? This delta-V to orbit challenge is also exploitable in the current drag model by throwing on lots of low-drag parts, aerospikes and RCS blocks and such.

[PakledHostage]

This delta-V to orbit challenge is also exploitable in the current drag model by throwing on lots of low-drag parts, aerospikes and RCS blocks and such.

You COULD start a new challenge that avoids those problems... Maybe an updated version of this challenge: Optimal Ascent Profile for this spacecraft. I'd participate. I just don't have time to host it.

[Mocha2007]

Why do so many people completely ignore post dates when replying to these ancient threads? This delta-V to orbit challenge is also exploitable in the current drag model by throwing on lots of low-drag parts, aerospikes and RCS blocks and such.

I figured newer posts were deleted in the april fuss.

[tavert]

I figured newer posts were deleted in the april fuss.

They were, which sucks. I'm glad the old threads are still around for viewing, but the game has changed a fair amount and people who were active on the forums over 6 months ago might not all be around anymore. Doesn't hurt to make a new post with a link to old versions of the same basic challenge, but I'd personally prefer if the old threads were all mass-locked.

[Stochasty]

You COULD start a new challenge that avoids those problems...

I'd be game for a variant using FAR. The stock drag model makes this less interesting for me.

[Reavermyst]

There's a lot of questions for this challenge.

SRBs don't seem to show up on Mechjeb's Delta-V meaning I could take a SRB to high altitude and expend a little less than 3k Delta-V for the orbit turn. should SRBs be outlawed?

Also, What is the target orbit? Everyone is going for whatever orbit they can get rather than a target that would even the playing field. Extremely skilled pilots can get into a circular 85km orbit and use less Delta-V because of that. others, however, would likely waste Delta-V on correction burns

[Torham234]

I Achieved 100 km orbit with 1528 DV.

At the air strip, ready for take off. DV - 1908

Apoapsis 100 km reached

Releasing fairings before circularization, conforming to Clean Space Act.

Deploying fully functional satellite at 100 km orbit. DV left - 380

Deorbited and approaching KCS.

landed safely.

[SmallChange]

Hey guys.

I'm going to go ahead and lock this thread for the time being because, yeah, it's about 7 odd months old. I doubt the OP will be maintaining the leaderboards or answering any participant questions.

Don't fret! Like the competition? Feel free to write up a new one! Also, that would give the opportunity to get the mod restrictions worked out, etc. (Please remember to take a look [thread=24898]here[/thread] if you haven't)