The Ion Maiden.

[Flixxbeatz]

So I've created a new save, and currently revving up my program gradually from simple things to massive ones. But I've decided to prematurely take it a few steps further by developing a lightweight spacecraft that is capable of both escaping the solar system and grazing the sun's surface.

Behold, the Ion Maiden.

9 ion engines. 12 batteries. 16 cans of xenon gas. 48 RTGs.

I've used RTGs to prevent lagging my system, at the expense of lower constant but electricity yield no matter how far from the sun (to the point that I can't feel them working when the ion engines are at full thrust).

All of the images here are from its dry run. Its boosters alone (not using ion engines yet) are able to push it to an escape trajectory out of the solar system without refuelling in orbit - enough dv to push me in a very low solar periapsis.

Video here:

Edited May 28, 2013 by Flixxbeatz
Video added.

[chunkblaster]

You get +100000000000000 chunkpoints just for the title wordplay (Iron Maiden is my favorite band of all time! lml)

Now about the craft, have you tested it's range? and do u have enough RTG's for it to run 100% thrust?

[Flixxbeatz]

You get +100000000000000 chunkpoints just for the title wordplay (Iron Maiden is my favorite band of all time! lml)

Now about the craft, have you tested it's range? and do u have enough RTG's for it to run 100% thrust?

Haha, thanks I don't think I have the patience to test its range with ion engines though, I'm sure 16 cans of xenon gas would do enough (they consume very little amount anyway). Unfortunately, 48 RTGs (48 x 0.75 = 36 e/s) isn't still enough to offset the brutish electricity consumption of the installed ion engines (~14 e/s each engine at full power, according to wiki). Might as well put some large solar panels at it, if it won't lag me to submission...

[Spartwo]

check the d/v.if you dont know 3700 from just after kerbin escape should do you.

[Flixxbeatz]

check the d/v.if you dont know 3700 from just after kerbin escape should do you.

I'll just gonna try some outright sundiving

[firerider521]

Hilarious name is hilarious.

And nice design.

[Rage097]

I See what you did there

[Flixxbeatz]

I See what you did there

Hilarious name is hilarious.

And nice design.

Just thought of its name moments after finishing the spacecraft in VAB. Totally worth it

An Mk2 is on the works now, replacing the antennae with i-beams and putting a gigantor solar array each. Get the lag sandwich ready, guys...

[Rage097]

Just thought of its name moments after finishing the spacecraft in VAB. Totally worth it

An Mk2 is on the works now, replacing the antennae with i-beams and putting a gigantor solar array each. Get the lag sandwich ready, guys...

But...But...I like normal sandwiches!

[Flixxbeatz]

But...But...I like normal sandwiches!

Not for you, but for the kraken.

[Specialist290]

Captain, I just thought you should know that you are a madman, but an inspired madman, for creating this.

Let us know if you can get that thing in a stable circular orbit inside Moho's.

[Commander Zoom]

"Ion Maiden? EXCELLENT!"

*air guitars*

[Deadweasel]

*plays Fear of the Dark

\m/

[Flixxbeatz]

Alright, just finished tinkering around, got the MK.2 ready to be launched anytime after few more tweaks. Removed the antennae and some RTGS as planned, and hooked up some i-beams and giant solar panels. I've conducted some tests and found out that it can now offset the power consumption of the ion engines at full throttle, so I'm considering to have some batteries removed to reduce part count further. I've only got a slight framerate drop with solar panels and engines running, not like what am I expecting.

Updated the launch vehicle also, docking ports for refuelling and 12 more cans of xenon gas attached near the solar panels for extra mileage.

Captain, I just thought you should know that you are a madman, but an inspired madman, for creating this.

Let us know if you can get that thing in a stable circular orbit inside Moho's.

No worries, I think I got the right tool for the job already. I can wing this

"Ion Maiden? EXCELLENT!"

*air guitars*

Right pun, at the right place, at the right time. Worth it!

*plays Fear of the Dark

\m/

Looks like I have found what would be the BGM for my Ion Maiden mission videos...

Edited May 28, 2013 by Flixxbeatz

[Commander Zoom]

If part count is a concern at all, may I suggest getting rid of some of those scientific instruments? even nudging the symmetry down to 4x, or 2x...

[Flixxbeatz]

If part count is a concern at all, may I suggest getting rid of some of those scientific instruments? even nudging the symmetry down to 4x, or 2x...

Possible. 8 instruments all-in-all, 2 each, one per can stack. Not bad.

[Flixxbeatz]