Suborbital Spaceplane Launcher

[Feragorn]

This was a small testing platform for the feasibility of different spaceplane deployment methods. It was designed with three main goals:

1. Demonstrate that an asymmetrical piggyback launch vehicle can lift and deploy a spaceplane at High Altitude/Low Orbit.

2. Demonstrate that the launch vehicle will not disintegrate on the pad, or during ascent.

3. Demonstrate successful return of deployed spaceplane (here defined as sustained period of gliding) and return of Kerbal Capsule.

VAB View of Launch Vehicle:

As you can see, there are two large RCS modules mounted to the sides of the main tank for stability. They can hold the rocket in place pretty well. They\'re absolutely required nearing the low orbit deployment phase of the mission.

Just after launch.

Ascent is proceeding well. No signs of structural failures. RCS modules holding rocket on course.

Launch vehicle is turning to enter the deployment phase of the mission.

Moment of deployment. Everything going smoothly.

Main launch vehicle returning to Kerbin, deployed spaceplane visible in background, gliding down.

[Guest Flixxbeatz]

SpaceShipOne?

[Asmosdeus]

Here\'s my one:

[Tiberion]

Here\'s mine configured for vertical launch - this was actually a Mun mission, though I am still working out my landing technique

[Feragorn]

Actually retooling the design so the command pod is on the deployed spaceplane. It\'s a bit trickier.

[XSP-Xenon Space Programm]

there is a new mod called 'Kergin Galactic' --> http://kerbalspaceprogram.com/forum/index.php?topic=4336.0

[Feragorn]

I saw, and I\'m not interested in using that to develop this concept.

[technoguy33]

Any chance for a download? ;D

[Feragorn]

Sadly, no. The .craft file was nuked in one of my many reinstalls as things got updated. I\'m trying to rework it in the current version.

[XSP-Xenon Space Programm]

Don\'t be worry 'Kergin Galactic' isn\'t perfect

oO(No Chance to install a parachute...)

[Spoot Knight]

CaptainSlug\'s radial parachute would fix that.

[Feragorn]

Mine was around before the Kergin Galactic part. And they\'re two completely different systems. Mine\'s 'flyable'.

[RNSP]

Don\'t be worry 'Kergin Galactic' isn\'t perfect

oO(No Chance to install a parachute...)

I have a parachute for kirgin Galactic but it makes the ship so unsteady...

[Guest Flixxbeatz]

Kergin Galactic?

Way better if 'Kerbal Galactic' 8)

welp, my opinion

[RNSP]

Kergin Galactic?

Way better if 'Kerbal Galactic' 8)

welp, my opinion

just a kerbal version of virgin...nd by the way anyone can go to space for $200000 or £125000...

[XSP-Xenon Space Programm]

I have a parachute for kirgin Galactic but it makes the ship so unsteady...

the problem is that the chute is too far forward

[Feragorn]

This concept is absolutely still around. Downloaded 0.13 and redownloaded NovaPunch, so now that I\'m on break I can start redeveloping from scratch. Stay posted.