Wacky challenge: sea launcher

[jdambrine]

Hi !

A dozen of years ago I heard that Japan was developing the concept of a launcher that was capable to operate from anywhere on the ocean (typically from somewhere along the equator).

Today I figured that it would make a funny challenge in KSP. I tried a couple of things that worked at small scale (suborbital launches), but I wonder if it's possible to get a pod in orbit from sea.

Here are the rules :

- If you use any non-stock pieces, mention it first

- Launch at least 1km from land

- Get a pod in orbit

- No cheats

Stock Hall of Fame (by decreasing order of payload in orbit):

1- Mygnol : 5.96 t

2- Elsyg : 0.12 t

3-

4-

Non-Stock Hall of Fame (by decreasing order of payload in orbit):

1-

2-

3-

4-

Good luck and have fun !

Edited August 3, 2013 by jdambrine

[Mygnol]

Sounds fun. I'll give it a shot using all stock.

[Skyrunner27]

This was actually the plan for the US in the early days of the space race.

[Elsig]

EDIT: As I posted this I realized that you perhaps meant a manned craft? Not just a satellite... I'll have to modify my craft to have a pod on it. I'm sure it can be done.

Here's my very quick attempt!

Payload... 0.12t. I'm sure this can be improved on a lot! I had lot's of fuel left.

No mods (apart from mechjeb for stats, didn't use any of the auto pilots).

Edited August 3, 2013 by Elsig

[jdambrine]

EDIT: As I posted this I realized that you perhaps meant a manned craft? Not just a satellite... I'll have to modify my craft to have a pod on it. I'm sure it can be done.

Actually yes, that should represent a payload of about 0.8

Congratulations for your build, I am sure it can be done too.

[Mygnol]

My attempt with the Ocean Blue launcher.

5.96t to orbit.

EDIT: How do you embed again?

The album is here.

Edited August 3, 2013 by Mygnol

[Jeb2.0]

I got 2.15 Manned tons into orbit using a modified z-map satellite. Used wheels/structural panels/turbo get engine to get into water

[Synapse]

I can't be bothered pressing the brakes on that perilous slope down to the sea, so I abandoned this challenge

[Jeb2.0]

I got 2.15 tons into orbit

[bsalis]

Not sure if this qualifies. However it *is* a sea launch. It has an MJ module attached.

I was testing sea refueling. This is 1km from shore, or thereabouts.

Liftoff.

To orbit.. again.

In orbit. 11.84 tons.