The SpaceX Challenge-Reusing Falcon 9

[Nephf]

I builded all Falcon rockets by SpaceX-also Falcon 9 v1.1. It launches with an Inclination of -40° to land the First stage at the Island airport after seperation. The Challenge is now, to bring the stage back to the KSC and reuse it.

1. Launch

2. Land the first stage at island airport

3. Bring the stage back to the KSC by plane/ship

4. Erect the stage at the launchpad

5. Get the Second Stage and the Dragon Spaceship ontop of the First Stage somehow.

6. Fill the stage with fuel

7. Launch again

Download the Spacecraft HERE

You can use these mods:

-MechJeb

-Kerbal Attechment System

Some Pictures:

The Launch:

The Landing of the first stage at the island airport:

OR: do it like this! very nice solution!

Good Luck!!

Edited October 23, 2013 by Nephf

[Captain Sierra]

I sense a lot of KAS will be used in making this work.

[Nephf]

I sense a lot of KAS will be used in making this work.

Oh, as you say it: I forgot to mention wich mods are allowed:

-MechJeb

-Kerbal Attechment System

[Nephf]

If someone does it in Shuttle Carrier Style, he will defenitly win!

[wudupdogz]

FWIW Space X changed the layout of the engines for reasons of easier servicing/replacement.

[Spartwo]

FWIW Space X changed the layout of the engines for reasons of easier servicing/replacement.

I always made mine like that

[Nephf]

FWIW Space X changed the layout of the engines for reasons of easier servicing/replacement.

I know, but then (in KSP) it is impossible to make a Falcon Heavy out of it.

[Francesco]

How much delta-v does the first stage of your F9 pack?

Using a suboptimal ascent profile, you can put some 2000 m/s on it, begin the pitch maneuver later than usual, stage and land it back at KSC with minimum course corrections, and thus avoiding launching on such an inclined orbit.

This is because Kerbin rotates pretty fast below you (1° every minute.)

[popeter45]

what i would do is send a tanker to the island to fill it up and fly it back to ksc

is it connected to the second stage by a docking port?

[BahamutoD]

Do you have to land at the island airport? I'm working on one that lands back at KSC.

Edit: I just finished recording it. It was quite exciting and close because I only had enough fuel to make it back to the edge of the beach, with only enough fuel to run out about 15m above the ground, and the SM of the command pod had only enough fuel to bring it almost to a space station (and RCS the rest of the way). It was a good challenge even without trying to ship the first stage back from the island. That could be hard mode haha.

Edited October 21, 2013 by BahamutoD

[BahamutoD]

There! Two command pods to the space station using the same first stage.
Minus points for not doing the whole island thing.. Plus points for no mechjeb?

[astropapi1]

I don't vet the whole island landing thing. How am I supposed to bring back a 20-ton rocket stage by plane? Even SpaceX plans to perform a course correction after stage sep and bring it down near the launch pad.

OP, may we see your attempt?

[Nephf]

what i would do is send a tanker to the island to fill it up and fly it back to ksc

is it connected to the second stage by a docking port?

I don't vet the whole island landing thing. How am I supposed to bring back a 20-ton rocket stage by plane? Even SpaceX plans to perform a course correction after stage sep and bring it down near the launch pad.

OP, may we see your attempt?

Do you have to land at the island airport? I'm working on one that lands back at KSC.

Edit: I just finished recording it. It was quite exciting and close because I only had enough fuel to make it back to the edge of the beach, with only enough fuel to run out about 15m above the ground, and the SM of the command pod had only enough fuel to bring it almost to a space station (and RCS the rest of the way). It was a good challenge even without trying to ship the first stage back from the island. That could be hard mode haha.

You actually CAN land it at KSC, I did land at Island airport and brought it back with not complete fair methods. Love that video!!!!

No it isn't connected by a dockinport, but you can edit the craft a bit if you need.

[BahamutoD]

Ohh I didn't read properly and didn't realize the challenge was to bring your craft back to the launch pad. Haha oh well

[Nephf]

Ohh I didn't read properly and didn't realize the challenge was to bring your craft back to the launch pad. Haha oh well

But your solution is very nice, I will upload the video in the first post.

[BahamutoD]

Cool, thanks! I'm currently working on an upgrade, where the second stage and SM are reusable.. muahhaha. It won't be stock though =\

Edited October 23, 2013 by BahamutoD

[xzxvrx]

Does the capsule have to reach orbit? Or is the challenge just focused on re-using the 1st stage.

[Nephf]

Does the capsule have to reach orbit? Or is the challenge just focused on re-using the 1st stage.

It should reach orbit anyway, you have a second stage and the service module left.

[Majorjim!]

Hi all,

Can I submit my own craft? I have just finished my Falcon and 7 kerbal dragon spacecraft.

I have safely landed the First stage, the second stage and the Three kerbal command pod. The other four come down in the

Hitchhiker under chutes.

MJ