Wings, a space program

[Beachernaut]

Hey all,

So after avoiding the runway like the plague for a loooonnnnggg time, Jeb decided we need to build a space program around vehicles with wings. In other words, we're building a space program without using the launch pad.

Lets start with a bit of information. Before last Thursday, we had absolutely 0 experience with SSTO space planes. We'd built a few sub-orbital planes that all flew horribly. So after days of designing, building, and testing, we have a couple designs that are viable for a space program. At this time we have the C-20, C-30, and T-10 platforms (C=cargo and T=transport). There are a couple other designs currently being tested, but none yet show the flexibility of the C and T platforms. Most of you will note the heavy use of B9 parts. We lack the experience and my computer lacks the power to build stock cargo SSTOs capable of supporting this space program.

Before we go any further, I'd like to ask everyone to take a moment of silence to remember those Kerbals who have been lost in the quest for space. Quick saves and revert flight buttons are only being used in the most extreme cases. Design defects, most pilot errors, and acts of the Kraken are being played through to their conclusion.

Lets introduce the work horses of the fleet.

From left to right: C-30 Heavy cargo, T-10 Crew bus, C-20 Medium cargo

Note: There is also a C-10 light cargo plane based on the T-10 design. It is currently still in testing and not released for duty yet.

Once we progressed to the point that we had reliable (mostly) designs, we started construction on a space station in LKO. Fuel Station Alpha is primarily a refueling depot, but also has a science module and capacity for 12 Kerbals. The station required 9 flights to complete. Here is a shot of a C-30 delivering the hab module.

Here are a couple shots of the completed station.

At this point the station is completed and we're ready to expand our space program. During construction of the station, a probe was sent to Minmus to survey for Kethane. This is where we ran into the next challenge. For station pieces, probes, and small ships (very small), the current fleet is excellent. However, now that we're looking into building bases and mining platforms, the current fleet is woefully insufficient.

I present you the C-40 Oversized Cargo design (AKA Bertha).

Bertha is currently in her 3rd version (with minor tweaks on this version), and still in the testing phase. She can achieve stable orbit (without payload) with plenty of fuel left over. This design is for oversized cargo only, there may be a heavy lift version in the future, but that is still unknown. Over the next few days we will be continuing the testing and tweaking. We hope to have the C-40 released for service sometime this week.

Most of the pieces are in place to expand the space program beyond LKO. The next step is to build a fuel depot in Minmus orbit. There are plans for a small Kethane rig and base on Minmus, but this requires the completion of the C-40 platform.

I will be updating this thread as progress is made.

Edited November 12, 2013 by Beachernaut

[Akinesis]

Great looking planes!! I'm trying to do a space program all the way from first the rocket to the first futuristic reusable SSTO like yours above. It's actually quit slow considering the amount of time I get to play (still haven't reached a Kerbal Mun landing since 0.20!). So when I see threads like this it makes me itch to get cracking

[Beachernaut]

Thanks, I'm actually quite proud that I was able to build these planes, and have them work as intended. Still working the kinks out of some though. The C/T-10 gets to orbit with enough fuel to do a de-orbit burn, but that's it. I need to do some tweaks and get some more fuel on board without affecting it's balance and stability. My 2 biggest challenges so far have been getting them off the runway, and keeping the nose forward through reentry. The C-30 has issues with taking off with all 4 engines. I have to accelerate as much as I can with the 2 center engines, then activate the wing engines for the last bit of thrust to take off. If I use all 4 it gets unstable and wobbles across the runway, leading to it's pilot's doom.

[Beachernaut]

The core for our Minmus station was launched last night.

The flight up to LKO went well, rendezvous with Station Alpha also. However, about half way through the burn for Minmus intercept a problem was found. The Sabre engine, though a great choice for an SSTO to LKO, is not a good choice for going further due to it's 300 something ISP in rocket mode. So, after transfering some fuel from the station core in the bay, the payload was left in LKO, then Jeb and Bill returned to KSC.

The engineers and design teams have been hard at work. They are currently testing a different engine configuration for the C-30. So far the results are promising, but part of the team is also working on a completely different design for missions outside of LKO.

Here is the latest C-30 configuration. Although it flies well, it has not yet attempted to achieve orbit.