Darth Vaders Imperial Navy R&D-new concept Jul 9.

[Guest]

It seems you've got you thrust transforms offset. All effects start a good distance from the engine, which doesn't look good. Also, Antares engines should each be modeled as a separate part, not as a block. This is to enable gimbal plugins to control roll with them (as on the real Antares). Squad will probably implement something like that eventually, too (at least, I hope so), so it'll be handy.

Also, don't forget the RCS. There's good pick showing them here: http://www.americaspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/CYGNUS-ANTARES-Rocket.jpg

Look for small, red-capped studs on the Cygnus. Those are RCS nozzles. Now, I can't clearly see the alignment, but it's probably like that:

Middle blocks: radial motor on top, two radial nozzles pointing "up" at 45 degree angle. That's where the COM is, too. Rear blocks: two prograde motors. Front blocks: 3 retromotors (I wonder what for...).

[Kartoffelkuchen]

Thanks for that hint! I will check the engines again and I will adapt it, I also will try these RCS thrusters.

Anyway, Antares is 90% done (now with Fairings!)

[Kartoffelkuchen]

Antares Promo Video:

[Guest]

You made Castor 30 a liquid engine? Not a good idea, it's a solid IRL. Antares has a liquid 1st stage, which lofts Castor 30 to the target altitude, where it circularizes the orbit with a single burn. Castor 30 should probably have some RCS to control it though the coast phase (and control roll after ignition).

[CluelessModeler]

I don't think it's a bad idea at all...

If you consider the fact that most people probably don't sit down and plan out their missions down to every last detail, they wouldn't know their exact orbit they need to achieve, so, for those people, keep it a liquid...

However, if you guys would want to, make a second version a solid motor, that way, those of us who do plan out every last detail have a challenge!!!

Either way, looks great fellas!

[Guest]

No, keep the upper stage solid. A liquid one would make the whole thing just like all other rockets. Antares is different, and this should show. You can correct your orbit with Cygnus' OMS later.

[Kerbal01]

Check out the release thread:

http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/82793-Antares-Cygnus-Mod?p=1208179#post1208179

[Kerbal01]

added an concept for a an new science bay, expect model in days.