The Drop Pod Challenge

[wrhicks14]

So I was playing Halo the other day and remembered the ODST drop pods. I then thought hey these are cool i wonder if i can build them in KSP. I promptly spent a couple of days testing the concept and trying to get them into orbit. Unfortunately I am pants at getting unconventional objects into orbit. so I thought I would use it as a challenge. basic premise is to create a space station with habitation for 8 kerbals, a single anti-normal facing PPD-12 Cupola Module, and 5-6 drop pods.

Drop pod specs

1 person lander can

retro rockets to slow decent around 1k altitude if needed

ability to deorbit on its own without detaching de orbiter

parachute

Space station Specs

Habitation for up to 8 Kerbals

at least one anti-normal(ground facing) oriented PPD-12 Cupola Module for ground observation and mission controll

docking ports for at least 5 drop pods

Space station essentials i.e. lights and a power source

during landing attempt landing as close to launch pad as possible target a flag on the launch pad as proof (no mechjeb as that defeats this part of the challenge)

also attempt to open the parachute as close to the ground as possible mandatory below 500 meters its a drop pod you dont want a massive parachute giving away its possition for longer than you absolutly need to.

scoring

1 point per meter away from targeted flag

1 point per meter from ground when parachute deployed

fewest points wins

possible awards

top ten in modded accuracy

top ten in modded bravery (the closer you open your shcute to the ground the braver you are)

top ten in stock accuracy

top ten in stock bravery

modded all around

stock all around

(all around are for lowest total score)

good luck

due to my inexperience with KSP and the community am looking for advice on mods to ban and suggest

Suggested mods

KW rocketry

Kerbal engineer

B9 Aerospace

banned mods

Mech Jeb (Auto land feature defeats purpose of challenge)

Edited May 23, 2014 by wrhicks14