harderS career - 28 hours 116 contracts 0 K.K.I.A.

[Moesly_Armlis]

Streamlining this hardS type career was something I wanted to accomplish. Here is the 21 minute slideshow/video of the first six hours.

In the earlier starts I was running contract after contract and making incremental progress. So began the search for an alternative method for grinding out funds, reputation and science. Gathering science data from space was the immediate answer. That was successful and the career was off the ground.

Now to add some mods for extra difficulty. Thanks goes out to the modders.

The mods that directly affected realism were: FAR, DRE, Realchute, EngineIgnitor, RocketPowerIndustries, ProceduralFarings, RemoteTech, TacLifeSupport, TACFuelBalancer

Additional mods: AGM, ATM, Chatterer, ContractWindow, EditorExtensions, KER, FinePrint, HullCamera, KAS, KAC, KJR, NanoGauges, PreciseNode, StockPartsRevamp, SCANsat, StockBugFixes, Trajectories

Now for some harderS career. No hiring. Just rescues add to the roster.

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Overview

Part1

Part2

Part3

Part4

Part5

Part6 - see slideshow for the last three hours. Includes failure, ragdoll Jeb, data recovery hike, floating Jeb, 9 point tour of the KSC and completeing 90 science points to unlock contract for satelites

This session started with the muncastle greeting me. Then was motivated to record and post this today, otherwise, this playthrough was going to be postponed until the next release. Total real time played was around 3 hours. This was not my first attempt at this type of career, probably the 40th.

This career type was a challenge before figuring the science from space method. When the Strategey Outsourced Research is employed this method can effectivley rocket you out of a deep hole. Previous attempt my funds exceeded 100k, reputation close to 800, and 160 science in less than a few days.

While there is risk involved the payout is too great. This contract type needs to be altered. Maybe not just any science from space maybe Goo science. A limit then declining reward would also help.

Continuing this career style is challenging, so there will be a self imposed limit. These two spacecraft represent that limit. Bill is in orbit and Jeb is out of electricity. A recover vessel can be sent over to Jeb to retransmit the data. Bring Bill home before his battery is depleated.

Once out of Kerbin SOI this contract does not seem to be available. However other similar grindy contracts become available.

Next up is the SatCom nextwork that contracts pay for.

Edited December 15, 2014 by MoeslyArmlis
finished objective Mun landing

[Moesly_Armlis]

This 10 minute slideshow brings four satelites into orbit that can be used for a basic communication network.

The first satelite launched was cooked by deadly exit. Seems at an altitude of 23 km and velocity of 670 m/s causes friction burn.

Modifying the design, reducing the TWR and launching steeper was successful for the next launch.

Bill was shaken up on his rentry and is returned home thirsty and with an appetite.

Second satelite is launched into polar orbit. Steep exit trajectory prevents scorching.

Third satelite is destined for equtorial orbit. Still lots of dv for new orbital position.

The last satelite is in a tight orbit and also has an onboard RADAR altimeter that will start scanning Kerbin.

Session time was three hours.

Now new technology: STRUTS. Contract for Keosynchronous orbit and rescue kerbal up next.

[Moesly_Armlis]

The 14 minutes slideshow demonstrates how to posistion three satelites and begin a satelite communication network all requested for by contracts

Time first for launching a drone for a quicky contract.

First satelite into keosynchronous orbit.

Second satelite keosynchronous orbit inclined 146 degrees. Does not make a great mission control overhead satellite but will have to make do for now.

Third satelite into an equitorial orbit. After contract was completed the satelite obtained a new keosynchronous orbit that establishes the far side antenna network. Just one more over KSC and it will be complete.

Fix orbit of the alitimeter RADAR scanner from 1000km down to 500km. Begin scan of Kerbin.

Jeb is mad and breaks expensive science equipment. Grumbling about kerbal facetime in this video was pitiful and near non-existent.

Forgot to grab a rescue contract.

Session time was 3 hours.

New technology: Jet engines to complete aerial surveys

Edited November 25, 2014 by MoeslyArmlis

[Moesly_Armlis]

This show is 11 minutes. The six satelites are launched into orbit. Mistakes were made and fun was to be had.

Three step buisness plan for expanding KSC funds.

Phase 1: Launch low budget satelite for contract

Phase 2: ?

Phase 3: Profit

Reducing the cost of satelite for profit. Do not know if this launch wil have a deadly exit. The fun of not simulating.

First a satelite in a specific orbit around Kerbin for profit. All goes as planned.

Complete another contract for science from space. It is the altimeter RADAR scan analysis. Mapping for profit.

Second satelite into a polar orbit. Contract is finished off fast.

Third satelite is an equtorial orbit. Contract is quickly taken care of.

What parts do we really need for an airplane. Tight budget restraints due to overspending in the SPH. Jeb is sent out with a hat for collections.

Further reducing the cost of satelite.

Fourth satelite is an attempt for polar orbit. Then wacky maneuver node puts satelite way of course. Try for recovery. Polar satelite is now NFG for contract.

Continue reducing the cost of satelite.

Fifth satelite is another attempt for polar orbit.

Get one point of science for launch stability enhancer test. Polar orbit is acheived and contract complete.

The contract for send science from space around kerbin is teasing me. There was a limit on how many I would accept.

Sixth satelite is now for an extended equatorial orbit at 180 degree inclination. Launch failed due to ???? Recover but lose the full SRB.

Let us try that again. Now there is a succesful launch. But going south is not equtorial. Pointing the correct end towards orbit. Contract complete.

Science is at 90 and itchin to spend it.

Please don't tell Jeb this is a satelite only video.

Session time 3 hours.

This session was a bit of nightmare.

Edited November 27, 2014 by MoeslyArmlis

[Moesly_Armlis]

Part 5 Drones, Stunts and Rescues

The video is joined with Part6.

Buying parts to use for surveillance drone was much too expensive. Almost broke now and it is Jeb's turn to raise some funds. Complete a cone chute contract on the way to space and then collect and send science data to create profit.

The stuntman wants to do an EVA on sub-orbital flights. Sure Jeb had it easy the first time but the second flight was death defying. Having only 14km to atmosphere is not a smart time for EVA. After a crew report in space Jeb went on EVA and somehow lost his grip of the command pod rung. Don't panic Jeb. Just turn on the jetpack, hit the change camera button, press space to orient view, jet towards the capsule, grab rung, complete EVA report, store EVA report on lower pod, complete another EVA report, grab stored crew report and board. Failed on obtaining two more crew reports from space. Too bad my hands were sweaty and not able to take any screenshots. As I remember the altitude was around 72km before getting on board. Both EVA Reports from space just above Kerbin's Grasslands are shown while on the ground during the radio transmission. In another career Bill tried this same maneuver and it did not go well and the upper atmosphere had a smell of krispyBill.

Built a rescue vessel that makes use of a probe. But the first attempt failed. The vehicle crashed and so did the game. Restart the game with reservations as to how to proceed. Decided to just go for launch but without modifying the vessel, just a slight adjustment to the ascent path by going straight up and now with orbital success. After some time orbiting the rescue vessel catches up to Calely. Now on board and begins working for KSC. The contract “Send Science Data from around Kerbin Space†is milked.

Now to complete an aerial survey with a drone. The COM was behind the wheels. Just complete the jet engine text contract and redesign. The vessel crashed in less than 200m what is going wrong? Try the drone again after modifying and crash goes second jet engine. Need to launch another satellite for profit and more science from space.

The “TightBudgetSatellite†was designed for the Kerbin equatorial orbit. The launch is routine and contract will be completed later on. This satellite will aid in radio communication with the surveillance drone. Calely in orbit was initially to be the radio link. Then after the drone runway failures and redesigning in the VAB I got the idea to send the satellite up there and hold a 370km circular orbit. With 500km being the range of the omni-directional dipole antenna.

Third try for the surveillance drone is the charm, with some changes and a successful take off. It is a race now to keep up radio contact. This survey flight only two of the markers are all that is to be done by this drone even with Calely supporting from above. Another flight is needed to survey the last marker and finish the contract. Piloting skills are sufficient but landing technique needs improvement. Everybody now. Give chutes a chance.

Calely is on course for re-entry. While approaching KSC the LV-909 was ignited without hypergolic instead using the friction heat generated and used up the remaining fuel to try and slow down but the engine overheated and exploded. Rescue Calely Kerman was still successful and who is now happily back on Kerbin.

Time to complete the aerial survey. The drone is having no problems getting into the air. Landing is another issue. The approach was a little shaky. Lining up the runway was decent. The game crashed again when the vessel impacted just before the runway, so what choices do I have. Do I reload then after completing the contract again and then on purpose crash the vehicle? Just because it happened that way before the game crashed. Or is this just another lucky break? Maybe the game will crash again. No, some times the game-crash giveth and taketh A do-over was done and still could not stick the landing and lost the jet engine.

Back to the “TightBudgetSatellite†in Kerbin equatorial orbit. The “Position Satellite in Equatorial Orbit†contract is successful.

Jeb wants to complete some easy contracts but the SnubOtron was not properly setup and was lucky caught before the test was initialized. After setting the power and fuel for the SnubOtron the contract is completed.

75046 Roots

189 Reputation

161.6 Science (373 spent on tech tree)

Total time was 6 hours.

Edited December 15, 2014 by MoeslyArmlis

[Moesly_Armlis]

Part 6 Multi-Use Satellites and One with the Mun

Surveys were planned on for profit earning but, after crashing a couple jet engines, satellite positioning contracts are used instead to build up some more funds. Was looking to complete my keosynchronous communication network and just did not receive any decent contracts from Gene.

Contract to position a satellite in keosynchronous inclined 26 degrees was chosen, A “SatCom†was launched and the mission was successful.

The discovery that was found next will improve my next attempt at this career style. An idea for a “two-for†satellite, to send one payload of two satellites to complete two contracts. I was not sure if this would work out. The “TwoForSatCom†satellite is contracted for Equatorial orbits of Kerbin and Mun. The back half of the satellite is positioned and the other is left to orbit and catch the Mun later. The head of the “TwoForSatCom†satellite has now caught the Mun and transfer was successful and Munar orbit established.

So figuring to improve the “TwoForSatCom†satellite idea and now send one satellite to complete two orbit contracts. Redesign and now launch a “SatComB†satellite for both keosynchronous and equatorial contracts. Each contract is completed by the same satellite. Bonus!

Finally the contract I have been waiting for to position a satellite in keosynchronous orbit with close to zero inclination, but in retrospect I could have got the communication network done way before with one of my other satellites. Satellite “SatComC†is launched without a hitch and is placed first into a keosynchronous orbit to complete the contract. Now to re-position and set up a 6 hour orbital period. With the satellite parked in keosynchronous orbit over KSC now triangular coverage around Kerbin and the communication network is established plus with a long range Reflectron KR-7 for later missions.

Multi use satellites save funds is a great idea. Send a “PolarAltRADAR†satellite into a polar orbit with an altimeter RADAR scanner to scan the rest of Kerbin, this will also complete a science data from Kerbin space contract Launch is favorable and the satellite is in position at 450km circular polar orbit and starts scanning. After a few orbits the altimeter data obtained completes a science data from space contract. Wait for some more data and complete the altimeter scan of Kerbin. Transmission and another science data from space contract completed. Then two maneuvers to finish the Kerbin polar orbit contract. Now send this same satellite over to the Mun and start scanning. Too bad not enough dv for proper orbit and a narrow equatorial map is produced.

An “ecoII†satellite is designed to complete multiple contracts. First a keosynchronous orbit then a Kerbin equatorial orbit. Science data from high above Kerbin space using a mystery Goo experiment completes another contract, then over to a Munar equatorial orbit to complete two more contracts with another science data from space around Mun using a mystery Goo experiment, transmit the data and profit. Later in the career this satellite was noticed drifting off into deep space and had to adjust its course to keep it inside Kerbin's SOI. The Munar orbit was at its furthest.

Turning off the Outsourced R&D strategy to increase funds.

Rescue Shepsted Kerman but first to position the “RescueC†satellite for profit. At the launch Jeb is discovered stowed away and is booted out of the capsule (somehow squeezing through the 0.1mm gap in the fairings) and completes a science experiment on the crawlerway. The power settings were not set properly and this vessel was steered away from anything expensive and destroyed. Jeb looks suspicious and is now being inspected for sabotage.

The next attempt goes well and the “RescueC†satellite is positioned in equatorial orbit for profit and then returns to intercept Shepsted. Working for KSC, Shepsted collects and sends science data from space and is then sent on EVA to assist with re-entry into Kerbin. He pushed the vessel using his jetpack to an altitude of 70km and then used up the remaining monopropellant from inside. Shepsted opened the chutes and returned safely to Kerbin and almost all the vessel.

The multi use “ecoB†satellite probe is up next. This is designed to complete two orbit contracts with low cost. Kerbin equatorial orbit followed by a specific Kerbin orbit. Both contracts completed as planned. The engine contracts were missed because the initial Kerbin orbit exceeded the altitude requirements.

The ultimate in multi use satellite “ecoBScience†is designed to preform mystery goo experiments around the Mun and Minmus and finish off in a 180 inclined equatorial Kerbin orbit. Launch is without problems and complete two engine tests while in orbit. Then complete the transfer and establish a specific orbit around the Mun. The science data from space around the Mun was attempted using the altimeter scan but nothing useful so the mystery Goo science experiment was done instead. Next “ecoBScience†is to orbit Minmus and complete another mystery Goo science experiment. Minmus transfer is without problems and with a pass by from an old friend to say “helloâ€Â. Minmus orbit and mystery Goo experiment completed. Turn around for an 180 degree inclined equatorial orbit around Kerbin. That was a lot packed into that mission totaling six contract payments.

Now to complete the goal of this exercise and the mission to the Mun is initiated. First to test the “MunLanding†vessel is with a probe. Launch and Mun transfer all go as planned. Mun orbit went as planned. Choosing a landing spot that will have both radio and sunlight. Losing battery power during landing was concerning but all went well. Landing was aided via HullCam. Launch from the Mun went well. Problem again losing battery power during orbit. Out of power and was thinking this mission is over, had the back of the vessel pointing at the Sun. But after several orbits got lucky and the probe somehow had sunlight shine on the solar panels. The last command in the computer controller was causing the craft to oscillate. When was using time warp the satellite stopped rotating and solar panel was facing the sun, no luck kinda of a cheat but not on purpose. Charge the battery, regain communication and maneuver set to go back to Kerbin. Vessel areo-braked in Kerbin's atmosphere during return and was recovered luckily close to KSC.

Jeb is now demanding that it is his turn to go to the Mun. With an FL-T200 added to compensate for the extra weight and to insure mission success. Launch and into a Mun transfer. The trip went well. The landing spot is chosen “Twin Cratersâ€Â. Missed it by that much and with a rough landing. The gear is jammed, good lucky the LV-909 survived. Jeb is overjoyed to get to the Mun. He plants a flag for glory and profit. The launch from the Mun had extra altitude but nonetheless Jeb opens up a return trajectory window. The re-entry did not go as planned with an additional orbit around Kerbin. Disregarding chute deployment warnings is not smart. Within the atmosphere the drogue chutes are lost due to sheering wind forces. Good thing the main chutes held and Jeb is now safe back on Kerbin and ready to transmit the science data he collected from the surface of the Mun for profit.

Total time was 7 hours.

28 hours Total Play Time

116 contracts (59 send science data from space)

152 Kerbin Days

0 dead kerbals

2 rescued kerbals

181,880 Funds remaining

573 Reputation

154.4 Science remaining (623 spent to unlock tech tree)

My attempt at this style of career was overall enjoyment and fun. When first attempting this style my progress was short lived and nearly gave up on the whole idea. But it took some creative thinking on choosing the best method to get the career off the ground. Even though contracts were milked, I still prefer this harder game play setting. It made me at times very concerned that Jeb might not make it or a vessel cracks up a building. The science data from space is a well used crutch and would like to use less or a least have actual science data as in the altimeter scans.

The vessels were made up from memory of past attempts and I did have notes to help with dv and TWR requirements. The satellites “TwoForSatCom†and “eco†series were made up and never before tested. I have landed on the Mun in past other career types but in this career the Mun lander was also a new design that was never before tested. My inexperience still shows (been around since 0.23) and many mistakes were made. In this harderS career style this is the furthest and most successful in all my attempts.

Now to continue this career as I wait for the 0.90.0 BETA than ever update to be released so that this harderS career style can start all over again with Kerbals to train and buildings to purchase/upgrade and new biomes to visit.

Music: “The Unknown Stuntman†sung by Lee Majors, “Hypnodrome†Taxim-Alexander Ney, “Briefcase Full of Blues†The Blues Brothers

Edited December 15, 2014 by MoeslyArmlis

[Moesly_Armlis]

Objective completed. I think it took to long. Next up fasterharderS.

[Fenisse]

Wow... just seen this... this REALLY is Manley mode! Good luck and congratulations so far!