Space Shuttle Kenterprise (20 tons into lower kerbin orbit)

[ShadowZone]

Okay, here it is. My take on a space shuttle (orbiter strapped on external tank with additional SRB). This was created before 0.90, so I had to make a cargo bay for 2.5m parts using structural parts.

Also, I prefer the looks of the Mk2 cockpit parts over the Mk3 parts

Here's how it looks:

Javascript is disabled. View full album

And here's how it flies:

.craft file --> Download here

Some instructions come with this:

1. Before launch, lock upper Kerbodyne external fuel tank. Helps keeping center of mass more or less stable.
   
2. Launch with approx. 75% thrust on straight Mainsail.
   
3. Adjust thrust on straight Mainsail (first lower it, later on increase it) to keep vehicle on a straight ascent vector.
   
4. After reaching 100% thrust on straight Mainsail, adjust thrust on angled Mainsail (decrease first, later increase).
   
5. After SRB burn out, be aware of sudden tilting!
   
6. A short time after SRB separation it is time to unlock the upper half of the external tank (it is okay if just a little bit of LFO is left in the lower half).
   
7. Keep adjusting angled Mainsail until external tank runs out of fuel.
   
8. Separate external tank and angled Mainsail (stage 2).
   
9. Ride to Apoapsis and circularize (should be possible with payloads up to 20 tons).
   
10. Use Monopropellant engines to adjust orbit.
    
11. Deliver payload: press 4 to open cargo bay. Press 5 to release payload. Use RCS to move away.
    
12. Deorbit.
    
13. Glide to landing (best results are achieved with completely empty LFO tanks).
    

Thoughts? Improvement suggestions?

What I am currently working on: widening the cargo pay to accept 3.5m parts or bulkier space station modules.

[NeatCrown]

Great! Those crafts that have cargo bays and such made from ones not given in the parts menu just has a certain charm to it. +Rep4U

Edited December 21, 2014 by NeatCrown

[ShadowZone]

Thanks!

But to be honest I was a little disgruntled at first when just a few days after finishing this version 0.90 with stock cargo bays for 2.5m parts came out. Time to go for 3.75m!