STS-7/E Space Shuttle (Stock NASA Replica) Still Flies in KSP 1.4.3 - Re-enters Like the Real Thing!

[inigma]

Greetings, fellow Kerbonauts.

Over the past week or so, I have been working on this beauty:

I like to call her the STS-8 Space Shuttle Enterprise. She is a newly upgraded version of the STS-4, utilizing the new stock parts and fully compatible with 1.0.4.

She is (relatively) easy to fly, land, and dock. She can survive re-entry, can easily reach a 150kmx150km orbit, and best of all; with proper piloting and the use of FMRS, she is 100% recoverable.

Below is an extensively detailed album of my first successful fully recovered flight.

http://imgur.com/a/YXwcF

If inigma is interested, I can provide a .craft file for him or her to use, modify, and publish to this thread at their will.

PM me if you are interested.

Hey that's pretty nifty. Feel free to share .craft, I'd like to test her out! For sure you deserve an STS Engineer title for modifying the STS and re-building it into your own style! Here ya go! It's a forum badge. Feel free to wear it proudly!

As far as releasing it as part of my own STS series, probably not since the biggest objection currently to MK3 wings and gear are that they are too oversized, bulky, and simply do not work for the aesthetics goals of my STS series. Certainly though you are welcome to release it as an STS spinoff though and I will be happy to list it in our OP. I probably wouldn't recommend calling it STS-8 just to avoid confusion with the fans of my current STS series out there, but it's up to you. I suggest STS Enterprise as a good release name for sure though! In the future, I hope to experiment with making the tank and boosters as a separate sub assembly, and just release separate orbiter updates, calling my series STS Intrepid or OV-1,2,3 Intrepid, and separate launch stack subassembly updates calling them STS-8,9,10 as intended by the original NASA STS naming convention. This way several people can contribute orbiters and even launch stacks that are roughly compatible with one another in a mix and match semi-collaborative system.

[Third_OfFive]

Hey that's pretty nifty. Feel free to share .craft, I'd like to test her out! For sure you deserve an STS Engineer title for modifying the STS and re-building it into your own style! Here ya go! It's a forum badge. Feel free to wear it proudly!

http://i.imgur.com/JV0zWd1.jpg

As far as releasing it as part of my own STS series, probably not since the biggest objection currently to MK3 wings and gear are that they are too oversized, bulky, and simply do not work for the aesthetics goals of my STS series. Certainly though you are welcome to release it as an STS spinoff though and I will be happy to list it in our OP. I probably wouldn't recommend calling it STS-8 just to avoid confusion with the fans of my current STS series out there, but it's up to you. I suggest STS Enterprise as a good release name for sure though! In the future, I hope to experiment with making the tank and boosters as a separate sub assembly, and just release separate orbiter updates, calling my series STS Intrepid or OV-1,2,3 Intrepid, and separate launch stack subassembly updates calling them STS-8,9,10 as intended by the original NASA STS naming convention. This way several people can contribute orbiters and even launch stacks that are roughly compatible with one another in a mix and match semi-collaborative system.

Why thank you

Here is a download link to the .craft file;

http://kerbalx.com/ThirdOfFive/Kerbal-Space-Shuttle-104-Enterprise

I would like to warn you, however; landing the external tank is very tricky.

Edited July 4, 2015 by Third_OfFive

[Jackvony]

Why thank you

Here is a download link to the .craft file;

http://kerbalx.com/ThirdOfFive/STS-8-Space-Shuttle-104_2

I would like to warn you, however; landing the external tank is very tricky.

Also one quick question; how do I accept a forum badge?

I can't believe it's Hugh!

(Get the reference)

[inigma]

Why thank you

Here is a download link to the .craft file;

http://kerbalx.com/ThirdOfFive/STS-8-Space-Shuttle-104_2

I would like to warn you, however; landing the external tank is very tricky.

Also one quick question; how do I accept a forum badge?

Very nicely engineered. If I wanted Mk3 wings, this is how I'd want them! The landing gear... ew. Porkjet really should cut the height of those things. It's like landing with an intended faceplant on the runway. Glides very well. What's her cargo rating?

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Added to OP.

[Third_OfFive]

Very nicely engineered. If I wanted Mk3 wings, this is how I'd want them! The landing gear... ew. Porkjet really should cut the height of those things. It's like landing with an intended faceplant on the runway. Glides very well. What's her cargo rating?

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Added to OP.

I actually designed the landing gear to look slightly more accurate to the real space shuttle.

I think it also makes it easier to land, as it takes the shock off of the many fragile components in the nose. Though I will agree that it does land a little hard.

As for payload rating, I'm not quite sure what her limits are. I have managed to bring up significant payloads, such as Space station modules and the SpaceHab sub-assembly, but I've never tried bringing up a fuel tank yet. I'm sure it can carry one, though, considering how easy it is to get into orbit.

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I can't believe it's Hugh!

(Get the reference)

Lol I got it

Edited July 4, 2015 by Third_OfFive

[Third_OfFive]

Thank you, inigma, for your enthusiasm, and for the badge.

I took some of your advice, and made a slightly modified version of the craft; changing the name, adding a drogue chute, adjusting the landing gear slightly, and clarifying in the description that it is a spinoff, rather than an official version.

I think it will fit in much better on the OP list.

Here is the link.

http://kerbalx.com/ThirdOfFive/Kerbal-Space-Shuttle-104-Enterprise

If you do decide to use it, please let me know as I would like to remove the old one.

[inigma]

Thank you, inigma, for your enthusiasm, and for the badge.

I took some of your advice, and made a slightly modified version of the craft; changing the name, adding a drogue chute, adjusting the landing gear slightly, and clarifying in the description that it is a spinoff, rather than an official version.

I think it will fit in much better on the OP list.

Here is the link.

http://kerbalx.com/ThirdOfFive/Kerbal-Space-Shuttle-104-Enterprise

If you do decide to use it, please let me know as I would like to remove the old one.

Thank you. Yes I've already updated the OP. Feel free to remove the old one.

Oh, and a bit of KerbalX coolness: you can simply edit your existing craft, and then drag/drop your renamed/updated craft file into it, and it will completely update the existing kerbal x craft, including updating the name. That's what i do with the STS with each new version. It keeps the download count up, and your fans benefit from the updated file when they re-visit.

Edited July 4, 2015 by inigma

[ExplorerKlatt]

Inigma, you mentioned that you were working on space station subassemblies; if you would like, I can send you a few I have been working on.

[Scathalh]

inigma, you can use my station too: http://kerbalx.com/Scathalh/Kerbin-Space-Station

Feel free, if you need some parts...

[inigma]

Inigma, you mentioned that you were working on space station subassemblies; if you would like, I can send you a few I have been working on.

Feel free to post them!

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inigma, you can use my station too: http://kerbalx.com/Scathalh/Kerbin-Space-Station

Feel free, if you need some parts...

Thank you scathalh! I haven't had a moment yet to play KSP for a few weeks, but hopefully again soon!

[Columbia]

Hi inigma--I managed to scrub the old SCA and rebuild it (It miraculously works well, except I'm a bad pilot and keep crashing it on landing), and it works well, so far. I'd like to ask what you want added or what I can improve on

It's rather sluggish, though. I'll send you a craft file when I'm back on KSP

In order not to spam the thread with a wall of text, the full report is here, a bit lower down.

Please tell me if you have any suggestions or things I should improve on - Thanks!

[inigma]

Hi inigma--I managed to scrub the old SCA and rebuild it (It miraculously works well, except I'm a bad pilot and keep crashing it on landing), and it works well, so far. I'd like to ask what you want added or what I can improve on

It's rather sluggish, though. I'll send you a craft file when I'm back on KSP

In order not to spam the thread with a wall of text, the full report is here, a bit lower down.

Please tell me if you have any suggestions or things I should improve on - Thanks!

Very nicely done! Craft?

[Columbia]

Very nicely done! Craft?

Sorry, I might be a bit delayed in sending a link - I haven't had much KSP lately.

I'll be sure to get back to it by this weekend

[inigma]

Wow.

[JWOC]

Inigmia

how is the SAMPA package made?

trying to make it fight in a craft of mine that needs it.

-JWOC

[inigma]

Inigmia

how is the SAMPA package made?

trying to make it fight in a craft of mine that needs it.

-JWOC

Simple. A single large parachute offset into the cockpit.

[asomr1]

Check out my attempt at a fully stock NASA Space Shuttle Replica.

Great Performance, flexibility and capability! 280ish parts, 15+ payload to LKO Capacity, Authentic space shuttle look and style! Don't want to miss this!

[inigma]

Check out my attempt at a fully stock NASA Space Shuttle Replica.

Great Performance, flexibility and capability! 280ish parts, 15+ payload to LKO Capacity, Authentic space shuttle look and style! Don't want to miss this!

Nice external tank covering.

[stardestroyer]

Check out my attempt at a fully stock NASA Space Shuttle Replica.

Great Performance, flexibility and capability! 280ish parts, 15+ payload to LKO Capacity, Authentic space shuttle look and style! Don't want to miss this!

I love that booster solution!!

I wonder if I can use it on my Nova...

[Columbia]

Well, inigma, here's the B747-100 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft I've been making for the Shuttle!

*warning: long wall of images

Take-off isn't too difficult, but it's slow. And I mean it.

It's possible to simulate an Approach and Landing test with the Shuttle and SCA, but landing it is notorious - I only managed a successful Shuttle landing once in the weeks that I tested this and built it.

Landing the much heavier SCA needs just as much precision.

..But honestly, it feels triumphant to manage it's landing.

Craft file is here.

(It will appear as "Boeing 747-100 SCA" in the SPH).

Feel free to tell me your suggestions and comments!

[Yukon0009]

Damn, I forgot I lost my mini 747 and full size 747 in my computer purge. Nice work by the way.

[inigma]

Columbia, absolutely amazing. Adding to OP!

Feedback:

- Separation of shuttle and SCA happens perfectly.

- SCA needs more yaw control. Desperately.

- Shuttle has yaw inputs reversed somehow after separation.

- SCA landing gear is wobbly, even at rest after landing.

- SCA landing gear needs steering control enabled somehow. I can't seem to steer the nose gear.

- SCA wheels need a bit more braking power. perhaps 10% more.

otherwise, the SCA flies like a drunken bird but its possible to land her as proven by my pics. Great job! She looks great!

Here is my flight:

Javascript is disabled. View full album

Sorry to hear Yukon.

Edited July 26, 2015 by inigma

[Columbia]

Columbia, absolutely amazing. Adding to OP!

Feedback:

- Separation of shuttle and SCA happens perfectly.

- SCA needs more yaw control. Desperately.

- Shuttle has yaw inputs reversed somehow after separation.

- SCA landing gear is wobbly, even at rest after landing.

- SCA landing gear needs steering control enabled somehow. I can't seem to steer the nose gear.

- SCA wheels need a bit more braking power. perhaps 10% more.

otherwise, the SCA flies like a drunken bird but its possible to land her as proven by my pics. Great job! She looks great!

Here is my flight:

http://imgur.com/a/Ida7N

Sorry to hear Yukon.

Thank you, inigma!

I wish I tested it more prior to releasing it - Ah, well. Back to the assembly hangar!

- Separation of shuttle and SCA happens perfectly.

Thanks! I myself thought it was a miracle - Especially without the use of Sepratrons or such.

SCA needs more yaw control. Desperately.

..Well, I'm back to stuffing canards in the fuselage. I will find a way.

I guess the rudder still isn't enough.. Probably also explains why it doesn't steer on ground well either.

Shuttle has yaw inputs reversed somehow after separation.

The only workaround I've found around this was to root the Shuttle Orbiter's cockpit, although this would be consequential due to the angle that the Shuttle is placed on the SCA - The image below (which had the Shuttle cockpit rooted) shows the recline on the cockpit. As you can see, the engines have been revised - Yes, I'm currently sending it through an overhaul

After testing it, I confirmed that there's a probe in there that's flipped over after attaching an Mk2 probe core, and "Controlling it from there". It worked, so I just have to figure out where the default core is, and maybe take it out.

- SCA landing gear is wobbly, even at rest after landing.

It's most likely a consequence of very few bogies to support it, along with the weight (Last I checked - 164 tons). It's basically the weight of your average 2.5m refueling station. Noted.

- SCA landing gear needs steering control enabled somehow. I can't seem to steer the nose gear.

I myself was irritated by it, but the lack of steering on the large wheels meant that I had to solely rely on the rudder (and asymmetric thrust) to get it turned, which in itself is a crude and ineffective method. I'll try my best to improve the rudder's input, but from there, I have to wait for Squad to implement steering. Hopefully.

- SCA wheels need a bit more braking power. perhaps 10% more.

Just checked the nose wheel, has a brake torque of only 12 - That explains why - I need to buff it to around 25% or 30. Noted as well.

Thanks again for the feedback, I'm cooking up a revision!

Should be out in.. a few hours of work.

- - - Updated - - -

So far, it's looking beautiful.

Current part count: 317.

[Scathalh]

Hello inigma,

i've tried to change a little bit your epic shuttle design.

I've merged some ideas from your design, the K-7 design and some ideas from me.

Here is the result:

Javascript is disabled. View full album

You can try it: http://www.filedropper.com/-spaceshuttle2-

Cheers...

Notice: You can use tweakscale for scaling of the mainsail engine or use the mammoth.

Edited July 27, 2015 by Scathalh

[inigma]

Hello inigma,

i've tried to change a little bit your epic shuttle design.

I've merged some ideas from your design, the K-7 design and some ideas from me.

Here is the result:

http://imgur.com/a/l0VUn

You can try it: http://www.filedropper.com/-spaceshuttle2-

Cheers...

Notice: You can use tweakscale for scaling of the mainsail engine or use the mammoth.

Very beautiful! can you mate this with the 7E solid booster stack and does it still lift 42 tons (the STS Fuel Pod)?