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

[inigma]

Very nice Shuttle! A worthy try at getting the boosters to work too. I would be tempted to just clip more into the fuel tank shrouds but perhaps there are diminishing returns.

Thanks. Yeah there's only so many boosters you can clip and still get the thing off the pad or not kracken without adding a dozens of struts increasing part count. Diminishing returns? Unfortunately so. I think I will wait for squad to simply make a larger solid booster or give us booster fuel extensions. I will re-approach SRB and ET tank development when 1.0 is released, since it will require a new shuttle anyways.

[Naito]

Ha. May I use the word "impossible" sparingly as motivational language?

Anyways, orbit is possible that is for sure, but using your external tank and boosters. You certainly deserve a great job on it! I've been challenging myself to keep my current external tank though and still use the booster tanks as shrouds as seen in my pic. I can make orbit, but with a whole new flight profile but still seem to fall short of my 200km goal. Pesky boosters.

If you like can I offer your launch stack as a subassembly or separate ship download?

The tank form factor is as OCD perfect as I could get, which is why I am a wee bit loathe to use Naito's open bottom external tank design (no offense Naito, but there are no adapters or cones that neatly complete the rounding of your tank's bottom while ending the tank above the SSMEs without vertical clipping).

No offence taken lol. You can actually probably add the shroud back on the bottom, but you'll have to clip the bottom tank a bit. You just need that bottom tank as ballast to keep the CG correct throughout SSME burn

Feel free to do whatever you want with the stack, it's all yours =)

I'm tempted to make a version with even MORE boosters, just at lower thrust, because the issue isn't the total amount of thrust that's the problem, it's the low ISP. Just barely enough to get out of the soupy crap stock lower atmosphere on booster power. Add a couple MORE boosters at low thrust so that they'll burn for around 2mins, then the ET would be lighter, bringing your TW ratio back up so you don't lose as much speed, and getting you further out of the soup to where you can actually fly properly. Only thing is that'll need a little more rebalancing again, probably have overheat issues, and that'll end up being a little TOO much clipping for my liking.

[inigma]

No offence taken lol. You can actually probably add the shroud back on the bottom, but you'll have to clip the bottom tank a bit. You just need that bottom tank as ballast to keep the CG correct throughout SSME burn

Feel free to do whatever you want with the stack, it's all yours =)

I'm tempted to make a version with even MORE boosters, just at lower thrust, because the issue isn't the total amount of thrust that's the problem, it's the low ISP. Just barely enough to get out of the soupy crap stock lower atmosphere on booster power. Add a couple MORE boosters at low thrust so that they'll burn for around 2mins, then the ET would be lighter, bringing your TW ratio back up so you don't lose as much speed, and getting you further out of the soup to where you can actually fly properly. Only thing is that'll need a little more rebalancing again, probably have overheat issues, and that'll end up being a little TOO much clipping for my liking.

Thanks for working on it. Go ahead and maintain the STS-3 Space Shuttle Naito, and add a pic showing off those boosters to the KerbalX listing, I'll add it to the OP as:

STS-3 Space Shuttle Naito (Solid Rocket Boosters, SAS Modules Removed, Hard Mode)

Edited February 5, 2015 by inigma

[inigma]

Early STS OME testing (Extended Operations Module, KAS + IR)

Still has a lot of work to avoid clipping parts, and the Kanadarm needs groups programed, but progress nonetheless.

Sometimes I have just too much fun with KSP and don't know where the time goes. It's 2am here. Oy. time for bed!

Edited February 6, 2015 by inigma

[Jackvony]

Early STS OME testing (Extended Operations Module, KAS + IR)

http://i.imgur.com/JgmYLuy.png

http://i.imgur.com/ljAqP0U.png

http://i.imgur.com/punFvsT.png

http://i.imgur.com/4BM5ypx.png

Still has a lot of work to avoid clipping parts, and the Kanadarm needs groups programed, but progress nonetheless.

Sometimes I have just too much fun with KSP and don't know where the time goes. It's 2am here. Oy. time for bed!

Looks awesome but i would suggest pushing the docking port almost through the cargo bay so it is a little easier for craft to get to it.

[inigma]

Looks awesome but i would suggest pushing the docking port almost through the cargo bay so it is a little easier for craft to get to it.

Thank you!

The docking adapter connects to a fuselage that you can adjust by offset on a per mission basis. The current height is ISS standard.

[ostrich]

Why does the space shuttle keep exploding when I detach the boosters?

[inigma]

Why does the space shuttle keep exploding when I detach the boosters?

They should separate cleanly. Are they colliding with the shuttle when you sep? You should have the shuttle upside down and at 45 degrees or so for sep with SAS on and hands off the controls.

[ostrich]

They should separate cleanly. Are they colliding with the shuttle when you sep? You should have the shuttle upside down and at 45 degrees or so for sep with SAS on and hands off the controls.

Normally I am in space. I think its the sepatron burning the main tank. Edited February 7, 2015 by ostrich

[inigma]

- - - Updated - - -

Final flight testing before publication of the STS Extended Operations Module, renaming to STS Service Module. Will require KAS, IR, and Tweakscale (for IR).

Chasing a prototype SBS-3 ComSat from the upcomming STS-5 subassembly release I'm working on.

Capture successful, and I have struts in the KAS containers to hold 'er down and bring it back to KSC.

Everything you see in the bay is attached via a single, yes single, subassembly. A work of art in its own right. I'll have to post a vid when I release it or shortly after.

Edited February 8, 2015 by inigma

[inigma]

The STS Service Module is completed!

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OP updated with download link.

Edited February 9, 2015 by inigma

[Sampa]

Cool, I'll update the model I have from you to this one, still having issues getting the recording stuff working...still suffering from black screen as OBS still refuses to actually record my game...

[inigma]

just renamed Ops Mod E to STS Service Module... standby 5 minutes to update downloads.

[Sampa]

don't worry, I have at least 6 hours before I can get around to update my stuff...school

[inigma]

Renames completed. Man that was a chore. I promise not to rename them again. Lol. Feel free to redownload the STS Operations Module, and STS Service Module.

[inigma]

Am I the only one in love with subassemblies?

The STS ComSat (STS-5) subassembly WIP. The sats launch and rotate out of the bay like the real thing. Still more final tweaks and design to do. A WIP since the sats sometimes crash into the sides and it's time for bed. Hopefully released later this week. I sooo much want to do a vid showing off my recent subassemblies.

Look familiar?

Yup, its the SBS3 and Anik comsat delivery mission. The first operational shuttle mission, and Columbia flew it.

Hey, only 9 more posts and this thread qualifies me for an Epic Engineer listing in the the stickied Showcase thread! I've never had a craft release thread go over 100 posts. Want to help?

Edited February 10, 2015 by inigma

[Sampa]

Hey, I had a lol when I launched your shuttle...show you pics later...

[gc1ceo]

Definitely some improvement with the latest release, the part reduction seems to have improved my fps a bit while flying it. I actually overshot my AP as a result, but I'm not complaining.

[inigma]

Hey, I had a lol when I launched your shuttle...show you pics later...

I like pics! I rep for pics!

- - - Updated - - -

Definitely some improvement with the latest release, the part reduction seems to have improved my fps a bit while flying it. I actually overshot my AP as a result, but I'm not complaining.

Glad to hear. She performs better than ever! Next iteneration is fuctional improvements to the lights to prevent clipped parts from jittering, and fuel entry to eliminate the mechjeb flyng gentle roll, and possibly adding an antenna to the bay.

Edited February 11, 2015 by inigma

[Mitchz95]

Awesome! I wish shuttles were more useful in KSP, they're so fun to build.

[inigma]

Awesome! I wish shuttles were more useful in KSP, they're so fun to build.

They are with the stage recovery mod.

All,

I've finalized the STS ComSats (STS-5) subassembly design and its been through several shakedown tests. She's ready for marketing and publication. Subassembly craft file soon...

finally... just ran out of time tonight to do the last 15 min of work. argh.

release will be tomorrow.

[Guest]

Very interesting, the cargo wings separators thingy don't interfere with aero handling?

Do you make you make your own photoshops btw?

Good job.

[inigma]

Very interesting, the cargo wings separators thingy don't interfere with aero handling?

Do you make you make your own photoshops btw?

Good job.

Edited February 12, 2015 by inigma

[inigma]

The STS ComSats (STS-5) payload subassembly package is now released! OP updated. Let me know if you have any issues.

Here is the STS Service Module and STS ComSat subassemblies together:

[ExplorerKlatt]

Is it intended for the shuttle to be missing any form of nose landing gear? Noticed this when I tried to land, all crew survived except the one in the cargo area.