Launch rocket from runway?

[THX1138]

I notice you can open and assemble rockets in the spaceplane hangar so I was wondering if there isn't any reason why I couldn't launch short, wide rockets from the run way?

[cicatrix]

You absolutely can launch rockets from the runway if you wish. The only question is why you would want to.

[THX1138]

And the answer is because you can assemble wider constructs in the spaceplane hangar. The VAB is restricted to assemblies that are not wide enough to direct the plume outside a class E asteroid without angling the rockets in a way that reduces their efficiency.

I have pictures here of the widest structure the VAB can accommodate and it's not wide enough.

http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/108839-Need-advice-on-why-I-can-t-control-attitude-during-asteroid-ejection

Edited January 29, 2015 by THX1138

[Skorpychan]

Won't it end up sideways?

[THX1138]

Won't it end up sideways?

I'm pretty sure that's not what happens. You build planes bottom-side down in the hangar and they appear bottom-side down on the runway. It might screw up all the controls though?

[Treldon]

Won't it end up sideways?

If you import a craft vrom VAB to SPH, it would. But you can rotate it right side up

And if you build it in SPH, no issues

[SaturnV]

But the vessel height in SPH is restricted, ~30m tall at most iirc

[Superfluous J]

This right here is another reason we need hinges.

But you could always make the arms separate from the craft and dock them together. Though if you do you'll learn why we also need the ability to strut in space

[THX1138]

But you could always make the arms separate from the craft and dock them together. Though if you do you'll learn why we also need the ability to strut in space

This brings its own problems (see my other recent threads!). I'm exploring both avenues at the moment.

[Superfluous J]

One solution I'd like to try is to clamp onto the asteroid with 2 or 4 fuel/thruster blocks, and do my best to align them so they're not only opposite each other around the COM but also aimed the *exact* same way. And then maybe clamp a ridiculous amount of reaction wheels and solar panels onto it so when I don't get them *exactly* correct the SAS can at least keep the thing moving roughly straight.

My KSP Bucket list has "Wrangle an E and take it somewhere mission" on it. I'm hoping it'll be a moon of Jool. So I've given exactly this some thought.

Edited January 29, 2015 by 5thHorseman

[THX1138]

I already accepted a contract to eject a class E asteroid from solar orbit! I've sent three crafts full of fail so far.