K-33 Venture Star

[Rune]

Another week, another hangover, another release! And yeah, this time... another replica of another shuttle! Only this one wasn't really built in the end. Designed to the original specifications of 20mT in low orbit, but with a really big bay so you don't have any trouble putting your stuff there, let me present to you the shuttle's SSTO successor that never was:

I built it from memory and going by the rule of cool, so probably not 100% accurate, but I think it looks the part: drone controlled, lots of aerospikes in a linear manner... Yeah, I know, that big engine maybe shouldn't be there in the middle. But it decreases part count a lot and makes it easier to use!

That's it's main selling point, actually, simplicity of use. This will take you to orbit in eight minutes flat! With no thrust fiddling during ascent required as the spikes shut off sequentially flattening your thrust curve. In fact, you can trust the autopilot to do the gravity turn for you too: as you go over 10kms, switch to "orbital" in the navball speed indicator, and tell the computer to hold prograde. That's pretty much it! And if you are not trying to land with a full cargo bay (which it can do anyway, but requires a pretty good pilot), it glides like a feather since it's so light.

And not only is it easy to use, it is practical too! You get 20mT to LKO with >250 m/s in the tanks and full RCS for docking, so this very usable as you standard medium launcher, for station modules, probes and the like. In fact, I'm pretty sure I can mount an expedition to most places with 20mT! Be sure to let me know what you are using it for if you like it

And when you are done lifting your stuff, of course, just deorbit and land it for full recovery and lots of √savings. Again, let me reiterate: You are supposed to have left the stuff in the cargo bay in orbit. Then landing is as simple as taking off, and boy is the takeoff simple. But of course I wasn't going to stop attempting it myself to find the limits of the design. If you land with it full... well, then you have my respect, and can boast that you can fly as good as I do. Take that as you want!

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DOWNLOAD:

http://www./download/072waqtmc3rj0t2/K-33.craft

Rune. Conquering the cosmos on a budget!

[SpaceXray]

Very nice craft! I challenge you to make a Laythe cargo SSTO which can ferry cargo from Laythe orbit down to the surface in the Mk3 cargo bay. A bonus would be VTOL capability.

[astropapi1]

Beautiful as always!

I love the way you clipped the fuel "ducts" from the orange tanks through the wings, gives it a somewhat futuristic look. And the fact that you're recreating a X-33 also helps, that's my plane-crush.

[mrmcp1]

Looks great as all of your craft do. I really like your recreations of space shuttle type vehicles that never flew. Thanks for showing it.

[Rune]

Very nice craft! I challenge you to make a Laythe cargo SSTO which can ferry cargo from Laythe orbit down to the surface in the Mk3 cargo bay. A bonus would be VTOL capability.

You know, the way you worded that, I already have something that works: with due refuelling, an Eagle would be perfectly capable of dropping stuff on that moon, and was in fact designed for such a task. Now, if you mean without refuelling on the way... that's a taller order. And I would be asking such a fuel fraction of the design, it would be an unwieldy monster! Still, who doesn't have fuel depots in LKO? That's why I build stuff for you guys to take the fuel up!

Beautiful as always!

I love the way you clipped the fuel "ducts" from the orange tanks through the wings, gives it a somewhat futuristic look. And the fact that you're recreating a X-33 also helps, that's my plane-crush.

Glad to be of service! The X-33 was indeed a cool project, and could very well have somewhat worked. And you know? The fuel line thingy was totally an accident. Still, I agree: a happy accident!

Looks great as all of your craft do. I really like your recreations of space shuttle type vehicles that never flew. Thanks for showing it.

You are very welcome! I like looking into the things that were proposed, but never flew for one reason or another. There are some very cool ideas out there, if you know how to look for them!

Rune. Stealing from the best.

[SpaceXray]

Haha you didn't get it Rune, doesn't matter how you get the SSTO to Laythe(via booster or additional detachable fuel tank), what matters is the capability to put some cargo into the belly of the SSTO and ferry it down to the surface, then perhaps attach something via docking port on the surface and bring it up.

[Rune]

Haha you didn't get it Rune, doesn't matter how you get the SSTO to Laythe(via booster or additional detachable fuel tank), what matters is the capability to put some cargo into the belly of the SSTO and ferry it down to the surface, then perhaps attach something via docking port on the surface and bring it up.

Then, as I said, I've got you covered! Grab the 'Eagle' from R-SUV, that is not only capable of SSTOing in kerbin and Laythe with a cargo, it can even SSTO from Duna!

Rune. Tough picking stuff up with it... doubtful unless you are a good enough pilot that can do a docking while landing...

[StormKat]

That's gorgeous Rune. Your designs are always so inspiring. Thanks for sharing.

[ryan234abc]

Love it, as always! Download download download!

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Beautiful as always!

I love the way you clipped the fuel "ducts" from the orange tanks through the wings, gives it a somewhat futuristic look. And the fact that you're recreating a X-33 also helps, that's my plane-crush.

I didn't notice that before. It's the icing on the cake isn't it?

[DMSP]

Yes more stuff! I don't have my cup right now, but I have drawn and sketched a certain something in great detail. When it comes out, (and I actually build it in KSP) I will have made a easy to use Eeloo mission craft. Includes: small station, massive easy to land one price base, two crew transfer landers, six orbit comsats, one geosync sat, two mini one use probes/landers, and two rovers. I will include a KAS version and a stock version. Rune, you and Overfloater's inspired me to make my own creations. Thank you.

Also, I am making another thing based on your base pack. It is called "The Bubby" and it is a lander aeroshell for atmospheric uses. I delivered a massive base using the MkI. If it is ok with you I'll post that one too. (You will be credited).

Thanks for inspiring me,

-DMSP