Spaceplanes and Robotic arms

Space Planes and Robot Arms

New Single Stage To Orbit (SSTO) Space Plane with some significant cargo space.  Current cargo and fuel load is 228 tons.

I've also added the KanadArm pack which has a set of Infernal Robotics parts to create robotic arms based on the Canadarm2 on the space station  it includes power and data grapple fixtures that you attach to things to allow the arm to grab them, and it also allows the inchworm locomotion mode the arm on the station can use.  The PDGF's are special docking ports, that the Latching End Effector (LEE) of the CanadArm can dock with.  Because they work like Docking Ports, you can couple the free end to a PDGF and then decouple the other end, this is how it can inchworm around the station to get to places inaccessible from its home on the Strut Assembly.

This first flight will be delivering a large arm with 2x 8 meter arm segments to the station along with 4x KIS cargo containers to be attached to the station, which contain 8 PDGF's each as well as EVA tools and extended EVA packs  I'll have to do a few space walks to install PDGF's in strategic locations around the station.  I've used a FusTek Station Node as a Docking Module in the Cargo Bay (not unlike the Airlock/Docking Fixture in the Space Shuttle's Cargo Bay).  I also have a deployable Docking Port in the "Hump" behind the cockpit.  This also contains a Drone Piloting Module, and most of the RCS Fuel.  This allows the entire thing to be piloted remotely if necessary.

Night Launch!  This is the second test flight (to station altitude and to return), it has a LOT of Lift, it is airborne with no problem at 80m/s and accelerates at about 15m/s in a 30 degree climb as it claws its way out of the lower, thicker atmosphere as quickly as possible.

On Orbit at Station altitude (250 km).  It's got enough oxidizer left for rendezvous, and to deorbit with the orbital engines, and plenty of liquid fuel for the air-breathing engines for landing.

View in the Cargo Bay of the KIS Containers in the foreground, and the Docking Module/Airlock at the front of the cargo bay.

Building the KSS (ISS Replica)

Recently read Seveneves by Neal Stephenson, and was inspired to build an ISS replica in KSP.

I've opted to build a slightly modified version of ISS. closer to the original design. The majority of the parts used in this build are from the Tantares Stock-a-Like Soyuz pack (for the Russian segments), and FusTek Station Parts for the International portions.

 The Zarya FGB and Zvezda Service Module on orbit.

Added Node 1 to the bow docking port of Zarya.  This is a FusTek Node, with Universal Storage TACLS Life Support Modules (Black and white striped section).

The Destiny Lab and Harmony (Node 2) have been added, the S0 and P1/2 Truss segments have also been added.  A Soyuz Tug is in the process of delivering the Rassvet docking Port to be attached to the nadir port of Zarya.  Harmony includes more TAC Life Support modules, Food, Water and Oxygen storage, Elektron Oxygen Generator (converts Water into Oxygen and Hydrogen), and CO2 scrubbers.

 Both the Port and Starboard Radiators have been installed.

Delivering the Quest Airlock to be docked to Unity (Node 1).  The cross structure on the top is a connector to hold a KIS Storage Locker, which will be ferried up on a future flight, carrying EVA supplies and components for installation on space walks.

 Delivering the Cupola and the Habitat Module.  The Cupola was installed on the Bow berth of Tranquility (Node 3), and the Habitat Module is installed on the Port berth.

Almost completed station.  The ESA's Columbus Lab installed on Starboard Berth of Node 2, and the Kibo Lab has been installed on the Port Berth.  The external Platform for the Kibo lab has yet to be launched.

 View from the Russian side of the ISS, showing Zvezda, Zarya and the main thermal radiators.

The MPLM (Multi-Purpose Logistics Module) being delivered.  It is docked to the Port berth of Unity (Node 1), with just enough clearance for the Port Thermal Radiator.

Liftoff!

KSP has cleared the tower!

Mars One/Space X Duna Mission Phase 2/3

Phase 2

Next up in the mission plan is the launch and interplanetary transit of a cargo ship carrying consumables for the crew's use on Duna's surface.

I've opted to create this phase of the mission with a SpaceX Dragon Cargo Ship with a full suite of SuperDraco thrusters for a powered descent to the colony site on Duna's surface, and the Lander Trunk for additional supplies, fuel and cargo space.

SpaceX Dragon Cargo filled with TACLife Support containers of Water, Food and Oxygen.

To ensure we had enough DeltaV for the transit to Duna, I opted for a Falcon Heavy configuration for this mission.  That's three Falcon9 first stages in asparagus staging (fuel pumps feed the center stage from the outer stages, ensuring they consume their fuel and are jettisoned first.)

Liftoff of the Harmony Mission to deliver life support supplies to Duna Orbit in preparation for the arrival of the first Kerbin crew.

KSC, We have a problem! 

Upon separation of the two outer main stages, the starboard booster suffered an RUD (Rapid Unexpected Deconstruction) event upon separation.  The Engine compartment holding the 9 engines exploded in the exhaust from the center stage, which luckily escaped damage.
The rest of the boost was nominal and the Dragon Cargo ship and Falcon Upper Stage were successfully placed in a 665km parking orbit to await the next Duna transfer window.

KSC, We have a problem!  The starboard booster suffered RUD (Rapid, Unexpected Deconstruction) upon activation of the stage separators.  The Engine compartment actually exploded in the exhaust of the main engine.  Luckily no damage resulted and the center stage completed it's burn as normal and inserted the Cargo ship into a 665km circular orbit to await the next Duna transfer window.

Phase 3

Construction of the 500 day Deep Space Habitat vehicle for taking the crew to, and returning them from Duna.

First launch is the Cryogenic Propulsion Stage.  It includes a 2.5 meter berthing mechanism to connect the Habitat, reaction control systems, communications antennas and solar arrays with integrated thermal radiators.

Deep Space Habitat Proplusion Module on orbit.

 The second major component to be added is the MPLM/Habitat Module, which includes the foward docking trunk with solar and communications arrays and the docking ports for the MMSEV Excursiion Vehicles.

Habitat and MPLM1.  The two large tanks are water tanks.  The DHS is equipped with two oxygen generators that will create oxygen for the crew by splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen (waste).  The water tanks have the added benefit of adding additional radiation shielding for the crew.

In this bow view, and the following shot you can also see one of the new procedures I use for my craft that are built in orbit.  I pre-place KAS (Kerbal Attachment System) Strut Connectors around the docking ports I intend to use.  This makes it much simpler for a Kerbal to do a spacewalk and connect the struts.

Closeup of the Common Berthing Mechanism at the bow, where the Logistics and MLM Module will be docked.  You can see the two Water -> O2 oxygen generators here.  The two side ports are where the MultiMission Science Exploration Vehicles will be docked.

Berthing Ports between Propulsion and Habitat sections.  Note the Strut Connectors on the girders, a Kerbal will do a spacewalk and connect them to provide additional strength to the docking connection.

Assembly and Launch of the forward Logistics/MPLM Module, Cupola and Airlock.  The airlock module is temporarily berthed to the aft berthing mechanism because it was too large to fit inside the fairing in it's final position.  It will be repositioned prior to docking the module to the Deep Space Habitat.  The Airlock has three KAS equipment carriers attached, they include Extended EVA Packs, Structural Struts and Fuel Line connectors.

The forward Logistics/MPLM Compartment, Cupola and Airlock.  For launch the Airlock has been temporarily berthed to the aft docking adapter because it was too large to fit into the fairing.  It will be moved to the correct port opposite the Cupola before docking this section to the Deep Space Habitat.

Forward Logistics Module ready for Launch.

Lift Off.  Center Engine has throttled back due to maximum drag.  Main Engine will throttle back up at booster separation.

Delivery of the MMSEV (Multi-Mission Space Exploration Vehicle).
The MMSEV's are designed to allow a kerbalnaut to operate for up to two weeks in a shirt sleeves environment doing work outside of the vessel. The crew cabin and main body are shared with the Rover, replacing the flight pack with ground propulsion systems.

Delivering 2 MMSEV Excursion Modules to the Deep Space Habitat.  They will be docked on the port and starboard side of the docking collar.

Docking the first MMSEV to the Port side docking port.  It has 2 Jr. Size Docking Ports on either side, and a standard size docking port at the aft end, for moving around parts during construction.

Forward Logistics Module rendezvous maneuvers.  The MMSEV will be used to move the Airlock form the Launch Configuration on the Aft Port to the Zenith Port opposite the Cupola.

MMSEV Alpha moves in to position to reorient the Airlock before assembly

MMSEV Alpha moving the Airlock to the Zenith Port on the Logistics Module (opposite the Cupola)

Logistics Module being maneuvered into position.

 I retracted the forward solar arrays during this docking maneuver, to reduce the chance they would be damaged during docking.

Docking of the Logistics Module to the Deep Space Habitat.

Success, the upper stage is now backing away, after transfering fuel to the Deep Space Habitat and will burn up on reentry, it's job complete.

Once the Logistics Module was docked to the Deep Space Habitat I realized that I had a small problem.  The MMSEV's are just a bit too large to fit into the gap between the Habitat and the Logistics modules, on the docking collar.  I'm going to need to do a slight redesign and launch new versions.  Fortunately the Spaceplane that brought them up is still on orbit, so I'll just use it to return them to KSC and bring up new versions with extenders on the port/starboard docking ports, which will give them sufficient clearance that they don't bump into the Logistics Module when docked.

Mars One/SpaceX Duna Colony Mission

Duna Colonization - Phase 1

The first vehicle to be launched to Duna was the rover 'Discovery', designed to scout the selected site of the colony to find a sufficiently flat location to safely land the habitat modules.

Pre-dawn launch of the Mission to deliver the Discovery rover to the surface of Duna.

Discovery Rover in aeroshell beginning de-orbit burn.

Discovery rover descending to Duna's surface protected by the aeroshell.

Drogue Chute's deployed to facilitate the separation of the Discovery Rover from the protective aeroshell

Discovery Rover descending to Duna's surface safely.

The Colony, built with Umbra Space Industries OKS/MKS Modular Kolonization System was attached to a rigid sky-crane frame in orbit, and consisted of a Colony Control Center, Kerbaltat, Airponics Module, Power Module and Biolab.  The Airponics Module includes 2 inflatable airponics bays, and the Kerbitat includes two inflatable habitation modules.

Colony Core descending via skycrane to the site selected by the Discovery Rover.

After the colony was safely landed, the Skycrane detached and flew off, to crash in a nearby crater.

Connecting Kerbaltubes, airponics bays and habitats deployed remotely.  The colony awaits the arrival of the Crew.

One of the things I like to do in KSP is attempt to create or recreate proposed, real-world space missions with the tools and Mods I have available in KSP.

One of my  more recent mission creations was based around the Mars One Mission plan that calls for a base to be remotely deployed to Mars, with a follow-on crew of 4.  The total mission time is approximately 500 days, and makes use of the NASA Proposed, Deep Space Habitat Module.

The Deep Space Habitat is based around unflown Space Station Hardware, notably, Node 4, and MPLM based modules for logistics, life support and habitation.

For this mission recreation I've decided to make use of Umbra Space Industries OKS/MKS Modular Colonization System for the Duna base station, Fustek Station Parts which are visually based on the US ISS Modules, and I'll be using the LazTex SpaceX Packs for Launch Vehicles, and the Dragon v2 as the crew vehicle and lander/ascent vehicle.

The mission will consist of several stages.

Phase 1 the launch and assembly of the Duna Colony in Kerbin Orbit, and it's transit and landing to Duna.  Phase 1 will also include The launch, transit and landing of a robotic rover on the Duna surface to survey a suitable landing site for the Colony.  The Colony Lander will remain in Duna orbit until a suitable location is located.

Phase 2 will launch a SpaceX Dragon Cargo ship carrying supplies for the Kerbalnaut's stay on Duna. This vehicle will wait in Duna orbit for the arrival of the crew and will land at the colony site once they arrive.

Phase 3 will see the assembly of the Deep Space Habitat in Kerbin Orbit.

Phase 4 will launch the crew in a SpaceX Dragon v2 with the Lander Trunk, which will dock with the Deep Space Habitat and be carried to Duna to act as the descent/ascent vehicle for the Kerbalnauts.

Phase 5 will consist of the science mission on Duna waiting for the transfer window for return to Kerbin to open.

Phase 6 will consist of the Crew returning to the Deep Space Habitat waiting for them in Orbit for the transit back to Kerbin Space.  They crew will then make their final descent aboard the same SpaceX Dragon v2 vehicle.

Test Post

First post on my new blog detailing my adventures in Kerbal Space Program