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.