Difference between revisions of "Mk1 Lander Can"

Latest revision as of 23:13, 11 July 2021

Mk1 Lander Can
Command pod by Jebediah Kerman's Junkyard and Spacecraft Parts Co
Radial size		Small
Cost	(total)	1 535.00
	(dry)	1 482.00
Mass	(total)	0.660 t
	(dry)	0.506 t
Drag		0.2
Max. Temp.		2000 K
Impact Tolerance		12 m/s
Research		Advanced Flight Control
Unlock cost		6 800
Since version		0.20
Part configuration		mk1LanderCan.cfg
Crew capacity	(maximum)	1
	(required)	1
SAS level		× None
Torque		3 kN·m
Electricity required		0.100 ⚡ s·kN·m
Experiment		Crew Report
Collectable		No
Rerunnable		Yes
Resettable		Yes
Electricity required		None
Antenna type		Internal
Antenna rating		5 km
Packed volume		None
Inventory Slots		1 slots
Volume limit		40 l
Monopropellant		15
Electric capacity		50 ⚡

The Mk1 Lander Can is a Command Module housing a maximum of one Kerbal crew member during its mission. The cockpit in the command module is designed for landing and has a "down" looking window to facilitate such activities while piloting from inside the lander can.

Usage

Inside panorama view on Kerbin

The Mk1 Lander Can, as the name suggests, is an excellent choice to utilize as a base part for both a moon or planetary lander. This command module had two large windows, one facing out from the pilot seat and one angled down to allow the pilot to view the ground approaching while landing. On the exterior of the lander can, the flat octagonal surfaces allow for secure attachment of radial engines, landing gear, science equipment, or any other necessary equipment. Both the top and bottom surfaces of the lander can are adequate to install engines, fuel tanks, RCS bladders, or even a docking port.

The Mk1 Lander Can is lighter than the Mk1 Command Pod, so less fuel is needed for landing. Additionally, it stores 50% more monopropellant, making docking easier.

Although the part description portrays the Mk1 Lander Can as very fragile, in reality it is quite durable, with an impact tolerance of 12 m/s. Since other parts (such as engines and fuel tanks) have tolerances of 7 or 8 m/s, the lander can will likely survive hard landings that damage these more fragile parts. However, the Mk1 Lander Can's impact tolerance is still lower than most other command pods, being lower than all except the PPD-12 Cupola Module (8 m/s) and the EAS-1 External Command Seat (6 m/s).

The main downside to the Mk1 Lander Can is its large, non-aerodynamic shape, making it unsuited for atmospheric use. Because it isn't cylindrical like other 1.25m parts, it produces a lot of drag. In addition, this shape means that it can't be protected by a Heat Shield (1.25m), since the exposed sides won't fit behind the heat shield.

The Mk2 Lander Can is an upgrade over the Mk1 which is over double the mass and can house two Kerbal crewmembers. Though at times unwieldy and top-heavy, a double-stacked Mk1 Lander Can can still maintain a smaller mass and cost compared to the Mk2. With this option, two crew members total (one in each lander can) are deployable in a lighter and cheaper setup without having to utilize the larger Mk2 Lander Can.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight
• Excellent command module choice for smaller landing vehicles
• Cheap cost, easy for early explorers without a lot of money
• Multiple surfaces for connecting landing gear, engines, fuel tanks, communication gear, and science equipment
• Window configuration allows 1st person pilot view of the ground from inside while landing

Cons:

• Can only hold a single Kerbal crew member
• Small size makes it easy to over-burden with equipment
• Non-aerodynamic and not fit for reentry

Product description

Trivia

• There's a photo of Kerbin hanging above the pilot.
• The description of Sean's Cannery implies that the Mk1 Lander Can is in fact their product, and they do indeed manufacture the Mk2 Lander Can, but the listed manufacturer is Jebediah Kerman's Junkyard and Spacecraft Parts Co.
• There are two sticky notes in the cabin:

• A pre-flight checklist is hanging on the right side of the cabin.

• There is a sign saying "RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. WARRANTY VOID IF OPENED" on what seems like a fuse box.

Changes

1.8

• Increased crashTolerance from 8 to 12

1.2

• IVA improved

0.20

• Initial Release