Difference between revisions of "Campaign: Shuttle Program"

Revision as of 14:17, 28 April 2015

Introduction

After creating space stations which require frequent crew changes, Kerbal scientists realized that using expensive multi-stage rockets was too inefficient. After many studies, they developed a new concept for reaching space - a space plane. An aircraft attached to a main rocket booster, a spaceplane would be reusable and highly effective at moving fragile cargo down to the surface, such as Kerbals.

Specifications

• Length: 5-10 hours
• Difficulty: 8/10 (Expert)
• Skills needed:

1. Spaceplane design (Tutorial: Spaceplane basics)
2. Intermediate plane piloting
3. Intermediate navigation via maneuver node
4. Advanced orbiting
5. Intermediate understanding of launch windows
6. Intermediate understanding of intercepts/rendezvous
7. Intermediate docking
8. Ability to complete Kerbinai Program
9. Ability to complete Kerbol System Exploration

• For version: Every version post-0.15 (not yet tested)

Space Shuttle Testing

• Design a spaceplane and perform a test atmospheric flight
  • Alternatively, download the TiberDyne Shuttle System from the forum. It simulates the American shuttle and the Russian Buran. It is also capable of carrying payloads in its payload bay. There is also the Kerbin Shuttle Orbiter System, which also has space shuttles, but more in-line with the game's art style. A third addon, Component Space Shuttle, accurately reproduces the American Space Shuttle.
  • As of 0.25, there are now stock parts that can be used to create a Space Shuttle (including two cargo bays). There is even a stock craft similar to the shuttle stack.

1. The spaceplane should be capable of landing by itself, and traveling to orbit with the aid of a rocket booster. It should also have a docking port and sufficient RCS to perform an orbital docking, as well as space for a payload.
2. Launch the space plane to the upper atmosphere, above 30 km but below 70 km.
3. Glide or fly to a safe horizontal landing

• Launch a space plane into a suborbital trajectory.

1. Launch a space plane attached to a rocket booster to an apoapsis of over 70 km.
2. Glide or fly to a safe horizontal landing.

Orbital Testing

• Launch the spaceplane into orbit around Kerbin

1. Periapsis must be above 100 km.
2. Re-enter Kerbin's atmosphere and land safely.

• (optional) Make an emergency landing

1. Launch into a nearly orbital trajectory
2. Continue on a free-return (no propulsion) and land safely.

Payload Testing

• Launch a shuttle capable of carrying payload into orbit while also following the orbital testing guidelines:

1. Launch into orbit a fully functioning satellite with solar panels, lights and mode of communication.
2. Launch a shuttle into orbit, capture the satellite for analysis, release the satellite, and land the shuttle safely.
3. Launch a final test using the shuttle to place a satellite with maneuver capabilities into orbit between 100 km and 130 km.

Near-Kir Test Rendezvous

• Launch a shuttle headed to Kir space station for rendezvous and dress rehearsal for future docking missions.

1. Launch into a Kir chase orbit and rendezvous within 5 km.
2. Maneuver the shuttle orbiter using RCS to within 100 meters of Kir.
3. Taxi around the station within 200 m.
4. Return to Kerbin and land safely.

Shuttle-Kir Docking Module

• Design and launch a docking module via the shuttle delivery system to Kir space station.

1. Design a docking module for Kir (make sure there's no risk of damaging solar panels).
2. The docking module must remain in the shuttle bay until deployed.
3. Rendezvous and dock the shuttle to Kir using the docking module
4. Transfer crew and resources.
5. After the space station stay is completed, undock the shuttle from the docking module, leaving it with Kir.
6. Safely land the shuttle on Kerbin.

Shuttle Payload Return

• Launch a shuttle to retrieve satellites from testing.

1. Launch a shuttle to rendezvous with test satellites.
2. Rendezvous with the satellites and store them in the payload bay.
3. Land safely with both satellites in tow for analysis by your scientists and engineers.

Kergellan

The board wants proof of the advantages of this new payload delivery system. Your scientists have plans for an orbiter probe to map the surface of and perform science around Eve. Extensive discussions resulted in the probe being named 'Kergellan' in honor of Ferdinand Kergellan, the famed explorer who circumnavigated Kerbin's waters just a few years ago (drowning, incidentally, before he could finish his maps). All you need now is an Interplanetary Upper Stage (IUS) booster system to launch a spacecraft out of your spacecraft.

• Design an upper stage booster system and probe to map and perform science around Eve (Feel free to use mapping mods)

1. Launch a shuttle to an orbit between 300 and 310 km to deliver IUS/Kergellan payload.
2. Must also fly small science payload which can perform experiments around Kerbin to be returned at the end of mission.
3. Kergellan must contain two solar panels, long-distance communication, science instruments, and a propulsion system capable of reaching and orbiting Eve.
4. Kergellan must orbit Eve within 2 degrees of 90 degrees polar inclination at an altitude between 185 and 750 km (Note: consider orbital resonance).
5. Return the shuttle, science payload and crew to Kerbin and land safely.

Final Word

Progress since the first launch from KSC is incredible. Simple single stage solid rocket boosters have given way to complex rocket systems delivering space planes with payload of their own, tying together everything learned so far. Now that the shuttle program has started in earnest a new age of space is beginning. The shuttle will play a critical role in construction of the planned IKSS (International Kerman Space Station), but delivery of a GPS and communications data relay satellite constellation must happen to support this planet's rapidly advancing technological society. It can surely be said that impossibilities are only possibilities waiting to be explored. With these new capabilities, larger projects are awaiting.