Campaign: Age of Rocketry

Campaigns

Space Race →

Introduction

Several thousand years ago, the Kerbese invented solid fuel rockets for their firework displays. Later, the Kermanss invented the K2 rocket during the Second Global War (which was fought over a schoolyard disagreement that somehow escalated into a violent, destructive war) capable of launching a relatively unguided ballistic missile to Allied territory, causing mass destruction. Two decades prior, Robert Kerman invented the liquid fueled rocket. Help each group maintain their progress toward the goal of a liquid fueled two stage rocket capable of reaching 70,000m, the beginning of space.

This campaign is designed to present you with a mission manifest that will allow you to accomplish the final goal of reliably launching an unmanned rocket on a controlled suborbital trajectory of your choosing. This is based on the V-2 Rocket and similar US rocket programs of the 30's and 40's.

Specifications

Length: 1-2 hours

Difficulty: 1/10 (Beginner)

Skills needed:

• Vehicle assembly (see Basic Rocket Design)
• Basic navball familiarity
• Overall, basic familiarity with the game's controls
• Spectator sporting skills at the least, if using MechJeb

For version: Every version (tested on 0.21.276 - 1.0.1)

Recommended mods

• Sounding Rockets - This mod has parts that can be used to fashion small rockets that could easily accomplish these early goals, including parts to make a rocket that greatly resembles the V2.

Missions

Solid Fuel Rocketry

Test Solid Fuel for rocket applications.

• Unmanned (all rockets in this mission are unmanned)
• Rocket must contain: 1 small RT-10 Booster

1. Fire the first stage at launch, pointing vertically.
2. Note the maximum height.

Launch a two-stage solid fuel rocket.

• Rocket must contain: parachute, 2 solid fuel booster stages, electricity storage

1. [Optional] Calculate the thrust needed for a Thrust-to-weight ratio of 2.0 for each stage. Limit the thrust to this value.
2. Fire the first stage at launch.
3. Decouple when the first stage is used up.
4. Angle the craft ~45°.
5. Fire the second stage. Note maximum height.
6. When returning and at a safe altitude, deploy the parachute.
7. Retrieve the craft.

(Tip: To retrieve a craft, move the cursor to the center of the top of the screen. This can only be done after landing or splashing down.)

Liquid Fuel Rocketry

Launch LVT-30 Liquid Fuel Rocket.

• Rocket must contain: parachute, 1 LVT-30 rocket stage
• Land that thing in the ocean lest you worry the 'Kerbiets'

Launch Two-Stage LV-T30 Liquid Fuel Rocket and Maintain 45 degrees Eastwards after 10km and Reach Space (70km).

• Rocket must contain: parachute, 1 LV-T30 engine, stack decoupler, 1 Terrier engine or smaller, heat shield if applicable

1. After passing the thick part of the atmosphere, angle slightly while firing rockets.
2. Enjoy the music once you reach 70km.

(Note: You do not need to establish an orbit - save that challenge for the Space Race campaign)

K2 Rocket

Those pesky Kermans...

Put your targeting skills to the test with a controlled missile launch.

• Launch LV-T30 Liquid Fuel Missile and control its reentry point

1. Missile must contain: 1 solid fuel booster stage, liquid fuel rocket stage, control winglets, no parachute
2. Choose a pre-selected island
3. Go above 70km
4. Impact within visible range of the island.

(Tip: The blue line indicating your trajectory does not account for atmospheric drag, so aim accordingly or use a mod)

Final Word

After your two-stage liquid fuel rocket is past 70km, you're well on your way to becoming the next Robert Kerman and igniting the Space Race.

Tips

• Installing a mod that shows the landing site adjusting for air resistance and planet rotation, like Trajectories, will aid in the "K2 Rocket" step.