User:Bigcalm

Landing on Eve

Landing on Eve is my last challenge in Kerbal Space Program. And it's a tough one. I have failed twice so far.

The mission

To take a Kerbal on to the surface of Eve, plant a flag, and reach orbit around Eve again. I would also like to take any science I collect on the surface back to orbit, if at all possible.

The Challenges

The Ascent

• From the surface of Eve, I need 10k delta-v.
• I also need > 1 TWR for the whole ascent from there, ruling out most engines.
• It will need to have fins to stabilise it within the atmosphere.
• The majority of the ascent will have to be almost vertically up, as the atmosphere is so thick. Additionally, throttling back may have to happen to stop losing so much delta-v due to atmospheric resistance.

The Descent

• I want to land in the highlands to give me the most chance of success on the ascent, so reasonable accuracy is required.
• Plunging from low Eve orbit means hitting atmosphere at 3k ms^-1. Which is rather dangerous.
• I need either engines or a lot of heatshields to survive, or both.
• I also need parachutes
• Airbrakes may help.

The transfer

• I need approximately 3k delta v to go from low kerbin orbit to Eve.

The launch

• The main Eve ascent vehicle needs to be a single part -- no docking ports as this is too wobbly.