KerbalX

Orpheus 3

Orpheus 3 is an upgrade of Orpheus 2. Its main selling point is that it takes a full pilot-engineer-scientist team to Eve’s surface and back.

Orpheus 3 carries a full complement of science experiments – both traditional and surface-deployed. Its twin props give it unlimited daytime endurance on Eve for leisurely exploration, and it will send its three-kerbal crew back to orbit easily and confidently.

This craft has been optimised for ease of use and fun rather than efficiency – and it does make Eve trips simple.

Orpheus 3 is designed to be used in tandem with the MEK-5 interplanetary tug.

Outbound:

1. Launch from KSP into LKO using the supplied boosters and the built-in Terrier.
2. RV and dock with interplanetary tug (e.g. the MEK-5).
3. Transfer to low Eve orbit.
4. Leave parachutes and jetpacks in the interplanetary tug, and board the command module and crew compartment.
5. Make sure there is enough fuel for a deorbit burn (about 40 Lf with Ox to match is plenty).
6. Undock from interplanetary tug.
7. Enter deorbit configuration: set prop blade pitch to 0, extend landing gear, activate radiator panel, set tailplane deflection to maximum nose-up attitude.
8. Deorbit burn. Pe should be below 40 km.
9. Enter the atmosphere in a nose-high attitude (45 degrees or so).
10. Keep the wings level and the nose at a few degrees up during atmospheric entry. This requires minimal control input. Maximum deceleration is about 5.5 g, and no parts should reach critical temperatures.
11. Fly down, land.
12. Have engineer remove and discard the radiator panel.
13. Deploy science experiments, explore. Use the tailplane as a ramp to climb on and off the craft; retract the tail gear to allow easy access.

To return:

1. Transfer crew to command seats. You can do this by walking on top of the fairing or next to it with landing gear down. Don’t forget to recover any science you may have performed!
2. Matching orbit of interplanetary tug as closely as possible, fly up to 21 km on prop power. Your speed should reach 135 m/s.
3. When your speed starts falling rapidly, set SAS to radial out, throttle to max, and stage the return rocket.
4. When your vector reaches 80 degrees, set SAS to prograde. Adjust trajectory to keep matching tug’s orbit as closely as possible.
5. Stage the fairing and return module above 70 km and fly to orbit. You should reach it with plenty of dV to spare.
6. RV with interplanetary tug, dock with it. Pick up the jetpacks you stowed in step 4 of Outbound and EVA back to the tug.
7. Transfer to low Kerbin orbit.
8. Recover crew, science, and return module with your favourite technique.

Action groups:

F/B - Tailplane trim
U/D - Prop blade pitch
2 - Toggle prop motors

Built in the VAB in KSP version 1.12.3.

Details

• Type: VAB
• Class: ship
• Part Count: 121
• Pure Stock
• KSP: 1.12.3