Paste a url where
this mod
can be downloaded
Description
Updated version here -> https://kerbalx.com/RundownPear/STV-Block-3-Fully-Reusable-SSTO-Spaceplane
The Space Transportation Vehicle (STV) was commissioned as a fully reusable SSTO launch and transportation system with the main objective of constructing space stations, establishing relay systems, and enabling reusable lunar infrastructures. The Block 2 version allowed for easily made modifications and has allowed the vehicle to evolve into a very flexible launch system capable of being modified for a variety of mission profiles.
The STV SSTO is back and better than ever. The Space Transportation Vehicle was a massive success bringing down launch costs and increasing annual flights. However, the vehicle had two main problems; It couldn’t easily carry low-density payloads like large telescopes and its payload bay could be restricting when it came to carrying longer payloads or multiple satellites. Also it couldn’t do both at once! The Space Transportation Block 2 solves both of those problems.
Major changes have to do mainly with payload. Atop the booster is now a large payload compartment that is capable of carrying 5m payloads. Keeping with the theme of 5 the STV orbiter is now stretched with an extra payload compartment bringing that number up to 5. In order to compensate for these additions the booster is now stretched.
Cost is slightly higher and although it is still rated for 30+ tons to 100kmx100km orbit you will definitely have less margin. In order to combat this, the booster now has 4 radial slots where drop tanks or boosters can be attached bringing its potential payload to astronomical heights.
Radial upgrades can be found here ->
https://kerbalx.com/RundownPear/STV-1a-Drop-Tank
https://kerbalx.com/RundownPear/STV-SRB-Upgrade-Module-S2-33
https://kerbalx.com/RundownPear/STV-Upgrade-Moudle-S2-17-SRBs
Additional addons ->
https://kerbalx.com/RundownPear/STV-External-Science-Pad
Update fixed issue with the atmospheric engines not working, also added payload bay light
LANDING INSTRUCTIONS:
Booster
Once in orbit, perform a retro burn to re-enter and target the Desert Launch Site for recovery. Before re-entry, you should move all remaining fuel to the lowest fuel tank and deploy the air brakes. Turn on pitch and yaw for the air brakes. When appropriate, deploy the parachutes and use the remaining fuel to reduce speed to around 5 m/s for touchdown.
Orbiter
Pretty standard procedure just as if it was any other Space Shuttle. The craft is built for stable re entry so just pitch it like normal and turn on SAS and it should be very stable. Only real difference is its ability for sustained powered flight at around 1500m. This of course changes if you are carrying cargo. I recommend you use all fuel in the main tank either by doing extra burns or using a mod like PWB Fuel Balancer to jettison, this helps the craft stay stable.
Action groups
- Toggle fuel cells
- Disable main orbiter engines, activate orbital maneuvering system
- Activate jet engines
- Toggle payload bay
- Toggle orbital maneuvering system
- Unlock payload hatch
- Deploy / retract payload hatch
- Toggle cabin lights
- Toggle gimbal for main booster engines
Notes;
I have to say I’m especially proud of this vehicle. I’ve flown many missions (20 as of 2/12/20) with the block 2 and its predecessor and it is some of my best work. I will continue to support the family with boosters and drop tanks as well as kick stages and maybe even upload the space stations I have been building with these vehicles.
Also believe it or not all of my upgraded were based on planned / proposed upgrades for the space shuttle. Both the nose mounted low-density payload compartment and stretched orbiter were designed with the former almost launching (until Challenger put an end to most shuttle upgrades)
Development time for this vehicle including Block 1 is 5+ hours building and testing the system and its various iterations
A stock rocket called Fully Reusable Space Shuttle STV Block 2 SSTO. Built with 146 of the finest parts, its root part is Size4.Tank.04.
Built in the VAB in KSP version 1.9.1.
Action Groups
- Toggle fuel cells
- Disable main orbiter engines, activate orbital maneuvering system
- Activate jet engines
- Toggle payload bay
- Toggle orbital maneuvering system
- Deploy orbital life boat
- Activate fuel valves
- Toggle gimbal for main booster engines
The Orbiter
(Arm sold separately) The Reusable Space Orbiting and Return Vehicle or more simply know as the Orbiter is a adaptive spaceplane designed to service the 80km-250km orbital range although it can be modified to service higher orbits. The Block 2 system includes the stretched orbiter with 5 payload segments. This allows it to carry multiple payloads at once such as multiple station modules or dual relay systems. The vehicle includes the main engines which help power the STV to orbit, orbital engines which help it maneuver in orbit, and 8 atmospheric engines to power it after descent.
The Booster
Officially known as the Space Launch Vehicle (SLV) the booster is its own standalone launch system that carries the Orbiter to orbit. Powered by 8 KS-25 engines, It is designed from the ground up to be reusable. The Block 2 variant allows the vehicle to carry inline payloads to maximize usable payload volume and supports 5 meter payloads. The booster deorbits with its main engines and lands via an engine assisted parachute touchdown. An integrated heat shield helps it survive reentry. It includes attachment points to support boosters if higher payload capacity is required. The payload shroud can be adjusted depending on mission requirments.
The System
The Block 2 system is extremely versatile and capable. The standard system is capable of full reuse and 35 tons to a 80km x 80km orbit and capable of carrying medium size crews. The orbiter contains a 5 segment payload bay while the booster has a robust 5m payload compartment. This allows for large payload volumes. The booster can be mated with 2-4 upgrades such as boosters or drop tanks to boost it’s payload to astronomical heights making it one of the most capable launch vehicles ever.
Upgrades
Radial upgrades can be found here ->
1a drop tanks -> https://kerbalx.com/RundownPear/STV-1a-Drop-Tank
S2-33 Boosters -> https://kerbalx.com/RundownPear/STV-SRB-Upgrade-Module-S2-33
S2-17 Boosters -> https://kerbalx.com/RundownPear/STV-Upgrade-Moudle-S2-17-SRBs
Additional addons ->
External Science Pad -> https://kerbalx.com/RundownPear/STV-External-Science-Pad
Odyssey Orbital Module -> https://kerbalx.com/RundownPear/STV-Odyssey-Orbital-Science-Module
Robotic Manipulator Arm -> https://kerbalx.com/RundownPear/STV-Robotic-Manipulator-Arm
Details
- Type: VAB
- Class: spaceplane
- Part Count: 146
- Pure Stock
- KSP: 1.9.1
- Restock recommended
- MechJeb or other autopilot recommended *Mk3 mid deck for more crew capacity
- PWB Fuel Balancer Recommended
Landing
Booster
Once in orbit, perform a retro burn to re-enter and target the Desert Launch Site for recovery. Before re-entry, you should move all remaining fuel to the lowest fuel tank and deploy the air brakes. Turn on pitch and yaw for the air brakes. When appropriate, deploy the parachutes and use the remaining fuel to reduce speed to around 5 m/s for touchdown.
Orbiter
Pretty standard procedure just as if it was any other Space Shuttle. The craft is built for stable reentry so just pitch it like normal and turn on SAS and it should be very stable. Only real difference is its ability for sustained powered flight at around 1500m. This of course changes if you are carrying cargo. I recommend you use all fuel in the main tank either by doing extra burns or using a mod like PWB Fuel Balancer to jettison, this helps the craft stay stable.
Notes
I have to say I’m especially proud of this vehicle. I’ve flown many missions (20 as of 2/12/20) with the block 2 and its predecessor and it is some of my best work. I will continue to support the family with boosters and drop tanks as well as kick stages and maybe even upload the space stations I have been building with these vehicles.
Also believe it or not all of my upgrades were based on planned / proposed upgrades for the Space Shuttle. Both the nose mounted low-density payload compartment and stretched orbiter were designed with the former almost launching (until Challenger put an end to most shuttle upgrades)
Development time for this vehicle including Block 1 is 5+ hours building and testing the system and its various iterations
Also I use a flight manifest to keep track of my missions and thought it would be fun to share -> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FffWTwY63aTXgW784HAhEQPGgLdN1JTP4T1l-4qJ3MY/edit?usp=sharing It’s literally 7 pages of statistics, planned flights, the booster names and orbiter names, and complete history of the fleet and other info
A stock rocket called Fully Reusable Space Shuttle STV Block 2 SSTO. Built with 146 of the finest parts, its root part is Size4.Tank.04.
Built in the VAB in KSP version 1.9.1.
