KerbalX

Details

• Type: VAB
• Class: rover
• Part Count: 113
• Pure Stock

Description

This is a whole re-modelling of the oldest rover I ever built. Inspired by the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity and Spirit, which were launched in 2003. Of course, it was not possible to imitate their way of landing in the stock K.S.P., so instead the rover is equipped with two drogue chutes, a single main parachutes, and three Twitch engines to ensure a soft and easy landing.

The launcher for its part is a review of my old Delta II based Gamma II from 1.0.2. She is coming in the 792 configuration, with a larger fairing, nine S.R.Bs., and a third stage engine to kick the rover out of Kerbin.

The rover is (theoretically) able to land nearly everywhere: the chutes having to be removed for non-atmospheric landing it can enhance the capacity of the engines to cushion the contact with the surface.

About the re-entry procedure, I would suggest to not present a to high angle of attack. Four RCS are present to help keeping the perfect angle, but, as an example, a re-entry from 400 km in Eve atmosphere can lead the module to start downing. It should not destroy the rover (at least immediately), but will lead to a hard deceleration which could damage some parts.

The system being fitted with more than 1 km/s of impulsion for the landing engines, it has more than enough possibility to ensure a safe contact. Once at the surface, the last stage will eject the descent module under the thrust of its three Sepratron. Still in the case of high gravity (such as Eve), the best is to re-engage the descent engines and then to fire the SRBs.

Also, the Gamma II boosters are configured to imitate a bit the real procedure: three of them are burning at 100%, while the next three are at 95%. This lead to a first triple ejection,quickly followed by the next three, and the ignition of the last group (at 90%). It leads to watch carefully the fuel gauge to not waste any energy for nothing.

A stock rocket called Gamma II 792 / Banality Rover. Built with 113 of the finest parts, its root part is stackDecoupler.

Built in the VAB in KSP version 1.3.1.

Album of the flight to Eve.

First and last separation of the S.R.B.

Leaving Kerbin

Arriving at Eve and circularizing at 300 km.

Entering the atmosphere and descending in the Impact Area.

Rocket assisted landing and exploration of the coast.