KerbalX

Description

An interplanetary cargo SSTO that delivers outsized performance in a small package. The reference payload is a compact but capable rover able to refuel the Poleaxe and collect any kind of science data. Max payload to orbit is ~50 tons

A stock aircraft called SP-9 Poleaxe + ISRU Kit. Built with 111 of the finest parts, its root part is mk3Cockpit.Shuttle.

Built in the SPH in KSP version 1.12.3.

Notes

• Able to visit all bodies except Tylo and Eve
• Can visit Duna and Laythe from Kerbin directly
• Brakes action group engages flaps, useful for re-entry.
• Open the cargo bay to dump speed in low atmosphere
• Compact Support Vehicle pre-installed in the cargo bay

Orbital Ascent Flight Plan:

• use entire runway
• remain below 100m until 800m/s
• naturally ascend, no need to nose up.
• Nerv on at 2000m (2km, AG2)
• engage prograde hold around 12500m
• switch to closed cycle when rapier output dips below 70kn (AG1)
• when ap reaches 47-50km switch back to open cycle (disables rapiers)
• when ap reaches 55-60km, nose 5-10 degrees below horizon to raise pe
• when ap exceeds 70km by a comfortable margin, throttle down completely.
• Plot circularization burn. Set SAS to prograde hold and coast to ap
  

result: 2200+m/s dV, 300+ units of oxidizer remaining.

Details

• Type: SPH
• Class: spaceplane
• Part Count: 111
• Pure Stock
• KSP: 1.12.3

Duna Descent Procedure:

• Find a low-lying landing zone with thick atmosphere
• Aerobrake as normal, retain enough speed to glide
• Glide near the ground until airspeed is near 150m/s
• Pull up vertically, lose all horizontal velocity
• Activate AG10, lower gear, engage rapier closed cycle
• Land propulsively. ensure impact speed does not exceed 14m/s. The plane should flop forward into it’s wheels

Updates:

2022-02-20: performance improvements, rover is replaced with a better one