Details

• Type: VAB
• Class: station
• Part Count: 162
• Pure Stock
• KSP: 1.12.5

ATLAS: Pioneers in Kerbin Orbit

Reliable Scientific Output

A Tool for the Budding Space Program

General Overview

The Atlas missions are specifically envisioned to study the parts of Kerbin’s atmosphere and ozone alyer, as well as the recent discovery of radiation belts. It also hopes to explore prolonged Kerbal habitation in space, with a large station - like module providing working conditions, living space and room for science experiments. The supplies meant for 1 Kerbonaut last for about a week (with possible extensions via unmanned ressuply missions) in Kerbin Orbit before the Kerbonaut returns with the data to Kerbin via a descent capsule to be recovered.

Flight Info

The launch vehicle’s ascent is fairly standard for KSP, just start tilting slowly West once you reach like 60m/s and clear the launch clamps, at a rate that will put you at a 45 degree incline once you pass the 10,000m mark. Then simply insert into desired orbit, undock from the 2nd stage, unfold the station, and you’re all set!

Return to Kerbin

Once the science has been completed, transfer all of the data into the Experiment Storage Module on the descent capsule. The single Kerbonaut then is to EVA back to the Descent Capsule (black) and shut down the station’s systems before undocking and firing the descent module’s engine to initiate Atmospheric Reentry and decouple the spent engine / fuel tank stage exposing the heat shield. Once the Capsule has slowed down sufficiently the Drogue Chutes deploy, followed by the Main Parachute. The Capsule then gently floats down to splash down into the ocean to be recovered.

Final Thoughts

I love the cold-war era aesthetic of the launch vehicle and the charisma it oozes while on the launch pad. Seeing those 4 Reliant and one Swivel engines blaze as the vehicle rises from the launch clamps is a sight to behold. Staging is beautiful and is one of the most intense moments of the mission, followed by the serene experience of floating in Kerbin Orbit. If you fly this mission, you’re in for a treat. This possibly is the rocket that is the nicest to launch out of my fleet and oozes awesome Space-Race vibes while in combination with some visual mods providing some true eye candy.

Fly Safe!

Link to my Discord: https://discord.gg/gHQPmvzjGJ

A stock rocket called Atlas Orbital Laboratory. Built with 162 of the finest parts, its root part is mk1pod.v2.

Built in the VAB in KSP version 1.12.5.

Picture Gallery

Atlas on the pad, ready to launch.

Ascent shortly after launch.

The rocket powers through Mach 1 at an altitude of 7000 meters above Kerbin’s surface.

(Left to right) Staging.

Safely in Kerbin Orbit, With the second stage’s Swivel Engine visible.

Fairing deployed, revealing the station and descent module.

Unfolded station in orbit, safely operating.

EVA From the Descent Module.

Leaving the station in orbit.

De-Orbit burn and capsule Reentry.

Safe descent to splashdown by parachute. Mission Completed Successfully.

WARNING: I put lots of work and time into creating my craft and posting them to KerbalX with good reliability and high quality. I encourage suggestions to improve my content.