KerbalX

Details

• Type: VAB
• Class: ship
• Part Count: 20
• Mods: 3
• KSP: 1.12.5

Mods

• Bluedog DB
• Squad (stock)
• TweakableEverything

One of the key differences that separates the present world, in terms of space-based technologies, and the world of the beginning of Space Race is the extensive use of communications satellites that allow us to take for granted the ability to communicate between any two points on the Earth or even with anything in Earth orbit.

The idea of a network of communications satellites would eliminate or at least alleviate some of the limitations of communications between space center and ground control. The basics of a communication satellite were tested out through Pioneer 1 and the tests were continued with SCORE, a primitive communications satellite which stayed in orbit for 20 days, instead of the planned 12, broadcasting a simple yet powerful message from Eisenhower.

The Courier satellites were the next step towards communications satellites as they would actively receive and re-transmit messages from Earth. This would be achieved by Courier 1B on 4 October 1960 becoming the world’s first active transmission repeater satellite and an early victory for the United States.

The Thor rocket began life as America’s first intermediate ballistic missile, which while having only a relatively short deployment, was the beginning of an entire rocket family using the Thor rocket as the first stage which eventually evolved into the Delta rocket family which is still used today such as the Delta IV Heavy which is used for heavy classified payloads.

The Able-star was an improvement on the Able rocket which had been serving as the upper stage for a number of missions with both the Atlas where it was used in several Pioneer missions and with the Thor where it was used for other Pioneer missions, some Explorer missions, and lastly for some of the Transmit missions. It had a larger fuel tank and carrying capacity as well as being able to make multiple-burn trajectories or to make orbital adjustments before delivering its payload.

The Fenris rocket is an approximation of the original Thor rocket and is a simple liquid-fueled rocket which should put the rest of the payload into space depending on your chosen altitude. The Alphastar is an approximation of the Able-star rocket stage and is a highly efficient liquid-fueled upper stage with a high 400% increased efficiency in a vacuum.

The Messenger is an approximation of the Courier 1 satellites and is relatively primitive but is powered by solar panels thus giving it a seemingly infinite mission life. The primary disadvantage is that it has a small battery and will be temporarily rendered inoperable when in Kerbin’s shadow.

The recommended mission profile is to launch it to a semi-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 1,581.76 km to be similar to the historical mission. It should be a direct ascent with the lower stage probably exhausting itself by the time you hit the edge of space with the Alphastar continuing the ascent. The Alphastar has a considerable amount of fuel so you have many options for a final orbit for the Messenger satellite.

Built in the VAB in KSP version 1.12.5.