KerbalX

Gumdrop IV spacecraft with Jool 1B GLV

In this crowded market, hitting the next level-up in crewed spacecraft design is no easy feat. In bringing this to you, KSP engineers logged over 8 hours of hard work per day. HR claimed there were only 6 hours in a day, but somehow the payroll records say differently…
 

Gumdrop IV Spacecraft

The Gumdrop IV may look sweet, but don’t get your lips anywhere near that quad-pack of Thud engines or you’ll end up a few degrees past caramelized.
 

This stack takes 4 Kerbalnauts on a two-stage rocket ride to LKO, where they’ll be nestled in a well-equipped yet succinct spacecraft with ~2000 ∆v. That’s all well and good, but what sets this baby apart are its fully propulsive landings! No longer content to simply glide to a stop under parachutes, our daredevil designers brought us something that lets you suicide burn your way to a glorious, pinpoint, high-G, rocket-assisted landing. Sure, it’s 10x more deadly, but we’re living on the edge!
 

Reserve about ~300 ∆v for the landing burn. Aerodynamics alone will slow the craft to around 250m/s, but with optional drogue chute engaged you can cut it down to ~85m/s. The Thuds will handle the rest, with a TWR north of 5 when tanks are nearly empty. Say hello to my little friends!
 

Additional Features Include:
- Remote Guidance Unit, 5x science instruments, full size docking port, and retractable solar cell for power generation. Capable of returning up to 3x sets of each experiment.
- 4x Thud Engines are the heart of this build, providing the raw power needed not only for pinpoint on-orbit burns, but most importantly for awesome propulsive landings back on Kerbin.
- 30x RCS nozzles provide superior maneuvering and stability, and 120 monoprop units lend more than enough fuel for docking ops.
- Did we mention fully propulsive landings? And in case you’re feeling less than adventurous (or if something screws up), we’ve included a drogue chute to help guide you down.
- Luxury package includes fuel vents, colored docking lamps, surface scanner, and a full complement of EVA & Repair Kits.
- Check the Action Groups for more specific functions.
 

Jool 1B GLV

This Jool 1B launch vehicle is a nod to the Saturn 1B, and features a gas-guzzling yet budget-friendly 12x first stage engines! First built to launch the Classic 3 spacecraft to LKO, it’s now been up-rated to lift the deceptively massive Gumdrop IV capsule.
 

First stage should be flown for altitude, straight up until ~125m/s and slowly pitching over. Upon first stage burnout the retro and ullage rockets fire, the second stage Skiff lights, and launch tower is jettisoned. Launch plan calls for a continuous burn, and this should reach about a 100x100 orbit. In this configuration the Gumdrop IV has enough ∆v to easily handle a Mün flyby and return.
 

WARNING: Warranty not available on this model. Additional life insurance coverage is recommended.

 
A Stock + DLC rocket called Gumdrop IV / Jool 1B LV. Built with 159 of the finest parts, its root part is mk1-3pod. Built in the VAB in KSP version 1.12.2.

Details

• Type: VAB
• Class: ship
• Part Count: 159
• Pure Stock
• KSP: 1.12.2

Mods

• Breaking Ground DLC
• Making History DLC
• Squad (stock)