Thanks, i just transferred my old key into Steam, i am going to give it another go.

 

You can get some practice in space agency management as a preparation for the career mode in KSP. Here's a free clone of BARiS:

 

http://www.raceintospace.org/

I'm enjoying just messing around with it at the moment, trying to build crazy rockets.

And now, for something completely different...

 

I've been fascinated by the DCX Delta Clipper for years.

 

 

 

So, I decided to build a vertical-launch SSTO craft in KSP inspired by the Clipper's design:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crew of seven, with a fully reusable vehicle.

Very nice.

Parachutes look iffy, though...... ;-)

Yeah, I hate the way the canopies clip when you use multiple 'chutes.  The only mods I've seen for big parachutes also have huge bases that won't fit that design.

Ok, the Pegasus Clipper is out of testing and the training wheels parachutes are gone. 

 

Landing back at KSC:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Landing on Duna (required refueling in LKO to get there):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scary! There was a real life plane that landed that way, and it looked terrifying for the pilot. Engine failure and......... SPLAT!!!

Yeah, there's no saving a vertical lander from an engine failure.  Heck, just a landing-leg failing to extend caused the real Delta Clipper to tip over at touchdown, smash and burn.

Yeah, there's no saving a vertical lander from an engine failure.  Heck, just a landing-leg failing to extend caused the real Delta Clipper to tip over at touchdown, smash and burn.

 

Ouch!! (looks kinda like your ship, too)

 

 

 

May all your flights go smoother!!

Yeah, even having Pete Conrad on the (remote) controls doesn't help in a situation like that.  That was the end of the program, too.  They cancelled it rather than build another prototype.

 

I love the concept, though.

Yeah, even having Pete Conrad on the (remote) controls doesn't help in a situation like that.  That was the end of the program, too.  They cancelled it rather than build another prototype.

 

I love the concept, though.

 

The project actually went on to became Blue Origin/New Shepard.  B) 

 

Only in concept, I think. I don't believe any of the actual design or technology from DC-X has been transferred to any other projects, though I'm sure the engineers that came across have applied their experience with DC-X where possible.

I feel I must pass on this eBook recommendation to the other nerdy space types here.

 

The Martian   by Andy Weir

Kindle edition $0.99

Check out the reviews on Amazon.

A (near) future Mars survival tale. Very heavy on the science involved.

Get it on Amazon.com or the Kindle store. The price can't be beat. A very gripping story beginning to end.

 

Steve

 

 

Hey, I finally got around to reading this book.  I'm only part-way through it, but can barely put it down.  Thanks for the recommendation!

Only in concept, I think. I don't believe any of the actual design or technology from DC-X has been transferred to any other projects, though I'm sure the engineers that came across have applied their experience with DC-X where possible.

You're right, of course. There are just so many similarities.......