Orbital Object Propulsion Systems: Finch

It Has Begun

In Kerbal Space Program (KSP) there is a wonderful modification (mod) called Better Than Starting Manned (BTSM). The author of this mod is named FlowerChild or FC for short. FC has created a challenging aspect to KSP. Not only do you do space missions, but with BTSM you have to think about what your next goal is and plan accordingly. When you add in KSP carreer mode, you need to do missions for Funds (the name of kerbal money in game) otherwise your space program will go broke, BTSM adds a level to the game that is just down right fun. For example do you research decouplers or another tank and rocket. Both can get you into an orbit but one will be cheaper for you or will allow you to do a few more missions for the Funds and science.

Now that I have learn most of how it all works. Orbital Object Propulsion Systems will be tracking how it gets things done.

(please note I will try to update at least once a week on Sunday, however some weeks I will not be able to post a mission or four because of my schedule)

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Mission 002: A Series Rocket Finch Model 2

For the our next mission OOPS was given the task of getting to at least 30km. An achievable task given the fact that our scientist developed a smaller solid fuel rocket. It is estimated that 2 of these would be sufficient to achieve that height. The also developed an external battery as well as a barometric pressure device for collecting data on air pressure. The end result of all this was the Finch 2 rocket.

This model, made of 3 solid fuel rockets placed in 2 stage, carried 3 external batteries, thermometer, barometer and transmitter. The gold was to get to at least 30km and take barometric measurements between 12.5km and 30km and both barometric and temperature measurements after 30km.

Mission 001: A Series Rocket Finch Model 1

A-Finch 001

OOPS was given the mission to travel to at least 12.5K into the atmosphere. The decision was made to use the newly developed A series Finch Rocket.

Simple yet effective. We used two rocket parts, a solid rocket booster and stayputnick unmanned command module. Our science division also added a thermometer and transmitter to collect data to determine if Kerbals can survive up there.