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20 Ton Recoverable / SSTO (Quasi)

Thanks for your review. I'm glad you liked my model.

What I have usually done is take the core stage on the shallowest ascent possible, barely reaching around 70 km. I then do a short boost from the way-overpowered (I agree with you there) second/interstage which circularizes me. I'm usually still within range of using the ']' key to switch back to the core stage and let it reenter at a safe height.

It does fall over sideways when it lands. I'm thinking about disabling or adding a parachute on one side to let it land at an angle, thus having less of a tip-over effect. I havn't had problems with high speed or too steep a descent. I'm guessing my orbits are too shallow to use as a standard ascent profile. I'll try out the air-brake idea, also.

Thanks for your feedback,
Scrooge

I usually use a mod to handle recovering parts, but I tried your design and I like it. I got the relay in to Kerbin Synchronous orbit on the 1st try. The 2nd stage was overkill for the insertion orbit on this mission, but it did provide extra DV, just in case. In this case I did not quite get the cargo into a safe orbit before landing the 1st stage, and I was at 60KM when I returned. I was able to recover and still had LOTS of fuel.

The 1st stage did return a bit steep and I was still getting the supersonic shock effects while still 1,000 meters (or less) above the ground. Is that normal for you? I was afraid it would hit before it was safe for the parachutes. They did open in time, but the G forces went WAY into the red. It landed softly, then tipped over and blew up one fuel tank.

Next time I’ll either save a little fuel or add air breaks.

https://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/index.php?/topic/174596-13x14x-craft-manager%C2%A0-search-sort-tag-share-your-craft/
Very useful, try it out sometime.
Thanks for uploading on KerbalX.

Well I am using the Craft Manager mod and you can have it replace the load button to open the mods instead. Craft Manager is 100x better than squads idea of loading craft. This mod you can tag craft into groups, has search bar, larger window, etc. I can also directly download craft files I favorited on KerbalX

@Raven_2012
I think there is an in-game way to pull this craft up. If you don't have the steam version of this game, I guess that makes sense. Either way, here you go:
https://kerbalx.com/Delta07/20-Ton-Recoverable--SSTO

Could you upload these to KerbalX https://kerbalx.com/
There is a mod called Craft Manager that can pull craft from that site in game.

Hello Everyone, Thanks for your views and comments. Regarding SSTO: I have used this rocket to get to orbit without detaching the staged engine. It's just easier and requires less precision when you detach it. I would also direct you to the now updated description because of this confusion. Thanks for you help!

You stage the airbreathing engine which is not recoverable, so in actual fact it is 2 stages to orbit, An argument could be made for Stage and a half as the original Atlas ditched 2 of it's 3 engines to make orbit.

@apollo dethaching the engine is optional

it's not an SSTO if you have to stage