Game:

Kerbal Space Program (2015)

Duration: 14:51

1,824 views

120

Landing a kerbal on every solid surface in KSP, and returning him safely home, with a craft comparable to a single Thumper booster. Mass with cargo and without kerbal is 7673 kg.

About a year ago, I uploaded a 14.4 ton grand tour. I thought it was pretty good, but a couple months later Ultimate Steve knocked a few tons off the launch mass. We decided to work together to see how small a Grand Tour mission could be, and exceeded our wildest expectations.

This is by far the most work I've ever put into any KSP project. It's been nine months since discussion started, and about three months to actually fly. We haven't worked on this the entire time, as work / school / life exist, but this craft saw a lot of love. My Eve and Jool-V missions were proofs of concept for the various landers used here, because they make for interesting missions themselves. However, this is optimized beyond either one of those.

One thing to note: this craft isn't perfect. At least 200 kg is available through tighter fuel margins and part placement, and more is possible with other tricks. I'd set a stretch goal of around 7 tons - I don't see a grand tour going much below that (at least, not without breaking some of the standard low mass rule set, or some drastically different and innovative designs.) However, I would love to be pleasantly surprised - a year ago, I wouldn't have thought this mission was possible.

Thanks to Ultimate Steve for all the help and ideas. I'm not good enough of a pilot to fly the Tylo or Duna landers, nor am I patient enough with EVA construction to disassemble and rebuild the whole craft. Check out his excellent commentary video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-VFNy7sIrk

(Disclaimer: Not all maneuvers, gravity assists, piloting, footage etc. is included in this video)

Music:
Magic Sword - Prophecy
Jeremiah Kane - The Future Past
Magic Sword - Battlefield

Other Statistics