Game:

Kerbal Space Program (2015)

Duration: 3:01

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52

Previous record: 1199 kg by Brad Whistance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svfKkPecRL0

Inspired by ZG Alpaca's low mass Kerbin orbiter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ijgw6iY7XGU

Some notes:
Because the small decoupler's drag cube is very slightly wider than an Oscar-B tank, it produces a lot of drag when attached inline. However, I found that when it's tilted 30 degrees, the size of the drag cube matches perfectly, and the decoupler produces about 1/10 as much drag. I also get some body lift.
The solar panel isn't quite enough to power both rotors at the start of the mission because Kerbin's atmosphere blocks some light, so they start at 30% torque. Once I get high enough, I can increase the torque and get the full potential of the rotors.
The upper stage of this rocket is very difficult to control because the Spider engine's thrust and mass aren't centered. I tried to combat this by using two engines for the upper stage, but it didn't work. As a result, I can't execute maneuvers as accurately as I would like, but it doesn't really matter.
I didn't fly this mission as efficiently as possible. I took some pretty lazy Mun assists because I knew that I had enough fuel - I could have used multiple Mun assists on both the outbound and returning legs of the mission. Also, it would be a bit more efficient to leave the upper stage on an escape trajectory and do the entire Minmus segment with the jetpack. However, I didn't see any way that these changes could lead to a significantly lower starting mass.

Music: Karl Casey - Terraform (White Bat Audio)

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