"The Evolution of a Rocket", Episode 36 of Journey Into Space
7Rockets, airplanes, ships and the like often have a design evolution over their lifetimes, and it sometimes takes a few version numbers before the design fully maximizes its potential, sometimes expanding into roles that were never envisioned for it originally.
The Simplex rocket was built with a very simple intention: to build a capable one-man rocket, able to reach the Interkerbin Space Station, with a minimal launch weight. Particularly a minimal first stage, which would be powered by jet engines.
But there is no such thing as a good idea that we can't run right into the ground. ;) The Simplex FAR was the next stage, a one-man rocket to reach the High Altitude Research Station, one million meters up. To enable that, we needed to launch a robotic fuel freighter to the low-kerbin-orbit space station, to top up the fuel tanks.
But you know, why stop there? In our next episode, we'll launch the Simplex DUNA, a one-man rocket to go to Duna and return, all still launched on top of that same jet-powered first stage. How humane it is to send someone on a months-long journey to another planet in something the size of a coat closet is another issue to be dealt with, at some indefinite future point. ;)
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The Simplex 2, granddaddy of the series:
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/706013_3616799553687_362005668_o.jpg
The Simplex FAR 5, designed for the High Altitude Research Station and beyond:
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/706068_3616799753692_736978764_o.jpg
The Simplex DUNA, still untested.
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/705703_3616799273680_1234821625_o.jpg
The High Altitude Research Station:
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/479125_3616830194453_114008269_o.jpg
The Interkerbin Space Station in low kerbin orbit, with Robotic Fuel Freighter and Simplex FAR 5 rocket docked:
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/410795_3616832754517_1062900142_o.jpg
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Journey Into Space was also the name of a 1950's BBC Science Fiction radio show!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journey_Into_Space
You can obtain Kerbal Space Program at: http://kerbalspaceprogram.com/
There is a free demo, download that shit.
Journey Into Space facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/205479952917334/
Kraken baybeeeees!!!! http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/602551_3470742902362_394679587_n.jpg