Vessel Transorbital tug / Hauler

[Urwumpe]

Well, the code is open, so whoever wants to can have a go at it. I can't really plan that far into the future right now...

Was just some thought... the cargo section itself is pretty much still modular. We could stretch it, we could change the kind of cargo, etc... The parts that would have to remain mostly constant would be powerplant and the crew/bridge section. A bigger powerplant would be possible, but would likely be a completely new system, because of the many consequences of changing a parameter. But then, the current powerplant should allow for enough growth potential.

 

[N_Molson]

Well, the code is open

No joking, I read "the core is open" and my blood ran cold for a second. Be careful !!

 

[Urwumpe]

No joking, I read "the core is open" and my blood ran cold for a second. Be careful !!

The core is open!

 

[jedidia]

No joking, I read "the core is open" and my blood ran cold for a second.

Hmmm... Reaver mod, maybe?

 

[n72.75]

What happened with this one? Looked like a promising project.

 

[Urwumpe]

What happened with this one? Looked like a promising project.

Still working on this one, just extremely slowly. Just revised a lot of the details in the systems design because some decisions made operating this spacecraft harder than it was necessary. For example, I decided to make the cargo bay on the spacecraft only for EVA tools and spare parts - operating close to a space station with a hot reactor is pretty much impossible without harming the people in the space station, unless you are really restrictive on the maneuvering. So, cargo transport should better be primarily by pushing cargo containers - more focus on the tug aspect.

Another research problem is finding a way to squeeze the maximum amount of burn-time out of the Uranium. Right now, it condenses pretty much to the following equation: More maximum thrust to weight (on hydrogen alone) = more DV. I can't get more heat energy out of 100% enriched Uranium per kg of fuel rod, so the only option to scale things for longer life-time is to make the powerplant larger. I still hope to be wrong, but 40% enriched and a small light reactor size results in: Only one flight to the moon and back and you already need refueling. I hope to find a sweet spot somewhere at three round-trips.

 

[jedidia]

What happened with this one? Looked like a promising project.

I overestimated my time budget... again. It's like every time I think I have some time for an additional project, something happens shortly after that makes that time evaporate again...

 

[N_Molson]

I overestimated my time budget... again. It's like every time I think I have some time for an additional project, something happens shortly after that makes that time evaporate again...

Been there done that, story of my life...

 

[Urwumpe]

I overestimated my time budget... again. It's like every time I think I have some time for an additional project, something happens shortly after that makes that time evaporate again...

I never talk about any "time budget" in my life beyond work. Whenever I say loud, that I have time for becoming creative again, lots of stakeholders storm in and demand this time first.

But I love the rabbit hole, that I just fell into with this project.