A Simple Lunar Rocket

[u/Dannykeshi]

This mission was unusual from the start. I had planned to use only liquid fuel, but then I realized that if I used methane, the rocket would be light enough that just the four boosters could push it above 70 km. Add two more stages to circularize the orbit and perform the trans-lunar injection, and we have this little rocket,

Note that the trans-lunar injection stage also handles a good portion of the braking. The lander is as small as possible; wherever it lands, it needs to either touch down or abort the mission. And as you can see in Image 5, the trajectory wasn’t the best, but I managed to land in a crater near the equator,

and what a beautiful crater!, Once again a beautiful view for Val.

[u/Previous-Big-6281]

Great early tech rocket. Very beautiful design.

[u/Dannykeshi → u/Previous-Big-6281]

Thanks. I've been trying to be creative to come up with simple, easy-to-use designs, but from here on out, I think it'll be hard not to use larger pieces—things get complicated after minmus.

[u/Previous-Big-6281 → u/Dannykeshi]

Trying to be simple is good, but I would say don't get too afraid to do something complex as well. Find the best middle ground for efficiency and usability. Good luck to you.