Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ap_pd6UBxY

"The Evolution of a Rocket", Episode 36 of Journey Into Space
Rockets, 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 #39;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 #39;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. 😉 ****************** The Simplex 2, granddaddy of the series: sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net The Simplex FAR 5, designed for the High Altitude Research Station and beyond: sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net The Simplex DUNA, still untested. sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net The High Altitude Research Station ...From:Robert DoddViews:4 5ratingsTime:52:25More inEntertainment

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"The Evolution of a Rocket", Episode 36 of Journey Into Space - Video