Apollo ∞ - Fully Reusable Apollo Mission to the Moon and Back. - KSP RSS/RO

[@zachbowles4516]

Taking the flag home makes it feel like a tourist trap. "Yeah, you can plant a flag on the moon like a real astronaut!" Excellent work as always :)

[@BlazingImp77151]

it was even picked up by the other landed kerbal. which suggests that 2 were official tour guide astronauts, and the one placing the flag was a tourist.

[@masumbillah9878]

@@BlazingImp77151 জ্ঞেয়ইইতনা য়য়ত :জউউম :জু য়্য্যত্তফজ্ঞহহহুইজুউজ,এচ

[@SwedishEmpireball]

@@masumbillah9878what are you saying

[@Avi-xo3fk]

@@SwedishEmpireballHe’s saying random letters.

[@SwedishEmpireball]

@@Avi-xo3fk its not even letters anymore

[@FrikInCasualMode]

A blimp that dwarfs even the mighty Saturn V. It was incredible to watch.

[@eloscuro704]

The Titanic fits inside the R101, which also crashed on its maiden voyage.

[@francisbibat6860]

That will be never fell in rocket the separator never fell only landing

[@DinoRicky]

@@eloscuro704what is the r101

[@っoーoっ]

​@@DinoRickyBritain's Largest airship

[@praba4036]

Hi sponch

[@lewismassie]

This was a really well made video, had some interesting twists that I didn't expect. It did make me realise how much of a rocket nerd I am though, since I spent most of the time thinking about how you could optimise the architecture to make better use of the reusability aspect. It does show rather well how reuse hardware cuts into payload margins though

[@talyrath]

Agreed. The coolness of a fully reusable Apollo stack was tempered by the fact that it was still an Apollo stack, with most of the limitations and deficiencies that made us abandon the Apollo program to begin with. This really highlights the limitations of a "There and back again in one shot" approach, though. Even with full reuse and cutting edge technology, you're still limited to a lander similar in size and construction to a sheet metal garden shed.

[@TDChannelKSP]

Thank you! Heh, nobody expects a construction blimp! Yeah. Doing a properly optimized fully reusable mission could be interesting, but I really wanted to try out sticking to the Apollo Aesthetics as closely as possible, which gives it a pretty neat mix of past and future look to it. Yeah, re-use hardware is heavy - the S-IC doing a full boostback doesn't help either, a barge landing would help with that, though it would be a pretty massive barge...

[@PuzzlingGoal]

@@TDChannelKSP Well a properly optimised fully reusable mission, much like projections for the Starship show, would definitely include multiple launches and docking, if not straight-up orbital construction. Obviously the point of the entire video is to still have an Apollo mission by the end, but realistically there is no way NASA would have access to a reusable vehicle with the Saturn V's lifting capacity and still go for a single-launch mission that includes orbiting and deorbiting every component (let alone nuclear engines) every single time.

[@Not_A_Warcriminal]

You're not the only one

[@asep.acep..junaedi9005]

Loading spelled Rotterdam is an Unique North i now after SeaShore North^

[@Zaca1349]

Awesome! You have one-uped Strazenblitz! The fool forgot to take home the flag!

[@Gdcat1472]

TD in 2025: “Apollo^21 but rss gravity is 10x stronger”

[@fork9001]

RSS 10.625x scale, essentially super-earth.

[@CraftYourDreamLB59]

Why wait?

[@Gdcat1472]

@@CraftYourDreamLB59 he’ll get better and better at ksp

[@asep.acep..junaedi9005]

VBalooniconthunder fB i@windayani i send photo Couple Gravity Engine ( PCB'S).

[@asep.acep..junaedi9005]

@@fork9001 HellCat stand by,-

[@capnrotbart]

“Giant blimps” is obviously the first thing that comes to mind when you read “reusable Apollo”. Just kidding, what a great video, you’ve outdone yourself again.

[@TDChannelKSP]

Of course! Heh. It's a surprise I don't think anyone would expect clicking on this video... Thank you :)

[@asep.acep..junaedi9005]

iN coin key tracker Smitch Trigger.

[@asep.acep..junaedi9005]

i@

[@red1246]

I don't usually post comments but this... This is legitimately better than some movies i've seen, the camera angles, the transitions, the music... (and obviously the mission in itself) You've, once again, beaten all our expectations

[@TDChannelKSP]

Wow, thank you :D Glad you enjoyed it!

[@makssachs8914]

@@TDChannelKSP how do I become like you?

[@joosepkaha1687]

@@makssachs8914 Steps: • Have KSP with RSS/RO • Have a NASA computer at home • Dream • Don't be lazy • For God sakes just do it •

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

And all this time I thought the *"B"* in *"V.A.B."* stood for *"Building."* 😊😊😊

[@jxq12]

Timestamp?

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

@@jxq12 >>> I was making a pun, referring to the *_"Vehicle Assembly Building"_* -- *_"V.A.B."_* -- at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA.

[@asep.acep..junaedi9005]

Adding front yard service Phanter.

[@asep.acep..junaedi9005]

Those Meaning Again Will result Fall Adress Now Space Cadet Confirms Launch B Rocket Saturnus V DOS.

[@asep.acep..junaedi9005]

@@jxq12 od

[@Zaca1349]

“If SpaceX existed in 1960.”

[@fork9001]

“If Robert Truax and Phillip Bono had control over the Saturn program” "If NASA had US military budget"

[@PrinceDS]

Lol 🤣

[@_mikolaj_]

More like, if von Braun could do whatever he wants lol

[@rolflandale2565]

If SpaceX existed back then, NASA wouldn't be worrying the fuss over reusable, just the fact,, they now have an ally company who makes rockets learn to dance & verticly land.

[@scienceboyakshansh5378]

We wouldn't have seen the great Saturn 5 and the N1 would have been the tallest rocket.

[@MatthewCable]

Fantastic work my friend! the fact blimps we're used to assemble them is so clever!

[@asep.acep..junaedi9005]

knowing Prossessor D adress i now having Wire Puller not smart because other took and Prossessor D have DEL and having Baby ( Prossessor D have Force One).

[@liamanderson4992]

IRL The airships and helicopters aren't very practical, that's why they aren't used to build skyscrapers. The winds are too variable to give the operators the precise control they need to assemble the stack safely. Flying a helicopter near a fully fueled rocket is incredibly dangerous, if a gust of wind pushes it into the rocket, BOOM!

[@petterlarsson7257]

were*

[@devikwolf]

Absolutely magnificent. This is the sort of madness that makes me adore KSP. Some people would ask "why would you do this?" and to them I would say "shut up and stop asking questions, this is brilliant kerbgineering at its finest."

[@TDChannelKSP]

Thank you. Haha, yup. KSP has such incredible potential, truly an endless amount of stuff you can pull off, especially with the great modding community.

[@SirNobleIZH]

@@TDChannelKSP This is the land of "can we do it", not "should we do it"

[@rithvikkona8922]

waiting for this at 2 in the morning 13 hours before it premieres PERFECTLY REASONABLE

[@jaypaint4855]

Yep, nothing weird here

[@fork9001]

For me it premiered 3am in the morning, so being the pathetic person I am, I skipped the premiere.

[@netric9084]

@@fork9001 3am in the morning? is there a 3am in the afternoon I haven't heard about?

[@fork9001]

@@netric9084 There is a certain not-so well known thing called the other side of earth. Includes places like China, Australia, Thailand, New Zealand and Singapore (I’m in the last one).

[@netric9084]

@@fork9001 I know how time zones work. I'm just joking about the fact that Rithvik needed to specify that 3am was in the morning. am means morning.

[@nickoutram6939]

That Vehicle Assembly Blimp is massive! I can just imagine the look on Werner Von Brauns' face when you suggest dusting off the Hindenburg designs...

[@santiagob.1071]

This video is beautifully made man. The music, the camera angles, the rocket design, the concept. I am at awe for words. Truly remarkable. Thank you for sharing it!

[@TDChannelKSP]

Thank you! I appreciate it. You're welcome, and glad you enjoyed it.

[@spacecluster2356]

@@TDChannelKSP Make more video of Terminal Velocity, Please!

[@asep.acep..junaedi9005]

You See Ori Program Rocket Saturnus V to save Hover Rover to another Nature iN this clip.

[@bismuth2672]

Next video : fully reusable N1 to Mars and back x) Serusly, amazing video. I think I'm going to loop it and pass it 3 or 4 time, just to be impress again (Sory for bad english, I'm a french fan of your work)

[@EthanBoBethan]

Can’t wait for fully reusable mission to the surface of the Sun and back

[@stevevernon1978]

landing at night, of course.

[@ThatsMrPencilneck2U]

Instead of an "assembly blimp," they should have an "assembly Trebuchet" to throw parts at it.

[@thomasvlaskampiii6850]

Can you imagine if you were in the 1960s and you had the vehicle moved into position only to realize you rotated it 180 degrees so the door on the capsule was on the complete other side from the tower?

[@Sppcc]

*19:53** omg nice plot-twist*

[@kinetickey]

I gotta give you credit for this one. You went out of your way to spen hours and hours on making this and damn is it good. Well done, 10/10.

[@JoshSimpson]

The Vehicle Assembly Blimp deserves its own logo, "AirVAB" (winks) along with the iconic VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building)

[@Thunderbolt_1000T]

8:54 bro dropped a epic transition and thought we wouldnt notice it

[@Arandomguy111]

The fact of an reusable flag is very intresting, i just imagine how happy i would be if i had the opportunity to enter a Reusable Apollo Mission, especialy if this flag was used for others of the same mission, it gives me a important role. Oh, also, wow, this is a realy good video! Specialy in KSP 1!

[@k.w.2.1]

this is probably the most impressive thing I've ever seen done in ksp

[@TDChannelKSP]

Thank you! :)

[@TheStoneAxe23Animation]

Premieres in 6 hours, can't wait to watch it live.

[@Official_Kezzie]

Wally Schirra mentioned recovering the stages during a coverage of one of the launches Maybe this might’ve been some crazy 60s engineer’s plan, who knows?

[@CraftYourDreamLB59]

Just totally completely incredible. And you successfully had me loop the video.

[@pugwash59]

This is so well made and actually gives me some idea's the Blimp idea is the icing on the cake , well done excellant idea's and music .

[@b43xoit]

No apostrophe in "ideas".

[@dracenheard9196]

@@b43xoit man shut yo-

[@Zaher74]

Loved the way it loops perfectly at the end. Remarkable work!

[@SpainSpace]

First time I've seen this great use of the loop feature with a fully reusable ksp video. Great job

[@arkadiuszm.j.wernicki7345]

I've cought myself 4 times trying to give a like to this Video, while it was already given. Awesome shots. Stacking bit to long, with to epic music in some moments at the beginning, but still.. Man! 👀🍿❤️

[@whytwojay]

this is definitely something NASA would do, like they did with the Space Shuttle…

[@gmdtanker6211]

Lol, when I saw the S-II stacking, I thought the blimp was the stage, and it was just zoomed in lol. Didn’t expect the blimp to carry the stage.

[@evildr.porkchop8305]

Another brilliant video TD, your inventiveness never ceases to amaze. 👏

[@Peteboi64932]

Let’s go back to the LM! *casually does a backflip*

[@Jack-7900]

when the us government accidently removes a few 0s from nasas budget:

[@darthmemeious9526]

i mean its perfect for kerbal. i cant imagine the cost of us operating this back then. as amazing as it is. purely a kerbal concept

[@PageButler-g2j]

Happiness is the reward we get for living to the highest right we know.

[@anonymous_memer7397]

I love that the blimp is also called the VAB. Just perfect.

[@lisopilka]

Восхитительно! Отличная реализация! Очень понравилось.

[@es14689]

⚠SOVIET DETECTED⚠

[@KittisakThaithong]

Oh oh USSR DETECTED!!!!!!!!!

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

Starting at around 16:40 in this video: FWIW, I have been living in northeastern North Carolina since 1995, but I was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida. I also lived in Dade County, Florida {near Miami} from 1988 to 1985. Having said all that → YES, Florida really is THAT FLAT...😉

[@SuperWIDEgaming]

Landing an eight-blade cargo helicopter on the launch platform RIGHT NEXT TO A ROCKET FULL OF FUEL is so Kerbal.

[@TiJayFLY]

Even more impressive than I expected. Must have taken weeks (or more) of development!

[@cosmosgaming0921]

I thought it was gonna be similar to the Saturn V, but the lower stage made it more like the Saturn C8

[@TDChannelKSP]

Aye - the extra weight for reuse (especially the boostback burn) necessitated a bigger first stage, but I tried to keep the aesthetics similar to regular Sat V.

[@rtyyyyb]

Its not actually 100% reusable as a atom fell of the bottom stage in max-q

[@pikachu6031]

There are 2 “F”’s in the word “OFF” With one “F” you’ve got “OV” as in (of) somewhere or something!

[@dracenheard9196]

@@pikachu6031 no shit bro

[@pikachu6031]

@@dracenheard9196 Try telling him, who wrote it that, not me!

[@mazillaplays]

99.999999999% reusable lol

[@Duckeatspasta]

It's not reusable because of the people

[@linecraftman3907]

Whats gonna capture all that fuel in vacuum? Jokes aside, this is so unbelievably ridicoulous i cant believe this was done legitimately. Kinda was hoping you would do a super heavy style landing on the launch pad lol (doubt it would be worth the effort) Well done!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TDChannelKSP]

Thank you! Haha, I actually considered that... however, pointing thrust at the launch pad is kraken bait and I had this mission explode far too many times. My landings were manually piloted, that level of precision would require a landing script, which I don't have any experience with.... yet! Might try if I ever get one working...

[@LimeJuice0308]

I- I have no words Except for Incredible.

[@vangamer5294]

the camera movement in 7:57 is something straight out of the expanse! fantastic

[@saturn5tony]

That was an awesome...awesome reuse of the entire Saturn redesigned system...Wow. well done 👏

[@stuartyoung4182]

INCREDIBLE work! No reason why all of this couldn't be actually done (maybe not "practically"...but done anyway), except for one: the nuclear S-IVB. If NERVA-type nuclear thermal engines, the stage would become more-and-more radioactive with each use, until no-amount of shadow shield would keep the crews from experiencing lethal doses. I used to be a real NERVA fan until I found that out. We'll have to wait until closed-cycle nuclear engines are developed - such a pity.

[@kaiserredgamer8943]

Great work, but I really doubt the cost-effectiveness of this procedure...

[@KriPloe_]

I really like that Both assembly blimps turn using RSC.

[@lowercase_koppa]

this is the exact video that got me into kerbal space program, and i dont regret it. ksp is extremely fun (especially that i'm crazy into celestial topics) and i just wanna say: thank you.

[@TDChannelKSP]

That's awesome news, glad to hear it! :) KSP is an awesome experience that will last you a long time (even though KSP2 is a bit... dead) with countless challenges. You're welcome.

[@lowercase_koppa]

@@TDChannelKSP :) great vid, btw

[@nisenobody8273]

The fact that the flag is taken back to Earth so that the mission is 100% reusable is hilarious

[@jeffreymelton2200]

3:00 the bell ringing motions was the best! lol

[@Brick_Wall_quote_Entertainment]

Given the fact this video is supposed to loop, I just love the idea of some random farmer in northern Florida having to put up with his field getting torched by a rocket weekly 💀

[@stevenlittrel2648]

It actually loops perfectly! Also how is engine reliability and ignitions handled?

[@TDChannelKSP]

Indeed it does! Well, F1A/J2S have pretty good reliability. The stages don't burn for quite the full duration, so on rated burn time alone it should last at least two flights. (there's also tested vs rated burn time values in newest testflight, which could allow it to fire even longer, but I'm still on an old installation) Ignitions also allows for at least two flights - the F1A normally only has one ignition, but being attached to the CLAW allows it to ignite (same with any engine) infinitely. The J2S S-II and Merlins have enough ignitions to do two flights. After that, the vehicle would have to be rolled back, "refurbished" and sent out again to replenish its rated burn time and ignitions. Still, having the full vehicle stacked should cut down on that time quite a bit.

[@albertnewton8296]

@@TDChannelKSP With Kerbalism an engineer Kerbal can service engines in flight. Is this not possible in RP-1?

[@TDChannelKSP]

@@albertnewton8296 Nope. RP-1 uses its own reliability system based on real-life data (testflight), and ignores kerbalism failures entirely.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

[NOTE: This post is a bit of a LONG ONE. I am NOT so great at composing statements, and I tend to think of MORE STUFF to include the further along I go... 🙄😊] FWIW: I have come across numerous sources online from the 1960s that described recovering rocket boosters -- up to and including the Saturn V first stage -- using some form of a Rogallo Flexing/Parawing. {This includes videos here on KZbin of film footage of wind tunnel tests and free open-air models, being tested at NASA Langley and other places.} I mentioned in another comment that I have been living in northeastern North Carolina {NC} since the mid 1990s. Mr. Francis M. Rogallo, inventor of the Flexing/Parawing, retired to Southern Shores, NC in the nearby NC Outer Banks. KITTY HAWK KITES has an annual event at Jockey's Ridge State Park called _"Rogallo Kite Festival,"_ which Mr. Rogallo used to attend when he was still living. Hang glider folks {as well as Kiter's} revere the man for being the 'father' -- or maybe 'grandfather' -- of early hang gliders. I talked to him briefly maybe three or four times at such events in the mid-to-late 90s. I mention *_ALL THAT_* to preface a general kind of question I still have: *WHY* was it never attempted to recover ANY rocket boosters using some form of Rogallo parawings? YES, I _know_ development work for use on Gemini & Apollo MANNED space capsules was curtailed because development could not keep up with JFK's commitment to land men on the Moon by the end of the 1960s. That said, I remember Mr. Rogallo telling me if they had kept using Apollo space capsules for manned missions and not switched over to the space shuttles, NASA would have developed SOME KIND of capsule recovery method that would avoid splashdowns.

[@TDChannelKSP]

Ahh, I remember reading about the Rogallo parawing design for Gemini. IIRC there was some stability and safety concerns with the design, but I'd have to do more research on it. Recovering rocket boosters themselves using a parawing might be a bit of a hassle - capsules are one thing, but booster stages are enormous and heavy. However, flying boosters back using deployable wings was considered, such as Energias flyback booster concept kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGeqeGuBfamdkM0

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

@@TDChannelKSP >>> 👍👍

[@maximus5438]

Congratz on getting 1k likes, really deserves a lot more views

[@TDChannelKSP]

Thanks! Well, so far this video has been one of my most popular uploads, it's been gaining views quite quickly. It'll probably stop soon enough, but it's still fun to see. Just a year ago I'd be excited by hitting 1k views...

[@astronomynetwork1756]

VAB = Vehicle Assembly build... Blim Amazing!!

[@Jonas-rt9sb]

This video is a masterpiece, it's just marvelous

[@TDChannelKSP]

Thank you :)

[@planet9292]

The loop is so well done!

[@ilikeseals7004]

Space x:youre hired Edit: space x after he worked at it:📈📈📈📈📈

[@clippedwings225]

this was really cool!

[@Felipe22_Bispo]

Até o fim do vídeo a missão recomeça. Excelente trabalho

[@williamcostantini7227]

Utterly amazing!! You should be working for SpaceX.

[@realnub235]

i think you’re mistaking a cool project in a video game for actual rocket science

[@lowerlowerhk]

Awe inspiring work. Mad respect!

[@TDChannelKSP]

Thank you :)

[@nathanaelmehlin846]

Absolutly incredible

[@francisbibat6860]

I like that the separation never fells to the earth

[@zain0kar293]

awesome videos you do, but at the end of this one here, do consider installing a mid for bigger landing gears, you have all these mods why not look for one you know, but amazing videos you do anyways

[@tihzho]

Great video! It's nice to have an imagination.

[@SONAR1123-t2y]

I told you i'd be back, And It was well worth it, Perfection. The only word I can say.

[@TDChannelKSP]

Hello again! Glad it was worth coming back for :)

[@im..white212]

I love how kerbals run

[@SL1NGSHOT222999]

Unbelievable skill and design TD

[@zecsball9136]

perfect loop and 100% reusable

[@drevuscz1220]

7:08 from this angel it looks more like N1 then the Saturn V

[@roreidess]

You think like me😂

[@drevuscz1220]

and 7:29 too

[@samsignorelli]

Nice to hear Drachinifel's original theme music again.

[@SAIHTAM20Y]

So cool that it's a loop!

[@A320neo-aircraft]

I did not expect the loop to be perfect

[@brendonfanggg]

a whole city size blimp for a launch escape tower worth 10 times less just say it’s not part of it and just build a new one

[@rocketman1969]

This is an amazing rocket concept by you!

[@Cresign]

Aint no way i found the curryman 💀💀💀

[@rocketman1969]

@@Cresign You got invaded 3 times in the last 100 years lololololo

[@arseniovera672]

Que herramientas más Bonita y moderna!!! Mmmm!!! ¿¿¿ cómo no vamos ir al más allá con esto ???

[@cristhecris_]

Okay now... that is honestly just... THAT'S FUCKING SICK, BRO HONESTLY THAT IS DANG COOL AND GREAT!!! Wow!!!

[@falconheavy809]

It's worth mentioning that this could've happened. NASA's original post-Apollo plans stated that the way they got to the moon with Apollo wasn't sustainable, and that more cost effective ways could be developed. This could've been the more cost effective way.

[@ektoraskushe4666]

This is what happens if you're an engineer at NASA you just build a Saturn 5 in Kerbal Space Program

[@jocelynndotson7273]

The best thing about this is that (theoretically) you only have to spend money on building the rocket once

[@jim2lane]

Nine F1 engines? My how that beasty would roar once lit! 😉

[@vts747]

Nice job! Subscribed :)

[@Easedaray]

Wow, such a high quality video!

[@idk_itsme1]

That loop is awesome and if NASA actually do that we have no need to use the SLS Orion anymore.

[@realnub235]

i think you’re mistaking a cool project in a video game for actual rocket science

[@falconheavy809]

@@realnub235 Was this serious, or actually a joke. If it was a not joke, you and 🤓 are equals, but if it was, then that's ok.

[@realnub235]

bro...

[@rileychurch1821]

What's better than an Apollo? A reusable Apollo!

[@bricksofmarsmars9051]

Amazing concept.

[@SONAR1123-t2y]

unnnnlimitedddd, powaaaaaa -That one old dude

[@Lech_Robakiewicz]

Excellent !

[@widyapuspitautami881]

really good idea for the first rockets to launch in space and then launch in space with the first rocket to launch in space for another launch to orbit

[@mariasirona1622]

Positively insane! Love it

[@MC-hc9qx]

Youre gonna make me play KSP again ...

[@jenniferwilliams2077]

You have to give me time to continue the loop!

[@fork9001]

Any filming takes where at 5:00 the propeller blades hit the S-1C? And at 16:46 imagine this happening in real life and the entire SIVB lands on some random town (or perhaps the White House’s helipad).

[@TDChannelKSP]

Heh, those blades came *very* close to S-IC - thought about building a little helipad on top of the launchpad, but kraken was angry at me already... Luckily, that was one shot I got in one take - no collisions! Hehe. Amazon one-hour delivery, Apollo historical set from orbit, free shipping.

[@fork9001]

@@TDChannelKSP And this is the part where you grab onto the interstage and hold on real tight for a free trip to LC-39A, Kennedy Space Centre.

[@christiaanholl5527]

10 to 1 the best Ksp Player of all time