Kerbal Rocketry Challenge

[Rzeppa]

I didn't see this posted yet, but has anyone else seen this?

https://rocketcontest.org/news/krc/

Looks kinda cool!

[Welsh Dragon]

I'm a bit puzzled by this. Going to the Mun in KSP is dead easy, unless they set a very strict budget. What's the challenge here? They could at least use Realism Overhaul and make it a bit more difficult.

[freda]

Looks like an innovative way to drive interest and participation in science / technology.  Previous years seemed to be physical (design and launch of a model).  2020 seems to be virtual (Kerbal).  I don't really worry too much about detailed rules; just the event itself is the key.  I wish they increased the footprint of the event internationally.  OP, it would be fun if you could monitor progress of this event and post a report after it is complete.  Thanks for posting this.

[freda]

And here is a different type of challenge/competition - sorry, totally off topic  .  Link below.  This one seems to be already awarded, but it is still fun to read about; the design of a largely mechanical rover for the surface of Venus.  The article also includes a link to a 2020 July 23 discussion that might be interesting to listen in on.

http://www.parabolicarc.com/2020/07/11/nasas-venus-rover-challenge-winners-announced/#more-74561

The point demonstrated by the original post and etc, is that there are many, many ways to light the spark-of-interest in the mind of an individual.  We need more sparks!

[Rzeppa]

I'm a bit puzzled by this. Going to the Mun in KSP is dead easy, unless they set a very strict budget. What's the challenge here? They could at least use Realism Overhaul and make it a bit more difficult.

From the article I linked:

But there’s a catch – you and your team will act as your own aerospace firm who received a “fixed-price” contract to make it to the “mun” and back. Outside of the budget restrictions, you’re free to design and run your program as they see fit.

I think the other aspect that is somewhat different than the way most of us play KSP by ourselves, is that it requires teamwork and collaboration.

[Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25]

Here comes the 1 ton rockets that go to the mun.