Saturn V
Saturn V (BDB Sarnus) is the largest rocket ever constructed. Significantly more massive than even heavy class launchers, the Saturn V and its derivatives possess the ability to launch heavy cargoes and even interplanetary vehicles in just a few launches. This is the rocket the won the space race.
The power of Saturn V comes from its enormous 10m diameter first stage, the S-IC, powered by 5 mighty F-1 engines. On top of the sheer lift off power, the rocket has a vast amount of the deltaV delivered by the equally massive S-II stage with its 5 J-2 cryogenic engines that push the upper stage and payload into orbit. Where the Saturn I's original S-IV stage suffered from relatively low TWR, Saturn V's third stage, the S-IVB, replaces the clustered engines with a single but more powerful J2. Coupled with larger fuel tanks and attitude control thrusters, the S-IVB is a significant upgrade. Had there been further production runs of the Saturn V, potential enhancements might have included uprated J-2S and F-1A engines as well as removing the first stage fins to reduce drag.
Tags: Sarnus V
| Launch Vehicle | First Stage | Second Stage | Third Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturn V | Sarnus SIC | S-II | S-IVB |
| Saturn V SL-1 | Sarnus SIC | S-II | Skylab |
From top to bottom
Based on the "G-type" configuration used for Apollo 11. See Crew Modules for alternative configurations used in the later "J-type" Apollo missions.
Based on the "G-type" configuration used for Apollo 11. The descent stage has cargo space for the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP). The The Extended Lunar Module (ELM) used on "J-class" missions (Apollo 15, 16, 17) has space for a folded Lunar Roving Vehicle in Quadrant 1 of the descent stage. The lander is attached to the payload structure of the SLA base via a hidden node in the descent stage, not the bottom of the engine.
Three stage LV comprising of the S-IC, S-II and S-IVB upper stage.
BDB Sarnus V is a little overpowered even on scaled up systems such as JNSQ or KSRSS 2.5x. For a more realistic flight profile the S-IC stage should be set to 80% fuel then adjusted for extra payload mass such as Life Support mods.
- Lift off & first stage burn
- Main Engine Cut Off; S-IC stage separation; S-II ullage motors fire & J2 engine startup
- Interstage ring decoupled; LES jettisoned
- S-II Engine Cut Off; S-IVB separates & engines startup
- Parking orbit reached; S-IVB engines shut down; await departure point
- S-IVB burn for Trans Munar Injection or Kerbin Departure as required
- After S-IVB cut off, Apollo CSM separates then turns, docks with & extracts the Munar Module / Flyby Module / Other Cargo as appropriate
- S-IVB jettisoned and APS used to fire it into the Mun/Sun/Deep Space
Kane Transposition, Docking & Extraction