Hello everyone,
I’m excited to share a little bit about my sandbox project, which I affectionately call 'My World'. This sandbox has been a constant journey of growth and experimentation for me, with realism playing a key role throughout.
I began by testing sub-orbital flights to experiment with technologies such as solid motor gimbals (not from a mod), control systems and orbital targeting for my space programme. After almost two months of testing, I moved on to orbital launchers with my Elipsion rocket, an enhanced version of the Brazilian Space Agency’s VLS. Out of the first eight launches, the first four failed completely. But that’s all part of the realism: every mistake matters and I had to figure out what had gone wrong before attempting again. Eventually, I discovered that leftover weight rings in the final stage were preventing orbit — a mistake that took me four launches to identify! Once this was corrected, the next four launches successfully placed four BCS (Basic Communication Satellite) satellites into orbit at various inclinations. After that, I retired the Elipsion rocket and started a new chapter.
Next, I focused on communicating with my planet. I designed a new launcher to deploy the DARTS (Data Transfer and Relay System) satellites. STRD is a constellation of satellites in a low Earth orbit of approximately 550 km with an inclination of 53°. The network is structured into eight orbital planes, each spaced 45° in RAAN, with three satellites per plane, spaced approximately 120° apart. The current map showing my satellites in LEO is below.
As for the rocket, the Lotus family has two main variants, with an optional kick stage specifically designed for the STRD.
Lotus-IA: This is a two-stage rocket that uses high-efficiency H₂-LOX engines and is complemented by two JS-300 solid boosters. It can deliver up to 1,200 kg to LEO.
The Lotus-IB is equipped with four JS-300 solid boosters and is capable of delivering up to 1,500 kg to LEO. It also has enough DeltaV to reach the Moon or geostationary orbit.
Both variants can be equipped with the optional ETO (Orbital Transfer Stage).
Despite thorough testing, the first Lotus launch failed due to a malfunction during the separation of the JS-300. The second launch was partially successful, placing the first DARTS satellite into orbit, albeit at the wrong inclination. To date, I have conducted 12 launches, with 11 DARTS satellites currently in orbit, and only 10 more required to complete the LEO constellation.
Looking ahead, I plan to continue building the STRD constellation, as well as launching satellites for maritime, forestry, meteorological and atmospheric monitoring purposes. The challenge lies in finding suitable satellites within the community — they are often either too small or too large — so building them myself will require patience and time.
That’s all for now! I’ll be back soon with updates, new missions and ideas from my sandbox.
A massive thanks to everyone and May the Force be with you!