Bussard Fuel Scoop System

Bussard Fuel Scoop System

Mods
11.6k Downloads

Rob's Random Research is proud to present the Bussard Fuel Scoop System.

Never run out of fuel and resources while in deep space, or even in orbit. While Robert W Bussard's patented Electro-Magnetic Scoop and mass spectrometer filtration unit takes lots of energy the system will slowly collect resources from the particles that make up the partial vacuum of space. The unit is based on the principle of the Bussard Ram Jet to allow deep space travel to be possible without having to stop for refueling.

I just updated to 1.2 but there is a complete overhaul. The scoop will always collect Ambient particles but it collects more when you are in atmosphere. These particles can be pumped into the Bussard engine which fires them out using ionization. Particles can also be forced into a reactor where the fuse providing large quantities of power. But for those who prefer using traditional engines don't be depressed, particles can be compressed to form ore that any ISRU can process.

The Science

The Bussard Ram Jet is a concept that allows deep space travel, the scoop on the jet collects hydrogen and forces it into a reactor to fuel the ship, as long as the ship keeps moving the ship will stay fueled. This principle allows the scoop to collect fuel and resources to allow deep space travel (with out being cheaty). 

 Technical Disclaimer:

  • Due to the fact that when you use converter modules your throttle is cut in half, the scoop uses generator methods which means it doesn't cost any energy. To compensate for this the Bussard engine and compressor both require power to work (amounts need calibration and comments are appreciated)
  • Most parts are tweak scaleable but they require tweakscale to be updated and installed

Install Instructions:

Just download, unzip and copy the WillStr1 folder and Module Manager file into the gamedata folder

Balancing: 

I did what I could in the ways of balancing, but balancing suggestions are not just welcomed they are appreciated. Below are instructions if you wish to tweak the balancing yourself (to the difficulty of your choice).

  1. Go to the gamedata folder
  2. Open the WillStr1 folder
  3. Open the Bussard folder
  4. Open the folder for the part you wish to tweak
    • BussardScoop & BussardScoopStack for the two versions of the scoop
    • BussardReactor for the reactor
    • BussardEngine for the engine
    • BussardComp for the compressor
  5. Open the cfg file with the corresponding name
  6. Tweak the settings you feel need balancing:
    • Cost: cost
    • Weight: mass
    • Ambient Particles gathered from space (Scoops only): 
      1. Find the module "ModuleGenerator"
      2. Find the sub section "OUTPUT_RESOURCE"
      3. Change the "rate" (higher rate means more particles per second)
    • Ambient Particles gathered from atmosphere (Scoops only):
      1. Find the module "ModuleResourceIntake"
      2. Change the "area" (higher area means more particles)
    • Power and efficiency of the engine:
      1. Find the module "ModuleEngines"
      2. Change the "maxThrust" (higher means the engine has a higher max power)
      3. Find the first "PROPELLANT" subsection and change the ratio (higher means more power is needed to run the engine)
      4. Find the second "PROPELLANT" sub section and change the ratio (higher means more particles needed to run the engine)
      5. Find the "atmospherCurve" sub section and find the two "keys"
        • key = 0 # 0 0 sets the Specific Impulse in space, the higher the # is the more efficient the engine is
        • key = 1 # 0 0 sets the Specific Impulse at sea level on Kerbin, the higher the # is the more efficient the engine is
    • Input and output for the reactor:
      1. Find the module "ModuleResourceConverter"
      2. Find the sub section "INPUT_RESOURCE" and change the "Ratio" (higher ratio means more particles needed to produce energy)
      3. Find the sub section "OUTPUT_RESOURCE" and change the "Ratio" (higher ratio means more power produced)