No heat shield re-entry challenge

#1
So, here's the challenge: build a craft that can launch to space and orbit the earth (no cheats allowed, bp editing is allowed but you may not edit heat resistance if you know how), then after you have completed one FULL cycle, you must now have the craft return to earth, but with little to none heating of your parts. (Here's a tip: come in SLOW, the slower you go, the less air resistance there is causing heat) Have fun and Enjoy! Image proof required showing your craft half way to space, in orbit, half way thru orbit, completed orbit, entering earth atmosphere, half way to the ground and last but not least touchdown (minimum damage).
 

Mooncrasher

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#2
Are you planning to show us your attempt? It's only fair.:)
 

Altaïr

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#4
Here is my attempt.

First, orbit:
Screenshot_20211214-183654_Spaceflight Simulator.jpg Screenshot_20211214-183841_Spaceflight Simulator.jpg Screenshot_20211214-183925_Spaceflight Simulator.jpg Screenshot_20211214-184020_Spaceflight Simulator.jpg

Then, after one turn, my attempt to reentry. The strategy is to kill most of my horizontal speed to limit heating
Screenshot_20211214-184147_Spaceflight Simulator.jpg

However it's clearly not enough, at some point the engine and the fuel tank burnt:
Screenshot_20211214-184254_Spaceflight Simulator.jpg

The separator also ended killed by heat. Hopefully, at that point the capsule was slow enough to allow it to survive:
Screenshot_20211214-184302_Spaceflight Simulator.jpg Screenshot_20211214-184521_Spaceflight Simulator.jpg

There's a little soot on the capsule, I don't know if it qualifies :p
 
#5
Here is my attempt.

First, orbit:
View attachment 75690 View attachment 75691 View attachment 75692 View attachment 75693

Then, after one turn, my attempt to reentry. The strategy is to kill most of my horizontal speed to limit heating
View attachment 75694

However it's clearly not enough, at some point the engine and the fuel tank burnt:
View attachment 75695

The separator also ended killed by heat. Hopefully, at that point the capsule was slow enough to allow it to survive:
View attachment 75696 View attachment 75697

There's a little soot on the capsule, I don't know if it qualifies :p
That does qualify, only just though! Well done for completing the challenge!
 

Junipurr

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#6
Challenge completed. Zero damage. Coasted home with tons of fuel to spare. 5 stages of delta V.

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