Saturn V (Automated)

Okay, where to start.

This rocket, while it looks similar to the last Saturn V I uploaded (obviously barring the tower and launcher platform), is almost completely different.

So...okay, so a lot of the changes are actually in the programming. First off, automatic moon encounter, friendly to timewarp! 

So the auto launch is pretty similar to what it used to be (albeit switched, again, from 8 to 9), but now it will give you an option of how long to wait before launch. You CAN input a number as low as 1, but I would recommend allowing at least a 5 second countdown, or it's possible not all the umbilical arms will clear the rocket in time. 

Sticking with the automation, then, I would actually recommend a 60 second countdown, as that's when the first event is scripted to occur, which is the LES tower support arm retraction. Then the pre-flight arms are scripted to retract at T-45 seconds, and the rest are retracted as the rocket leaves the pad. The crane at the top should swing away immediately as soon as the rocket is spawned.

There are also cameras scattered throughout the launch tower, so if you want to get some cinematic shots of the rocket's launch you should be able to get some beautiful ones.

The launch tower is a work in progress, both aesthetically and functionally. While most of the launch functionality is in, I think it'd be cool to have the actual retractable umbilical ports on the arms, and I think it'd be awesome to allow Droods to access the full height of the tower. I also haven't added all the lateral support or plumbing to the tower, either (hence an aesthetic work in progress). 

Back to the automated launch script, after the rocket places itself into an orbit (which is now a single-burn affair), it'll prompt you to decided if you would like to automatically or manually encounter Luna. 

If you type anything but one, the script ends, and you're free to manually perform the rest of the mission. If, however, you do press 1, the script will remain activated. You will probably have to timewarp, as the script waits for Brigo and Luna to be 170* separated from each other, which only happens twice. 

Once that happens, the script will prepare to burn to Luna. You CAN timewarp around, but I would recommend not going faster than 2500x, or the script may break.

After this, the rocket will automatically stage the SLA and pull the command and service module away from the LEM, at which point you will be prompted to target the LEM's docking port. SPECIFICALLY target the docking port, if you target the LEM as a whole the docking function will break. I would also strongly recommend increasing the docking strength to 120% on both the LEM and the CM's docking ports. Then simply wait. 

Don't get disheartened when the two don't immediately dock upon hitting each other, the angle is always slightly off, no matter how I change it, which is why I recommend increasing the docking strength. 

They will autonomously dock, at which point the script ends. Select the interstage below the LEM (you'll probably have to clip the camera into the instrument ring), and I'd recommend using the RCS to lower your Lunar periapsis as low as possible. 

From there the mission is manual until you're circularised around the moon. Undock the LEM, switch to it, and wait until the two craft are pretty well separated. Press '2,' you'll be prompted to deactivate the LEM's docking port, and the LEM will attempt to land itself on the moon. 
Yes, I said attempt. I haven't yet got the suicide burn script working properly, and I haven't managed to get the LEM successfully on the surface. After that, everything else is manual, I haven't gotten around to scripting the Lunar ascent or orbital rendezvous, yet. 

Once you've escaped from Luna's sphere of influence and your periapsis is in Droo's atmosphere (I would recommend 30 kilometres or higher, every time I've gone lower the CM has flipped over and burnt up), press '1' to disconnect the service module and arm the parachutes. Everything from there is autonomous.

If you do choose to fly it manually, please let me know how far you can go! The rocket has FAR more Delta-V than it needs for a Lunar mission, I encourage you to push it as far as you possibly can! 

Oh, and if you are using it manually, set Sliders 1, 2, and 4 to '1' to clear the rocket, and tap '0' to disconnect the rocket from the clamps.

Here's a video of the launch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie-NfrFYkE4

Anyway, action groups!

AG1: Launch Escape System

AG2: LES Tower Jettison (for automatic script)

AG3: Drogue Parachutes

AG4: Main Parachutes

AG5: Jettison Drogue Parachutes

AG6: Parachute Fairing

AG7: CSM Docking Port

AG8: LEM Landing Legs

AG9: Auto-Orbit Script

AG10: Attitude Control System/Launch Release Clamps

And sliders:

Slider 1: Pre-Flight Umbilical Arms

Slider 2: Flight Umbilical Arms

Slider 3: Crane

Slider 4: LES Tower Support Arm

I hope you enjoy this rocket! Please do let me know if you fly it manually just how far you can push it!