out of curiosity...in the customer specifications, is there a minimum altitude spec. for the return vehicle? aside from successful recovery that is. thanks
Rex

Nope. Just some bonus points for duration, and restrictions on use of snitch, 1/4A, etc. i.e. remember you are not just crater hopping, you must get away from the surface of Bong with the intent of returning to Earth, which is some distance away, in the spirit of the theme. I suspect the judge will be skeptical of attempts to exploit loopholes in her rather thorough set of rules.

__________________
AP used in 2010: 28,044 Ns (36.9% O)
AP used in 2011: 43,488 Ns (6.2% P)
Highest altitude achieved: 21,981' AGL

"Gravity is a cruel and unpredictable mistress"

must have overlooked that...so anything over 200' would at least get into the spirit of things. was toying of starting an 'online design challenge' of a return vehicle for those folks who might not be able to attend, sort of a forum rocket challenge done in the virtual world.
Rex

Absolutely. Up and away from the ground, rejoin with the command module in orbit, and a 3 day jaunt back to Earth for a successful mission.

__________________
AP used in 2010: 28,044 Ns (36.9% O)
AP used in 2011: 43,488 Ns (6.2% P)
Highest altitude achieved: 21,981' AGL

"Gravity is a cruel and unpredictable mistress"