The (probably overpowered) engines on the Jool Va second stage ignite, carrying the relay probe out of Kerbin Orbit!
KSEA has had nothing but problems with calculating Moho Transfers for some reason… planners are hopeful this launch will go better!
KSEA launches a Relay/Scan satellite to Moho atop a mighty Jool Va Rocket! The probe will stay in Kerbin orbit for another 40 days until the window to Moho opens!
The probe is part of the ongoing expansion of the Deep Space Relay Network – and is intended to facilitate easier missions to the hot little world of Moho!
Construction is complete on the Advanced Duna Lander! The spacecraft is rolled out… and launches!
Launched on the Sarnus Va, the rover will sit in orbit for 41 days until the ideal transfer window to Duna!
In orbit, the lander ejects it’s fairing… and waits! The probe will be entirely un-crewed during it’s flight, including (hopefully) docking with the Spaceport!
The Advanced Duna Lander also includes a cargo segment on the rear that will attach to Duna Spaceport, carrying enough surface science equipment for 4 seperate landings!
Asteroid IIF-441, a class C Asteroid, enters Kerbin’s gravitational sphere of influence… and Retriever 1 burns to match planes!
Then, Retriever expands its orbit past that of the asteroid’s!
Then, with the Asteroid nearing it’s closest point with Kerbin, Retriever 1 burns it’s engine to intercept!
The maneuvers all require extreme precision! Once Retriever is close enough though, it’s fairly similar to docking with a ship in orbit!
Remarkably, Retriever 1 moves in closer to the Asteroid, having matched course!
Using RCS thrusters only, Retriever 1 moves in closer and closer…
…until it docks with the Asteroid!
“… it worked! It worked!”
-Orlas, onboard Kerbin Spaceport
Next, Retriever 1 uses what is left of it’s fuel to capture the asteroid into a circular orbit of Kerbin!
There isn’t enough fuel for a perfect orbit, but a highly elliptical orbit IS achieved, and the asteroid orbits Kerbin! Plans are immediately drawn to launch Retriever 2, to bring the Asteroid in to a closer location… and allow Kerbals to explore it!
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Retriever 1 launches on a Sarnus Va!
The probe enters orbit, and will attempt to intercept asteroid IIF-441, a class C Asteroid. This medium class of asteroid should be a good test of Operation: RETRIEVE!.
KSEA is excited to release plans for the next Duna Lander, the Advanced Duna Lander! Succeeding the Super Duna Lander, this new craft has greater deltaV, and additional life support and crew space – able to carry FOUR Kerbals!
The re-usable lander will launch on a Sarnus Va rocket, and travel a few days behind the Explorer 7 mission to Duna!
KSEA is excited to announce Operation:RETRIEVE! – a new project to intercept, and redirect an asteroid near Kerbin!
No one is really sure if this vehicle is capable of getting the job done, but there’s only one way to find out – Retriever 1 will launch soon!
Having completed their mission at the Munar Arch, Tamre, Malcolm, and Dunwin take off!
They dock with the Aurora 21 Command Module, in orbit, and Malcolm returns the spacecraft to Kerbin orbit!
“Mission Control wants us to do more precise landings near the space center to recycle parts! That means we need to use up the extra fuel for entering orbit, THEN doing our descent burn!”
-Malcolm
Success! Aurora 21 splashes down in the waters right next to the airstrip!
A new crew is sent to Kerbin Spaceport! Edan, Glenica, and Orlas will be keeping on eye on the station, while the previous crew will return to Kerbin!
The new Mk10 Aurora Crew Vehicle launches…
…then docks with the station!
The previous crew returns to Kerbin for their next mission!
Jeb and Bill transfer over to Discovery… while Bob makes sure that every bit of science is taken on board!
“That should be the last of it! Let’s head out!”
-Bob
“Moorings are clear… Discovery is clear of the Spaceport!“
-Jeb
Discovery fires it’s three atomic engines, and the massive spacecraft rockets away from Jool!
The journey back to Kerbin will take a little over 2 years – longer than Discovery’s life support reserves will last – so Jeb, Bill, and Bob transfer over to the Cryonic chamber to survive the long trip!
“See you soon Discovery!”
-Gene, at Mission Control
Kerbal States | Kerbin Space Exploration Administration 