The Explorer 2 and 3 missions have all but exhausted the fuel supply of the Duna Spaceport so the refueling vehicle , so an automated spacecraft designed to extend the life of the Spaceport is launched!
The spacecraft will remain in orbit until the proper launch window, and will travel roughly the same projected path as the upcoming Explorer 5 mission!
KSEA announces plans for a new space station in orbit of Kerbin – a Kerbin Spaceport! The new station is intended to replace the existing Kerbin Space Station.
Development has only just begun, however the facility is being designed as a jumping off point for missions to deep space, with new and shinier science facilities!
Perhaps most importantly will be the addition of a logistics hub, which will automate fueling missions to the new Spaceport! The core of the new station will be launched on a Jool IV rocket. Once the budget allows construction will commence at once!
Sean, Edan, and Glenica pack up their findings and prepare to launch back into orbit!
“Ok, we’re off!”
-Edan
The lander reaches orbit…
…and Edan pilots a rendezvous with Duna Spaceport!
“Fuel budget is very tight this mission… I’m going to have to fly very, very accurately!”
-Edan
Almost there!
Explorer 3 docks with Duna Spaceport!
KSEA announces the next Explorer 3 Landing Site – this time at Duna’s Midland Canyon!
“OK – let’s do this!”
-Edan
The Super Duna Lander detaches and heads down to the surface!
The parachute deploys!
“We’ve touched down at the Western Canyon!”
-Edan
“Wow – it’s beautiful here! ”
-Glenica
Sean and Edan jump out and take in the amazing vista!
Sean sets up the automated camera unit, and the crew pose for the traditional “landing portrait!”
“OK – let’s start collecting some science everybody!”
-Glenica
The next Explorer Mission is announced – Explorer 5! It will be a test mission for the upcoming crewed Jool mission that is still being planned.
Using technology demonstrated on CryoLab, Explorer 5 will take Kerbals at high speed to Duna, and then return them to Kerbin.
KSEA releases designs for their new aircraft, the X-9 SSTO Crew Vehicle! The X-9 is the first aircraft to utilize the revolutionary R.A.P.I.E.R. engines, a dual mode engine that uses liquid fuel for atmospheric flight and can switch over to standard rocket fuel once the altitude makes the rocket mode more efficient.
Designed to succeed the current Crew Shuttles, this sleek jet has been designed to reach orbits up to 100k, dock, then return safely to Kerbin.
Production has already begun, and crews will begin testing soon!
After a very, very long mission, the Explorer 4 crew enters Kerbin’s sphere of influence!
Hold on everyone, we’re going to be going in pretty fast!!
-Val
Indeed, Explorer 4 is going so fast that Robart and Orlas blackout during re-entry! Thankfully Val is one tough Kerbal, and keeps conscious through it all!
“We’re OK! Just very very hot!”
-Val
Splash! Explorer 4 sets down in the water for a night landing – a few hours later rescue craft pick up the crew and return them to the space center.
Well done everyone, that’s one for the books!
-Gene, KSEA Mission Control
The next Deep Space Relay Network Satellite launches, KerbStar DS5 launches!
The lander retracts its solar panels and the crew prepares to return to the Duna Spaceport after a successful mission exploring the Western Canyon!
Launch is a go! So far so good… hold on everyone!
-Edan
Edan pilots the lander into orbit…
and rendezvouses with Duna Spaceport!
Almost got it… waiting for the docking clamp to lock!
-Edan
Success! The Explorer 3 crew returns form their second mission to the surface of Duna!
Since she didn’t get a chance to go on the first Explorer 3 landing, Glenica gets to climb out first!
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
-Glenica
After everyone has some fun jumping around in the low(er) gravity of Duna, Glenica picks a good spot for the flag.
“This looks like a good spot… here we go!”
-Glenica
The crew poses for their landing portrait!
Great picture everyone, that’s the best one yet!
-Gene, KSEA Mission Control
The crew will rest before their next EVA, then return to Duna Spaceport for the next mission!
Kerbal States | Kerbin Space Exploration Administration 