The next Deep Space Relay Network Satellite launches, KerbStar DS5 launches!
Year 8
Year 8, Day 363 (Explorer 3 Returns to Duna Spaceport!)
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!
Year 8, Day 361 (Explorer 3 Crew Explore Duna’s Western Canyon)
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!
Year 8, Day 360 (Explorer 3 Sets Down at Duna’s Western Canyons!)
After the Explorer 3 crew have had enough rest, KSEA gives the green light for the next mission!
The AAL detaches from Duna Spaceport!
Edan starts the descent through the atmosphere – the target landing site is the Western Canyons… no Kerbal has ever been there!
Hold on everyone! We’ll be entering the atmosphere fast and hot!
-Edan
Once things cool down, the aero-brakes deploy…
…then the landing parachute! The abrupt slow-down causes Sean and Glenica to black out, but only briefly!
“We’re down! Great job everybody… we made it!”
-Edan
Year 8, Day 290 (Next Explorer 3 Landing Site!)
KSEA has decided to try a landing in a new region of Duna – the Western Canyon! All three Explorer 3 crew will head down this time! It is thought a landing in the canyon will be potentially tricky, so the crew will rest for some time before the landing!
Year 8, Day 289 (Explorer 3 Lander Returns to Duna Spaceport!)
After 2 days on the surface conducting research the Explorer 3 lander blasts off from the Duna Midlands!
Edan docks the lander with Duna Spaceport (and turns on the handy navigation lights!)
Year 8, Day 277 (Pathfinder 3 Launches!)
Pathfinder 3 launches! The probe, headed to Jool and ultimately Vall, will sit in a parking orbit until the launch window arrives (in 192 days.) KSEA figured it was better to get the thing in orbit than leave it sitting around the VAB for months!
Year 8, Day 276 (Explorer 3 Lands on Duna!)
With the landing site selected the Explorer 3 crew is ready for their first mission down to Duna!
Edan detaches the Super Duna Lander from the Spaceport!
Air brakes deployed… we’re on track for a good landing!
-Edan
The lander’s parachute deploys!
The Super Duna Lander touches down on Duna, and Edan climbs out…
Followed by Sean! After the landing portrait, they start work on gathering samples and determining where to go next!
Year 8, Day 278 (KerbStar DS4 Launches!)
The next Deep Space Relay launches, KerbStar DS4. The Deep Space Relay Network will be deployed in roughly the orbit of Jool, forming a constellation of relay satellites that will provide consistent communication with future missions beyond Joolian orbit.
Year 8, Day 278 (Explorer 3 Landing Site Announced)
KSEA decides the first Explorer 3 mission will be in the Lowlands! Edan, Glenica, and Sean get ready for the launch!
Kerbal States | Kerbin Space Exploration Administration 