KSEA releases plans for the new Scout Probe – a robotic lander designed to actually set down on Mun itself! Launched on top of a Discovery Rocket, getting to Mun should be no problem. Actually setting down (and remaining in communications with the Space Center) will be another thing entirely! This will be a good test of the new communications systems deployed to Mun.
Additionally, construction begins on 2 X-4 Jetplanes to assist in exploration of Kerbin!
KSEA engineers and scientists release a secret project they’ve been working on: The X-4 Jetplane!
The successor to the first atmospheric craft built by the Kerbal States, the craft has been designed to allow one pilot to explore the areas surrounding the Space Center.
Mitster will be the first to take it up!
All of Kerbin is abuzz with KSEA’s release of the blueprints for the Discovery Rocket!
This revolutionary new design utilizes a new 2-Kerbal module (the Discovery Command Module), an advanced engine system (the new R-L 10 “Poodle”), and an entirely new rocket design that is entirely liquid fueled. This new design provides more control during launches and greater safety.
“I like how I can see out the windows the whole launch!” -Val
Construction starts immediately on Discovery 1, which will launch to Minmus. The mission plan is to enter orbit, and inspect the surface! Rumor has it the mission will be the first to feature a Mission Patch. Oooo!
Excited by Val’s trip around Mun, KSEA engineers look at the numbers required to visit Kerbin’s other satellite – Minmus!
KSEA is very happy to announce… the Horizon-D! Utilizing revolutionary new “Solar Panels” and a new more efficient orbital maneuvering engine, the LV909, engineers are able to get the weight down, and should still have enough energy to keep the craft powered and safe! Construction begins on two Horizon-D rockets at once!
note: not shown on the blueprint is the communications antenna, which is stowed on the reverse.
The Horizon-B rocket may be quite short lived… as KSEA engineers reveal the latest rocket design… the Horizon C! The Horizon C rocket utilizes many new features, most noticeably the aerodynamic fairing that protects the Command Pod, and the combined battery/science section.
Construction starts immediately – on Horizon 9!
In other news, repeated simulations has shown that the rotating issues reported by Mitster were resolved by unplugging and plugging back in the joystick in the Horizon Command pod. How strange.
Engineers finish plans for the next Horizon Rocket – the Horizon B! This upgraded rocket will carry a small spacecraft capable of conducing some basic missions in space. Breakthroughs include cargo bays for holding scientific equipment, enhanced battery power, and food supplies. There should be enough supplies for a Kerbal to survive in space for up to 5 days! The vessel also includes communications arrays for talking with Mission Control and two major safety features: a heat shield for protecting the craft on re-entry, and an escape tower that can carry Kerbals to safety if there are any problems during launch!
Construction on the Horizon-B will commence once upgrades to the VAB are complete!
Designs are finalized for the X-2 Experimental Training Rocket. This craft uses the same RT-20 boosters from the Horizon Rockets, as well as the Horizon Command Pod, but features larger wings for more stable flight.
The X-2 is designed to reach orbital altitudes to simulate launches, and for pilots to practice re-entry and splash down! Mitster will be its first pilot… once he’s done training in the X-1 that is!
After days and days of experiments and simulations, KSEA’s best and brightest think they have a good design… the Horizon-A rocket, which has even MORE solid boosters. Thankfully, the upgraded launch platform should be able to withstand the awesome explosive power of the rocket’s engines! Construction begins on two of the rockets, tentatively to be named Horizon 3 and 4. Jebediah will take the first one up, followed by Valentina!
If things go well planning can begin on even bigger missions!
Meanwhile, another new pilot has been found that just might have the right stuff! Mitster is welcomed to the team!
Engineers finish designs for the X-1, the Kerbal States’ first rocket! The one-Kerbal pod will help test how Kerbals react to high speed movement, as well as testing parachute and other onboard systems.
Kerbal States | Kerbin Space Exploration Administration 