DSV-4 Endeavor

Year 20, Day 199 (New Spaceport Fueling Port Launches!)

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A massive Nova Rocket is chosen to launch the next section for the Spacedock upgrade project! Only a Nova could carry both the Modular Refueling Vehicle and the new 4-sided fuel port segment!

The solid rockets detach, and the Nova Rocket carries payload to orbit!

The protective aerodynamic fairing detaches, and the craft begins the slow and dreadfully dull rendevous maneuvers – made quite tiresome by the craft’s massive side and under-powered RCS thrusters!

“We’re gonna need more coffee at Mission Control… this is going to be a long one!”
-Gene

Finally, the segment arrives at Spacedock!

The old refueling vehicle drifts away, while the new section moves in slowly. Engineers plan to use a tug vehicle to bring the segment back to Spacedock… eventually!

The new section is aligned…

…and Spacedock itself is slowly oriented up as the docking maneuver continues… finally connecting!

“Connection seems solid! I think we’re good to start pumping fuel! Someone should probably go bring the Endeavor back!”
-Sean

“Mirphe and I can handle that!”
-Summer

Mirphe and Summer leave in Crew Vehicle 1…

… and dock with Endeavor!

“We’re connected! Summer, you should try piloting the Endeavor!“
-Mirphe

“Oh wow, this thing handles surprisingly well for how big it is! Bringing Endeavor in to dock!”
-Summer

Mirphe detaches the Crew Vehicle and Summer brings the Endeavor in to dock!

Endeavor docks at the new docking segment!

“I’m heading home too!”
-Mirphe

With Endeavor and Crew Vehicle 1 docked, the Spacedock upgrades are (for now) complete! The only thing to add are more modular refueling vehicles to the base!

“Good work up there! Get some rest!”
-Gene, at Mission Control

Year 20, Day 124 (Crew Vehicle 1 Launches On New Mk2 Nebula Rocket!)

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At White Mesa, the desert launch facility, the new Mk2 Nebula Rocket is ready for launch!

“After all those simulations with the new Crew Vehicle I’m ready to finally blast off!”
-Mirphe

This will be the first launch for KSEA’s newest pilot, Summer!

“I can’t wait to see Kerbin from orbit!”
-Summer

The KR-84 engine ignites, and Crew Vehicle 1 blasts off!

“All systems nominal… not too bumpy either!”
-Summer

The Nebula Rocket breaks through the clouds, and carries the Crew Vehicle higher and higher!

“CV1 nearing 200k apoapsis – prepare for seperation!”
-Mirphe

The KR-84 throttles down, and the rocket coasts! This will be the first time the Mk2 Nebula Rocket has attempted it’s separate/spin/land maneuver to return to KSC!

“Separating first stage!“
-Mirphe

“First stage is clear! Sensors show it’s onboard systems have already started the flip maneuver!“
-Summer

Once clear of the Crew Vehicle, the Nebula Rocket fires it’s engine – altering it’s trajectory so it lands at the Space Center!

It’s Air Brakes deploy to assist in the landing! They will automatically retract and extend as the craft’s sensors take it in for a landing!

“Crew Vehicle 1 this is Mission Control – we show the Nebula Rocket is on track for a landing at KSC… nice work!”
-Gene, at Mission Control

“OK! Starting rendevous maneuvers for Spacedock!”
-Mirphe

The capable “Poodle” engine starts the first of several burns to take CV1 to Spacedock!

“Looks like we’re in the pipe! Wow, that station is HUGE!”
-Summer

After the required maneuvers, Crew Vehicle 1 arrives at Spacedock!

“Why don’t you do the docking Summer? It’ll be good practice!”
-Mirphe

“Awesome! OK – taking us in!”
-Summer

“Crew Vehicle 1 – this is Station Commander Val – we show you as docked and cleared to come aboard! Welcome to Spacedock!”
-Val

Year 20, Day 78 (KSEA Update)

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The Space Center is buzzing as multiple projects are underway!

The Nebula Crew Vehicle design is getting a few tweaks, and the launcher has been reworked completely! KSEA promises blueprints will be released shortly! Meanwhile construction has begun on 6 of the spacecraft!

Construction has begun on the next Deep Space Vehicle! So far the craft is a near duplicate of the Endeavor. All that’s needed is a name!

Many pilots are disappointed the Crew Shuttle Program has been permanently cancelled. The decision was made after multiple attempts to add a emergency abort system, which was feasible only during a short window of the launch. Ultimately, this lack of abort options and the inability to carry unique cargo loads were the craft’s undoing!

“That’s ok! Anyway, the cool place to fly now is Laythe!”

-Mirphe

Finally, a new docking section for the Spaceport is nearly complete – the existing one has already proven too cramped, and with more spacecraft expected to dock a rework was needed! The entire station will also be reoriented relative to it’s orbit!

Year 20, Day 75 (Endeavor Crew Returns to Kerbin Surface!)

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Mirphe, Gillian and Samner board one of the Aurora Crew Vehicles docked at Spacedock and depart for the surface!

“We have over 22 separate scientific studies and samples to return to Kerbin – everyone’s going to be so excited!”
-Samner

After firing the landing burn, the Crew Vehicle separates the orbital stage and prepares for re-entry!

“We are in the pipe… looks like the landing will be just a little short from the Space Center – woops!”
-Mirphe

The parachute deploys, and the Aurora Crew Vehicle gently touches down!

“Welcome back everyone! Let’s get that science stowed safely – you’ve all earned some R&R!”
-Gene, at KSC

Year 20, Day 74 (DSV-4 Endeavor Returns to Kerbin & Docks At Kerbin Spacedock!)

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As Endeavor approaches Kerbin, the cryonic sleeping chambers stir, and the crew wakes up!

“brrrr! Looks like we’re almost at Kerbin! Everyone get to your station!”
-Mirphe

The Colossus Engine fires, circularizing the orbit around Kerbin… then Mirphe pilots the spacecraft into a rendevous with Kerbin Spacedock!

“Reactor is cooling down, we are good for RCS approach to Spacedock!”
-Gillian

“Will you look at that – Spacedock is huge!”
-Samner

Endeavor docks! Samner, Gillian, and Mirphe pack up the science findings from Moho and head over to Spacedock to get some rest!

“Wow – this habitat ring’s artificial gravity is almost like being back on Kerbin!“
-Mirphe

“Hey – my room has a TV – neat!”
-Gillian

“Welcome home! Get some rest, then it’s time to get Endeavor refueled and ready for it’s next mission!”
-Gene, at Mission Control

Year 19, Day 377 (Mirphe and Samner Return to Orbit, DSV-4 Endeavor Departs Moho!)

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After camping out on Moho for 64 days (a record!) Mirphe and Samner blast off, leaving behind all the science gear and the rover!

“Systems nominal… fuel supply will be… well, a little tight!”
-Mirphe

“What’s that mean!?”
-Samner

“Well, as long as I don’t make any mistakes whatsoever we probably have enough fuel to rendezvous!”
-Mirphe

“Probably!?”
-Samner

Thankfully, after reaching orbit there is *just* enough fuel to rendevous! The remaining fuel is a very low 12 d/v supply!

“Ok – we’re lined up … moving in to dock!”
-Mirphe

“Welcome aboard! It was getting boring up here! Next time we visit we need to bring a lander that can fit everyone!”
-Gillian

Samner stows all the scientific data and samples, while Gillian gets the reactor powered up!

The lander is undocked, and drifts away from Endeavor!

“Course set! We’re ready to head home!”
-Mirphe

Endeavor powers up it’s nuclear engine and the spacecraft departs Moho!

The journey to Moho has taken much more fuel than initially planned – the lack of an atmosphere or any moons means very little natural assistance with slowing down!

Endeavor flies away from Moho, heading home!

Meanwhile, the crew enters cryostasis!

“Mission Control… this is Mirphe on Endeavor! Samner and Gillian have successfully entered Cryo-Stasis.. handing over Vehicle to Mission Control! Endeavor Out!”
-Mirphe

“See you soon Endeavor!”
-Gene, at Mission Control

Year 19, Day 314 (Mirphe and Samner Return to Moho Lander!)

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After a very long day exploring Moho (at least the 3km west of the landing site!) Mirphe and Samner return to the lander!

“Let’s see how fast we can get the rover going!”
-Mirphe

“Let’s not!!”
-Samner

Approaching nearly 25 meters per second, the rover comes up to a large ridge!

“Ahh! Watch out for the bump!”
-Samner

Thankfully, after going ‘airborne’ for only a moment, the lander sets back down safely and continues on it’s journey back to the lander!

“Nothing to worry about Samner – sorry for the scare! We trained for this back on Kerbin, I’ll keep us safe!”
-Mirphe

“Whew! Ok good! Hey, let’s use the headlights of the rover to get a better picture of us in front of the flag!”
-Samner

Parking the rover a little away, Samner and Mirphe pose for their landing portait…

…then head back to the rover to rest! They’ll stay on Moho for several days, and may go on another rover trip soon!

“Excellent work – all three of you!”
-Gene, back at Mission Control

Year 19, Day 313 (Mirphe and Samner Explore Moho!)

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Mirphe and Samner head west from the landing site, at the highlands, hoping to reach the midlands! So far the rover initially designed for Duna appears quite capable on Moho!

“Definitely no problem with power… we’re so close to the sun the solar panels are almost dangerously hot!”
-Samner

Suddenly, a strange rock formation appears on the horizon…

“What could that be!?”
-Mirphe

Mirphe drives the rover closer and closer!

“Temperature is rising as we approach… be careful!”
-Samner

It looks like some kind of massive magma formation – Kerbal astronomers call them “Moon Frowns!”
-Samner

“Well that’s a terribly silly name! “
-Mirphe

“The technical name is a Wrinkle Ridge… it’s the result of magma settling after cooling!”
-Samner

“I think ‘Wrinkle Ridge’ is even sillier!”
-Mirphe

Samner directs the scanning arm, taking proper measurements of the ‘Wrinkle Ridge!’

Year 19, Day 313 (Mirphe and Samner Depart Endeavor and Land on Moho!)

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After resting for a day, Mirphe and Samner board the Moho Lander! Gillian will stay aboard Endeavor to monitor the mission!

“Undocking lander from Endeavor … I’m going to gently fire the RCS thrusters to move us to a safe distance!”
-Mirphe

The Moho lander moves away from Endeavor, and comes to a holding position 100m away from the spacecraft!

“Ok, you’re clear to detach the rover from the lander!”
-Gillian

The rover detaches, and Mirphe remotely pilots the rover, and slowly moves toward the lander, orienting itself to dock!

“OK – rover is stationary. Moving the lander in to dock!”
-Mirphe

“We have a solid connection! Prepare for landing!”
-Mirphe

“Prepared!!!”
-Samner

The aerospike engine fires, and the lander moves down to the surface!

The lander makes a quick descent – dropping from the low orbit of 15k it takes almost no time at all to reach the surface!

“Landing in 5… 4… 3… 2… 1….”
-Mirphe

“Contact! We have touched down on Moho!”
-Mirphe

As the aerospike landing engine cools, the crew prepares for surface exploration!

“Deploying the rover!”
-Samner

It’s a close one, but after a flipy and tipsy ejection from the lander, the rover sets down on the surface!

“Yikes! Maybe you should deploy the rover next time Mirphe!”
-Samner

“It’s ok! Besides, even if it flipped the RCS-deployer is so powerful we could probably use the thrusters to fix it!”
-Mirphe

The antenna arrays, cargo bay, and ladder deploy… and Mirphe heads out of the lander!

“Ground feels nice and solid! Your turn Samner!”
-Mirphe

“Oh wow!”
-Samner

Samner climbs out…

…and runs over to Mirphe!

“Why don’t you plant the flag Samner?”
-Mirphe

Samner pulls out a Kerbal States flag, and plants it in the ground!

After planting the flag, Smaner starts unloading the science equipment!

“That about does it! Equipment is all set up… fully powered and it looks like we’re getting a signal!”
-Samner

Next, Mirphe and Samner watch as the Rover-Deployer takes off!

“There it goes!”
-Mirphe

Samner and Mirphe climb into the rover… and head out!

“It’s time for adventure!”
-Samner

Year 19, Day 312 (DSV-4 Endeavor Arrives at Moho!)

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Endeavor arrives at Moho! The engines begin automatically firing to capture in orbit. Meanwhile, the crew is woken up from Cryo-Stasis!

“Brrr! We must have arrived! I need to get to the command module, I hear the engines firing!”
-Mirphe

Gillian and Samner wake up too, and start preparations for entering orbit!

The burn to capture orbit is nearly 15 minutes long!

It takes a while, but eventually the final orbit is reached…

A very close 15k orbit above the surface! Another burn occurs to take Endeavor’s inclination closer to Moho’s equator – everything is being done to get as much deltaV out of the onboard lander as possible!

“Mission Control, this is Mirphe… Ideal orbit achieved! Endeavor preparing for crewed Moho Landing!”
-Mirphe

Back at mission control, everyone cheers!

“Get some rest for the surface mission Endeavor!”
-Gene, at Mission Control