A nearby target is chosen for the new MPV Probe – Minmus! In addition to a full testing of the probe’s capabilities the mission will also hopefully serve as a full survey of Minmus for future colony sites.
Despite being one of the earliest bodies in the Kerbol system to be explored the site has not had a full survey done looking for water, or to find a proper site for a colony!
“First Mun and Minmus, next Duna! But the real first step is matching the inclination with Minmus!” -Gene
After the inclination with Minmus is set, the probe fires its engine to intercept Minmus!
“Just six days and we can start testing this probe in Minmus orbit!” -Gene
History: The First Kerbal Landing on Minmus! Year 2 Day 370
Before the Aurora 29 launch engineers wanted to test the core Neidon II rocket on a uncrewed payload – while the engine systems did not change the aerodynamics were altered enough to warrant a test launch!
The new MPV (multi-payload-vehicle) probe was chosen to be the test-payload!
“We want to make sure Aurora 29 is a perfect launch – and that means being safe!” –Gene
The refit Neidon Rocket (N-2) blasts off from the space center!
“Telemetry shows the rocket is behaving normally – the new aerodynamic features are having minimal impact on performance at launch!“ –Seely, Supervising from Spacedock 2
As N-2 reaches orbit the rocket seems to be performing perfectly!
The protective fairing on the probe ejects, and the MPV-Probe drifts slowly away from N-2!
Next, the rocket flips orientation using RCS, fires a precise thrust of the engines…
And begins soaring through the atmosphere!
“All departments – watch for any anomalies – how are we looking?“ -Gene, at Mission Control
“So far, so good – we are apraching the transition to subsonic …!“ –Seely, Supervising from Spacedock 2
Re-entry of the Neidon Rockets have always suffered from instabilities at the supersonic/subsonic boundary – everyone holds their breath as the rocket passes the barrier…
“Oh wow! N-2 maintained attitude through the transition – she’s flying like a spaceplane toward landing!“ –Seely, Supervising from Spacedock 2
“Great work people!” -Gene, at Mission Control
N-2 begins its landing burn, just east of the main launch platform!
“Landing gear is deployed… hydraulics have locked… telemetry nominal…” –Seely, Supervising from Spacedock 2
N-2 sets down perfectly! Crews will recover the rocket soon!
In the VAB, engineers are working on a probe-conversion of several Multi-Payload-Vehicle platforms that are already constructed.
“Do we have any more science things we can slap on the side?!” -Gene,at the VAB
The “MPV Probe” should be capable of roughly 4,000 d/v – easily capable of reaching most inner planets for science and mapping!
The conversion should be quick, done within just a few days – there is a renewed interest in exploring Eve – which will be the target for the new probe!
Kerbal States | Kerbin Space Exploration Administration 