A team is chosen for the Aurora 18 mission – Glenica, Sean, and Mitster! The mission will launch in 34 days, when construction is complete on the Sarnus Va rocket!
I can’t wait to drive that new rover on Mun!
-Mitster
Mission Planners are excited to announce that Kerbals will be returning to Mun for the first time in years! The early Aurora missions to explore Mun and Minmus were done before some of KSEA’s more advanced scientific equipment was developed. This return to Mun is intended to test new surface science equipment and a new rover that will allow exploration of terrestrial worlds!
In orbit of Mun, Discovery powers up its reactors for the return journey to Kerbin.
“Systems read nominal – firing thrusters!”
-Jeb
Discovery’s engines fire, and the craft leaves Mun orbit!
“Reactor is still stable – lithium flow stable… heat levels within specifications!“
-Bill
Discovery returns safely to Kerbin!
“Now… let’s see if this thing can dock with the Spaceport again!“
-Jeb
“Rendevous course set… firing thrusters! “
-Jeb
Discovery moves closer and closer to the Spaceport, until finally it’s visible to the naked eye!
Discovery fires its engines to match velocities!
“Power down reactors… switching to RCS from here!“
-Jeb
“Almost there… “
-Jeb
Discovery docks with Kerbin Spaceport!
“I’d call that a successful first mission of the Discovery!”
-Gene
As the Aurora Crew Vehicle approaches Kerbin, Malcolm carefully removes the tape over the staging switch marked “DO NOT PRESS!”
“<<audible CLUNK!>> Staging complete! Whew! That switch should have a cover over it or something! ACV on approach for a water landing!”
-Malcolm
The ACV races through the atmosphere!
Until the parachute fires, and the command module splashes down gently in the ocean!
“A rescue mission that turned into a little adventure – nicely done!”
-Gene, Mission Control
Malcolm disconnects the ACV from Unity Station!
“Ok, we’re almost clear – you’re good to go!”
-Mirphe
Malcolm fires the ACV’s engine, and the crew are on a return to Kerbin!
Mirphe and Maclolm finish checking the Aurora Mun Lander at Unity Space Station… it checks out! (The lander was last used by the Aurora 16 mission, on Year 4 Day 360.) Mission Command has cleared them for a landing at the Munar Lowlands, so they’re off!
“Coordinates are mapped – heading down!”
-Maclolm
The lander touches down!
“What an unexpected adventure!”
-Mirphe
“Oh wow… look up Mirphe! Kerbin looks so… small! ”
-Malcolm
After taking some time to appreciate the view, Mirphe and Malcolm climb back into the lander… and take off!
“These old Aurora Landers don’t have much for life support, we better get back to the station!”
-Mirphe
Malcolm pilots the Lander to Unity Space Station…
… and docks! The crew will remain on the station for a few days, then return to Kerbin!
Mirphe arrives at Unity Space Station, in orbit of Mun!
“Anybody home?”
-Mirphe
“Thanks for coming so soon! But before we leave… I was thinking… maybe we could take one of the old Aurora Mun Landers down for a spin?”
-Malcolm
Malcolm and Mirphe head over to the landers and check things out… initial signs are that both of the craft are still quite space-capable, although one has more science equipment on board!
KSEA isn’t so sure about sending down a landing to Mun, but planners are already scouting out a landing site – probably in the Munar lowlands!
Mirphe pilots the next ACV on its rescue mission to save Malcolm!
Once in orbit, Mirphe pilots the spacecraft to rendezvous with Mun!
Malcolm arrives at Mun!
“Ok, rendevous manuevers complete! Looks like I just need to switch on the RCS system to get in nice and close… <<audible “CLICK!”>> … uh oh. KSC… I think we have a problem!”
-Malcolm
Instead of switching on the RCS system, Malcolm accidentally engages the staging switch that disconnects the command pod!
Ok… Don’t panic Malcolm! Just need to get over to Unity Space Station and wait for a rescue! Hopefully they left some snacks on that thing…”
-Malcolm
Malcolm boards Unity Station and starts rummaging for some food. Thankfully there’s enough oxygen on board to last a few weeks! Meanwhile, The ACV drifts away from the station!
KSEA was already building another ACV, and now it looks like the mission is clear: Bring Malcolm home!
Gillian and Shepely stay onboard Kerbin Spaceport, while Malcom takes the ACV and undocks! Malcolm will be testing the ACV’s ability to reach Mun and Minmus on this mission, so to reduce risk he’ll be piloting the craft alone!
Kerbal States | Kerbin Space Exploration Administration 