Pathfinder 7 blasts off from KSC! This Pathfinder probe will carry 3 of the rovers originally designed for the failed Pathfinder 4 mission. This will be the first test of these “mini” rovers!
The launch goes well…
… and once in orbit the protective fairing ejects!
The transfer stage fires, and the probe starts its journey to Eve!
Pathfinder 7 is announced – this mission will attempt what Pathfinder 4 sought to do, deliver 3 sophisticated, yet tiny, rovers to the surface of Eve!
KSEA regrets to inform the public that Pathfinder 4 and Pathfinder 5 have both overshot their targets, failing to achieve orbit. It would seem speed is the problem, as those probes were simply traveling too fast to be slowed down by single NERV engine – the future of the Pathfinder program however remains in doubt.
Of even greater concern is Explorer 5, already en route to Duna, built on the Pathfinder frame! Scientists think that Explorer’s much lower transfer speed will allow the craft to slow down in time – but time will tell.
Pathfinder 4 blasts off, heading for Eve!
After the orbital stage detaches the next stage fires….
Until finally the Nerv engine finishes the burn to Eve! The trip will be a fast one, only 153 days until orbit! (No need to save fuel if the craft isn’t coming back!)
Construction begins on the next Pathfinder probe, pathfinder 4! This probe will be heading to Eve with an aquatic landing probe, a surface probe, and an experimental rover probe!
Kerbal States | Kerbin Space Exploration Administration 