Pathfinder 3 deploys it’s first probe!
Little was known about Vall when Pathfinder 3 was launched, it is now obvious that the probe suite on Pathfinder 3 is somewhat ill equipped – Vall has no atmosphere so the parachute and heat shield are a waste of mass!
Pathfinder 3’s first probe also has insufficient fuel to slow down in time, and the probe crashes into the surface!
The probe transmits this haunting photo of Jool and the surface of Vall right before communications are lost!
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.
The Aurora Payload Vehicle separates from Kerbin Spaceport, carrying with it the kuarq experiment payloads!
The APV does its descent burn, and begins falling through the atmosphere… faster and faster… until Mission Control notices a critical problem.
“Oh no. I think we forgot to add parachutes to the ACV!”
-Gene
The ACV falls into the mountains west of the Space Center at terminal velocities… the entire vehicle is utterly destroyed! Thankfully crewed missions are reviewed more carefully! Construction begins at once on a new APV!
The Frontier 3 probe launched to Neidon 6 years ago has stopped transmitting. KSEA engineers and scientists think that the crafts solar arrays just weren’t sufficient for transmitting that far out. Just a few weeks ago Frontier 3 was still transmitting at near full strength thanks to the Deep Space Network KSEA has been building, however.
A probe is already on its way to Neidon, Pathfinder 2!
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!
The Explorer 2 Crew Vehicle launches, carrying Mitster, Dunwin, and Kimmy into orbit!
Once in orbit, the crew have a terrible realiziation. The antenna to allow communication with Kerbin during the mission wasn’t installed! Thankfully, this is just what KSEA has Crew Shuttles for!
Endeavor launches, piloted by Val – Chrisnic is the expert engineer that was available, and will install the new antenna on Explorer 2!
Launching from Shadow Valley is really different – not used to so many mountains surrounding us while we launch!
-Val
The crew shuttles will be pushing their upward orbital limit on this mission, but planners are certain that its possible! 
Val rendevouses Endeavor with Explorer 2…
While Chrisnic installs the Antenna bracket, and the antenna itself.
Then – back to Kerbin! Endeavor heads down into Shadow Valley….
And makes a perfect landing! In just a few days, Explorer 2 will head to Duna!
Oxygen is starting to run low on Unity Space Station, the research station orbiting Mun! The supply craft sent to the KSS has enough extra supplies in it to resupply the station, however scrubbers and other technology to extend life on the stations is clearly needed.
Mission Control wants to delay any landings on Mun until the Oxygen situation is resolved!
Intrepid blasts off, taking up to the KSS, with a cargo bay full of ladders!
It takes a lot of work.. but Chrisnic and Dunwin are eventually able to install both the ladders and grip surfaces as well as the new module’s solar panels, and even add some decorative lights! Decorative safety lights. 
The new panels deploy succesffuly!
“Well, will you look at that! Those are some big solar panels!”
-Dunwin
After a … mostly… successful mission, Enterprise prepares to head back to Kerbin. Edan will take the craft down himself, while Chrisnic will stay on the KSS to train!
Edan lines up a perfect landing…
… and sets down! Edan is developing a reputation for being a no-nonsense pilot that can handle pretty much anything that comes his way!
Enterprise launches! Edan will pilot the Heavy Cargo Shuttle to orbit and rendezvous with the Kerbin Space Station, and Dunwin will supervise the initial installation of the solar power unit, and then perform EVAs to complete installation from Enterprise’s cargo bay! 
“Orbital Assist Vehicle is away… heading to the station!”
-Edan
Dunwin reviews the mission parameters as Enterprise rockets towards the KSS!
Enterprise arrives at the KSS and the module detaches!
Installation proves very difficult, with Chrisnic leaving the station to assist Dunwin!
“This is just impossible! There’s no way to get a grip on anything!”
-Chrisnic
Chrisnic and Dunwin return to the KSS, taking the extra parts from Enterprise, while Edan tries a “first”… docking Enterprise itself to the Kerbin Space Station!
“Almos there… almost there…”
-Edan
Wow – everyone is very suprised that the docking actually worked. The KSS was never designed to dock such a large craft, but Edan showed that it was possible!
“Now let’s all hang tight and wait for Intrepid!”
-Edan
KSEA decides to send up Intrepid to deliver some parts to allow the installation of footholds and other gripping surfaces for the station!
The upgraded Resolute takes off! Val pilots rookie engineer Seely and Gillian up to orbit! This will be Resolute’s first flight using the upgraded Launcher, and with the new Cargo Bay arrangement!
The launch goes well – with the OAV carrying the shuttle to its desired orbit, leaving over 1000 d/v in fuel for orbital maneuvering.
“That’s sure was a bumpy ride!”
-Seely
Val pilots Resolte to a close rendezvous with Unity Station!
Ok – we’re there.. but we better wait until we’re on the ‘day’ side of Kerbin before doing the install!
-Gilian
Seeley heads out, and practices some basic space maneuvers! 
The module goes into place, and Unity Space Station is ready to go!
“Resolute’s coming in pretty hot! I’m going to need to circle around before I can land!”
-Val
Val sets down, but takes out one of the landing lights at the end of the runway! Endeavor takes some minor damage, losing a few of its air brakes! Everyone agrees this was the most dangerous landing the Heavy Cargo Shuttles have ever done. High speed, and performing the maneuver node too early is the general consensus.
“Maybe we can find a way to slow the shuttle more on reentry – that was scary!”
-Seeley
