Kerbonauts attempted to place a mockup of a communications satellite in orbit today, in a test of readiness for future KSP mission profiles. The components of their spacecraft were selected for their low mass, compact size, and orange color: Orbit was achieved at an altitude of approximately 79km. Commander Bill Kerman initiated the orbital circularization sequence, firing several short burns until an acceptable orbit was achieved: At T+00:32:49, Senior Mission Specialist Bob Kerman jettisoned the rear stage of the spacecraft in preparation for the release of the dummy satellite: The craft began to lose altitude although it was determined by Commander Kerman that they could remain in a slightly more elliptical orbit. Mission Specialist Kerman released the satellite docking clamps: As the satellite was not equipped with an RCS, residual angular momentum caused it to tumble end over end, a problem which will be remedied in future missions. The module began to lose altitude but Cmdr. Kerman again believed it would settle into a lower, stable orbit: Several minutes later the satellite's orbit appeared to be holding. 'Have the champagne on ice, boys!', remarked an exuberant Junior Mission Specialist Jeb Kerman, one of KSP's star recruits from the military's test pilot corps. The kerbonauts maintained visual contact with the satellite as the sun rose over Kearth's limb. Its orbit appeared to remain stable: After assuring KSC ground personnel that the mission had been performed within acceptable parameters, Cmdr. Kerman initiated the reentry sequence, firing one long burn as a gesture of bravado before jettisoning the final stage. Kerman selected a water landing site and the crew began preparations for landing. Cheers went up from among the usually restrained Mission Control personnel. At T+01:12:22, radio contact was lost with the command module and all hands were declared lost. A preliminary investigation suggests that a distracted Jr. MSpc Kerman forgot to deploy the capsule parachute. Further information has been withheld pending notification of loved ones.
