@soulsource, thanks for that I had no idea makes my mission planning a little easier knowing that, I assumed Jeb had snuck off before the launch phase and left a card board cut out - explains the silence mission control received. My return from Mun proved tricky, however with sheer luck and soiled pants Bill safely managed to arrive back at kerbin, although he discovered hitting the atmosphere at speed could result in being bounced back on his way to Mun. Not wanting to miss out and feeling guilty about diving out of the Mun mission as well as faking his death Jeb decided to control the Minmus mission (sources say he also wanted to fly as close to kerbin's ground as possible without actually crashing a feat he managed thrice at little over 35km above Kerbin) using the Munster which shockingly proved to be a success. I also found landing and taking off from Minmus a lot easier than the Mun. Something which means that Minmus has been ear marked as potential bases for deeper exploration into the Kerbol system. 100 days after setting off, Jeb returned a hero having successfully landed on Minmus, collecting soil samples, conducting various experiments and the occasional oo and aahing. Quite pleased with the Minmus mission achieved orbit, landed and returned on the first run, either I'm actually getting good at this rocket malarkey or the Kerbol god has decided to give me a helping hand.... oddly no one has seen Dean kermin for 103 days.... Jeb protests his innocence!