Mission Report
Janus-2 Flight 3
12x KLS satellites to Medium Kerbal Orbit
This launch had been delayed numerous times due to weather and pressure issues, but finally roared off the pad yesterday, carrying twelve Kerbal Location Services satellites to a 500 km inclined orbit. Once deployed, these satellites would then use onboard thrusters to distribute themselves along the orbit to form the 'A' band of the KLS constellation.
To lift twelve satellites at once, engineers at MB Astro devised a payload dispenser which could radially sit four small satellites safely inside the payload fairings. Three of these were stacked on top of each other to hold the twelve spacecraft. The satellites were then released two at a time to prevent any risk of collision, and finally control was passed over to the KLS operations centre, who would be able to control and monitor each satellites' health.
KLS is a new positioning service, provided by a consortium of companies. It uses state of the art ground stations as well as Figaro spacecraft to enable any user to find out precisely where they are on Kerbin. KLS made a contract with MB Astro to deliver thirty six satellites to three orbital planes, meaning that you'll have full coverage everywhere. KLS will also be used for time synchronisation and other professional uses.
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We have one more mission for Janus 2, PrecipiSat 1, which is currently slated for a Thursday launch. Keep updated with us on Twitter, at @mb_astro!