jaws909

Delete the fairing, worked for me. Not sure if it's intended or not but ya, they won't open inside a fairing.

You don't have a fairing over it do you?

After Jeb screwed up the first manned orbital flight, Val flew the backup ship and successfully returned.

Very cool stuff

Mission: Orbo-Lab Type: LKO Space Laboratory Objective: Place Orbo-Lab space station in 400km orbit Outcome: Success! Status: Active in LKO Notes: While the interplanetary side of the house was struggling to get off the ground (literally), the team working on the TAP (Titan Applications Program) was ready to make headway with the launch of Orbo-Lab, the first space station. Its mission was to study various aspects of long-term space flight on both crew and equipment, to prepare for eventual long-term missions to the Mun, Minmus and beyond. The station was to be launched as one solid block aboard a Titan-III rocket. Once in orbit, it would be met and docked with a Zeus spacecraft and crew launched later to begin its mission... The launch took place at night, with the venerable rocket that had taken men to the Mun and Minmus performing its new role admirably. The first and second stages carried to new station to an initial height of around 140km, where the third stage first stabilized its orbit, then pushed it higher to around 350km. Here the stations protective fairing panels were ejected and it separated from the 3rd stage booster. The final push to 400km was carried out using the station's on-board RCS thrusters, to allow for fine tuning as well as to make sure its orbit was clear of any debris that would otherwise be associated with carrying the 3rd stage all the way to its final planned orbit. Once mission control had deemed the orbit to be stable, the remotely deployed the station's communications and solar panel arrays, and switched on the sensors and exterior lights. It was now ready to receive its first crew, who would follow aboard Zeus 7 at a later date... Mission Photos: The Titan-III carrying the Orbo-Lab station is prepared for a night launch Liftoff Climbing to orbit Third stage booster is jettisoned Orbo-Lab awaits its first crew

Moving forward... After the success of the Zeus program and manned landings on both the Mun and Minmus, the KSC team was ready to push on in their quest to explore the universe. There were several different opinions on what should be the next goal for the space program. Some wanted to see the Zeus program continued, with more elaborate missions to the Mun and Minmus in order to explore the possibilities for temporary or permanent outposts on Kerbin's closest neighbors. Others wanted to push forward with proposals for missions to Duna and Eve, or to develop the idea of space stations in Kerbin's orbit for research and to serve as an orbital base for future missions. All of these different options resulted in a divided approach by the KSC team. It was decided to push forward with development of the Farshot series of rockets to launch interplanetary probe missions, while the Zeus program was extended in conjunction with the Titan Applications Program (TAP) to maximize the return on the substantial investments in time and money that had already been put into the Titan series of rockets with a series of proposals for Mun/Minmus rovers and extended stay habitation modules, as well as the Orbo-Lab project to place a space laboratory in LKO... DEX-1 - Failed - First Duna probe attempt Orbo-Lab - Success - First space station ----- Mission: DEX-1 Type: Duna Lander Objective: Explore Duna's atmospheric and gravitational properties Outcome: Failed Status: Destroyed during launch Notes: DEX-1 (Duna Explorer 1) was the first attempt at an interplanetary probe. Bound for Duna, its mission was to analyze the atmosphere and measure the strength of the planet's gravity during its descent in order to help the KSC team plan a more complex series of missions using rovers and lander to further explore. It was carried by an FS-2 rocket, which failed during ascent and lost control, resulting in the probe being lost to a crash-landing into the ocean 4 minutes into flight... Mission Photos: DEX-1 prepares for launch Liftoff Spiraling out of control after first stage separation

Mission: Zeus 6 Type: Manned Minmus Landing Crew: Scott (Mission Commander), Buremone (CM Pilot), Lanfry (ML Pilot/Flight Tech) Objective: Land ML-6 on Minmus and return safely to Kerbin Outcome: Success! Status: Recovered Notes: After Discovery 1 and 2 had paved the way, it was time to send a manned mission to Minmus, to complete the Zeus program's stated goal of manned landings on both the Mun and Minmus. Zeus 6 and its ML-6 "Bellatrix" were identical to the craft used in the successful Mun landing. The chosen crew, Scott, Buremone and Lanfry had played key roles in the early success of the Zeus program, and now was their time to shine with a historic landing of their own. Launch from the KSC aboard a Titan-III proceeded without a hitch, with the veteran crew whom had all flown aboard previous missions using Titan rockets, skillfully guiding their craft into orbit. Then, after system checks and calculations with ground control, they performed their transfer burn to set them on a course for Minmus. At this stage the mission profile deviated from the Zeus 5 mission. Rather than discard the 3rd stage of their Titan-III and retrieve the lander while in transit, the Zeus 6 remained in its launch configuration and carried on all the way to Minmus, using the Titan-III third stage to enter and stabilize an orbit around Minmus. Only then did they set about securing the lander and ditching the third stage booster in orbit around Minmus. From here, with Buremone manning the command module, Scott and Lanfry set out with their lander, "Bellatrix", and headed for the surface of Minmus. As they expected, the descent was slower than that of a Mun landing, with the weaker gravity allowing them to use much less fuel to reach the ground safely. Their target landing site put them within 10km of the Discovery 2 landing site, but it was decided that the distance was too great to attempt a trek to it given their limited pack-fuel. Scott was first out of the lander, planting a flag and a plaque, naming their landing site "The Highlands of Zeus" and commemorating the occasion with a photo after Lanfry joined him. Together they collected soil samples and took various readings for study back on Kerbin. Then it was time to climb back in the lander and lift off, returning to orbit and meeting up with Buremone and Zeus 6. The return trip was much the same as Zeus 5's return from the Mun. Using the service module engine, the Zeus 6 crew performed an escape burn to place them on a trajectory back to Kerbin. The lander was jettisoned into an elliptical orbit around Kerbin, which carried it beyond Minmus' orbit at its highest point, and near 15 million KM at its closet point to Kerbin. Their return trajectory brought them into Kerbin's atmosphere at a steep inclination and on the night side, but they nonetheless landed safely under parachutes in a coastal area where they were picked up and taken home for much deserved R&R... Mission Photos: Zeus 6 prepares for launch Liftoff Entering orbit Bound for Minmus Entering orbit around Minmus Lander retrieval Bellatrix departs carrying Scott and Lanfry, headed for the surface Approaching the surface Final descent Scott's first steps The crew and their ship Departing the surface Headed home Landing in the dark

http://kerbalspaceprogram.com/hullcam-vds/ That's the one I've been using...I know there's a couple out there, one of the other ones has movable cameras as well.

Mission: Discovery 2 Type: Minmus lander Objective: Land probe on Minmus Outcome: Success! Status: Active on Minmus at 5* 39' 55" S 213* 54' 41" E Notes: Discovery 2 was the second of two probes sent to Minmus ahead of a manned mission. The first had surveyed the small moon from orbit, and now it was time to try and land a probe on the surface to determine whether it was safe to do so with a manned spacecraft. Discovery 2 was, like Discovery 1, carried by a Farshot 1 (FS-1) rocket into orbit and then on to Minmus. The initial launch proceeded smoothly, and it wasn't long before the lander was in orbit and ready to start the trip out to Minmus. Mission control was able to use the experience they'd gained from Discovery 1 to plot a more efficient trajectory out to the more distant of Kerbin's moons, and the probe made the trip in less time and with more fuel to spare than Discovery 1 had. Once Discovery 2 was safely in orbit around Minmus, mission control finalized the landing area in a relatively flat high-lands area near the equator, and began the descent process. After bringing the lander within 10km of the surface, the transit stage was jettisoned and Discovery 2's small engine took over to bring it to the surface. Its small legs were extended as it drifted slowly down, and mission controllers took note of the significantly weaker gravity of Minmus and the resulting slow descent. The lander's tiny engine had no difficulty in slowing it down enough to allow for a safe landing, and it came to rest on a gentle slope, with its legs sinking into the fine, sandy soil. It then began transmitting back the first data and images from the surface of Minmus, which scientists on Kerbin eagerly began pouring over to prepare for a manned mission... Mission Photos: Liftoff Reaching orbit Leaving Kerbin behind Arrival at Minmus Starting the descent Just before landing From the surface

Mission: Discovery 1 Type: Minmus Orbital Probe Objective: Reach ~30km stable orbit around Minmus and return data Outcome: Success! Status: Active in low-Minmus orbit Notes: Discovery 1 was the first of two planned probe missions to the smaller of Kerbin's moons. The Discovery program's primary purpose was to explore the small moon using an orbiter (Discovery 1) and a small lander probe (Discovery 2) and pave the way for a manned mission using the Zeus spacecraft to land on its surface. Discovery 1 was carried into space aboard a new Farshot I (FS-I) rocket, the first in a new series of rockets meant to carry probes on extended missions to Minmus, and later on interplanetary missions. The FS-I consisted of three stages, a solid-fueled launch stage of 4 boosters that would be recovered via parachute after being depleted and jettisoned, a central liquid fueled orbital stage, and a smaller liquid fueled transit stage. Discovery 1 successfully lifted off from the KSC and reached a ~100km parking orbit. Mission control then plotted its course for the small moon of Minmus, and instructed the probe to perform the transfer burn to start its journey. Due to Minmus' inclined orbit, a series of corrections were made during the transit, during with the probe swung out past and then approached from behind to finally enter a slightly inclined 70km orbit. Once the orbit was stabilized, two more burns were performed with the transit stage to lower the probe's altitude to 35km before it was jettisoned. Final adjustments to place it in a 30km orbit were performed using the on-board RCS thrusters before the probe set to work mapping and analyzing the surface and transmitting its findings back to mission control... Mission Photos: Discovery 1 prepares for launch Liftoff Ascent to orbit Transfer burn Discovery 1's first image of Minmus Entering orbit Minmus from 30km altitude

Mission: Zeus 5 Type: Manned Munar Landing Crew: Jebediah (Mission Commander), Bob (CM Pilot), Bill (ML Pilot/Flight Tech) Objective: Land ML-5 "Athena" near Munar 5 rover Outcome: Success! Status: Recovered Notes: Zeus 5 was the realization of countless hours of preparation, training, design, and meticulous planning. The crew, consisting of Jebediah as mission commander, Bob as command module pilot and Bill as ML pilot and flight technician, were destined to make history. Their objective: proceed to and land on the Mun, and take the first ever steps for Kerbal kind upon its surface. Their launch proceeded using the same "script" that had been practiced by Zeus 4 before them. Their Titan III successfully carried them into a low-Kerbin orbit, and then (using the third stage) set them on a course for the Mun. Bob, as command module pilot, then set about the task of docking with and retrieving their lander, ML-5 "Athena" that would carry Jebediah and Bill to the Munar surface to make their historic landing. Several hours later, they were in orbit over the Mun. Bill and Jebediah transferred over to Athena, and undocking from Zeus 5, began honing in on the beacon from Munar 5, the rover that had scouted out their landing site for them. They made their initial descent burn, and then, at 10km altitude over the flat terrain where Munar 5 was waiting for them, made the braking burn and prepared for landing. The final descent was nerve wracking for everyone at mission control, as the entire mission was in the hands of the Athena's pilot, Bill, to see it to success. Jebedaih was as confident as ever as the Munar surface came up to meet them, and Bill skillfully brought the lander to a near hover meters above the surface before cutting the throttle and letting the Athena's legs find the dusty surface and throw up little puffs as they set down. Jebedaih wasted no time in suiting up and climbing out of Athena's crew cabin. He climbed the short distance down the ladder and dropped the last meter or so to the ground, kicking up a small cloud of dust and remarking "not quite the same as jumping down onto the grassy field back at the space center...". Bill followed shortly behind him, and together they planted a flag and placed a special plaque to mark their landing site, which they named the "Plains of Athena" in honor of their trusted spacecraft that had brought them safely down. Mission control, meanwhile, powered up the Munar 5 rover, which was about 2km away and still had a small amount of charge left in its batteries, and guided it to the explorers where they occupied themselves with various experiments sample collecting until it arrived. The on board camera was used to take a photo of the Athena, her crew and the flag, and Jebediah posed with the rover for a photo as well. Eventually, after spending several hours on the surface, it was time to return to the Athena and make the journey back to orbit to meet Bob and Zeus 5 for the return to Kerbin. Bill fired up the Athena's engine and they blasted off, leaving their flag, plaque, the now powered down Munar 5 rover, and scores of foot prints, and headed back into orbit. There they were met by Bob, who guided Zeus 5 into a successful docking and helped them transfer over the various rocks and dust they'd collected from the surface. Then the lander was abandoned on a suborbital trajectory, and Zeus 5 made the final burn to carry it out of Munar orbit and onto a return course for home... Finally, the Zeus 5 capsule jettisoned its service module and reentered the atmosphere of Kerbin, streaking through the sky and then, after slowing down to a safe speed, deployed parachutes and came down for a relatively soft landing in a highlands area where the crew was recovered safely and whisked away for decontamination, debriefing, and a heroes' welcome... Mission Photos: Zeus 5 on the launchpad Liftoff Burning for the Mun Retrieving the Athena lander Entering Munar orbit Zeus 5 as seen from the departing Athena as it prepares to descend Munar surface during descent Final approach Touchdown Jebediah takes the first steps on the Mun Athena and her crew as seen from the Munar 5 rover's camera Jebediah with Munar 5 rover Departing the Munar surface Rendezvous with Zeus 5 Starting the return to Kerbin Home is in sight...

Mission: Zeus 4 Type: Manned Munar Orbit and Return Crew: Buremone (Mission Commander), Bob (CM Pilot), Lanfry (ML Pilot/Flight Tech) Objective: Complete manned orbit of Mun, conduct test of ML in Munar orbit Outcome: Success! Status: Recovered Notes: Zeus 4 was the final step needed before the first manned landing on the Mun, set for Zeus 5, would be carried out. The Zeus 4 crew would run through every step of a full landing mission except for the landing itself (the ML would descend to 10km and then return to orbit and rendezvous). It was also the first manned launch using a Titan III launch vehicle. The launch proceeded smoothly, with the Titan III, despite some vibrations and stability issues during the initial climb, safely carrying the Zeus 4 and its lander to a low-orbit. There, the crew performed final systems checks and went over the plotted course to the Mun with Mission Control, who gave them the green light to proceed. The third stage of the Titan III was fired for the second burn and accelerated them to a velocity sufficient to reach the Mun. A small correction burn would be required to ensure the spacecraft did not in fact crash into the Mun, but it was decided to wait until after they had extracted the ML from its compartment atop the Titan III third stage before this maneuver was completed. Bob proceeded with ejecting the third stage and ensuring the protective fairings were clear, then turned the Zeus 4 around and successfully docked with the ML, which the crew, following the tradition set by the Zeus 3 mission of naming their Mun Lander, dubbed "Goddard". After final separation from the Titan III, the Zeus 4/Goddard carried on, making the final correction boost using RCS and then entering Munar orbit. Here the Zeus 4's service module engine was fired to ensure that they were captured in a stable orbit around the Mun. After circling around the dark side of the Mun and confirming with Mission Control that all systems were still green, the "Goddard" was powered up and prepared for flight, with Buremone and Lanfry transferring over and leaving Bob to man the Zeus 4 alone. The two un-docked and, while Zeus 4 waited in a 50km orbit, Goddard's engine was fired while they were over the dark side of the Mun, to adjust its orbit to bring the craft within 10km while they were on the daylight side. Once they reached the target altitude, the Goddard's crew fired the engine a second time to reduce their orbital velocity and place them into a suborbital trajectory. This was the final step prior to the powered descent that would bring the ML to a landing on the surface. In order to ensure that the crew were not tempted to try and make an unscheduled landing, they were not provided with EVA suits. Thus, Goddard's engine was fired again to start climbing away from the Mun's tantalizingly close surface, and they returned to a rendezvous and docking with Zeus 4 and Bob. After re-docking and transferring back to Zeus 4, the crew set about performing a burn to place them on a course where Goddard could be ejected and sent on a one way mission to the Mun on its own. This would later allow them to boast that theirs was the first lander to "land" on the Mun, even though it was in countless fragments scattered in and around a fresh impact crater at a undetermined location on the surface. Then they performed their Munar-escape burn, placing them into an orbit that would carry them clear of the Mun and ultimately onto a suborbital trajectory for a return to Kerbin. One final braking burn with the service module's engine to slow them down was performed prior to reentry, and then it was jettisoned. The Zeus 4 capsule and its pioneering crew splashed down safely in the ocean and were recovered... Mission Photos: Zeus 4 on the launch pad Liftoff Orbital insertion Trans-Munar injection burn Retrieving the ML "Goddard" Goddard and its crew of two leave Zeus 4 and head for a "landing" Zeus 4 from the Goddard's viewport The Mun, as seen from the Goddard during its closest approach to the surface Goddard as it returns to dock with Zeus 4 Leaving the Mun behind Final braking burn before reentry Returning to Kerbin

Mission: Titan III Test Type: Launch vehicle test Objective: Test launch and trans-munar stages of Titan III Launch Vehicle Outcome: Success! Status: Payload and trans-munar stage impacted into Mun Notes: Prior to the first Zeus launch using the Titan III rocket, an unmanned launch test was conducted in which the rocket carried a payload of equal weight to the Zeus spacecraft and its accompanying lander, with the goal of carrying it to orbit and then performing a burn using the third stage (trans-munar) engines to place it on a trajectory that would carry it to the Mun. Launch proceeded smoothly, with the massive rocket slowly climbing skywards with a deafening roar. The first and second stages successfully pushed the craft into a suborbital trajectory, after which the third stage successfully completed its first burn to reach a stable orbit. Mission controllers then plotted out an acceptable intercept course to the Mun and transmitted the parameters to the nav-computer that was in control of the Titan III's payload and the still attached third stage. This burn also proceeded without a hitch, with a final course that ensured the craft would intercept, and ultimately crash into, the Mun. With the successful completion of this test, and a final few tweaks and modifications to the Titan III, the green light was given to the Zeus 4 mission, which would be the first manned Mun orbit mission, and a final test of the ML (Mun Lander) in Munar orbit... Mission Photos: Titan III and its test payload prepare for launch Liftoff Second stage ignition Second stage jettisoned Third stage performing trans-Munar injection burn

Mission: Zeus 3 Type: Manned LKO Crew: Jebediah (Mission Commander), Scott (Command Module Pilot), Bob (ML Pilot/Flight Tech) Objective: Orbital manned testing of Mun Lander (ML-4) Outcome: Success! Status: Recovered Notes: Zeus 3 was to be the final test of the Mun Lander (ML) in LKO. It was also the last of the planned Zeus launches using the Titan II, with all future (planned) missions requiring the Titan III to get to the Mun and back. Jebediah, the intended commander for Zeus 5 (the first Mun landing mission) would lead the mission to allow for extra training with the lander, while Scott would serve as command module pilot and Bill would pilot the ML-4, dubbed "Kerra" in orbit during testing. The launch proceeded smoothly, and after their initial ascent, the Zeus 3 crew proceeded with separating from the Titan II second stage and then extracting the lander from its carrier bay atop the now depleted ascent rocket. The lander crew then transferred over to Kerra to perform system start-ups and make final checks before un-docking proceeding with their "landing". During this phase of the mission they tested the Kerra's maneuvering, engines, electrical systems, and exterior lights and Jebediah performed an EVA to practice in preperation for making the historic descent down the Zeus 5 lander's ladder to the Mun's surface. Afterwards, the Kerra returned to Zeus 3 where Scott successfully docked again with the lander and transferred the crew all back to the command module. The Kerra's mission now complete, it was set on a course that would send it to a fiery demise in Kerbin's atmosphere, while Zeus 3 completed one more orbit, then made their deorbit burn and safely returned to a water landing. With the successful completion of this mission, the KSC team was ready to move forward with testing the Titan III, which was soon to carry Zeus 4 and the first manned orbit of the Mun. Mission Photos: Zeus 3 on the launchpad Climbing to orbit Preparing to retrieve "Kerra", the Mun Lander for orbital testing "Kerra" is successfully removed from its storage location After un-docking, Bob snapped this photo of Zeus 3 from his pilot's seat in the lander As Jeb descends the ladder, Bob remarks over the radio "watch that last step...its a doosey!" Scott snaps a photo of Kerra from Zeus 3 as it returns after its orbital testing is complete Zeus 3 passing over the KSC during the return descent

Mission: ML-3 Type: Unmanned LKO Test Objective: Orbital testing of unmanned ML(Mun Lander) Outcome: Success! Status: Derelict, ejected into heliocentric orbit Notes: The ML-3 mission was the first spaceflight of the new Mun Lander (ML). The first two, ML-1 and ML-2, had been prototype and training versions with incomplete or partially operational systems. ML-3 had all the systems installed that would be used on the actual Mun landing missions, with the exceptions of life-support and a docking port (since there would be no crew aboard and no accompanying Zeus spacecraft to dock with). It was launched on top of a Titan II into a low-Kerbin orbit of roughly 90km, and then under remote control separated from the upper stage and fired its own engines to climb to an altitude of 125km. Mission controllers had the lander perform several burns, tested the landing gear and ladder systems, electrical systems and flight computer. Once they were satisfied that the systems were operating normally, a final long-duration engine test was performed, exhausting all remaining fuel in the lander to determine its capabilities. At the end of this burn, the craft was left on a trajectory that would carry it clear of Kerbin's gravity and send it into a heliocentric orbit, destined to drift there for the foreseeable future. This mission was a precursor to the Zeus 3 mission, which would launch a fully operational Zeus/ML spacecraft into LKO for the purposes of testing all the aspects of the mission except the actual trip to, orbit of and landing on the Mun... Mission Photos: The Titan II carrying ML-3 stands by to launch Liftoff Reaching orbit and separating from the Titan II second stage First of several engine tests Final engine test and reaching escape velocity

Off to a good start!

Mission: Munar 5 Type: Automated Rover Objective: Explore Munar Surface, scout future Zeus landing site Outcome: Success! Status: Batteries depleted, located near Zeus 5 landing site (0* 13' 1" N 262* 44' 37" W Notes: Munar 5 was a repeat of the failed Munar 4 mission, with the goal being to place the rover on the surface to conduct scientific exploration, as well as provide detailed data about the first planned Zeus landing site. The mission proceeded much the same as Munar 4, with initial launch, orbit and trans-munar burn proceeding smoothly. This time, however, the craft entered a lower initial orbit around the Mun, to make the descent trajectory slower and thus less likely to end in an off target landing as had ultimately doomed Munar 4. Once the descent and braking burns were complete, the descent stage took over and guided the rover down to a landing on a flat area of terrain between the rolling hills and craters of the Munar surface. This time, the computer accurately dropped the rover within 5m of the surface, allowing for a gentle landing well within the wheels' shock absorption threshold. The descent stage then climbed up and away, eventually running out of fuel and falling back into the Mun several KM away. With all systems operational, the rover set out to explore its surroundings, investigating several large boulders, transmitting back data about the Munar gravity and magnetic field, and taking several pictures of the surface and of Kerbin in the sky. Afterwards, the rover was positioned to act as a homing beacon for the future Zeus mission which would seek to land nearby, and was placed in standby mode to conserve battery power... Mission Photos: Munar 5 prepares for launch As the sun rises, Munar 5 prepares for the burn to carry it out to the Mun The braking burn to start descent towards the surface Braking burn complete, the fairings around the rover are jettisoned Final burn of braking stage to start vertical descent Final approach Landed! Munar 5 investigates a boulder near its landing site Kerbin as seen from Munar 5 Munar 5 positioned to act as a beacon for a future Zeus lander

Mission: Zeus 2/Rhea 4 Type: Manned LKO Crew: Zeus 2 - Jebediah (Mission Commander), Bill (CM Pilot), Bob (LM Pilot/Flight Tech); Rhea 4 - Scott (Command Pilot), Lanfry (Flight Tech) Objective: Test ML (Mun-Lander) Shroud by carrying Rhea/Zeus Docking Adapter to LKO, dock using Rhea/Zeus docking adapter Outcome: Success! Status: Recovered Notes: The Zeus/Rhea docking experiment was born out of the necessity to test various technologies. The KSC team wanted to test the viability of the ML Shroud, the protective compartment in which the Mun Lander would ride the Titan II/III to orbit beneath the Zeus spacecraft. They also wanted to test the new full size docking port of the Zeus, but ML-2, the first operational Mun Lander, was not yet ready for flight. Instead, it was decided to use one of the already assembled Rhea spacecraft, Rhea 4, which originally had been slated for a docking mission with Rhea 5, to fill the role of ML-2 by acting as an orbital docking target. This however, required either extensive modifications to the Rhea's nose structure, or the use of an adapter to allow the Zeus to dock. A small module (the Rhea/Zeus Docking Adapter) was designed and built to be carried aloft with the Zeus, riding in the ML Shroud to orbit where it would be extracted before rendezvous with Rhea. One end would have a Rhea docking port, and the other would house a full scale Zeus/ML docking port. It was decided that Zeus 2 would launch first, carried aloft by a Titan II with the ML Shroud fitted to the top of the second stage, below the Zeus service module (SM). The launch proceeded smoothly, with the Titan II having no trouble carrying the extra weight to a 100km orbit. Once there, the Zeus pilot, Bill, separated the spacecraft from the second stage, jettisoning the ML Shroud fairings and exposing its cargo. He then turned the Zeus around and brought it in to dock with the Zeus side of the docking adapter, before it was separated from the Titan II second stage. Zeus 2 then moved into a 125km orbit to await the arrival of Rhea 4. Rhea 4 was launched once it was assured that all systems were working properly with Zeus 2, and that it had successfully retrieved the docking adapter. It was carried aloft using the RLV2 like all previous Rhea missions, and the launch was uneventful. Once in orbit, Rhea 4's Command Pilot, Scott, intercepted the Zeus 2 and successfully performed the first docking of two manned spacecraft. Afterwards, the Zeus 2 un-docked and performed some maneuver tests before returning to dock a second time with Rhea 4. With their mission completed, both crews prepared to return home. Zeus 2 de-orbited first, with Rhea 4 completing one more orbit before un-docking the adapter, which was left in a stable 80km orbit, and then returned as well. Both spacecraft returned safely to a splash-landing east of the KSC. Mission Photos: Zeus 2 with its Titan II, featuring the ML Shroud designed to carry the Mun Lander aloft in later missions Zeus 2 lifts off View from Zeus 2 of the Titan II upper stage and exposed docking adapter before it was extracted Removing the docking adapter from the Titan II second stage Rhea 4 lifts off Zeus 2, as seen from Rhea 4 during approach Coming in to dock Docking successful Zeus 2 ruins a perfectly good photo of the Sun from Rhea 4 during maneuver tests Zeus 2 maneuvers in to dock with Rhea 4 a second time

Zeus, the Mun and beyond Rhea and the early Munar flights, by their successes and failures, had provided the building blocks and fundamental experience the KSC team needed to move forward with their next major project. That mission, the Zeus program, aimed to put a manned mission on the Munar surface, and, after initial exploration by unmanned probes, Minmus as well. The Rhea spacecraft, reliable as it was, was too bulky and lacked the necessary equipment to make the journey (rechargeable batteries, full scale docking ports, a suitable engine). The crew capsule, however, was sound and would be incorporated into the new design with some internal modifications to allow for 3 crew members. A new service module was also designed, with a more powerful engine, solar panels, a robust stability assistance system and a long-range communication array. The Munar Lander which would carry two of the Zeus astronauts to the surface, was also entering the test phase of development, with ML-1 undergoing initial engine testing and crew training exercises at the KSC. The Titan III, intended to launch the Mun/Minmus missions, was still undergoing final design evaluations, but confidence was high that once the LKO Zeus/ML testing missions were complete using Titan IIs, it would be ready for flight... Bill and Jeb take a break during a simulated Mun landing mission with ML-1 Zeus 1 - Success Unmanned test flight of Zeus spacecraft Zeus 2/Rhea 4 - Success First operational flight of Zeus, first docking between two manned spacecraft Munar 5 - Success First successful Mun rover ML-3 - Success Unmanned orbital test of Mun Lander Zeus 3 - Success Manned orbital test of Mun Lander Titan III - Success Titan III Launch Vehicle test Zeus 4 - Success First manned orbit of Mun Zeus 5 - Success First manned Mun landing Discovery 1 - Success Minmus orbiter Discovery 2 - Success Minmus lander Zeus 6 - Success First manned Minmus landing ----- Mission: Zeus 1 Type: Unmanned test flight Objective: Test Zeus flight systems in orbit Outcome: Success! Status: Recovered Notes: The Zeus spacecraft's maiden flight, Zeus 1, was a standard LKO mission, intended to test all of the ship's systems in space, before it was committed to manned missions. The near disaster with Rhea 1 had precluded any manned spacecraft from being flown by a crew prior to a full evaluation for safety reasons, and the Zeus passed with flying colors. From its initial launch atop a Titan II, to its orbital insertion and systems checks, all the way to reentry and recovery, every system functioned perfectly. With this success, the KSC team had high hopes for the future of manned exploration, both to the Mun, Minmus, and beyond... Mission Photos: Zeus 1 prepares for a night launch Liftoff Flight systems testing in orbit A flawless reentry and recovery

Mission: Munar 4 Type: Automated Rover Objective: Explore Munar surface Outcome: Failed (Rover damaged during landing) Status: Landed on Mun at 1* 18' 42" N 59* 6' 10" W Disabled due to damage Notes: Munar 4 was the KSC's first attempt to land an unmanned rover on the Mun. The mission plan called for a Titan II to carry the rover and its landing vehicle into orbit, and then on to an intercept trajectory. From there, a braking stage would slow the craft and place it on a descent trajectory before the landing stage took over to control its descent. As it neared the surface, the rover's descent speed would be slowed to near 0, and then it would be released. The descent stage would then be carried away to a crash landing clear of the landing site to prevent it falling on the rover and damaging it. The mission was initially plagued by an instability during its ascent, likely due to poor welding in the structural components of the first stage, and experienced some gyration during the climb. This however, was overcome, and after the second stage took over vanished and allowed the craft to reach orbit safely. From there, the Titan II second stage engine was used to propel the craft onto an intercept course, before it was discarded. Ground based telescopes would later confirm that the Titan II second stage was ejected from the Kerbin system by the Mun's gravity, making it the first object to achieve heliocentric orbit. Once it had reached the Mun, Munar 4 was placed onto a descent course by the braking stage, which was then jettisoned. Next, the descent stage took over, controlling the rate of descent and slowing its speed to allow for the rover to be safely jettisoned. However, a problem arose when the descent was found to be slightly off course, and it came down over a large crater. The sloped sides made it difficult for the computer to accurately judge when to release the rover, and it was accidentally released higher than expected, causing one of its wheels to be damaged during the landing. This meant that the rover was unable to move, and thus, the mission was deemed a failure despite all other systems working properly. Mission control placed it in standby mode and marked its landing site as a possible target for one of the Zeus missions, if it was deemed possible to repair on the Munar surface... Mission Photos: Munar 4 and its Titan II First stage separation Entering Munar orbit Discarding the braking stage Final descent Photo from Munar 4, slanted due to a damage wheel Munar 4 rover, disabled on the surface

Mission: Titan II Type: Launch Vehicle Test Objective: Launch payload to 80km orbit Outcome: Success! Status: Deorbited Notes: Ramping up their progress towards manned exploration of the Mun, the KSC team launched their first test of the Titan II launch vehicle. This rocket was designed to carry heavier probes to the Mun or Minmus, as well as provide a means of transporting manned spacecraft into LKO. Specifically, it was intended to carry the planned Zues spacecraft and its accompanying Munar Lander (ML) into LKO for early test missions. A larger variant, the Titan III, was also being developed for actual manned missions to the Mun. The Titan II was put to the test by mounting a large dummy payload of comparable weight to the Zues and its lander, with the goal of taking this to a stable 80km orbit. If this mission was successful, a further operational test was planned in which the Titan II would carry a robotic rover (Munar 4) to orbit for delivery to the Mun. The launch proved successful, with the Titan II's first stage carrying the rocket to ~20km, before the second stage was ignited to carry it the rest of the way to orbit. The payload had been fitted with its own engine and fuel supply to allow it to be de-orbited, but the Titan II's engines were adequate to take the craft to 80km, establish orbit, and then perform a de-orbit burn to ensure it reentered the atmosphere and was destroyed to reduce debris in space. Mission Photos: Titan II on the launchpad Liftoff Turning east and flying over the coastal islands First stage separation Completing orbital insertion

Mission: Munar 3 Type: Unmanned Munar Lander Objective: Land Munar 3 intact on Munar surface Outcome: Success! Status: Landed on Mun at 0* 14' 43" N 109* 49' 52" W, Batteries depleted Notes: Munar 3 was the first attempt to land a probe on the Mun in a controlled fashion. The lander itself featured a small central fuel tank and accompanying engine, a communication array and scientific instrumentation, and deploy-able landing legs arrayed in a tripod configuration. It was carried by an MS-1, the same launcher design that had successfully delivered Munar 2 to its destination. Launch proceeded smoothly, with the MS-1 easily carrying the small lander into orbit before the TMB (trans-Mun Booster), modified to carry solar panels in order to keep the Munar 3's batteries charged, took over to carry the probe to its new home. The TMB performed two burns, one to place the probe into orbit, and another to bring it within 7km of the surface. The intended landing site was near the large canyon previously sighted by Munar 2, but the uneven nature of the terrain meant that the actual landing would be too far to provide any up-close imagery of the canyon itself. The TMB performed one final burn to reduce the probe's orbital velocity and set it on a suborbital trajectory, and was then jettisoned away. It later crashed a few KM away in a large crater. Munar 3 then made the final descent under its own power, the mission control looking on anxiously as the radar altimeter ticked down the last few hundred meters to the surface. After a few tense moments, the signal everyone had been waiting for, triggered by the engine shutting down after sensors on the probe detected contact with the surface, came over the monitors in mission control, with cheers erupting across the room. They then sent the signal to activate all the scientific equipment on board to begin collecting data, and used the on-board camera to capture the first image ever from the surface of the Mun. The probe transmitted data for about 5 hours, at which time the last of the stored battery power was exhausted, and its mission was complete... Mission Photos: Munar 3 prepares for launch Munar 3 and its TMB (trans-Mun Booster) leaving LKO Munar 3 approaching the 7km mark and the final TMB burn The TMB discarded, Munar 3 starts its descent Landing legs deployed Touchdown! First image from the surface of the Mun

Ya, I love the procedural fairings mod, it brings an awesome flavor to the game!

Mission: Rhea 3 & Artemis I OTV (Orbital Target Vehicle) Type: Manned LKO (Rhea 3) and unmanned target craft (Artemis I) Crew: Bill (Command Pilot), Scott (Flight Tech) Objective: Launch Rhea 3, launch Artemis I OTV, conduct orbital rendezvous and docking, conduct EVA to simulate spacecraft repair and other tasks for future missions Outcome: Success! Status: Recovered (Rhea 3), Active in LKO (Artemis I) Notes: The Rhea 3 mission was another first for the KSC team. It would be the first attempt to intercept another spacecraft in orbit using a manned orbiter, and it would be the first docking attempt. The mission was carried out in three phases. First, the Artemis I OTV (Orbital Target Vehicle) was launched atop a RLV2 into a 250km orbit. This launch proceeded without issue, and the craft successfully reached its target orbit. Mission control then performed basic systems checks and oriented the craft inline with Kerbin's axis, to make approach and docking easier for the Rhea 3 crew to follow. The second phase was the launch of Rhea 3. This too went smoothly, until it came time for the planned intercept. The relatively low thrust of the Rhea's main engine meant that it had to make several long duration burns to affect the required changes in its orbit in order to meet the Artemis. The pilot, Bill, being untested, had some difficulties in plotting the intercept initially, but eventually was able to fine tune his course to bring him within 1km of his target. Once he had brought himself into a matching orbit, he was able to move Rhea 3 in closer using the RCS system, and carefully moved in and safely docked with the Artemis. This brought the mission to phase 3, where both crew members would spend time performing an EVA, carrying out various simulated tasks on the combined spacecraft to simulate working to repair a satellite or other type of craft. This was an important test for future missions, namely the planning of the manned Mun exploration program currently under development, but also the more long-term orbital station program also on the drawing board. They also performed a burn, using the more powerful Artemis I engine to move their combined craft into a 250 x 500km orbit, as well as transferred fuel between the two craft and used the Artemis' solar panels to recharge the Rhea's batteries. Once all objectives of the mission had been met, Rhea 3 un-docked and left the Artemis in its new orbit, and returned safely to Kerbin. Mission Photos: The Artemis I and its RLV2 standing by to launch Artemis I is successfully delivered to orbit Rhea 3 prepares to meet the Artemis I OTV Artemis I as seen from Rhea 3 during its approach Bill and Scott performing simulated repairs on the Artemis I Using the Artemis I engine, Bill guides the Rhea 3/Artemis I into a higher orbit

Mission: Rhea 2 Type: Manned LKO Orbit Crew: Jebediah (Command Pilot), Buremone (Flight Tech) Objective: Establish inclined LKO, perform simultaneous EVA Outcome: Success! Status: Recovered Notes: The Rhea 2 flight was used by both mission control and the crew to build experience in low-orbital operations, namely EVA's in which both crew members would be outside the craft, as well as determine the feasibility of launching into an inclined orbit. An RLV2 carried the spacecraft into an initial 120x70km orbit at an inclination of nearly 40 degrees. Once there, Jebediah used the Rhea's engine to increase the apoapsis to 450km, and the periapsis to 100km. Once in a stable orbit, the crew performed an initial EVA with Buremone leaving the spacecraft to perform a visual survey over the UM (Utility Module) and ANM (Avionics Nosecone Module), then returned to rest before another EVA was performed, in which Jebediah took part, circling the spacecraft while Buremone hovered near the hatch in case of trouble. After spending a few more hours in orbit, the Rhea 2 crew performed their de-orbit burn and returned safely to a water landing in the ocean south of the KSC, just over 12 hours after launch. The mission successfully proved that multiple crew members could perform an EVA safely together, and that by changing the initial ascent vectors, a spacecraft could more easily determine its final orbital inclination. Rhea 3's objectives would be to build upon this and previous missions, and attempt the first manned orbital rendezvous and, hopefully, docking... Mission Photos: Rhea 2 burning to a 450km apoapsis View from Rhea 2 of Kerbin at a height of 450km Buremone performs his first EVA Buremone and Jebediah together on the first dual-EVA An evening landing south of the KSC