"Rescue Kerbonaut and Retrieve Debris"

[Fadamor]

I received this mission the other day. I'm not sure if it was a stock mission or added from a mod, but I am having issues.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/7dqy8fzp7jvwx9f/Travis and Debris.png

Rescuing the Travis isn't an issue, but recovering the debris is. The debris is the Mk. 1 Lander Can Travis is riding in. There's nothing else attached to the Lander Can. When I tried to get a docking port attached to the lander can in build mode with an Engineer, it wouldn't even try. Any suggestions on how to a.) grab the derelict lander can, and b.) make sure it doesn't burn up on re-entry back at Kerbin?

Edited May 7, 2023 by Fadamor

[Scarecrow71]

Use the claw.  Docking ports don't work for these salvage missions.

[18Watt]

In addition to what @Scarecrow71 said, I'll add a few points:

• You can choose to only rescue the Kerbal, and leave the pod he was in orbiting Kerbin.  However, you will have a penalty for not completing all of the contract requirements.  You will still get credit for recovering the Kerbal safely, but not the capsule.
• As @Scarecrow71 already said, the Claw is the best (possibly only) way to recover the capsule.  Docking ports won't work.

[Fadamor]

OK, so how do I keep it from burning up in Kerbin's atmosphere? It's too big to stow in a storage container, right? I don't have anything like a Space Shuttle ginned-up.

[fulgur]

1.875m or 2.5m heatshield attached to your Klawing ship would work easily. I tend to use a small probe with just the reaction wheels & batteries (to keep pointing retrogade) on the top stage, and a separate deorbiting stage.

Edited May 7, 2023 by fulgur

[Fadamor]

I see. Thanks for your answers! I'll give it a try.

[king of nowhere]

18 hours ago, Fadamor said:

OK, so how do I keep it from burning up in Kerbin's atmosphere? It's too big to stow in a storage container, right? I don't have anything like a Space Shuttle ginned-up.

I called those things "cocoonators". basically, a small probe with a claw and a heat shield to attack to the frail component and shield it.

you probably don't have the 10 m inflatable shield, but you also have a much smaller part to shield.