Introducing the Nina - Mun explorer and return vehicle package

[Jean Deaux]

She's not the prettiest ship in the fleet, but she's probably the most versatile. This little beauty takes three Kerbals and two 6 passenger vehicles to the Mun and has enough fuel for the return trip back, sans vehicles. Why two cars? Because I've seen how you drive on the mun, that's why, and you'll appreciate having a spare standing by. The Nina has a very wide spread making landing on all but the steepest slopes possible, though obviously the flatter the better. The Craft file is all stock for Version .20.1 but I highly recommend adding MechJeb2 and ISA Mapsat add-ons to be sure you're not wasting fuel or time searching.

Features Include:

• Docking Port
  
• RCS thrusters - though hardly needed except for docking
  
• Two 6 passenger vehicles for exploring
  
• Sturdy frame - very reliable & well balanced
  
• Vehicles include roll-over recovery features and full science pack
  
• Vehicles will operate manned or unmanned
  
• Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon lighting package
  

Operating Tips:

My perferred method of flight is to launch to 80km using Mechjeb2 for a circular orbit, fly to Mun and select a landing zone using ISA Mapsat maps and Mechjeb2 lander guidance. This routine has always afforded me a safe return trip home with this vessel. I also recommend activating the brakes before releasing/staging the rovers else they may roll away and be a little difficult to retrieve. I would also keep the speed 10 m/s or less unless in very smooth terrain, the low gravity of the moon makes for some surprising twists and turns at high speeds.

Download the Nina here

Edited June 14, 2013 by Jean Deaux

[J0hnsmine]

Thanks! i got it myself and it inspired me to do other things.

[Jean Deaux]

It's certainaly adaptable. You could add a habitat module on it and use it as a rescue craft. Swapping the "Poodle" engines for "Mainsails" or "Skippers" will allow you to land on Kerbal and explore your home planet as well, though you won't be flying it back to the launch facilities.