Mission to Jool "Glory Road" (LOTS of pictures)

[Tokay Gris]

Mission to Jool "Glory Road" - Phase One

Mission objective:

- Get a satellite in polar orbit around each of Jools moons.

- Place habitats around Jool and Laythe in equatorial orbits.

Vessel: "Dum Vivimus Vivamus II"

Equipped with six mapping satellites (one spare, will be placed in Jool orbit), two habitats for four Kerbals each and two orbital tugs.

Vessel information:

Mass: 304.11 tons

Acceleration: 0.12 G

The "Dum Vivimus Vivamus II" is a highly modified version of the trusted "Pollux MK II" cruiser. Two additional fueltanks on the sides and four docking ports for the satellites. It will be decided later if the side fuel tanks will be left in Jool-orbit and/or Laythe-orbit docked to the habitats.

Crew:

Gilbald Kerman, commanding

Roding Kerman, Pilot of orbital tug "Bumblebee I"

Derhat Kerman, Pilot of orbital tug "Bumblebee II"

Mission profile:

Boost from Kerbin orbit, slingshot around Mun, course correction in transit, aerobrake in Jools athmosphere, establish circular equatorial orbit in about 2500 km distance from Jool.

Possible problems with this mission:

- Pol is hard to reach. Delta-V on the satellites might not be sufficient to reach this moon. Possible solution: transfer a satellite to the "Maureen Johnson" bound for Bop and Pol of Phase Two of the mission.

- the habitats might not withstand the G-forces and drag during the aerobraking manouver.

- if slingshot manouver does not work as planned, delta-V might not be enough to return to Kerbin without refuelling. For safety reasons, the heavy tanker "Colin Campbell" will be sent to Jool shortly after departure of the "Dum Vivimus Vivamus II"

Edited July 1, 2013 by Tokay Gris

[Tokay Gris]

Mission report:

The slingshot manouver worked smoothly, but trajectory was off.

The hoped for fuel saving did not work, so the mission is short on fuel for the return to Kerbin.

The "Colin Campbell" is already underway, but is on a similar trajectory. Fuel transportation should be sufficient, though, to get both vessels safely back to Kerbin.

[Tokay Gris]

Mission: "Glory Road" - support mission.

Mission objective:

- Transport as much fuel as is possible into an equatorial Jool-orbit

Vessel:

"Colin Campbell"

Again, a "Pollux MK V" is the main boosting cruiser for this mission. The payload consists of two Jumbo-tanks and 18 X200-32 Tanks, most of which should be full when reaching Jool orbit. Additionally, a hitchhiker-container as well as two big RCS-fueltanks are on board.

Vessel information:

Mass: 695.7 tons

Acceleration: 0.05 G

Crew:

Johntrey Kerman, commanding, pilot of the boosting vessel

Billin Kerman, pilot of the payload

Mission profile:

Boost from Kerbin orbit, slingshot around Mun, course correction in transit, aerobrake in Jools athmosphere, establish equatorial orbit about 2500 km from Jool, rendevous with "Dum Vivimus Vivamus II"

Expected problems with this mission:

- Maneuverability is lousy at best. Most likely solution is that the boosting stage will act as a refuelling tanker.

[Tokay Gris]

Mission report, "Glory Road" - support mission:

Slingshot around Mun proved to be spectacular, although - as was noted with the previous experiences with the "Dum Vivimus Vivamus II" - trajectory was way off and no fuel could be saved. Additional fuel usage was significant, but there should still be enough to reach mission objectives.

Shortly after a small correction burn, Commander Johntrey Kerman reported loss of control of the boosting vessel. Closer inspection showed the problem:

The connection between the last tank with the engines and the rest of the vessel was insufficient to withstand the - although pretty small - acceleration of 0.05 G.

To solve this problem, another "Pollux MK V" was launched to replace the damaged vessel and put on a rendevous trajectory with the helpless "Colin Campbell".

With the experiences of both the "Dum Vivimus Vivamus II" and the "Colin Campbell" regarding slingshots, it was decided to forget about those for now and make a direct burn. Quite a lot of fuel was saved this way.

After the remaining fuel of the damaged vessel was transfered, as well as the luckless Johntrey Kerman, the "Colin Campbell" was once again fully operational and preparing the transfer trajectory - now with one additional crew member: Adlin Kerman - to Jool.

But problems didn't end there:

After the transfer burn for Jool, another mishap occured:

One of the fueltanks of the payload broke away:

Immediately, the remaining fuel from the sidetanks of the payload was transfered to the - now empty - tanks of the boosting stage, so that now most of the side tanks are empty. With this procedure, the balance of the vessel is secured and the mission can continue.

It has to be seen if the remaining tanks - with the structural weakness of this vessel - will survive the aerobrake at Jool.

[Tokay Gris]

Mission to Jool "Glory Road" - Phase Two

Mission objective:

- Land on Bop, if possible at the site of any anomalies the satellite form Phase One discovers.

- Land on Pol, if possible at the site of any anomalies the satellite from Phase One discovers.

- Land on Vall, if possible at all and if possible at the site of any anomalies the satellite from Phase One discovers.

Vessel:

"Maureen Johnson"

(in the background a "Lumox"-refuelling tanker)

The landing vessel is a "Falcon MK II", the cruiser once again a modified "Pollux MK V".

Vessel information:

Mass: 423.5 tons

Acceleration: 0.11G

Crew:

Raytrey Kerman, commanding

Bartbury Kerman, docking pilot

Obford Kerman, landing pilot

Keltrey Kerman, pilot of "Pollux MK V"

Dudke Kerman, astrogation

Mission profile:

Boost from Kerbin orbit (directly), course correction in transit, aerobrake in Jools atmosphere, intercept Bop, land on Bop, rendevous with the "Pollux", transfer to Pol, land on Pol, rendevous with "Pollux", transfer to Vall, attempt landing on Vall if possible, return to Kerbin orbit.

Problems with this mission:

None expected. The "Falcon MK II" is already tested in low gravity landings and proved to be a reliable craft, as well as the otherwise trustworthy "Pollux MK V". The problems with the "Colin Campbell" lead to enforcing the structural integrity.

[Tokay Gris]

Mission Report "Glory Road" - Phase One

Transfer to Jool was without events.

Against the fears of some engineers, the docking ports proved to be strong enough to keep the habitats in place during aerobraking.

A few manouvers later and two more aerobrakes, a equatorial orbit around Jool with around 2500 km above Jool is achieved and the deployment of the satellites underway.

One of the satellites was deployed early because the rather strange and elliptical orbit after the first aerobrake allowed for an easy encounter with Bop. Since Phase Two of the mission - namely the "Maureen Johnson" - is to reach Jool soon, this satellite had priority.

Sadly, a design flaw showed itself at this stage: The engines of the satellites didn't have any gimbaling abilities and the torque of the probe core wasn't enough to compensate. So, all satellites had to be placed in their respective orbits using the orbital tugs, spending even more fuel.

Aerobraking around Laythe worked pretty well.

A bit this could be compensated by doing repeated aerobrakes - in parts quite deep into Jools atmosphere - on the return trips of the tugs.

This way, four of the five moons of Jool are now equipped with a satellite in polar orbit.

The fifth satellite bound for Pol is en route to meet with the "Maureen Johnson", currently around Bop and preparing the landing at the site of the anomaly the satellite had discovered.

Edited July 1, 2013 by Tokay Gris

[Tokay Gris]

Mission Report "Glory Road" - Phase Two

Aerobraking of the "Maureen Johnson" worked without a glitch, the achieved orbit was roughly in sync with Bops orbit (much to the surprise of anyone involved).

A few corrections later and a final big burst and orbit was achieved 120 km above Bop.

The adapter between the landing "Falcon MK II" and the "Pollux" was transfered and the final maneuvers for the landing commenced.

After the braking burn the remaining cone of the adapter was decoupled to impact with Bop.

The landing went on without a glitch and close to the reported anomaly. Pictures from the satellite ensured that the terrain was roughly level.

Reported first words of Commader Raytrey Kerman on Bop: "Look how high I can jump!"

The rover was then deployed and manned to explore the anomaly.

Reported first words of Bartbury Kerman after sighting the source of the anomaly: "Holy Kerbol! I know this guy!"

A few obligatory pictures were taken and the obligatory flag was planted.

Then it was time to return to orbit to meet up again with the "Pollux".

It was getting dark anyway. Meanwhile, the satellite from the "Dum Vivimus Vivamus II", as well as Roding Kerman with his orbital tug arrived and docked with the "Pollux".

[Tokay Gris]

Mission to Jool "Glory Road" - Phase Three

Mission objective:

- Land on Laythe

- Return to Kerbin

Vessel:

"Peewee"

Again, a trusted "Pollux MK V" as cruiser and a "Falcon MK III" as landing stage, with an additional orbital maneuver stage in between, to leave enough fuel for descent and ascent from Laythe.

Vessel information:

Mass: 414 tons

Acceleration: 0.087G

Crew:

Encan Kerman, commanding

Shepry kerman, pilot of "Pollux"

Mitsby Kerman, pilot of landing vessel

Mission profile:

Boost from Kerbin orbit (direct), aerobrake in Jools atmosphere, intercept Laythe, land on Laythe on site of anomalies, if any, and on land, preferably. Return to orbit, rendezvous with "Pollux", return to Kerbin orbit.

Possible problems with this mission:

- it is not known how reliable the parachutes are, so landing at a specific location might be difficult.

- the landing stage will be left on Laythe. Tests on Kerbin showed that it might be dangerous to lift of again if terrain is not level, since the landing thrusters will be decoupled into six parts and might lean towards the ascend vehicle.

Edited July 1, 2013 by Tokay Gris

[Tokay Gris]

Mission report "Glory Road" - Current status:

Accomplished:

- Four of the five satellites are safely in equatorial orbits around Laythe, Vall, Tylo and Bop.

- Landing on Bop was successfull and rendezvous with the support vessel was accomplished.

- "Dum Vivimus Vivamus II" safely in planned orbit around Jool.

- One habitat in orbit around Jool, though at this time not circular.

- The satellite bound for Pol as well as a tug are docked to "Maureen Johnson"

In progress:

- The "Maureen Johnson" is currently planning the transfer to Pol.

- The habitat around Jool is currently planning the circularization of the orbit. A height has not yet been decided.

- The "Colin Campbell" is en route to Jool.

- The "Peewee" is en route to Jool.

In planning:

- A vessel to land on Tylo is in development but as yet far from complete.

- Since all vessels currently at Jool or en route to Jool are not equiped to bring all Kerbals on this mission back to Kerbins surface, return vehicles have still to be brought into orbit around Kerbin to ensure safe return from orbit. Small tankers can be used for this, but a return orbiter is in development.

Problems encountered so far:

- The design of the "Colin Campbell" is structurally weak and needs to be redone.

- The LV-1 engine is in this configuration useless, since it lacks gimbaling abilities. It is suggested to use the Rockomax 24-77 next time or add an SAS module.

- The design of the "Dum Vivimus Vivamus II" does not have sufficient fuel capacity.

- The design of the "Dum Vivimus Vivamus II" poses problems retrieving two of the six attached satellites. It was solvable, but could be improved.

- Slingshots are more difficult than expected.

- Space for Kerbals for the return trip is rare. It is suggested to ad a hitchhiker container to the cruisers in the "Pollux"-design series.

Successes so far, beyond mission goals:

- The tugs proved to be extremely versatile and mobile while having enough delta-V to accomplish almost all tasks necessary.

- The "Falcon MK II" showed once again it's abilities.

- The rover profited a lot from exchanging the ASAS module with an SAS module. Even in the very low gravity of Bop is was stable up to 10 m/s ground speed. Breaking abilities could be improved, though.

All in all, so far so good....

[Geschosskopf]

Very impressive fleet you have there and good job overcoming problems encountered.

How did you get these monsters off the ground, or did you build them in orbit?

[Tokay Gris]

How did you get these monsters off the ground, or did you build them in orbit?

The "Dum Vivimus Vivamus II" lifted off the pad without the satellites and without the tugs and had to refueled in orbit, since it burned the fuel in its belly during takeoff. Getting those in orbit later on was easy, since they all are rather lightweight.

Mostly each satellite came with one of the tugs into orbit and two of those where then docked to the main vessel.

The "Maureen Johnson" is a two part vessel. Back half is another "Pollux MK V". The "Colin Campbell" and the "Peewee" each have the same cruiser underneath.

Heaviest of the modules was the landing craft of the "Peewee" - suprising, I know - and required a new design of lifter to get it into orbit. Docking was easy compared to that.

The payload of the "Colin Campbell" was suprisingly simple to get into orbit. It was almost a SSTO. I just attached six docking rings underneath, a mainsail underneath that, some fuel lines, noticed it had a TWR of well above 2 and enough delta-V. Easy.

Why parts of the payload broke of during measly 0.02 Gs, I cannot say, since they survived the 3 to 4 Gs during takeoff without hassle.

All vessels came into orbit the "usual" way without any tricks. The only "trick" I used was that I edited the persistence-file after the tenth tanker mission... It just got so boring to fill those beasts.

And after that, no tricks were used.

[Tokay Gris]

Mission report "Glory Road" - Update

Transfer trajectory of the "Maureen Johnson" from Bop to Pol took only 420 m/s delta-V. One single burn in an orbit around Bop, one very minor corrective burn (18 m/s) in transit.

Transit time: 3 days. Not bad, if I might say so. I think. I like it.

[Tokay Gris]

Mission Report "Glory Road" - Phase Two - Update

Primary objectives of Phase Two have been completed!

After the successful landing of the "Maureen Johnson" on Bop and rendezvous with the "Bumblebee II" with attached satellite, a course was planned to reach Pol. This was done at the plane conversion points between the orbits of Bop and Pol and so the required delta-V could be kept to a minimum.

After inserting into Pols orbit, the "Bumblebee II" completed another of the primary objectives of Phase One of the mission and put a satellite into a polar orbit around Pol.

After a preliminary scan of the planet has been conducted and no anomalies found, it was decided to land near a mountain ridge near the equator to minimize delta-V requirements.

Due to rather sloppy planning, this landing site was very tilted and the landing pilot had difficulties to set the "Maureen Johnson" safely on the ground. (OOC: Mechjeb would have botched it, so I did it by hand)

Thanks to the superior quality of the vessel, the steep slope wasn't a problem for the craft.

As you can see, the kerbonauts had trouble not sliding off.

Again, the obligatory flag was planted and the usualy pictures were taken.

Against the explicit warnings of Obford Kerman, the rover was once again unpacked. Due to the sloped terrain, it was quickly repacked, because uphill a speed of 0.2 m/s was the limit.

Liftoff posed no problems, despite the slope, and rendezvous with the support vessel followed.

At this point, the primary objectives of Phase Two have been accomplished.

The secondary objective - a landing on Vall - was then planned. Thanks to the superior work of astrogator Dudke Kerman, a wonderful and efficient trajectory was used.

With this trajectory, the insertion burn into Valls orbit was surprisingly minimal.

The satellite around Vall detected an anomaly, and after careful examination (read: "what the hell, let's do this!") of the numbers involved, the landing was planned.

It proved to be a mistake not to have Dudke Kerman as astrogator on board, otherwise he would have planned it differently with his own life on the line. Because the anomaly was near the south pole, a mayor course correction was needed, draining the scarce fuel reserves.

Landing near the anomaly proved to be no mayor problem. This time after the experience on Pol, the terrain was carefully chosen for the landing site.

"One small step for a Kerbal, a gia.... OUTCH"

Edited July 2, 2013 by Tokay Gris

[Tokay Gris]

Mission Report "Glory Road" - Phase Two - Update

Since the anomaly - although visible in the distance - was quite a bit away, the rover was unpacked and the journey towards the anomaly started.

Upon reaching the anomaly, it seemed to be a manufactured structure of unkown origin.

Bartburry Kerman could be convinced NOT to scratch his initials in one of the blocks.

Again, obligatory pictures were taken and a flag planted.

Due to the position of the anomaly, the "Maureen Johnson" was able to reach orbit, but not able to rendevous with the support vessel. Therefor, the "Pollux" had to initiate the rendevous.

At this stage, it was observed that without the attached satellite and only the tug at one side, the gimabling abilities of the engines was not enough to compensate for the asymetry. This could be compensated with moderate use of the RCS thrusters.

Since it is as yet not clear if the "Colin Campbell" can complete it's mission and the "Maureen Johnson" has three spare seats, it was decided to wait for the arrival of the support mission, in case the "Dum Vivimus Vivamus II" could not make the return trip due to lack of fuel and/or needs to jettison the tugs to get back home. In this case, the landing vessel will be disasembled and the command capsule kept attached for the return trip to make room for the two tug pilots.

It is suggested that in the next mission of this kind, spare seats should be included in the design. The "Maureen Johnson" as well as the "Peewee" do have them, the "Dum Vivimus Vivamus II" does not.

In case the "Colin Campbell" can complete the mission and enough fuel for the way home is on board, it is possible to disassemble the payload and then have four additional seats for the journey. No kerbal will be left behind on this mission.

That being said, Harriman Space Enterprises is proud to announce that Mission "Glory Road" - Phase Two has been completed!

[Tokay Gris]

Mission report "Glory Road" - Phase One - Update

With the placement of the satellite around Pol, another of the primary objectives in this phase of the mission has been accomplished.

Meanwhile, one of the habitats was placed in a low orbit around Jool. The readings on the instruments was suprising. It seems in part, that even during aerobraking, the temperature is well below 0 K and went as low as minus 150 K (i.e. minus 425 Celsius).

The habitat was planted into an almost perfect orbit 200 km above the "surface" of Jool with zero inclination.

Since it is as yet not sure if the "Dum Vivimus Vivamus" can make it back home, the second habitat is kept on board, rather then deploy it around Laythe, in case the space is needed for otherwise stranded kerbals.

[Tokay Gris]

Mission to Jool "Glory Road" - Status

Accomplished objectives:

- Phase Two has completed its primary, as well as its secondary objective. The "Maureen Johnson" remains around Vall and awaits the arrival of the "Colin Campbell", in case something goes wrong.

- Phase One has only one primary objective left, but this will have to wait until the "Campbell" arrives and it is certain that the space of the second habitat is not needed for the return trip. The secondary objective of placing a satellite around Jool will be conducted if and only if the "Campbell" arrives safely. Otherwise the fuel must be preserved as much as possible.

Objectives in progress:

- "PeeWee" on route to Jool and currenty doing course corrections and preparing for aerobraking.

- "Colin Campbell" on route to Jool, but due to the mishaps is well behind and will take a couple of days longer (read: "about 200").

Status:

- Phase Two completed.

- Phase One almost completed, but will await support mission.

- Phase Three currently in Jools sphere of influence and approaching.

- Support mission still a long way away.

[Scotius]

Thats the spirit Good luck with completing all mission obiectives.

[Tokay Gris]

Mission to Jool "Glory Road" - WARNING from KSC!

Phase Three in jeopardy! Intensive testing on Kerbin showed that the additional stage - previously thought to be a minor addition - makes the landing vessel of the "Peewee" nearly uncontrollable!

It is suggested to decouple it prior to attempted landing. Since Phase One is short on fuel, the fuel is to be salvaged and the superfluous stage jettisoned. Calculations on Kerbin suggest that the remaining landing stage has enough delta-V to accomplish landing. For safety reasons, the engine of the liftoff stage should be put in a separate stage.

Landing near the equator is suggested, though.

[Tokay Gris]

Mission to Jool "Glory Road" - Short Update, pictures to follow

The "Colin Campbell" made it in one piece to Jool and is now in a circular orbit around the gas giant.

So all secondary mission objectives can be completed and all Kerbals on this mission have a place for the trip home.

The "Campbell" did some crazy summersaults during aerobraking but stayed intact...

[Tokay Gris]

Mission to Jool "Glory Road" - Phase Three - Mission report

After many days, the "Peewee" bound for Laythe is approaching Jool.

Commander Encan Kerman planned a fabulous approach vector that will reach Laythe with a minimum of delta-V used. This way, it might be possible to get all Kerbals home even if the "Colin Campbell" fails.

Aerobraking in Jools atmosphere began without problems but with beautifull fireworks.

After perigee, though, the delta-wings on the lander - meant to provide a big enough "footprint" on uneven terrain - were having unusual effects and tried to turn the "Peewee". This, however, could be prevented by use of RCS and the attitude of the vessel could be brought back in a more healthy direction. It is as yet unclear, if the structural integrity of the vessel would have survived such a loss of control.

After aerobraking the "Peewee" continued its trajectory towards Laythe and another aerobrake should leave the vessel with most of its fuel reserves untouched.

While not as spectacular as the voyage through Jools atmosphere, the Laythe aerobraking didn't show the instability encountered around Jool.

The warning from KSC arrived just in time to prevent the mission from a desasterous fail. It seems the additional stage added as an afterthought to allow for orbital manouvers of the landings stage produced an unexpected instability as well as very sluggish manouverability. This might be due to the fact that the placement of the RCS-thrusters was planned without that stage.

As KSC suggested, the addistional stage first left with the cruiser later emptied of all fuel and jettisoned.

Selection of the landing site was not easy, due to the fact that there isn't much actual land on Laythe and of what little there is, wide areas - sadly close to the oceans - are far from level.

Landing appraoch was made just with Tylo just raising above Jool.

Landing with parachutes worked very well, although a little thrust was still needed to land on the surface.

This might be thanks to the engineers, who - unknowing how good it would work - stuck parachutes on every available surface they could think of.

Mitsby Kerman is now the first Kerbal on Laythe!

Recorded first words: "Look at that! Those engineers can't make a landing leg go all the way to the ground. AND I have most of the fuel still in the landing engines. I'll buy them a new slide rule when I get back! Oh, well. Now, where did I put that flag?"

Next, a few very beautiful and scenic pictures were taken.

Sunset on Laythe

Jool hanging in the sky

Mitsby Kerman taking the opportunity for a picture, he said he will use for his next passport.

Tylo and Vall setting together

Sunrise behind Jool

Edited July 4, 2013 by Tokay Gris

[Tokay Gris]

Mission to Jool "Glory Road" - Phase Three - Mission report

Phase Three of "Glory Road" has been completed!

After a good nights sleep, upon waking, Mitsby Kerman reported that the solar panels probably were eaten by some of Laythes wildlife. Whatever the cause, they broke off during the night. It is suggested, though, that Encan Kerman, as Commander of the "Peewee" should look in the command capsule after docking and see if Mitsby has build a still or some other means of producing alcohol. Wildlife indeed....

Liftoff was a little hurried after that, in case the batteries would not hold out.

Liftoff itself posed no problems. For fuel saving purposes and the still unclear fate of the "Colin Campbell", as well as three quarters full landing tanks (thought to be empty by now), it was decided to use the landing engines for part of the ascent and then stage them, once they are dry.

This was done with a laughing and a crying eye. It would have been interesting if the landing stage (planned to fall apart into six sections upon start) would stay away from the ascent stage.

By using those engines for ascent, the problem posed was another: would they come away and not damage the rest of the vessel? They had been tested on Kerbin, but not during ascent, only on the ground as a sort of "launch base".

It worked smoothly!

Rendezvous manouvers were then initiated. Since the orbit of the "Pollux" was equatorial and the landing site nearly on the equator this posed no exceptional problems.

There only was a slight problem since it was overlooked that the RCS-thrusters were in part placed on the vessel with the landing stage in mind.

So, Phase Three is completed!

For the same reason the "Maureen Johnson" is still in an orbit around Vall, the "Peewee" will remain in Laythes orbit until the "Colin Campbell" arrives and it is certain that there will be enough fuel for the "Dum Vivimus Vivamus II" to return to Kerbin.

With the fuel saving manouvers done by the "Peewee", it could be possible to refuel the "Dum Vivimus Vivamus II" and both could make the trip home.

[RedDwarfIV]

Some awesome spacecraft there. I really like your Pollux vehice. I was going to say it was 'too big', then I remembered the size of my Zulu transfer stage. And the Zulu carries smaller payloads with no Kerbin return capability. So your design is practical, too.

Edited July 4, 2013 by RedDwarfIV

[Tokay Gris]

Mission to Jool "Glory Road" - Mission status

After careful examination of the possible scenarios the conclusions are these:

- Worst case scenario: Complete failure of "Colin Campbell" with utter destruction of the vessel

In this case, the "Maureen Johnson" will return from Vall orbit directly to Kerbin after jettsion of the "Bumblebee II" and taking aboard its pilot, jettison of all unnecessary parts of the lander as well as the cruiser, namely the sidetanks.

The "Peewee" will rendevous with the "Dum Vivimus Vivamus II" to either pick up the two crewmembers there or see if the fuel can be divided between the two vessels to bring them both home. By doing so, the "Peewee" as well as the "Dum Vivmus Vivamus II" will jettison every unneeded dead weight.

Depending on how much fuel is left, either all three or only two vessels will make the trip back with all Kerbals on board.

- Slightly better scenario, but still not good: Failure of "Colin Campbell", but survival of the crew:

In this case, the "Peewee" will rendevous with the "Vivimus" and the remaining habitat will be placed atop the "Vivimus".

By doing so, there should be enough fuel to get both vessels and all Kerbals home alive.

The "Maureen Johnson" will start the voyage home from Vall orbit.

Optimal scenario: Success of "Colin Campbell"

The "Maureen Johnson" will rendevous with the "Campbell", starting from Vall, the "Vivimus" will do the same. As much fuel as is needed for the return trip will be transfered.

The payload of the "Campbell" will be placed in an orbit around Jool at a height of 2500 to 5000 km to allow fuel reserves for future missions as well as an easily reachable orbit.

The second habitat (as yet still attached to the "Vivimus") will be placed in an orbit around Laythe.

The "Vivimus", the "Maureen Johnson" and the Cruiser of the "Campbell" will then return to Kerbin from Jool orbit.

The "Peewee" will return to Kerbin from Laythe orbit.

Edited July 4, 2013 by Tokay Gris

[Tokay Gris]

I really like your Pollux vehice. I was going to say it was 'too big', then I remembered the size of my Zulu transfer stage. And the Zulu carries smaller payloads with no Kerbin return capability. So your design is practical, too.

Thanks! I am pretty proud of the idea, although I am certain I am not the first to design something like this.

First attempt was this one:

Already modular and the parts shot into orbit seperately. Pre-0.2, obviously. It still had a tricoupler.

The front end is - with minor modifications - the Duna-lander. Did actually work wonderfully.

The back end is the first "Pollux". (Now "Pollux MK I")

Since the names of my vessels almost always come from some or other Heinlein-novel, those two where named "Castor" and "Pollux". That would be the twins from "The Rolling Stones".

The lander part was used only on Duna. So "Castor" was used only once... The "Pollux" design series however was pretty successfull.

Only problem: With heavy payloads - such as the "Colin Campbell" - the burn times are incredible. Main burn for the transfer trajectory to Jool was more than one hour. With the lag this monster produces more like three. Played "Plants vs. Zombies" during that time...

[Tokay Gris]

Mission to Jool "Glory Road" - Support mission - Mission report

Finally the so far unlucky "Colin Campbell" is aproaching Jool.

After doing some careful course corrections, the vessel is diving deep into Jools atmosphere.

Again: great fireworks and all looked pretty stable.

Until suddenly, coming out of perigee deep in the atmosphere, the "Campbell" starts to tumble. This was known from the "Peewee" but since the "Campbell" has no aerodynamic surfaces, this was unexpected.

Even full use of all RCS-thrusters could not stabilize the vessel. Imminent loss of the whole mission was feared.

At some points, the Kerbals on board described loud and frightening creaking, as if the ship would break apart at any moment.

Much to the suprise of mission command, the three heros aboard and everyone else, the "Campbell" came out of the atmosphere. A quick check showed no parts mission, no serious structural damage and the ship could be stabilized again.

Some more course corrections, and the "Colin Campbell" is safely in a circular equatorial orbit with no inclination at a height of 2500 km.

The support mission has succeeded!

Fuel is now available for the "Dum Vivimus Vivamus II" and the still to accomplish objectives of mission "Glory road" can be planned.