Kerbal 11 Memorial Mission (image heavy)

[Keome]

The Kerbal 11 Memorial Mission

A simple Mun mission to visit the memorial on the Mun while testing out a new launch vehicle and docking with a space station.

The Kerbal 11 launch vehicle consists of a lower stage powered by a central 4X-800 Liquid Fuel Engine Cluster and four TD-180 Bronco Liquid Engines, each attached to a jumbo tank and setup with simple asparagus-style staging. The second stage is powered by a single Rockomax "Poodle" attached to a smaller tank. The landing stage is a NovaPunch Series Lander Tank with a Bertha Mini Quad engine cluster.

Two Kerbal Attachment System Hook Bays hold a grappling hook and an electromagnet. There is a standard KAS connector as well as a detachable connector located next to the exit hatch, plus a winch mounted on the back side of the lander.

Electrical power is provided by three solar arrays and a large number of batteries both in attachable battery pack placed around the lander, as well as two stacked batteries located under the command pod.

The crew consists of the three veterans, Bill, Bob and Jebediah.

Lift-off and ascent go normally.

At the proper time, just as the Mun rises over Kerbin, the burn to the Mun begins.

The burn is successful, and the Kerbal 11 enters a stable orbit around the Mun.

Orbiting the Mun at 50 kilometers is Serenity Station (visible at the bottom), a refueling station and waypoint for Munar missions. Part of Kerbal 11's mission is to deliver fuel and supplies to Serenity Station. In addition, an EVA is planned to move the detachable KAS connector from the command pod to the station. A future mission will bring a docking module equipped with a winch out to Serenity Station.

The Kerbal 11 moves into docking position. Docking is successful after a close call involving the accidental application of the second stage engines instead of RCS thrusters. It is suspected the Jebediah may have been responsible.

While Bill and Jebediah handle the fuel and supply transfer over to Serenity Station, Bob starts his EVA. He grabs the detachable KAS connector, secures it to his pack and moves over to the station. Unfortunately, he is unable to attach the connector to the station because someone forgot to pack a roll of space tape. ((Note: I have no idea what happened, it wouldn't let me attach the connector to the station.))

Bob is less than amused by the situation.

After a brief layover for some snacks, the crew of the Kerbal 11 undock and begin their decent to the Munar surface. Somewhere nearby is a KAS detachable connecter that Bob flung away in a fit of rage. ((Note: I couldn't get it to attach anywhere. It disappeared when Bob returned to the command pod.))

The descent goes perfectly, the only minor hitch coming when the lander nearly lands on top of the memorial. Some quick flying saves the day (night?). The crew spends a few hours on the surface awaiting sunrise. Note to self: Plan these things better so that I don't have to try to do a pinpoint landing in the dark.

After sunrise, the crew leaves the command pod and checks out the memorial. A flag is placed at the base of the memorial to commemorate the return to the Sea of Tranquility. Bill shows off a bit by conducting a scientific experiment at the top of the memorial.

Upon returning to the command module, Jebediah notices that the fuel gauge was installed upside down. A quick check of the fuel tanks shows that there may not be enough fuel to reach orbit and dock with Serenity Station.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of the kerbal Memorial Mission!

[Tw1]

Perhaps the ship needed that fuel for itself, after all that happened at the station.

Just wondering, what we're you going to to with the KAS cable, seeing as you were already docked?

[Keome]

I was trying to move one of the detachable radial connection ports to the station. I didn't want to redesign and relaunch the station and the various parts for it simply because I started using the KAS mod. Unfortunately, I couldn't get it to attach to the station. It seems to be a bug within KAS, since I've seen others having the same problem.

Part 2 of the mission will involve sending a new module to the station with a connector already attached, along with extra fuel and the rescue craft.