Back to Duna.

[Fellow314]

The twin Remote/Kerballed buggy unit was launched

The tractor unit was launched.

The tug unit, with remote probe rockets was launched

And finally, our intrepid explorers launched in their lander unit*

(*Not actual explorers, forgot to take a pic of that lift)

And KEV Explorer was assembled in orbit. Ready to leave for Duna, find something interesting and return.

[Fellow314]

A little oscillation under acceleration, but nothing concerning. Yet.

[Fellow314]

Early on in the long escape burn, Jeb happened to notice that we seemed to be using fuel at an extraordinary rate.

Further inspection revealed that some idiot had forgotten to place vital fuel lines in the tractor unit:

A decision was made to establish Kerbin orbit at about 600 K and use this vessel to run docking and probe tests.

A Munar intercept may be an option

[Tophir]

You have no idea how often I forget to add duel lines...

[Fellow314]

Normally I add one, where four are needed then wonder why my rocket wobbles.

Buggy landed from 600K up. Perhaps it doesn't need quite that much fuel.

But after separation gets stuck between it's landing units. This didn't happen in trials.

In other news the drop rockets proved to be total lemons, lacking any electrical power at all and therefore now merely high orbit space junk.

Edited September 11, 2013 by Fellow314

[Fellow314]

Docking ring came away while transferring the crew capsule.

There is, purely by chance, a contingency for this if it happened mid mission.

[Fellow314]

Deorbital burn. The pod should be on the other end.

And home

Many mistakes have been made, few lessons have been learned.

Jeb and I will put our head's together and refine the design for a proper attempt at Duna when the next window allows. Jeb wants to simplify. I'm not sure I agree...