Noob questions on contracts

[p0rkch0p]

So yeah, the new career mode is hard, I am pretty new to KSP but its a lot of fun. In the interest of getting every penny (for upgrades to the buildings), I took a couple of contracts. However, looking for some advice on how to do them.

• One is to test a SRB while splashed down. I can't figure out how to get the SRB to survive the splashdown, I used a chute on the control module, and a pair of radials on the SRB, but it still 'blows up' when it hits the water.
  
• Whats the best strategy for the 'fly over landmark' contracts? I am assuming a plane, but between science and cost, I am way far away from being able to afford anything like that.
  

Thanks!

[xub313]

For the SRB one, try putting some modular girder segments below the SRB. The have a high crash tolerance so they can absorb most of the impact.

[WanderingKid]

Cost on the plan should be recoverable, so that shouldn't directly stop you. Science will though.

For a 'one stop shop', a two tank rocket can usually get to where you need to be. Just throw extra chutes on it for when you get there. They can be a bit of a bear to drive, though. Go parabolic, not like flight.

[DrD]

You can use throttleable engines and burn before splashdown to slow down. For a radial decoupler test I slowed down to about 5 m/s and nothing broke.