Difference between revisions of "Campaign: Kerbol System Exploration"

Revision as of 22:46, 15 July 2013

Introduction

The new international Kerbal Space Program formed in the aftermath of the Kerbollo 13 rescue, set out to answer long-standing questions of the universe for the rest of all Kerbalkind, and exploration of the Kerbol system began in earnest. Probes were designed and launched to the inner planets, and plans made for a Grand Tour of the outer planets at some point thereafter.

Soon you'll be seeing Eve, Duna, and Moho up close, and through the lens of a spacecraft camera rather than than Kerbin-based telescopes. Afterwards, you will have the pleasure and angst of flying several probes on a Grand Tour of the outer planets.

Campaign Notes

This campaign, and most others after it, are meant to be played concurrently with other neighboring campaigns since long time frames are expected to complete these missions. You are welcome to use Kerbal Alarm Clock from this point forward to keep track of multiple mission timeframes lest you miss out on a launch window opportunity while working other missions. After you've designed your first planetary probes, feel free to continue with more Mun landings and/or the campaign Kerbals in Space while waiting for launch windows for your probes.

Specifications

• Length: 4 hours
• Difficulty: Pretty easy. As long as you know what a phase angle is.
• Skills needed: Orbital Mechanics 101, and and understanding of phase angles
• For version: Every version (tested on 0.20.2)

Kerminor 2

The first successful planetary encounter to ever leave Kerbin, Kerminor 2 would pass by Eve within 30,000km before settling into a Kerbol orbit.

• Design and launch a probe bound for Eve.

1. Probe must have an OKTO core, two 1x6 solar panels, and an antenna.
2. Probe must encounter Eve on a flyby within 30,000km.

Minmus Lander

• Land a probe on Minmus.

1. All lander probes must have a power source and at least one antenna going forward.
2. Probe core must land on Minmus, losing no parts.

(Note: losing parts as part of the descent, as long such loss is planned prior to entering the body's SOI, is permissible)

Kerminor 10: First Planetary Slingshot

• Build and launch a probe that will flyby both Eve and Moho.

1. Probe must contain two extendable solar panels, a dish antenna, and a Communotron antenna.
2. Probe must contain at least one scientific instrument.
3. Probe must flyby Eve within 6000km.
4. Probe must flyby Moho within 500km.

(Challenge: flyby Moho three times instead of once.)

Kenera 3: Eve Impactor

• Build and launch a probe which will impact Eve.

1. All probes from this point forward must contain at least one antenna and once science instrument.
2. Probe command module must impact Eve.

Kenera 7: First Eve Lander

• Design, build, and fly a probe lander to Eve.

1. Probe core must land on Eve without losing any parts.

Kerminor 9: First Planetary Orbiter (Duna)

draft

Duna 3: First Duna Lander

draft

Kelio: Kerbol Observatory

A probe to study Kerbol and the bolar wind.

Explorer 2: Grand Tour of Dres, and Jool

draft

Explorer 6: Grand Tour of Jool and Eeloo

draft

Final Word

Much data was gathered in these early planetary missions, of which one particular photo of Kerbin, entitled "Pale Blue Dot" by Karl Kergan, based on pictures taken from the first working probe to exit the Kerbin gravitational sphere of influence. This photo would have great historic significance. Future plans for space stations and greater international co-operation were being laid out between all involved nations.