Campaign: Kerbol System Exploration

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Campaigns

Kerbals in Space →

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.

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

Kerminor 9: First Planetary Orbiter (Duna)

• Build and launch a probe orbiter over Duna.

1. Probe must contain four extendable solar panels.
2. Probe must contain a dish antenna.
3. Probe must orbit at an altitude under 1,500km.

Duna 3: First Duna Lander

• Design, build, and fly a probe orbiter and a probe lander to Duna.

1. Probe must consist of an orbiter and lander with the lander able to separate and land on its own.
2. Probe orbiter must orbit Duna at an altitude under 1,500km.
3. Probe lander must land on Duna without losing any parts.(Note: losing parts as part of the descent, as long such loss is planned prior to entering the body's SOI, is permissible)

Kelio: Kerbol Observatory

A probe to study Kerbol and the bolar wind.

• Build and launch a probe into Kerbol orbit between Moho and Eve.

1. Probe must have a circular orbit between Moho and Eve.

Grand Tour I - Explorer 2: Flybys of Dres, and Jool

Kerbal scientists have discovered a once-in-a-lifetime launch window whereby gravity assists can be used to fling a probe on a visit of multiple planets and bodies. Take advantage of the opportunity and plan your mission carefully. This Grand Tour would forever be remembered as KSP's unmanned program's finest moment.

• Build and launch a probe with at least a dish antenna and a Communotron antenna.
• Probe must contain all scientific instruments available.
• Probe must flyby Dres.
• Probe must flyby Jool

(Note: You may also choose to orbit, if you can.)

(Note: You are welcome to accomplish both Grand Tour missions using the same probe if you are able.)

Grand Tour II - Explorer 6: Grand Tour of Jool and Eeloo

The second successful mission of the Grand Tour project, Explorer 6 was launched shortly after Explorer 2.

1. Probe must meet the same building requirements as Explorer 2.
2. Probe must flyby Jool.
3. Probe must flyby Eeloo.
4. Probe must reach Kerbol escape velocity and leave Kerbol on a trajectory toward interstellar space.

(Note: You are welcome to accomplish both Grand Tour missions using the same probe if you are able.)

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.