Tutorial:Mariner 9

Intro

Mariner 9 was the first Mars orbiter. Here's how to recreate it in KSP!

Specifications

• Length: 45 minutes - 1 hour
• Difficulty: Moderate
• For Version: 1.0.X

Steps

Step 1 - Design/Build Mariner 9

• Probe
  • Use the same probe base as the one in Tutorial:Mariner 4, except without the TR-2V Stack Decoupler at the bottom
  • 1x Oscar-B Fuel Tank
  • 3x LV-1R "Spider" Liquid Fuel Engine (attached radially in 3x symmetry around the Oscar-B Fuel Tank)
  • 1x TR-2V Stack Decoupler
• Launch Vehicle
  • Use the same launch vehicle as in Tutorial:Mariner 4

Step 2 - Launch and Cruise

See Tutorial:Mariner 4

Step 3 - Arrival

When you enter Duna's SOI, change your inclination so you're coming in roughly over the north or south pole. Change your periapsis to roughly 75 kilometers. Once you reach periapsis, circularize your orbit and shut down the LV-1R "Spider" Liquid Fuel Engines.

Step 4 - Science Spam!!!

Exactly what it sounds like.