Kerbal Space Program Mission #6

Munar Lander 3: Rescue mission

I realize it's been a while since my last update, I suppose my attention had been drawn away by a couple various things.

Fortunately for our first astronaut on the moon, we'll pick up the same day we left off, even though he doesn't have to worry about food or air.

At least the landscape is more interesting than driving through Nebraska.

Day 12

Active project: Munar Lander Project

Active mission: Munar Lander 2
Next mission: Munar Lander 3

Selected vehicle: ?

Assigned crew: ?

My readership has generously spoken and the immediate goal is to rescue Josh from the Mün and return him to planet Kerbin. Without an engine his lander cannot leave the surface, thus a new lander must be brought to his location to within a couple kilometers of the site itself. This lander must contain one empty command pod to accompany Josh.

Our available technology provides two general design solutions: A lander with a second command pod or a lander with a computerized probe to fly the unmanned pod.

I present our two prototypes: the Lightning 2a and the Lightning 2b.

In addition to the newly-developed probe, Josh Kerman's surface broadcast provided enough scientific data to complete several new pieces of technology to accompany its operation, namely electric battery packs and solar panels.

You'd think sticking an Everlasting Gobstopper on top wouldn't consume so much electricity.

Since the probe consumes electricity continuously, the solar panels are necessary to collect more energy from sunlight during the 7 or 8 hours of flight to reach the Munar 2 site. The battery increases the lander's reserves during time spent in the shadow of Kerbin or the Mün.

Mostly aerodynamic.

After testing the probe body's ability to maneuver the lander prototype, i've concluded the added mass of the probe, two panels and a small battery module appears to be negligible.

R2-D2: professional skydiver.

A single radial parachute has been mounted on the back of the lander and a successful landing was tested at KSP. Barring any electrical power issues during the flight, this design should work.

Meanwhile, the Lightning 2b involves simply attaching a second pod between the fuel tank and the original command module.

I heard you like command pods.

This is an inelegant but straight-forward solution. To test this configuration on such short notice, James Kerman has volunteered for a short takeoff and parachute-assisted landing.

"I preferred my experimental rocket, it looked less stupid."

Prototype 2b presents the advantage of only utilizing pre-existing components tested on the last mission, though it also has the disadvantage of weighing considerably more than 2a; the fuel tank has been extended to compensate for the additional ton of mass.

This would mean a second astronaut to collect samples and make flight reports for science, on the other hand. The lander itself works fine on the descent to Kerbin. Hopefully this wont impede fuel consumption for the rest of the rocket.

So it looks like all we have to do now is pick which prototype to go with; the new lightweight experimental unmanned lander or the bulkier two-seater? 

Josh will just have to wait a bit longer while we decide.

Doesn't look like cabin fever has set in yet.