Launch 5-21: Dres Explorer 3b

Year 5, Day 289.
Mission Objectives:

1. Fly by Dres.
2. Transmit scientific data from Dres.
3. Attempt to recover DEUCES probe after deployment of payload.

Previous launch, mission failure.

Payload: Explorer 3

Lifter: DLSv3 Atlas V DEUCES mk II

Staging.

Coasting to apo.

Once the transfer burn is complete, the probe is deployed, and the DEUCES probe begins a burn-back manoeuvre.

The probe can reach a stable orbit, but it doesn't have quite enough fuel to get back to a circular orbit. If it is to be reused, it'll either need to boost up to Minmus, or something will have to refuel it.

The probe, fully deployed, on its way to Dres.