Launch 5-8: Testing the ORV-3

Year 5, Day 85.
Mission Objectives:

1. Launch Johnmon (Tourist) and Madlotte (Tourist) into orbit around Kerbin.
2. Rescue Docal (Scientist) from HKO.
3. Recover all three safely on Kerbin.

This is a test launch of our new Orbital Return Vehicle (ORV-3). Unfortunately, we didn't read the fine print before accepting the rescue contract, and Docal is on an orbit high enough that we cannot use a DEUCES mk I to recover him, and must launch on a DEUCES mk II rocket.

One of the new safety measures in place is that crewed launches are no longer permitted to use solid rockets. Fortunately, the ORV-3 is fairly light and a place DLSv3 Atlas V, without SRBs, is sufficient to place it in orbit along with a DEUCES mk II.

The plan is to launch into orbit, rendezvous with Biko 1 to refuel, then rescue Docal. After performing the deorbit burn, the ORV will separate from the DEUCES module, which will rendezvous back with Biko 1.

Since this is our first rendezvous with the station using our upgraded flight control, we will not be attempting a direct ascent rendezvous.

Payload: ORV-3

Lifter: DLSv3 Atlas V DEUCES mk II

MECO and LES jettison.

First stage separation and fairing jettison.

This was the view they paid to see.

After docking and refuelling, the craft departs to complete its rescue mission.

Preparing for rendezvous transfer burn.

Rendezvous and recovery successful.

After performing a transfer burn to rendezvous back with the station, the ORV will decouple from the DEUCES module and perform a deorbit burn.

The ORV-3 design includes a pair of RCS thrusters which allow it to perform deorbit burns without a DEUCES module.

An all too rare daytime reentry!

The only problem with our plan is that the DEUCES module needs to rendezvous with the station while the ORV re-enters and lands.

Fortunately, DEUCES without payloads are very fuel efficient, and can easily recover after passing the station.

The DEUCES landing gear help to illuminate targets before docking.

There was an alignment failure while docking that needs to be looked into.

Mission Summary:

1. Launch Johnmon (Tourist) and Madlotte (Tourist) into orbit around Kerbin: success!
2. Rescue Docal (Scientist) from HKO: success!
3. Recover all three safely on Kerbin: success!

Promotions: Docal (Scientist⭐️)

This was a very successful demonstration of the capabilities of DEUCES, but makes apparent the need to cheaply refuel in orbit around Kerbin.