Launch 2-18: Whitson 1

Year 2, day 403.
Project: Whitson.
Mission Objectives:

1. Deploy core module of first space station into orbit around Kerbin.

It's time to expand our research capabilities, with the first step being a small station around Kerbin.

Ignition...

Liftoff!

The SRBs are jettisoned just 15s into the flight.

The lower stage just before MECO.

Ullage motors separate the two stages, and settle fuels before upper stage ignition.

The upper stage continues the ascent.

The fairings are jettisoned and we finally get a look at the new station.

After SECO the station begins its coast phase.

The station's own engines will circularize its orbit, so the upper stage separates and will fall back into Kerbin's atmosphere.

The solar panels are deployed and the station goes into maintenance mode until its first crew arrive.

Mission Summary:

1. ​Deploy core module of first space station into orbit around Kerbin: success!

We need a larger crew capacity to fulfil our existing contract, which will happen upon launching our first crew to the station.