Launch 2-4: Sharman 2

Year 2, day 81.
Project: Sharman.
Mission Objectives:

1. Deploy satellite into polar Mun orbit.
2. Perform altimetry scan of Mun.

This is an identical rocket and probe to Ivins 5, going to Mun instead. This is why the upper stage for that launch was a little overpowered.

The trans-Mun injection burn puts the probe on a Mun impact trajectory before it's deployed.

On approaching Mun, the satellite performs a burn to raise the periapsis above the surface.

During the orbital insertion burn, the satellite experienced a loss of control, and the burn put it back on a suborbital trajectory.

Mission Summary:

1. Deploy satellite into polar Mun orbit: failed to reach Mun orbit.
2. Perform altimetry scan of Mun: failed to reach Mun orbit.

Our ground tests show the satellite to be stable, but in any case some reaction wheels may be needed to maintain control during burns.