Launch 3-3: Magnus Alpha 1

Year 2, Day 69.
Project: Magnus.
Mission Objectives:

1. Deploy station core module to 30km x 30km 45º inclined orbit around Mun.

With the successful launch of Whitson Alpha, we can increase our efforts to discover Mun's secrets.

Liftoff!

This lifter features atypical staging, in order to boost the payload to Mun. The outer first stage uses our standard Maverick atmospheric engine, while the core stage is better suited for a vacuum.

The core stage is used both for reaching orbit, and trans-Munar injection.

After the trans-Munar burn is complete, the payload is deployed. The second stage is set on an impact trajectory with Mun.

The station module then performs a quick course-correction to avoid colliding with Mun.

Once in Mun's SOI, the station adjusts to a 45º inclination on its retrograde orbit.

Just before reaching periapsis, the station performs its circularization burn.

Finally, safely in orbit, the solar panels are deployed and the fuel cell shut down.