Launch R4-022: OMB-1 (Minmus Lander)

Year 3, day 92.
Customer: O.M.B. Demolition Enterprises
Mission Objectives:

1. Land probe on the surface of Minmus
2. Transmit scientific data back to Kerbin

Returning to our unscrewed program, we set our focus back towards Minmus. Before we send Kerbals there, we need to know a little more about the surface of the moon.

This launch returns to our R4 lifter, but with a new, liquid hydrogen-based upper stage. This gives the rocket just enough extra performance to perform this mission.

MECO

Stage sep.

The new upper stage continues the ascent.

After circularizing, the upper stage fires for a third time to push the lander to Minmus.

Finally, after deploying the probe, the upper stage uses its remaining fuel to push itself out of Kerbin's SOI into a solar graveyard orbit.

The probe deploys its solar panels and performs systems self-checks.

The probe reaches Minmus over its intended landing site over the Greater Flats.

Instead of going into a parking orbit, the probe burns from its flyby directly to de-orbiting. This is possible due to the low gravity of Minmus.

The thrusters fire on the final descent burn.

Landed!

Mission Summary:

1. Land probe on the surface of Minmus: success!
2. Transmit scientific data back to Kerbin: success!