Launches: Foragers I-IV

Customers:

• None

​Mission Objectives:

1. Transmit scientific data from space
2. Achieve orbit around Kerbin.

Crew:

• None

This is our first orbit-capable rocket, its payload being a small satellite containing scientific experiments.

Year 1, Day 70: Forager I

Forager I lifting off.

Unfortunately the craft experienced an anomaly resulting in loss of control.

Year 1, Day 93: Forager II

Forager II featured two small radial thrusters which provide roll authority.

Control was maintained throughout the flight.

Unfortunately the first stage did not have enough fuel to leave the atmosphere, so the upper stage was not deployed.

The rocket made the first trans-oceanic ballistic flight, and crashed into the surface.

Year 1, Day 116: Forager III

Forager III featured extended tanks in the first stage.

The ascent trajectory was off-nominal, but the rocket still managed to reach space.

Payload fairings are jettisoned after leaving the atmosphere.

The satellite is deployed, becoming the first powered spacecraft.

Unfortunately, due to the steep ascent profile, the satellite exhausted its fuel before managing to circularize. It was later determined the first stage's engine was configured with too much thrust.

Year 1, Day 139: Forager IV

Forager IV lifts off, with reduced thrust from the main engine.

The fairing is jettisoned after MECO.

Then the satellite is deployed.

The antenna is extended to transmit the readings from the scientific instruments.

The satellite burns its engine to exhaust its fuel, becoming the first spacecraft to reach stable orbit around Kerbin.