Launches: Beanstalk I-VI: Moon Landings

Customers:

• None

Mission Objectives:

1. ​Land on Minmus and Mun
2. Transmit scientific data from the moons

Crew:

• None

The Beanstalk missions are direct-descent, untargeted missions to the surface of Kerbin's moons. While future crewed missions will target a specific location, a more simple approach will be used for these initial missions.

Beanstalk I: Year 4, Day 348

Beanstalk I was a test mission, to test the guidance system's ability to place the lander on an impact trajectory with Minmus.

First stage separation and payload fairing jettison were nominal.

Trans-minmus injection was nominal.

The probe maintained a retrograde attitude until impact.

Impact footage unavailable.

Beanstalk II: Year 4, Day 406

A possible omen?

After a nominal launch and transfer, the probe nears Minmus.

Unlike the previous mission, the legs are extended and engines ignited for the descent.

The probe nears the surface...

...but, unfortunately, errors in the landing system resulted in an anomaly upon impact.

Beanstalk III: Year 5, Day 36

Launching another landing attempt.

Beginning the landing burn high above Minmus

Touchdown!

Beanstalk IV: Year 5, Day 68

One problem with untargeted landings is that they can happen in the dark. On the far side of Mun.

Touchdown. Unfortunately, the probe cannot be reached to receive the scientific data.

Beanstalk V: Year 5, Day 93

Another landing attempt on Mun, another successful landing.... on its far side.

Beanstalk VI: Year 5, Day 139

Another successful landing on Minmus (footage unavailable).