AliceK - It's Historic Journey

On 01/09/2014 history was made as the AliceK left the Kerbal Space Center for Mun. On board were Jebediah Kermin, Bill Kermin, and Bob Kermin. Join us now as we relive this game changing moment in time.

Below is the AliceK, an over designed, more boosters, monster of a craft that rocketed our heroes into history.

The AliceK

The launch was flawless as the 4 mainsail engines lit up.  

We Have Liftoff

Jeb reported the ship was difficult to control as it wobbled during the early ascent.

At 7k it evened out and reaching 200 m/s the AliceK began its gravity turn.

Gravity Turn

The outer orange tanks were jettisoned after they were exhausted.

The center Mainsail continued to burn with a full tank thanks to asparagus staging.

Dropping Outer Tanks

Once emptied the orange tank fell back to Kerbin, while the ship continued to burn towards orbit.

Orange Away!

Once an apoapsis of 80k was established the engines were cut and the AliceK continued to climb.

Drifting To Circularization

While drifting to apoapsis, the circularization burn maneuver node was plotted.

Circularizing Node Created

Once the burn was completed a nearly circular orbit was established.

Amazing. How often does that happen?

Circularization Complete 

Mid way through the transfer burn to Mun, the orbit stage burned its last fuel and was ejected.

The transfer stage completed the burn as planned.  

Transfer Stage Ejected

In this picture you see Kerbin to the left and Mun to the right as the transfer stage continues to burn.

This stage would later set a periapsis at 15k and circularize around Mun before being ejected.

Burning Toward Mun

And the moment history was made. The six landing struts held the craft solidly on Mun.

Touchdown

The landing site was chosen for no better reason than so this picture could be taken with Kerbin low on the horizon. Jeb reportedly stood silent to remember the many previous missions that had gone before, most with horrible endings, to make this historic moment possible. 

AliceK Flag On Mun

Once Jeb was aboard the AliceK, it left Mun to establish a 15k orbit. As the ship began its climb the landing engines were emptied and jettisoned. The return stage took over and performed its duties flawlessly.

Returning from Mun

With the return stage, orbit was circularized around Kerbin at 150K. KSP was targeted and reentry began.

Reentry

The ship was designed to eject the transfer stage allowing the command pod to glide down with only the chute. Jebediah thought, since there was a few drops of fuel left in the tank, he would use the engine to make a spectacular landing. 

Chutes and Contrail

And this is what happens when you try to show off. The rocket touched down on the sloping concrete of the tarmac and slowly tipped over. No one was injured (well Jeb's ego was a little bruised). Bill and Bob thought it was cool. Notice the launch stabilization enhancers are still in place and visible on the launchpad.

Nice Finish

This moment in history was brought to you by the letter K and the numbers 3-2-1.

When did you first complete a Mun landing and return? I'd enjoy hearing your story.