Kerbal Space Program: Mun Base - Mun Space Station

Mission: Construct a Mun Space Station to operate in concert with the Mun Base.

A Mun Space Station was constructed in low Kerbin orbit using many of the components from the Duna Space Station. The Mun Space Station was not designed to be initially as large and complex as its Duna counterpart, but rather provide a simple starting point that could be expanded upon in the future. The station utilized four nuclear engines, numerous fuel tanks of varying sizes, and a command module which contained enough room to accommodate up to five Kerbals. The station was equipped with a small ion-powered vessel for possible future station-to-station transfers.

Mun Space Station

The Mun Space Station departed from low Kerbin orbit and obtained an approximately circular orbit 100 KM above the equator of Mun. The Kerbals at the Mun Base were informed of the station becoming operational. Jebediah Kerman was placed as commander of the Mun Space Station and instructed to use the new Beans 4 transport craft to transfer from the base to the station. Jebediah boarded the craft and straightforwardly obtained an orbit around the Mun's equator.

Jebediah Departing for the Mun Space Station

After a terrible docking experience and arriving at the station, Jebediah ordered supplies be sent to the station. The supplies consisted primarily of liquid and RCS fuel, but also a variety of small ship parts, such as RCS thrusters and batteries. The Kerbals launched the requested supplies and docked them with the station without any troubles.

Mun Space Station Supply

Ronmon Kerman was instructed to install an RCS fuel tank and four RCS thruster blocks on the Beans 4 transport craft. The intention was to assist with docking maneuvers in the future. Ronmon performed EVA outside the station; removing the parts from the docked supply ship and upgrading Beans 4.

Ronmon Kerman Upgrading the Beans 4

Ronmon was then instructed by Jebediah to replace him at the Mun Base. A number of small tests and simulations were performed to ensure the transport craft remained functioning after it's upgrades. With three out of eight tests passing, Jebediah was confident about craft's capabilities. Ronmon boarded Beans 4 and departed from the Mun Space Station.

Ronmon Departs for the Mun Base

Ronmon arrived at the Mun Base with a great deal of difficulty. The added weight and reduced symmetry from having a outwardly facing RCS fuel tank resulted in the transport craft tilting during acceleration. All maneuvers needed to be completed very slowly and far in advance. Having become frustrated with Beans 4 introduced inefficiency, Ronmon spent the rest of the day removing the RCS components from the spacecraft. Mission Control was informed that a Beans 5 transport may be required in the near future!

Mun Base