Part 10: Mission: Mun Voyagers 1-2

After the success of an uncrewed observation probe over Kerbin, several attempts were made to send one to the Mun to gain needed information on it.



The first Mun Voyager probe was placed on top of the rather hard to control Orbiter booster.



And, with its target clearly visible in the night sky, the booster lived up to its reputation, losing control and falling. Mun Voyager-1 was a failure.



Mun-Voyager-2 was a radical experimental rocket, boasting the largest liquid engine built up to that point. The engineers hoped to test several rocket parts as well as the space probe.



The Mun Voyager-2 had 25 engines, sixteen solid, eight small liquid, and one large liquid.



The computer was programmed and the engines engaged. With a tremendous roar, Mun Voyager-2 made it clear of the pad.



The successful ascent lasted for only 2 seconds before some of the boosters came loose...



Followed by everything coming loose on the rocket...



And the three-second mission ending in a truly immense explosion. Trips to the Mun will have to wait until a more powerful and reliable booster is developed, as will Can Capsule orbital flights.