ENDEAVOR TO DUNA

KSP - Year 3, Day 230

This week saw the start of a new Duna exploration program, named Endeavor. The probe has left our world and is now on a course for the forth planet. Endeavor I was launched on a Houndstone IIA rocket (the same that took Horizon I to Eve) and is carrying equipment to image and study Duna from up close.

An artists impression of Endeavor I leaving for Duna

Duna and Ike as seen from Kerbin through a telescope

Unlike the Horizon probe, this vehicle will not just merely fly past the planet. Instead, Endeavor will enter orbit, making it the first probe to orbit a planet other than our own. It will remain operational for at least a year to collect data over time. Staff at KSC hope to gather information, such as the planets atmosphere and gravity, to plan for future missions. It is also hoped that some information can also be gained from its moon, Ike. That is, of course, once the craft has survived the seventy-five days it takes to get to there.

Endeavor I rides to space on top of a Houndstone IIA

'This mission is a different world to Eve. Literally.' One of that project leaders stated. 'Eve was a fly-past where we snapped some images and took a few measurements. We hope to put Endeavor into an orbit so long-duration studies can take place.'

During a camera test, Endeavor turned and took this snap of Kerbin and the Mun from the orbital distance of Minmus. If we were to stand on the surface of our mysterious second moon, this is how Kerbin would look.

This project opens up another exciting chapter in the space program. In addition, there is another launch-window for Eve approaching and it is fully expected the KSC staff will take full advantage once again.