Launch
The manned Apollo 3 mission was ready to go. This was the first mission to use the improved Mk III Apollo launch vehicle. As opposed to the first two Apollo misions, this time a single launch vehicle would put both the Command and Lunar modules into Kerbin orbit at the same time. This eliminated the need for two separate launches and subsequent orbital rendezvous. Of course, this meant the launch rocket was bigger:
The brave crew selected for a dose of Munar roving and exploration were all Mun-rookies:
- Sidman Kerman (Commander)
- Munbald Kerman (Lunar Module Pilot)
- Billas Kerman (Command Module Pilot)
As usual, one of the three (Billas Kerman) would remain in munar orbit while the other two descended to the surface.
The launch of the new Apollo Mk III vehicle was flawless:
Because the two spacecraft were attached back-to-back during launch, they had to decouple once in Kerbin orbit and switch positions before the trans-munar injection burn could be executed. Still, this was much easier than orbital rendezvous from two separate launchers. This was an easy task for the experienced test pilot Billas Kerman:
And so, kerbals were on their way to the Mun for a third time.
Continue to Landing ...
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