Orbiter 3

Orbiter 3 was the first mission to prove the flight-readiness of the Prototype 102 with a successful entry into Kerbin orbit and successful de-orbit. The Orbiter 3 used the same flight base as Orbiter 2 but provided more parachutes and was able to perform a controlled stop.

The improved staging and extra parachutes allowed the success of Orbiter 3 but showed that the Prototype 102 platform often stalls during re-entry and can oscillate, almost dangerously, in air during the second staging.

This was Valentina Kerman's first mission. Orbit was achieved at T+00:20:04, retrograde burn performed T+01:05:42 and T+01:05:48, re-entry began at T+01:26:14, and an at sea touchdown was made at T+01:33:26.

Mission Information