KerbalX

Details

• Type: VAB
• Class: probe
• Part Count: 38
• Pure Stock

Drop Probe - Single Use Penetrator

Used for collecting low Jool atmospheric science, this one shot probe has also found use on Eve. With two Jr. docking ports it is able to be moved by a Scooty Puff Jr.. If needed, the heatshield port can be replaced with a standard port, or 10m heatshield as mission dictates. The added heatshield is needed for Eve descent.

The unique mission profile requires this probe to break from the shared action groupings found across other vessels.

Example Mission:

Drop Probe sent on near terminal entry to target by larger craft. Hit 2 + 0 to wake probe, open antennas and bay.
Probe enters atmosphere with bay open, if needed stage to activate SRBs at retro for terminal entry adjustment. Hit 3 retract folding antennas and deploy airbreaks. Airbreaks may need to be fluttered open/shut to prevent burn up.
Probe passes through entry flames, stage chutes when safe.
Chutes deploy, hit 4 to extend antennas and 1 for all science experiments and transmit before destruction at bottom of Jool. If power is lost, onboard RTG and solar panels can replenish electric charge.
Recommendation: Set all antennas to Allow Partial mode.

If you are going to Eve, you can also land and save the single use experiments for the ground. Add seismic scanner to science bay and 10m expandable heatshield under ablative shield for Eve missions.

Built with 38 of the finest parts, its root part is HeatShield1.

Built in the VAB in KSP version 1.2.2.