The Kermotaur I is a test vehicle for the next generation of new, larger rocket engines.  This flight will also test a collection of new lander components, including a fully habitable laboratory.   Although the new lander and laboratory are capable of carrying 5 astronauts, for this initial flight it will just be Bob Kerman.

Above the seven stage launcher, a similar but slightly smaller and less powerful rocket serves as the transfer vehicle to munar orbit.  Above the transfer stage is the large munar lander and laboratory, and finally above that is the return vehicle.

Bob had a perfect launch for the Kermotaur I early in the morning, with a perfect ascent profile to orbit.  There was a brief scare in mission control at a high pitched noise filling the radio net shortly after launch, until it was recognized as Bob shouting "Wheeeeee!"

A few hours later, Bob was done with initial testing of the Kermotaur vehicle and laboratory above the Mun, having proved that the laboratory functioned as designed in space.  Having finished that testing, Munar descent begun.

Since the transfer stage still had a significant supply of fuel, Bob utilized it for his braking, separating just a few kilometers above the munar surface.

Soon after lander separation, Bob landed gently on the Mun.  Dark fell soon after his landing, giving Bob plenty of time to conduct tests and research while waiting for Kerbol to rise again for an optimal launch.

Seconds after launching from the munar landing site, Bob reported a jolt and a loss of thrust.  Just after that report, he reported that his capsule was back on the munar surface, detached from the lander.

It is believed that when Bob detached the transfer stage while so close to the Mun and at a steep angle, the coupling between the lander and the capsule was stressed, and then the shock of launch caused it to fail.

Bob Kerman maintains high spirits, and is reported to be happy that now he, and not Bill Kerman, will be the first Kerbal rescued from the surface of another celestial body.

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