After the successful LES test's Wernher Von Kerman had confidence enough to present his finished space rocket.
The new rocket was called the AURA-1, it exists of two stages. The first lifter stage is constructed from four tank units and a central fixed main lifter engine providing 480kN of thrust. Four small swivel engines - each providing an additional 10kN of thrust - were installed for steering purposes.
The upper stage exists of a single fuel tank for the main engine which provided 85kN of thrust. Above that, a monopropellant tank and a cargo bay for science and instrumental units were installed. The upper stage is also equipped with RCS thrusters for steering purposes during space maneuvers.
The payload was the MK1 command pod, a small single seated spacecraft equipped with all the necessary stuff to safely land like retro rockets, heat shield, and parachutes.
After a countdown, the AURA-1 successfully left the platform on its way to space. The first stage was successfully separated after shut down.
Although a serious height of 30km was reached at this point the angle of the trajectory was way off due to problems with the swivel engines of the main stage. After some angular corrections, the upper stage was ignited for the insertion into the desired main orbit of 100x100km.
Due to the steering problems, the targeted orbit was not reached but an orbit of 70x90km was instead established, good enough for a stable orbit and to perform some science. Yuri was eager to open the door to make a walk outside but the door was locked by a combination padlock, looks like someone anticipated for some unscheduled action of Yuri's side!
After a single orbit, the upper stage was decoupled and the retropack was fired to start reentry.
After a heated re-entry, a drogue and main chute were deployed for a safe landing.
After landing, Yuri received the combination for the padlock to open the door. For Yuri is was just an other day at the office!
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