Our tried-and-true 3-satellite communications network is coming to Minmus. Successful use of the constellation around both Kerbin and Mun have deterred engineers from implementing more complex solutions, although they certainly thought about them. The satellite will carry two dishes and one antenna. The antenna will serve for the local omni network while the dishes allow for direct comms to Mun and indirect comms to Kerbin, routed through the IP ComSats. A lofty 1,150km orbit will provide for a very stable constellation once all satellites are in place. The transfer stage contains a probe core that will allow for any remaining fuel to be used to send the stage into Minmus for impact experiments in the future.
We've zeroed out the inclination of the ComSat and now have to decide when and how to get it down to its operational 1,1500km orbit and also into place 2,095.7km from both ComSats #1 and #2. We have several options for how to do this - we can remain in this high, slow orbit and let the two lower satellites catch up and pass us before taking a shallow dip down to operational orbit. Or, we can take a faster and more aggressive approach, diving down near the planet to slingshot back up into place. Although Mi-SCAN is due to launch next week and start providing us closer views of Minmus, it won't enter into a very low observation orbit for several weeks more. So the oppurtunity for a close pass of Minmus is too good to pass up and that is what we are aiming to do either later today or tomorrow.
