To prepare for the upcoming mission to Duna, two communications satellites are being launched into extremely elliptical orbits over both poles of Kerbin, which means one will always be above/below the ecliptic at any given time. Once in a low parking orbit, the transfer stage will carry it high up above Kerbin and then detach and de-orbit, leaving the satellite in place. 3 communications dishes adorn the satellite. One can reach as far as Eeloo, and the other two are capable of inter-system communications as far as Minmus.

This is the second satellite to launch, although a failure prior to ignition has caused it to be delayed. While engine maintenance is underway, the Weather office has issued a recommendation that launch be moved up to avoid worsening weather later in the day.