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.

Unfortunately, it appears this rocket met the same fate as the first IP ComSat I launch, breaking up shortly after SRB drop. The payload this time remained in contact with KSC and all attempts were made to recover the mission but ultimately contact was lost over the horizon and the rocket impacted the ground. A crash investigation is ongoing.