In a previous episode, the ARD-1 ion probe redirected a Class C asteroid orbiting Kerbin into a more manageable orbit. Now, the ARD-2 (The Asteroid mining variant of the Asteroid Redirect Devices) is launched on our biggest launcher yet, putting 26 tons into asteroid transfer orbit.
The ARD-2 is propelled by four NERVA engines and as such contains four medium sized fuel tanks. It also uses an ISRU refinery and multiple drills to refuel itself and other ships using the ore gained from asteroids. The ARD-2 had plenty of fuel to reach the asteroid and ARD-1 and was able to extract and refine a few tons of ore.
The ARD-1 and ARD-2 variants will both be used on future missions to Dres to lead up to colonization, and are being tested in orbit both to test them for use on Dres and for building a Kerbin-orbit refueling station for Pol colonization.
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