I am focusing on unmanned missions before we get to the manned.  Collecting science and fulfilling some early contracts to build up funds. Sounding Rocket Gamma Launch 1256dV (1075 on pad) with the goal of 18K-70K altitude for science Came up way short of 18K.  Added a stage, KER is odd.  Does not report multiple stages.  Just a total of 1591dV on pad. Need to add a 2nd set of fins for control after stage sep. Adjust 2nd stage to fire and separate together. Made about 12K and reset as I now understand the staging issue, the rocket core item is the engine (sounding rocket) so when that separated it stayed with it,  need to move that to the last stage. Can't really make 18K with Gamma (way short on two stages) but I can do some nearby ground science so I am doing that by adding a reaction wheel to turn the puppy. Did an instant turn towards the water on launch Got some science flying low over Kerbin water (thanks xScience).  Do the same mission and get science in the water next. Launch 1: 22.4 science Launch 2: 17.6 science <Nearby Science> Local Missions going left over grasslands: Launch 1 (in air): 22.4 science Launch 2 (on ground): 13.2 science <Nearby Science More> Built "Upper Atmo Alpha" 2228dV (1945 on pad?) to get above 18K (above 70K?) Uses the Hammer solid fuel booster. Thrust at 25% to keep TWR  around 1.5. First test had a slow turn and did no make altitude.  Needs reaction wheel. Reset and relaunch. Reached height 52,420m, safely reached Grasslands Science 45.6 earned. <Upper Atmo Success> Built "Upper Atmo Beta" 2796dV Uses Proc. SRB with Thrust 70kN and 341 fuel. Launch at small angle towards water. Successful SubOrbital!!!! Reached an altitude of 109,410m.  Did the set of 6 experiments.  Water landing.  Used the engine as the heat shield (before it flipped). Science 52.0 earned. $375K in the bank (2 suborb contracts) <Suborbital Success> <Contract Tests> Testing Orbital Satellite I 3440dV pn pad (?) Flipped over.  Trying different fins.  Also larger tank (4072dV in VAB) 3805 dV on pad. Successful Launch and orbit!  Orbital Contract Fulfilled.  Decent orbit done manually. Transmitted goo back for a little science (not much). Satellite named Premiere. <Premiere in Orbit>