Mining for Fun and Profit

So I've been preparing for the KSP 1.2 patch (which will involve building out a satellite network to ensure communications with unmanned craft - I've never tried the mods that add similar functionality) by poking at the ore refinement system they added back at 1.0. Give me some practice with precision vehicles/landing and all that before the added risk of loss of communication is added into the mix. Yes, it's a photo blog!

I started out with sandbox mode and some over-engineered monstrosities in space around the Mun to work out what was what (hint: gravity is bad).So when moving into a real save, I built some large mining rovers to initially throw at Minmus (yes, they come in for a hot landing straight onto the wheels).Even with the ore canisters empty, they're not exactly light to get off Kerbin (and you've got the wrap them to stop the wheels causing aerodynamic horrors).

Of course, you've got to know where on the surface to land the rovers and for that you need scans from a polar orbit.

I may have gone somewhat fancy with the satellite design so one design can be sent to anywhere in the system with enough of an initial shove.But when an area has been flagged then the rovers can congregate and pin down exactly where the best ore deposits are (they can also kiss when they meet).And all that ore needs a processing plant (and empty fuel tanks to spare) to turn it into unlimited fuel (and house the Kerbal who overclocks the drills when they hook up). Almost ran out of fuel landing this one.Finally, the complete unit is assembled on a deposit and ferry shuttles can drop down to grab fuel payloads which they push up into orbit for ships passing by.