The first probe to orbit Kerbin, this served as a valuable test bed for operations, control, power, etc and even the mission itself, not going as planned, provided invaluable experience to our new orbital operations crew
This dispatch includes all pre-launch development updates as well as launch into orbit. If you would like to skip to the start of the mission click here.
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
these are all the instruments we will attempt to cram into the Extremis probes. Design will not be finalized until later this year after we've had more experience with orbital probes, starting with Kerbin I (instruments not to scale)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the data we have so far on the hazardous radiation region in space tells us three main things:
1: it extends above 580km near the equator
2: it gets "fuzzy" around the edges with a larger area extending closer to the surface
3: it stops entirely if you travel south far enough
1: it extends above 580km near the equator
2: it gets "fuzzy" around the edges with a larger area extending closer to the surface
3: it stops entirely if you travel south far enough
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
fully exploring this region will be a goal of our first orbital probe Kerbin I, but until then we'll get what data we can from our sub-orbital missions, such as correlating data with a northward launch & flying higher with a Mk6 Block II
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in related news however scientists have released a new post detailing the findings of the recent Progeny flights in regards to the hazardous radiation region, now closer to being called a "belt" - kerbalspace.agency/?p=7542
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
not much has been said still of Kerbin I, our first planned satellite to launch when Ascension Mk1 proves it is able to make orbit reliably. It is still under constant redesign as the capabilities of the Ascension Mk1 & satellite requirements on orbit become clearer
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
what we can say is that the Kerbin series of satellites will test numerous new tech, including reaction control systems, larger-capacity batteries, a radioisotope thermoelectric generator and all the science instruments that will eventually fly on the Extremis probes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ultimately, unless failures occur on orbit, none of the Kerbin probes will remain in space and all will eventually decay back into the atmosphere to burn up - except for the RTG test missions of course, which will return the generator to the surface for re-use or safe disposal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
following the Kerbin probes will be named missions into longer-term orbits to carry out various tasks including mapping, communications, science studies and technology testing. Larger Ascension vehicles will be developed to lift heavier loads. No timeline yet for a Munshot, sry!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kerbin I plans are finalized! Our 1st orbital probe is based on future communication satellites that will be among the 1st commercial payloads for the Ascension Mk2. It has enough battery to last 18-20 hrs on orbit & can also hibernate if needed. Full res: flickr.com/gp/kerbal_spacβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the RTG is another test article like the one that will be flown on the Progeny Mk7-A to further check the ability of the casing to withstand re-entry and impact - possibly the first test if the Mk7-A mission fails again. We plan for the RTG to be flight certified by mid-2020
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this mission will also be the operational debut of the cold gas engine we spoke about earlier this year. It is a great choice for future long-term missions that only need to maintain their orbit as it is simple and thus very reliable twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
because we never developed the technology before being forced underground and after that there was no reason for anyone to pursue it. Second to last paragraph has more details: kerbalspace.agency/?p=4451
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
leaving August behind and pushing forward into September! Check out all the exciting stuff that happened this past week in our Ops Summary and have yourself a pleasant weekend everyone! kerbalspace.agency/?p=9606
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all launch readiness reviews have been submitted & approved by Operations Director @DKerman_KSA - we are π GO FOR LAUNCH π tomorrow. Pre-launch ops will commence at 12:15 UTC. Forecast has weather at 65% GO - depends largely on what a storm out at sea does
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h40m] Flight Director Lanalye has assembled her B team for their final mission brief. The Mk7-A has been modified from original spec to remove the chute and instead carry an additional payload within a new fairing shell that we plan to also use on Ascension rockets
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the payload is an RTG test article, which will be crashed into the mountains so it has less opportunity to slow down before impact. We have to ensure casing can survive an uncontrolled re-entry as designed. It contains the radio & internal batt power to be located afterwards
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
more good news for our future orbital missions, the RTG casing from last week's mission has been carefully inspected and does not show any more damage than expected from an impact at the speeds it endured, estimated to be at over 100m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still, this was much less than the level of tolerance that was planned to be demonstrated so we still need a good result from the Kerbin I impact from orbit to fully certify the RTG casing as safe to actually carry radioactive material and power future orbital satellites
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
OFU-009(A) has been captured! It's on the Ops Tracker designated bit.ly/Zosimus, ancient Kerbskrit for "viable" or "likely to survive" - which its discoverers bet on happening after its aerobrake. Unfortunately the namesake will not hold & it will eventually hit Kerbin
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
earlier today at 17:06 UTC almost 600km southeast of ATN Central, Zosimus began its fourth pass through the atmosphere. Astronomers are again attempting to look for it with the ATN Central IR scope for early confirmation of whether it still survived
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ATN has officially removed bit.ly/Zosimus from its catalog. No sign of the asteroid has been found and it likely broke apart on its last pass through the atmosphere earlier this week. Data from its encounters with our atmosphere will help improve aerobrake models
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
what are we hoping to achieve in 2020? Last week we shared details on Extremis goals and now we have information for the rest of our programs in this report: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10258 what are you most looking forward to from us in 2020?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Ascension Mk2 is center stage in the VAB for final assembly of the lift stage, which will start strapping on boosters and final checkouts of the Kerbin I probe before fairing encapsulation. The Viklun stage has been tested, ready & waiting for months now!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here is a new render of the Mk2 with the payload fairings enclosing Kerbin I at the top (instead of the Mk1 capsule) along with the technical specifications of the rocket that we are using to plot its ascent to orbit in Launch Vehicle Designer from bit.ly/KSP_TOT
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye is excited to soon put into action the mission operations control team! They have been training for months now and Kerbin I will be the first ongoing mission after launch. Tho it will only last a few days, still good to finally get MOC team on console
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
technicians do some final checks before the VAB empties for the weekend. Boosters are on, fin installation will continue through next week, payload is checked out & encapsulated. In the back is the fuel tank that was ordered late last month for Jeb's mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ascension program planners are still working the updated drag and flight dynamics results from the Mk1 flight into the Mk2 ascent trajectory to make sure we still end up in an orbit so expect a launch date next week. What about this week? Catch up: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10393
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket assembly is proceeding on schedule, mission planning has been reviewed & approved - launch date for our 3rd orbital attempt has been set! Get ready to witness history on 2/20 with lift off set for 14:33 UTC π! Full details: ops.kerbalspace.agency #KSPloring @KerbalSpaceP
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this is our 3rd attempt because the Ascension Mk1 was actually designed with orbit in mind but failed to have the control authority or delta-v to make even a highly-eccentric decaying orbit after 2 attempts in mid 2018. More details: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8387
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all the guidance fins have been mounted and the lifter is vertical. One segment of the interstage shroud is being installed to support the Viklun stage at mounting later this week while allowing the engine to be secured to the base. Progeny Mk7-B parts have arrived as well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today the rocket was fully stacked - here is the orbital stage being lowered onto the interstage support shroud. It was then secured to the lifter and the other shroud half was installed. The payload topped it off & the rest of the day is removing worker access scaffolding
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everything is continuing on schedule for roll out of the Ascension Mk2 to occur at the start of next week ahead of launch. Get hype!! Also get information on what else went down this past week via our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10404
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're keeping this mission directly under the Ascension program since it will not be operating long on its own. Future missions that have goals beyond being a test object will come with more unique patches
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
3-4 days depending on how things progress. There is enough power to hibernate for 5 days if needed. We'll want it up there as long as possible to do as much as it can
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mobile Launch Platform is rolling! Exiting the VAB it will slowly make its way 655m to the launch pad, traveling no faster than 3m/s - which is actually 2x quicker than the Mk1 carry vehicle thanks to its extra power & wider base for better stability at "high speed"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
service tower hookups are completed, for the first time the entirety of the GSE is in use. Lower two booms provide fuel, walkway itself is not used but the resource connectors below carry power to the Viklun & Kerbin I CPU cores. Struts will be removed after engine clamp install
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
because this is the first time we've used all 3 GSE towers, rocket has been rolled out well in advance of launch to allow us to troubleshoot any issues, as well as run full system checks on the Viklun orbital stage and Kerbin I probe through Launch/Mission Control
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
upcoming mission will be the 1st to make use of all operational bit.ly/GrndStns & the past 2wks have been spent ensuring all dishes are calibrated & relays are in working order. Only DSN North/South are not shown as they don't go into service until later this year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
farthest to the left is the Kongo River Research Station 500km antenna, the only one w/o ground link to KSC. So we cannot relay commands through there but it can still receive & store telemetry data in case anything happens over that region before Kravass can reacquire signal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Presider got a tour of the KSC campus today to check out all the new stuff since his last visit. He was especially pleased to witness the SRB static fire and he stood so close to the Ascension Mk2 his neck got sore staring up at it. He's excited for the launch!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye & Lead Engineer Simon are both saying "so far so good" in regards to pad checkouts of the rocket systems and ground systems. Their final reports will be submitted tomorrow after WDR for launch readiness review. hype video! π @KerbalSpaceP #KSPloring
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kerbin I has completed checkouts, is now powered down; main fuel valves closed & all electrical/comm systems switched off. Crossfeed valves will remain open to allow use of its RCS ports during ascent after PLF separation. It will be re-activated prior to orbital deployment
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the probe's RCS thrusters are laid out so that while the rocket is powered by the Viklun engine, which has no gimbal, the pitch control can use up to 5 thrusters to keep the rocket on course. In theory. This is an untested mission aspect & why we have a large error margin in fuel
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all launch readiness reports have been reviewed & approved by Ops Dir @DKerman_KSA. We are πGO FOR LAUNCH!π Weather forecast for tomorrow is 65% favorable, which is on the low end but still possible. Launch prep Go/No Go will be made @ 10:03 UTC tomorrow. Who plans to watch?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h50m] excitement is aiding everyone in getting up early to be present for final mission briefing by Flight Director Lanalye, although it almost had to be pushed back due to overcrowding at the koffee machines. Mess hall stepped up tho & all controllers are fueling up
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here is the ascent profile & mission overview. Times are not given for events beyond SECO-1 because that all depends upon how the ascent goes. If orbital insertion is as planned then the mission will progress as shown. If not - PANIC!
No not really, there will just be a new plan
No not really, there will just be a new plan
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h15m] briefing broke up with hand shakes and quick hugs, lots of "have a safe launch!" as the ground crew departed for the pad & controllers went to their stations. Consoles will serve double duty with launch/mission controllers taking turns as needed during the orbital phase
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-5)
2/20
#2π 08:47:45 !!π!!
#3π12:38:14 π 14:48:36
#4π18:39:05 π 20:49:27
2/21
#1π00:39:56 π 02:50:18
#2π06:40:47
@ KSC (UTC-5)
2/20
#2π 08:47:45 !!π!!
#3π12:38:14 π 14:48:36
#4π18:39:05 π 20:49:27
2/21
#1π00:39:56 π 02:50:18
#2π06:40:47
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h45m] preflight is complete and rocket is healthy, ready to go! Ground crews moving back in to secure the MLP and perform final pad checks & prep. Range Safety Officer continues to assess airspace and waters around KSC & prepares to close down the launch corridor
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HOLD - we are NO GO from the weather desk, upper-level winds have not died down enough to meet our tight constraints but they are trending downwards since last measurement. Decision is to wait it out & try again, aiming for the end of the daylight launch window @ 16:45 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] countdown has resumed with a GO from the weather desk confirming surface conditions remain within limits. Hopefully things higher up are better now but the downwards trend was just an observation not a prediction and could have reversed or stalled. If so, day is scrubbed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] Final polls - Range: GO; Flight: GO; Tracking: GO; Payload: GO! WX: GO! Ops Director @DKerman_KSA: Launch permission granted! πGO ASCENSIONπ FTS power to internal, SRB boltbangs armed, service towers unlocked for retraction, AFCS standing by for terminal count procedures
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-2m] terminal count! Service towers are retracting to leave Ascension on battery power, now switching over to RF comms and monitoring EC load. Viklun flight computers are synchronizing. AFCS now has full control of the launch sequence tho manual hold possible up to L-0
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-1m] nothing left but seconds on the clock! Tune in for live ascent telemetry through OIB: ops.kerbalspace.agency at T-30s we should get the "Go Ascension!", "Go Kerbin I!" calls & live data will load shortly after. Final event sequence:
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
main engine ignition was good & with a massive WHOMP the 4 SRBs lit at L-0 to shove the rocket off the MLP almost all by themselves w/over 300kN of thrust. Main engine will throttle up as SRB thrust tapers off, SRBs will detach @ L+32s & main engine will throttle to full
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
nominal attitude on launch but main engine did not throttle properly during SRB boost resulting in a low TWR during initial ascent. Clean SRB sep & good throttle up however. Guidance fins can now actuate further if needed with the SRB decouplers out of the way. Mk2 is supersonic!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
minor roll-shake has developed - so much for hoping the longer Mk2 would be immune. Guidance remains on course however along with pitch. Coming up now on MECO, PLF drop, staging, SES-1 all happening within <1min. Heat build up seen here will quickly dissipate after PLF sep & MECO
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π¨ATTITUDE ALERT!! Gasps & moans filled Mission Control as we watched the Viklun stage slowly tumble almost completely around shortly after SES-1. Thankfully RCS was able to stabilize pointing nearly straight up & 100km target apokee was achieved for SECO-1 with minimal fuel loss
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
RT @DKerman_KSA: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
I'm allowed to scream. I'm just sitting here at my operations overview console watching the *actual* controllers (outwardly) calmly handling the situation. Rocket is still burning for 100km apokee, no matter what
I'm allowed to scream. I'm just sitting here at my operations overview console watching the *actual* controllers (outwardly) calmly handling the situation. Rocket is still burning for 100km apokee, no matter what
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mad scramble still underway! We've coasted up to space with only 1min until apokee, too soon to take the steps we need to properly plan the orbital insertion burn. Rocket is suffering gimbal lock & not re-orienting prograde. Controllers are desperately sending steering commands
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've managed to get the rocket pointing prograde but are already thru apokee. With no time for trajectory analysis controllers are just rushing to carefully modify the orbital burn script to begin immediately on upload & we will just have to hope there is enough fuel remaining!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
OIB underway, almost perikee positive! Everyone in Mission Control, Presider included, are staring up at the monitors pumping their arms & screaming "GO! GO! GO! GO!" We can do nothing else. There is only about 30s of powered flight remaining.
Can we make it?
CAN WE MAKE IT???
Can we make it?
CAN WE MAKE IT???
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a mixture of screams & cheers is still ringing here as we come up just. two. kilometers. short! But while this isn't a stable orbit, it is one that will give us plenty of time to sort through our options, and problems. First problem - 1.5Mm comms range with a 3.9Mm apokee...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
RT @DKerman_KSA: I'm about to almost pass out here. Holy kraken. Mad props to the controllers, and I will be the first one to admit that even though we knew the Viklun stage might lose attitude control, the contingencies we had in place were barely adequate. Lessons learned harshly...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket is through its first aerobrake pass & we have uploaded the telemetry data to the Ops Tracker so you can continue to follow its position in real time. You can use the mouse cursor to find out where it will be at any point along its trajectory ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
trajectory analysis has shown we'll lose signal in just over 11 minutes & not regain it for a little over 3hrs. This will completely drain the batteries supplying power to the Vilkun stage and its 1.5Mm antenna, which means we will not regain contact & lose the payload
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after deliberation, to salvage the mission we have begun Kerbin I activation. This will allow its batteries to power the Viklun stage. Viklun is designed not to do this until it runs out of its own juice. Kerbin I's probe core & 500km antenna will remain off to preserve power
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we completed re-configuring the rocket and prior to LOS @ 17:10:51 UTC we used the last 0.4kg of cold gas in the Viklun tanks to spin up the spacecraft for thermal control. We expect to regain signal @ ~20:25 UTC. Until then, post-launch ops & lots of mission operations meetings!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
while we have limited knowledge as to the extent of the outer radiation belt, by now the Viklun stage is likely thru 1st of 2 passes with increased radiation. The core itself is not radiation-hardened to save mass but the dual-CPU cross-check at least gives it better tolerance
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have a better idea of the inner-belt's extent and thankfully the trajectory travels over top of it on the way to apokee & below it on the way to perikee. Even better the apokee is pointing towards the sun, meaning it travels thru the compressed, thinner part of the outer belt
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
by now the Viklun stage with its attached payload will have passed through 3,887km apokee, which comes close to but does not break the record set back in July last year by the Progeny Mk6 Block II when it climbed to 4,349.35km ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mission Control is fully staffed again as we await AOS (bit.ly/KSATerminology) in a few minutes. The Viklun core cannot hibernate & was operational during both passes through the outer radiation belt. We can only hope this has not caused any serious damage
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
acquisition of signal almost right on schedule! Collective sigh of relief passes through controllers. Health checks are underway to ensure no serious damage has been done and the Viklun core can perform the final task of deploying the Kerbin I satellite on this comm pass
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are GO for satellite deployment! Command will be sent this minute to release Kerbin I from the payload truss, which will give it enough of a push that the two craft will separate without any need for additional thrust. Probe will check in 10s later to let us know all is well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
success! With <2min residual charge in Viklun to relay signal we were contacted by the probe, sent the necessary commands & switched off the antenna since its 500km range wouldn't reach us now once Viklun lost power for good. It will reactivate after perikee pass, AOS in ~15min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Arekibo's 27m tracking dish has just picked up Kerbin I clearing the western horizon. It will be in range only for the next 3min so just a quick download of aerobrake telemetry so we can update its trajectory information and it's back into hibernation for another 3h+
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
time for more trajectory analysis and mission management meetings. The astronauts came by during a break in their training expecting to see some photos from space, but we haven't taken any yet. Kerbin I will wake itself back up when it reaches ~500km ASL @ 00:24 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
without power to send telemetry and being too small to track easily the Ascension Mk2 mission distance record accounting was halted when it ran out of power after Kerbin I deployment. It will eventually be surpassed by Kerbin I but currently retains the record of 13,945.799km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here's a look at the upcoming comm window. Due to the antenna's short range it's important to consider distance as well as visibility. Over the Kongo we will not be able to send commands or receive telemetry since it is not yet connected to KSC via ground fiber, hence C = Control
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
to find out what ground stations to check in what order, we model the flyby in bit.ly/KSP_TOT. The sphere shading is proper for the body's position relative to the sun and you can see Kerbin I only spends a short amount of time over the night side of Kerbin
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
well, that didn't take long. Starting from the moment it was deployed Kerbin I has just this minute already traveled over 13,945.799km and has begun to set a new mission distance record. The record name holder has been updated and the distance will be updated after mission end
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
another on time acquisition of signal, probe has only been awake for just over a minute prior. There was a bit of outcry when kerbs learned we hadn't taken any photos yet so we'll be sending up a command on this pass to do the job after Kerbin I coasts back up to apokee
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
signal regained via Kravass after dropping out as expected @ 00:30 UTC but no telemetry coming down, just a safe mode alert. Controllers working thru the downloaded diagnostic package to ID issue & reboot the probe core - hopefully data gathered through atmo pass not corrupted
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
well we did end up losing data through the atmosphere, which will slightly hinder our aerobrake calculations for future passes, but probe ops have been restored. We will activate the RCS briefly to manually pump up the spin rate slightly, temp sensor readouts are a bit worrisome
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
back in hibernation before it coasts out of range. Thermal profile is an issue because probe was designed for an orbit that would have spent almost equal time in dark and light, now it spends majority of time in heat of the sun. Thankfully RTG is still a functioning radiator
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
if the "BBQ roll" fails to keep the spacecraft within safe operating temperatures then we will be forced to expend additional fuel/energy in pointing the engine at the sun & holding this orientation so the spacecraft shadows itself and the RTG can radiate more effectively
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kerbin I is now near apokee for pics. Whether we actually see Kerbin is completely by chance. Probe is tumbling slowly in addition to spinning in addition to wobbling slightly in addition to spinning faster than designed so photo exposure may be too long. So yea. Fingers crossed!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
coming up on AOS in a few mins. With a better handle on its trajectory we were able to tell it during last pass when to wake up within comm range of KSC. We'll confirm it's in good health then shut off the antenna until after Pe pass. Gotta save as much EC as we can when we can
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no faults this time during atmospheric passage, we're now preparing to download the photos. Transmission cost of ~5EC each means about an hour of hibernation we've lost. Hopefully they are worth it. Thermal condition of the probe remains a concern but has not worsened
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
aaaand we're out once again. Probe is set for its next wakeup @ 08:05 UTC. As usual Ops Tracker trajectory/status update coming soon but if anyone was watching during these passes you will see comm & resource updates happening in real time. Photos will need lots of processing...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
shift change underway at Mission Control. Had things gone as planned we would have just hibernated the probe by now & left it up there until the next day. Now however with short comm windows, aerobrakes & an unplanned trajectory we need to continue to keep very close tabs on it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kerbin I ran an automated sequence this pass, activating at ~80km, phoning home after perikee pass, staying on to continue transmitting post-areobrake telemetry & wait for any commands, then going back into hibernation. We'll continue with this on the next two passes as well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
another successful Kerbin I aerobrake & comms pass. Our trajectory predictions made for this pass (#5) using data after pass #3 were accurate to within 1s & shows we have good modeling of the atmospheric passage. This time additional instructions were uploaded on hibernation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the probe will wake up right when it comes in range of Arekibo. If it can't immediately make contact it will know our calculations were wrong & stay on so we can check its trajectory. Otherwise it will power back off until atmosphere, collect data & hibernate until pass #7
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-5)
π°
2/21
#2π 08:51:09
#3π12:41:38 π 14:52:00
#4π18:42:29 π 20:52:51
2/22
#1π00:43:20 π 02:53:42
#2π06:44:11
@ KSC (UTC-5)
π°
2/21
#2π 08:51:09
#3π12:41:38 π 14:52:00
#4π18:42:29 π 20:52:51
2/22
#1π00:43:20 π 02:53:42
#2π06:44:11
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Presider's flotilla has departed, he wishes us good luck on the remainder of the mission and says he will be following along closely via our Ops Tracker. Don't forget that you too can see where Kerbin I is at anytime along w/its status - ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we only got a quick blip from Kerbin I during its 6th perikee pass - as expected! We've updated the Ops Tracker with an estimated trajectory. When it next contacts us @ 19:02 UTC we will have some new instructions for it to setup for a maneuver the following apokee
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we will not be entering orbit yet. Instead we will actually lower perikee down to 64.2km, which will speed up the aerobraking process without risk of damaging the probe, although we'll still be keeping close tabs on it after each pass. Full details later today in the Ops Summary
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
since we knew there would be no recovery of engineering camera footage, no video was taken just rapid still shots (4fps) that could be beamed down during ascent. Here is the flipover performed by the Viklun stage that had @DKerman_KSA going "No..no..nooo...nononoNONONONOOOOOOOO!"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
getting ready for Kerbin I's 7th comm pass to begin in ~5min. Controllers have commands prepared for as soon as signal is acquired, will manually fly it prograde prior to atmosphere, which means we need time for the RCS to null out the slow tumble & roll probe is currently in
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
AOS on schedule, then it took less than a minute to get the probe under control and pointed prograde via RCS. That system is now disabled to save fuel and the SAS reaction wheels will now be enabled to hold it prograde for atmospheric passage, at the cost of some extra EC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
about to hit perikee, command will be sent to hold orientation, not follow prograde anymore. This means that when Kerbin I reaches apokee for retro-burn it will then be pointing retrograde w/o need for large re-orientation & more fuel/batt spent. Entering loss of command soon
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after losing comms thru Arekibo & passing over Kongo, Kravass gave us back control to switch off SAS, enable RCS and spin the probe back up (no more tumble now, tho spin slightly off-balanced, causing a small wobble). Now prepping to upload the maneuver instructions & hibernate
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
comm pass #7 concluded! Here is the full command listing of what we just described. Controllers came up with "burninate" from having to hibernate before doing a burn (although "burn" isn't quite accurate for the cold gas-fed engine but... manuverate? Hibernuve? Naaaah)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
3.7Mm up in space Kerbin I should have just executed its 3.5s maneuver after waking from hibernation, correcting any drift from retrograde and throttling up to 20% thrust (0.2kN) for 1.3m/s of Ξv. It should have then gone back to sleep until predicted AOS @ 22:37 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
time to show our work. Fabulous job by the mission planners predicting the future trajectory based on prev aerobrake data (#5). Key numbers to look at are the yellow Pe warnings in the lower-right. 64.212 was the planned perikee, latest trajectory update (#7) shows 64.193!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
you're looking at the entire extended mission plan all the way up to end of mission, however the end timing is not yet decided - likely either Sunday or Monday. We'll have full details on the new mission plan later today in the Ops Summary
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this is *not* what we were hoping to see when Kerbin I contacted us just now for its 8th perikee pass. Controllers are assessing the health of the probe & analyzing the diagnostics packet. Multiple startup failure points to an issue with the maneuver script set to run at boot
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we were able to restore normal operations prior to atmospheric passage, collected that data and monitored Kerbin I until near LOS to ensure no further issues before commanding it to hibernate until the next comm window. In the meantime, mission re-planning & error diagnosing...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
altho we were hoping to upload a new maneuver next pass, Kerbin I will almost slice between DSN Central & Arekibo @ Pe, our one big dead spot at low altitude. Atmo pass was enough to send probe back into a slow tumble, so we need to stabilize before Pe. Pass #10 looks promising
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this week's Ops Summary is required reading if you want to keep in the know about Kerbin I! Mission overview so far, new maneuver plans, what went wrong with the first attempt & how the mission will (hopefully!) progress over the weekend: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10478
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we just had a good comm pass with Kerbin I, full health check after Pe pass showed it was in great shape & trajectory was not far off prediction so the final GO was given to upload commands for our second attempt at burnination. Good luck, space faring robot - hello, shift change
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
maneuver complete! At least, it should be if all went well. We'll know in ~2hrs. Trajectory analysis from the last aerobrake has shown the resulting perikee should be 63.879km as opposed to the 63.907km that was planned based on prev aerobrake data, well within acceptable margins
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
whoops & claps in Mission Control! Most off-duty controllers still sticking around along with FD Lanalye & DKerman_KSA. Maneuver went off wonderfully, probe is now passing through lower perikee & everyone keeping a close eye on the thermals. High up still yes, but also Mach 11
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no problems reported by the AFCS, Kerbin I was watched closely near to LOS to make sure any ill effects were uncovered. We will continue to monitor the next three passes and then determine whether we are ready to place the probe into a more stable trajectory out of the atmosphere
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a brief check-in from Kerbin I just occurred to let us know all is well. We shut down the antenna after telling it to go into hibernation right after aerobrake since we would have lost connection prior to perikee. Next comm pass will be a nice long one starting at 12:16 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#ICYMI we succeeded in altering Kerbin I's trajectory for deeper dips into the upper atmosphere late yesterday. This is the first time we've ever done such a thing! No previous spacecraft has ever changed course in space after launch \[0_o]/
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good check-in with Kerbin I just now, like the last pass we disabled comms to save power but were able to get post-aerobrake data this time along with the data from last pass to analyze. Time to see how things are going vs. planned on our trek down to keosynchronous altitude
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are GO for orbital insertion after next aerobrake! Apokee is at 2.9Mm when originally projected to be around 3.1Mm - data shows Kerbin I is "standing up" more than expected as it tumbles, presenting the broad-side of its surface to the airflow for greater drag
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here's a look at the last aerobrake pass based off telemetry data (sped up 2x), you can see the vessel get stood up then knocked over, oscillating back and forth. When it exits the atmosphere at the end you see it finally do a full rotation w/o air pressure to stop it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
next aerobrake, based on drag avg of last three, is estimated to pull down apokee 75km below our target altitude, but that can be boosted back up with minimal Ξv. Burninate commands are being worked out now for the next comm pass, which will only give us contact prior to perikee
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
burninate commands were successfully sent by us & received by Kerbin I, which should have by now exited the atmosphere and gone back into hibernation. It will wake up at 16:31 UTC to prepare to execute the maneuver and now... we wait. Next comm pass @ 17:51 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
since we were unable to check telemetry after aerobrake pass we have no idea how on course the probe is, but its apokee height is irrelevant. The only thing that could make the maneuver go horribly wrong is if it was done pointing retrograde, which it is not programmed to do
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
by now, if all went well, we should finally have an orbital spacecraft! The maneuver would have expended 13.25m/s of Ξv over 6.7s pushing out cold gas at full thrust (1kN). There are still numerous things that could have gone wrong, so no celebrations yet... still waiting...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
just under 10 minutes until we should hear from Kerbin I, traveling down to what we hope is a 100km perikee. Mission Control has slowly been filling up with spectators & FD Lanalye had to start turning kerbs away so we quick setup a simulcast in the Astronaut Complex
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
excitement in the air! We just downlinked confirmation that the burn was successful, onboard measurements say we are in a 2,801km x 101km orbit but Kerbin I is just guessing based on measured performance & last-uploaded position data from prev pass. Now we need to confirm...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
β¨π KERZZAH!! πβ¨ radio doppler increasing, onboard instruments detected no atmosphere & signal delay measurements confirm altitude! FD Lanalye announced:
π« WE ARE IN ORBIT!! π«
Mission Control has erupted in cheers & applause! Hugs & handshakes! High fours all around! πΎπ₯
π« WE ARE IN ORBIT!! π«
Mission Control has erupted in cheers & applause! Hugs & handshakes! High fours all around! πΎπ₯
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we felt we earned ourselves a photo, so controllers quick pointed one of the cameras towards the horizon and by the time it was in position we managed to just capture the sun setting. We choose to see it as the end of a long journey w/ a new dawn in space exploration now coming!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kerbin I is back asleep and drifting away into space. Now that the orbit is stable mission planners will take another look at the resources remaining and decide how best to proceed with the remainder of the mission goals over the next day or two. No parties yet! Moar work!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
waiting for AOS this minute, controllers are ready for our first on-orbit check-in, which will slice almost directly between DSN Central (blue) & Arekibo (cyan). If Kerbin I were still low, likely would have not seen either. No atmo pass, so it will hibernate between comm windows
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
probe is back asleep for the long coast around the planet to our next comm window (#16) predicted to begin @ 23:18 UTC. All systems remain nominal, thermal issues have not become as serious a concern as originally feared, thankfully. Power levels have just reached 50%
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
comm window #16 was a standard affair, no issues reported by Kerbin I upon signal acquisition & we had a full pass through its comm range with KSC & Ockr acting as primary stations, Kravass and Sheltered Rock as backups. Lots more data acquired for continued trajectory analysis
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tomorrow we will decide when to deorbit Kerbin I & any actions available resources will allow us to perform before then. Ops Tracker will continue w/ regular info & trajectory updates each comm pass but we'll only report here if anything unexpected happens ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
1 of the 8 photos taken Thurs actually had a good look at Kerbin with Mun in the frame too. It has been cleaned up as best as possible but as expected the conditions were not great for the cameras to capture a good quality image. Still, our farthest look at Kerbin yet from 3.8Mm
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
not sure if anyone actually noticed, but the cameras displayed in the craft image do not match the one displayed in the blueprint. Due to budget issues we used surplus cheaper cameras we had already purchased. They are not even really designed for space flight!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
earlier today during comm pass #20 Kerbin I was put into an extended hibernation sequence. For the next 10 orbits it will just wake up, check for any errors or instructions, and return to sleep. This will hopefully give the mission operations team a well-needed rest period today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
since late yesterday we've tightened Kerbin I's trajectory & the time to reach ascending node predicted by earlier orbits was close enough to the actual orbit #6 that we felt comfortable telling the probe when it can wake up for these following 10 orbits & be in signal range
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kerbin I remains healthy and continues to check in on schedule with no problem being able to connect immediately to KSC. Mission operations team got some rest & more importantly took the time to make well-considered decisions about how to end the mission. More details tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we just concluded Kerbin I's "time off" period, interrupting this last wake cycle with a command to stay active until LOS, which occurred within 2s of estimate made at the start of yesterday. New update available on Ops Tracker for more info: ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
end of mission operations are a GO! We will be aiming to smash Kerbin I into the Kongo River basin later today, which is the largest land mass along our trajectory. Going for the middle to allow for under/overshoot and still be able to have an impact location on land to analyze
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
estimates leave us with 20-25m/s of Ξv after deorbit maneuver, which we will use along with remaining power to allow the spacecraft to stop rolling & orient itself as needed to take pics at certain points on the way back down from apokee - altho remaining cam may be too damaged
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
about 10min to AOS for Kerbin I's 31st comm pass, which will be a nice long one supported by 4 ground stations and lasting for just under 11 minutes, which gives the spacecraft operations team plenty of time to setup for the apokee boost maneuver this pass & monitor the results
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kerbin I is oriented prograde & standing by for its upcoming 3.5s maneuver in 1min for 5m/s of Ξv @ 70% thrust (0.7kN). A bit of worry initially as it took 3 tries to accept the maneuver instructions. Processor degradation from repeated high radiation exposure a likely cause
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
maneuver was a success, boosting the probe back up to an apokee just higher than keosynchronous orbit. It will remain active until LOS so we can get as much telemetry data as possible for its new trajectory so the mission team can confirm EOM plan is still on track
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kerbin I is back in hibernation. For the next orbit it will just wake up for a health check unless mission planners feel they need more telemetry data. 2 orbits from now we will send it the commands to deorbit on the following apokee. Sleep tight, don't let the rad bugs bite!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today our founder and Operations Director @DKerman_KSA accepted official recognition by the Kerbin World First organization for the achievement of placing a payload into stable orbit around Kerbin. CFO Mortimer practically ran off with the award check of 64,000 funds
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Dhumla cargo aircraft has landed, carrying this month's second & final Boosterton SRB for test firing. After it is unloaded the Kerbin I recovery crew will load up with their equipment and fly out to the Kongo to prepare to hunt down the impending impact site
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kerbin I health check came back with a few new minor issues but critical systems remain green. Updated timings for the next pass were not far enough off for controllers to bother the probe with an update & it shut itself back off to coast around the planet just one more time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
now completing its final orbit (recall it started at apokee), deorbit burninate command was sent to Kerbin I on this recent comm pass. Disturbingly, no confirmation came and telemetry stopped - which means it either failed completely or went into hibernation w/o notification
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we can't rule out radiation damage finally taking its toll, but everyone would rather hold out hope that possible damage only glitched it, making it skip the confirmation and go straight into hibernation. If it is late for its final check-in @ 00:35 UTC, we will know
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
assuming all went well, Kerbin I should have just finished executing its final maneuver, 26m/s Ξv at full thrust (1kN) over 13 seconds. It will then snap a photo from apokee and take 3 more, one each at 2Mm, 1Mm and 500km on the way back down to one last AOS prior to re-entry
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
just ~5min now to potential AOS. If Kerbin I fails to make contact as expected, next best-case scenario is that it booted up into safe mode, did not perform maneuver. In that case it will come into comm range 2min later. Arekibo 27m dish is pointed @ the western horizon...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
signal lock!! We have spacecraft telemetry! Kerbin I is holding out like a champ, we have data stored from the camera - what shape it is in we do not know but have enough power to pull it down & find out. In fact, we have cold gas reserves as well & will ask it for one more...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
5 photos have been downloaded and they are all in pretty bad shape but technicians will see what can be done. Final commands were sent to disable steering - probe is now ballistic & shortly will begin re-entry at which point plasma blackout will cause one final LOS
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
just under a minute ago FD Lanalye made the final call "Kerbin I telemetry signal has been lost" & sad but satisfied claps filled the room. We hit our re-entry window almost right-on, coming in w/ a Pe of 29.044km (29.151km planned) w/ 6.88% of power & 6.70% cold gas remaining
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
unfortunately playing it safe dropping over the large Kongo River basin means we won't hear any news about Kerbin I's recovery until at least sometime late tomorrow when a regular charter lands in Kravass. Plenty of other post-mission analysis to do before then tho
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here's a look at the full 4d4h7m18s trajectory of Kerbin I, broken up into the five main mission phases. It aerobraked 13 times through Kerbin's upper atmosphere and then (stably) orbited 20 times before falling back, traveling a record total distance of 396,096.3495km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
slight difference in how the mission is timed vs. distance traveled is measured. Mission time is from the second probe is deployed to when we lose contact on re-entry. Distance is from the second it switched on & began sending telemetry, to when it hit the top of the atmosphere
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kongo base contractors returning to Kravass report our team is still out recovering Kerbin I but that everyone saw its fireball streak across the sky and fall long to the northeast, but still over land. We likely over-estimated our drag coefficient when planning the re-entry
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Here are what was able to be recovered from the photo data Kerbin I sent us. Photos are in order from apokee down (2.9Mm to 2Mm to 1Mm to 500km) All photos are untouched except last one @ 500km to bring out the fact that you can see Mun setting over the horizon
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the final photo we took has also been enhanced, with blue taken down & red/green tones bumped up so you can better make out Sea Ring Crater as Kerbin I flew over it, looking along its direction of travel towards the Kongo River Basin over the horizon
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ππvideo of the initial launch is now up, giving you an idea of just how fast this rocket moved despite its size - those 4 SRBs put out enough thrust for 1.7 TWR! The initial acceleration was important in allowing the main engine to carry on after SRB sep youtube.com/watch?v=Xrac3Zβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kerbin I has come home! There was a lot more of the probe that survived re-entry than expected, which will make for interesting post-flight analysis. Lead Scientist Cheranne & her team with the high-alt KB crew are set to depart aboard this Dhumla when it heads back to the Kongo
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a historic month draws to a close. Recap the Kerbin I mission, learn more about our upcoming missions and what else transpired this past week over at the Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10499
Also, now all the parties
ππππ
Also, now all the parties
ππππ
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
being able to study the changes to trajectories of asteroids that have happened to skim through our atmosphere in the past played a direct role in helping to manage the Kerbin I mission after it went off plan twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kerbin-I initial post-recovery analysis has identified bits & pieces from every single part on the spacecraft - it landed intact! Every fragment still needs closer examination to determine how the probe fared overall during reentry but nice to know it all managed to hold together
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final major hurdle in getting back to rocket flight has been cleared with the full review & analysis of the orbital Kerbin I mission completed kerbalspace.agency/?p=10905 Now Progenitor & Ascension teams will spend May on upcoming mission plans
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here's the first time we've ever seen Mun's shadow from space! First photo taken ~140km & second at apokee over Sheltered Rock @ 294km. Note the land seen to the right of img1 extends into the shadow & contains KSC but it gets too dark to see it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we had two opportunities during the Kerbin I mission to also capture Mun's shadow but it wasn't in the proper planned orbit right after launch that would have given it visibility and then also just missed it during a perikee pass a few days later on 2/23 thx to missed maneuver
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kerbin II has by now exceeded both Kerbin I's record mission distance of 396,096.3495km and the Ascension Mk2's orbit total of 37 and of course it still has a long ways yet to go so bit.ly/KSARecords has updated to refer to Kerbin II with a "+" to note ongoing progress
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
if you've been wondering where the image of Kerbin came from that is used for the Ops Tracker orbital vessels, it is a cropped, rotated and enlarged version of this photo taken from 327km by an Ascension Mk1 booster camera back in Aug 2019
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the year may be done but the week is not and we still have one more aspect of our 2020 operations to review - orbital! For the first time we get to look at some stats from missions that circled the planet multiple times, something we plan to do a lot more often in 2021 π«
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
and a look at the various trajectories the vessels took. With the loss of power & loss of position data the Kerbin I Viklun stage decay is a best-guess. Also the Kerbin II Viklun stage was de-orbited in a similar manner to that depicted for Kerbin II, both shared the same orbit
