After waiting almost a year since his first attempt, Specialist Bob is finally able to head up into space to chase after the shadow of Mun during an eclipse. However mission troubles still do not escape him…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronauts took time from their busy schedule to visit a school in Umbarg as part of their educational outreach. One kerbling asked what happens if you peed in your space suit. Bob promised him he would find out. Such bold frontiers to explore!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new fuel tanks & other parts for 3 add'l Ascension Mk1 missions will be ordered over next few months to cover the flights of Jeb & Bob as well as an unkerbed test flight. This will use up all remaining lift engines by April & unsure at this time if the new engine will be ready
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ever since we demonstrated it was possible to open the Mk1 capsule hatch in space then close & secure it again for safe re-entry on an unkerbed flight rumors have persisted about a spacewalk from Jeb or Bob. Official response: As of right now we have NO such plans
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
RT @Tmccreight25: A spacewalk is definitely an interesting idea, but i don't like the thought of a Kerbal exiting their capsule whilst on a ballistic trajectory... gives me horrible visions of them being unable to return to the spacecraft and seal the hatch before reentry cooks them alive...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
yes, we feel the pressure waiting for the Mk1 flight report to be released but you can't rush these things. Hopefully next week we will know if the Mk2 mission is approved! Until then, read more about what happened this past week in our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10366
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
at least some good news to come out of today: the newest K2-X engine was hooked up to the test stand & underwent successful static fire. It will be moved back to the VAB tomorrow to begin integration w/ flight hardware for March's mission. Horizontal stand awaits Boosterton II
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
K2-X engine for Specialist Bob's mission in April has been delivered for final inspection, along with static fire testing next month. This is the 2nd of 3 arriving in this first quarter of the year, with 3 more in Q3 that should hold us until the new lifter engine is completed
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
🎆🎉🎊🎇
Also, now all the parties
🎆🎉🎊🎇
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the K2-X engine for Spc Bob's mission had a successful static fire out on the vertical test stand today. We continue to target an early April launch to get our last astronaut aboard a rocket and have a space ribbon pinned on them afterwards
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still no diagnosis on Jeb's engine, but luckily we don't have to wait for one because the engine for Bob's flight is tested and ready. Lead Engineer Simon says they can swap it for another launch attempt next week, now targeting lift off on 3/20 @ 16:15 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a bummer that we were unable to return to kerbed space flight this week but heads are up and looking forward to next week's attempt! More on that and everything else that transpired this week in our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10765
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
💫 KERZZAH! ☀ - 12 times we have now traveled around Kerbol since the KSA was founded - at 1,025,316,660.821km distance traveled we are just 3 light minutes shy of a light hour's travel time over the same distance. Spaceship Kerbin is tooling along at a constant 9.28km/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Engineer Simon reports the engine for Jeb's rocket developed a bad fuel flow sensor in the time between static fire and launch. They will replace the part, seek higher quality from the manufacturer, and have the engine ready again for Bob's mission in April
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a tough decision has been made. The Kerbal Space Agency will be suspending launch operations for at least the next two months while we reassess Ascension & Progenitor program management. More details in this press release from @DKerman_KSA: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10854
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
TL;DR - several recent minor oversights both in the rocketry & aircraft programs have begun to worry upper management that we are on course to make a catastrophic error in a future mission. Time to slow down before a major oversight occurs with horrible consequences
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Operations Director @DKerman_KSA rejected Lead Engineer Simon's resignation today. He may have made mistakes but this just shows he is willing to accept them and we expect him to move forward with us and make the most of the experience he has gained over the past 3+ years
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
things will be slowing down for a while, but we do expect to clear out the backlog quickly starting Jun/Jul to remain as close as possible to our projections made at the start of the year. We waited to hear of more Chikelu news but nothing yet kerbalspace.agency/?p=10850
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
events late last week postponed our bi-weekly Ops Summary to allow us to share better details, unfortunately the news from USI is not good & has temporarily suspended Progeny launches. Ascension looking better, but still behind sched. More details: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10993
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're ramping rocket operations back up! Sadly Progenitor remains sidelined but Ascension is free to fly and we have three launches in the queue:
6/23 @ TBD - Mk1 (unkerbed)
7/16 @ TBD - Mk1 (Spc Bob)
TBD August - Mk2
Save the dates! More details in the coming days 🚀✨
6/23 @ TBD - Mk1 (unkerbed)
7/16 @ TBD - Mk1 (Spc Bob)
TBD August - Mk2
Save the dates! More details in the coming days 🚀✨
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
work is all set to resume in the VAB next week. Progeny Mk7-B assembly atop the 4 boosters will continue while we await launch permission. This month's rocket just needs to be stacked for final closeouts. Bob's ride still has a lot of prep for next month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the 2nd K2-X engine from the order placed back in Feb has arrived at KSC. It will be static fired next week after the Mk1 mission and then will serve as backup to Bob's mission and the 2nd Mk2 mission before being assigned its own flight - likely to deploy commsats on a Mk2!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye has been in Launch Control drilling the Launch Team B hard all week. Normally handling Progeny flights, they need to be brought up to speed on Ascension operations. Launch Team A is prepping in the Astronaut Complex to manage Bob's mission next month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our recovery ship MSV Aldeny has made the ~900km journey started Wednesday from its berth in Sheltered Rock, from Jeb's recovery, to port in Umbarg. Over the weekend it will engage in drills offshore here at KSC to get the crew back up to speed for capsule recovery
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with rocketry programs ramping back up we're switching back to the weekly Ops Summary format to make sure you get all the infos. If you think you may have missed anything or want more expansive details on out operations, check it out - kerbalspace.agency/?p=11043
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
low-alt crew have shipped out aboard MSV Lymun to head for bit.ly/Area_G0-XK8 & will return next week. We'd save some funds by letting them use our own ship MSV Aldeny but that's needed here so Bill & Bob can begin working their water recovery drills for July's mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everyone is already looking forward to sending the last of our crew up into space and now the mission details are available on the Ops Tracker: ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=ascens…. The timing of this mission could let Bob see something from space no kerbal has seen before
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this was an exciting week, make sure you didn't miss anything by check out our weekly Ops Summary on the website, where we have some speculation on the USI sale. We hope everyone has a relaxing weekend! kerbalspace.agency/?p=11062
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the mock capsule is out the Kerblantic this week as MSV Aldeny works through more recovery drills but this time with primary crew Specialist Bob and backup crew Specialist Bill. Different protocols are obviously in effect here, like actually caring if the capsule is sinking...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
If they can get out in time, their pressurized suit can help keep them afloat twitter.com/rocketbeing/st…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Mk1-A capsule was stacked atop the lifter stage earlier today in the VAB so the rocket can undergo load checks & ensure the decoupler/interstage shroud are properly manufactured. Then the rocket will be lowered horizontal for final close outs to complete by Friday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today kicked off with a kerbolar eclipse, and Mun's shadow raced across the KSC like as seen in this photo from 2017. Another eclipse will happen on 7/16 and the shadow of Mun will cross the Kerblantic underneath Bob's capsule as he views it from above for the first time ever!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
while Bob's mission was able to be scheduled initially to coincide with the eclipse, that is not the primary mission goal and if there are any launch delays Bob has made it clear he will not be spending an extra 3 days in quarantine until the next eclipse
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bob's Ascension Mk1 was closed out today and loaded up on the carry vehicle. The crew also finished their last run of sim training. There were a few sim deaths, but FD Lanalye had to come up with some seriously out-there failure scenarios to kill either of them
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Ops Summary is back and we will try to stick to the weekly format again moving forward. Learn more details about what went down these past two weeks and catch anything you may have missed: kerbalspace.agency/?p=11093
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Specialists Bob & Bill have both been settled into quarantine in the Astronaut Complex, where they will be monitored by medical teams while relaxing after their vigorous training. Not just to prevent sickness, also to get a good baseline medical reading prior to spaceflight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have the possibility of bad weather later this week, Maritime Service is reporting conditions are ripe for a large low-pressure system developing out over the Kerblantic. Moving up Ascension Mk1 WDR to today, rocket is on the way out to the launch pad
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye reports wet dress rehearsal went well and the rocket has been rolled back to the VAB. While it could most likely withstand the possible high winds & rain while mounted, we see no reason to put it through such a test, especially with a crewed mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#DYK this upcoming kerbed mission will be nearly 1 year to the day from when we tried to launch Bob into space? He was supposed to be the first! However events did not go in his favor - you can recap the whole mission that made Bill 1st in space here: kerbalspace.agency/Tracker/tracke…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
storm threat has abated, with the Kerbin Weather Service reporting lack of organized development after a Deuce flight from Sheltered Rock investigated the area. There are still local weather conditions to be concerned about but these we are more familiar with by now
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
medical team reports the crew remain healthy and are sleeping well. They usually take this time to work on personal projects. Bill is building a simple radio receiver that will let kerblings hear Kerbin II while Bob works on coding a new integrator with our astrodynamics team
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with WDR already completed earlier this week we will not be rolling the rocket out to the launch pad until tomorrow, so the crew can be loaded prior to it being raised up and mounted. VAB workers are instead taking the opportunity to give it another final look-over
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our recovery ship MSV Aldeny set out from Umbarg yesterday to head for the recovery zone east of Ockr, another factor that would have been affected if the Kerblantic storm had developed tho we do continue our Maritime Service partnership to have a ship rdy @ Sheltered Rock
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're happy to be hosting another visit from the government. The new committee chair says it will be his first launch experience & he's looking to talk to Lead Scientist Cheranne about larger outreach initiatives for schools twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtr…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crew have had their final pre-mission visit with family, Katgan forecasts 75% favorable weather & all other launch readiness reports have been reviewed & signed off on by @DKerman_KSA. We are 🚀 GO 🚀 for launch attempt tomorrow! Pre-launch ops begin @ 11:54 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-4)
7/16
#2🌄08:56:17 🌅11:06:39 !!🚀!!
#3🌄14:57:08 🌅17:07:30
#4🌄20:57:59 🌅23:08:21
7/17
#1🌄02:58:50 🌅05:09:12
@ KSC (UTC-4)
7/16
#2🌄08:56:17 🌅11:06:39 !!🚀!!
#3🌄14:57:08 🌅17:07:30
#4🌄20:57:59 🌅23:08:21
7/17
#1🌄02:58:50 🌅05:09:12
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5h10m] meteorologist Katgan has upgraded her weather forecast to 85% favorable based on more recent data so we have the GO to kick off the launch timeline. Crew has already woken, eaten their choice breakfast & are finishing suit up. Further updates to come @ these milestones
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5h] the rocket has already left for the pad & now Specialist Bob is on his way to join it w/ the rest of the launch site crew. Tanker truck is getting fueled up to head over a bit later as well. Bill will remain suited up on standby in the ready room at the Astronaut Complex
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h45m] capsule hatch is open, crew loading has begun. Climbing from the crew van, Bob gave Val a big hug then started up the ramp. When asked to pose for a new photo he just kept on walking saying "I'm getting right on in this thing while I'm still feeling good about it"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h20m] crew load complete on schedule, capsule hatch is sealed. Val has plugged in for CapCom in case any issues arise inside while the rocket is raised and mounted. Visitor busing has begun to depart from the Support Village so viewers can pick out their spots
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h20m] rocket is vertical and pad crews are finalizing mounting. Meanwhile in Launch Control the A team is gathering for a final briefing from Flight Director Lanalye. Bob's mission could be the longest space voyage yet and break Val's record of 11m2s. Flight overview:
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h10m] mounting was completed on schedule, Val is on her way back to LC while the pad crew is preparing to hook up the fuel truck. Controllers are on console, ground link to the capsule confirmed and startup procedures are under way. AFCS change log: github.com/KSAMissionCtrl…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h55m] rocket has been configured for tanking, LES is armed & GO has been given for onload of propellants to begin - 7t worth will flow into the lifter stage. Val is keeping Bob busy with the preflight checklist, which keeps his mind off the explosive potential beneath him
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h40m] rocket is now topped off and weighs in at 10.851t. Bob continues to work preflight with launch controllers while the pad crews move back in to get the tanker truck unhooked & moved out, GSE cleaned up, external valves closed, etc. Launch timeline continues on schedule
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h55m] Bob has completed his preflight checks, pad crew have secured the ground service equipment and are clearing out as controllers continue their preflight with checks on the engine & ignition systems. Issues board remains clear. Hi-alt KerBalloon being prepped for release
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h30m] preflight complete, no issues raised, rocket stands ready for launch! Pad crew moving back in to close out the launch site, remove mechanical launch safety devices. RSO is confirming with SkyWatch team airspace is clear as well as waters out under the launch corridor
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h20m] the 2nd weather balloon has been released to ascend through to the upper atmosphere (18km+) and report back on any hazardous conditions. Weather forecast is for surface conditions only. We're also hearing from MSV Aldeny in the recovery zone that seas are within limits
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight surgeon reports Bob has peed his suit. This was expected, altho Jeb still jokes that he was surprised Bob didn't do it the first time out of terror. What happens? He gets a little wet but it'll dry alright and no important sensors are down there... twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtr…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-45m] pad has been locked down and evacuated for the final time, launch controllers and Bob getting ready to begin rehearsal protocols to ensure all systems are set & ready, nothing missed. Weather desk beginning to analyze data from balloon's early ascent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] we are GO to continue into the final countdown sequence, events which will need to be repeated if a scrub occurs. Launch window is all day long - we will not stand down for the next eclipse in the event of a launch delay. Katgan says surface conditions are 100% favorable
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
careful attention being paid to Bob's vitals as we approach the end of countdown. He's spent the past year working on his anxiety. Val has helped him learn meditation & he says all the practice to get into a routine has made it easier to work through. Heart rate is steady!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] Range Safety Officer has closed down the ascent corridor & launch pad area, any incursions via ground, air or water will hold the count. All outside viewers must remain in designated areas w/hearing protection. Flight Termination System is ACTIVE, engine ignition ARMED
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-13m] a small tanker still hooked to the service tower is loading nitrogen aboard the rocket, which will in turn be used to pressurize the fuel tanks for flight, mainly for extra rigidity as engine burns non-stop. Late onload ensures safety of pad crew. Bob has LES
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val uses a rare lull in final procedures to ask Bob how he's doing. There is a tense moment of silence. Then, "I don't know why I thought you could see me give a thumbs up". Crew-facing cameras in the Mk1-B capsule? We could do that...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] final general poll: all GO! Bob has switched to capsule life support & is undergoing final suit integrity check. Launch permission granted by Ops Director @DKerman_KSA. 🚀 GO ASCENSION! 🚀 FTS power internal, service arm unlocked to retract, AFCS rdy for terminal count
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-2m] Automated Flight Control System has assumed command, with Bob overseeing & controllers backing them both up. Boom has swung away to leave capsule on internal power/ECLSS & RF comms. Final checks of all systems underway, Bob is busy again to keep himself focused
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-1m] it's time to load the Ops Tracker if it's not already to watch live ascent tlm, which should load up after T-30s if final primary polls come back GO. The final automated sequence follows. Val excitedly tells Bob to "hold on tight & enjoy the ride!" kerbalspace.agency/Tracker/tracke…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ignition & launch thrust good - we have LIFTOFF! Spc Bob is finally on his way to space for the 1st time, outrunning the shadow of Mun as it passes over the KSC. Once clear of the towers, engine will kick up from ~70% to full thrust
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
WHOA. Okay, guidance issue. Rocket thinks its nominal tho so not auto LES. Tlm shows it *is* still under control w/o danger of flipping. Controllers have left abort decision up to Bob. Shaky response but nonetheless he says "push on push on!"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bumpy ride is smoothing out, close eye kept on external temp as friction heats up. Throttle pull back to maintain 2.7 TWR ended at 40km to jam Bob back in his seat with 4G+. We will at least make it up to space - primary goal achieved!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
controllers are scrambling to plot Bob's new trajectory as he takes over control to begin orienting the capsule to get some good views out the window. Despite the guidance issue, we are still pleased at how well the rocket carried out the rest of the ascent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bill has already shucked his suit to be in Launch Control with everyone else to see how this plays out. Apokee in ~4min & Bob's flatter trajectory will take him well downrange. MSV Aldeny is already starting to move eastwards at best speed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
approaching apokee & discussion is still underway whether to use the LES to put the brakes on and bring the capsule down sooner, altho the steeper re-entry will put more Gs onto Bob, who is now floating around and saying he's getting a great view of Mun's shadow far down below
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
decision made to hold off on LES use. It's looking like Bob will come down right smack dab in the middle of this large island, which would be preferred over having him floating for hours in an open sea that could be rough. Val is telling Bob to begin re-entry prep
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bob is strapped into his seat again for a rough ride back to Kerbin. Capsule is retrograde & LES jettison will occur shortly before re-entry in <1min. Capsule spun up to keep radial chutes cool. We don't expect to regain comms after plasma blackout. Good luck, Bob!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we had Bob calling out readings non-stop to make clear when comms dropped out. Now just static. The Aldeny is still several hours from the island but telemetry data prior to signal loss has everyone fairly confident that is indeed where he is coming down
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
capsule should now be descending slowly under ALL chutes - controllers recommended to Bob he pop the reserve radials as well even if the mains open to help make the landing softer since he will not be splashing down into the ocean. Heat shield will also be sacrificed to help
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bob should have landed by now. If uninjured he can egress from the capsule on his own. He has 4 days of food and water in addition to the capsule for shelter, but there's no reason why we shouldn't find him later today as search & recovery operations kick off full force
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a Civvie volunteer has just departed from Ockr General to serve as relay messenger between us and the Aldeny as it sails over the horizon. It will also get to the island sooner to confirm Bob's status and location. Should be there & back w/in 2 hours. thx to public for support!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post-launch operations continuing as flight data is pulled from launch consoles and organized so the Ascension team can begin to look into the guidance issue that plagued the start of the mission. Could be mechanical, could be software. They will hunt it down w/ vengeance
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
✨🎉 KERZZAH!! 🎊✨ \[0_o]/ the Civvie has returned w/in range of Ockr relay to report Bob is indeed safely down, no injuries from landing in grassland area. MSV Aldeny is still about 2-3 hours away. Capsule is reportedly well inland, so it will need to be recovered separately
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Civvie has been relieved by another pilot with her personal craft & it remains circling offshore to relay comms over the horizon. The Aldeny has arrived and made contact with Bob, who has been working towards the shore, performing various surface observations along the way
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it was a ~22km hike from his capsule to the shore but Bob made it okay - all that wilderness survival training finally coming in handy. Aldeny crew was there to greet him, he's now heading aboard to sail back to Sheltered Rock. They will arrive in port tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bob is only a little more than halfway through the sea journey back to Sheltered Rock but airship recovery of the capsule is already completed. Here is a photo he took of the landing site. Space photos will need add'l processing but we hope to release them today too
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with the capsule recovered we now have the rest of the onboard telemetry. The full data set is available online for anyone to peruse and analyze as they wish: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d… and here is the remaining operations log
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 hope everyone else had as good a week as we did! Although yesterday's mission concludes kerbed space flight for 2020, we have details on upcoming Ascension missions in our weekly Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=11107
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Aldeny has pulled into port at Sheltered Rock and Bob will be given a full medical exam tomorrow. Capsule is still there as well and will be shipped the rest of the way back to KSC for post-flight inspection next week. This was its second flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although it did not travel as high as planned, Bob's flight still managed to pull ahead of all Val's sub-orbital 2019 bit.ly/KSARecords & also set a new record for longest downrange distance from which a sub-orbital vessel was successfully recovered ops.kerbalspace.agency/?body=Kerbin-S…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bob has been given a clean bill of health, which is great news considering he blacked out for 24 seconds during the most punishing point of re-entry, which saw over 9G for nearly 10s, 4s of which was over 11G and nearly 12G. He's now heading back home to Kravass for some R&R
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've now sent all 4 of our crew up into space. To think that just over 3 years ago they were all only dreaming of the possibility. The Progeny Mk3 rocket seen launching in this photo still hadn't even made it to the upper atmosphere yet!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
one more photo from Bob's mission, one of the last few he took prior to returning to his seat for re-entry. Looking northeast, you can spot the aurora & also see the island he landed on just over the terminator. To the left far below is the mountain upon which sits Ockr Relay
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
how did we recover the capsule with an airship? We tested a similar method over water #OTD back in 2018 and since then have perfected the procedure and kept it in our back pocket for use when needed over land or sea twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtr…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
to get an idea of just how much panic was caused by Bob's initial ascent (red) compare it to the trajectory he was supposed to fly (green). Had the rocket not recovered and shown to hold good AoA and keep nose at or above 45°, abort would have been triggered by controllers
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
back at KSC now, Bob enjoyed his time off and hero's parade through his home cavern of Kravass along with a phone call from the Presider. He's amped up to get working with the rest of the crew to prepare for a longer stay in space next year - orbit! (either him or Val to be 1st)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all 4 crew's sub-orbital re-entry profiles. Bill was 1st so most conservative. Val then Jeb were next, Bob's mission went the highest. Bob was the only one who blacked out - the final flight report will attempt to determine the cause. Bumps after max G are chute deployments
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Specialist Bob has submitted to rigorous medical testing this past week as physicians work to determine why he was the only one who blacked out on re-entry when centrifuge exercises showed he should have been able to handle the G load that was similar to Val & Jeb's returns
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronauts are at our Umbarg HQ to begin more runs in the centrifuge, carrying on over the next week as research continues to study the effects of high G loads during re-entry, now with even more data to apply from Bob's recent mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
get the details on Bob's harrowing journey up into space with the flight analysis report just published today: kerbalspace.agency/?p=11253 the rocket survived a punishing ascent and we came the closest we've been so far to losing a crew member in flight
