Looking for the third time to be the charm, changes are made to the early ascent to hopefully ensure mission success at last and while they seem to work ultimately we are forced to declare this yet another failure upon recovery
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk7-B launch dates & times confirmed!
Flight 1: 8/12 @ 17:23 UTC
Flight 2: 8/26 @ 18:11 UTC
Next 2 will launch Oct, not just cause they still need to be assembled but to give us time for any adjustments based on these initial flights. More info: bit.ly/Ops_Tracker
Flight 1: 8/12 @ 17:23 UTC
Flight 2: 8/26 @ 18:11 UTC
Next 2 will launch Oct, not just cause they still need to be assembled but to give us time for any adjustments based on these initial flights. More info: bit.ly/Ops_Tracker
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
parts from now-defunct USI for the final two Progeny Mk7-B flights have finally been cleared for purchase as Luciole continues to absorb the company and free up its assets from the clutches of litigation. Both flights are still planned to be flown in October
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Launch dates and mission details may change based off both the under-analysis recent mission & whether the 3rd mission finally succeeds but these are our targets for the next Progeny launch campaign. As usual, more details can be found via the bit.ly/Ops_Tracker
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Boostertron II originally static fired back at the start of April has just been fired again earlier today on our horizontal test stand. Data still needs a full review but initial results were good. If confirmed we would be clear to fly a refurbished one w/3rd Mk7-B in Oct
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Mk2 was rolled out at the start of today to be hooked up to the service towers and undergo a wet dress rehearsal that saw it loaded up with 9t of liquid propellants between its 2 stages. All systems were good & we remain on sched. RTG installation will take place tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
technicians will access the rocket via the crew gangway to install the RTG today via a hatch in the fairing. Hooked up to the tower environmental system used for capsules the RTG heat will be pumped away and Kerbin II can be powered up and tested
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our seemingly well-laid plans for installing the RTG on the pad have come up against some unforeseen and insurmountable problems - at least, this time. We are forced to roll back to the VAB and make some adjustments. Launch delayed until next week ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Ascension Mk2 launch delay will not have a knock-on effect for the Progeny Mk7-B launches yet, still time between delayed launch and 3rd Mk7-B launch to reconfigure pad as needed. Further delays however would also start to push back Mk7-B missions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
nothing too deep about the last Progeny Mk7-B flight needed for this analysis - kerbalspace.agency/?p=11293 - we've made the necessary adjustments and next week's mission now has the best chance so far of being fully successful at last
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
huge milestone today as the booster recovered from the ocean after last month's 1st Progeny Mk7-B flight was successfully static fired on our horizontal test stand. This upcoming 3rd Mk7-B flight will use a booster that was originally fired in Mar and again in Apr
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
just firing the booster again doesn't also account for loads & stress during flight. If 3rd Mk7-B flight is good, we will delay the 4th flight in order to re-use the booster from the 2nd flight and see if a pre-flown, not just pre-fired, booster can also remain functional
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
as we approach the next Mk7-B launch campaign the mission details for both launches have been updated on the Ops Tracker, so check them out to learn more about what we hope to achieve:
ops.kerbalspace.agency
ops.kerbalspace.agency
ops.kerbalspace.agency
ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Mobile Launch Platform has been rolled back to the VAB and the support legs and engine mount for the Progeny Mk7-B have been installed. Some regular maintenance has been performed on the Ground Service Equipment and all looks good for rollout & launch next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
3rd Progeny Mk7-B passed final checkouts and vertical load checks yesterday, was laid horizontal today and loaded up onto the carry vehicle. It will be rolled out Monday for wet dress rehearsal and final system checks ahead of launch attempt on Tuesday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we had a good roll out and mounting for the Progeny MK7-B, which will now be tanked for a wet dress rehearsal and flight computer testing. Launch readiness reviews also underway from Launch Control and the Tracking Station
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch readiness reviews have been completed, signed off on by Ops Dir @DKerman_KSA so we are 🚀 GO FOR LAUNCH 🚀 - weather tomorrow is looking a bit iffy with only 65% good conditions. If it doesn't worsen, prelaunch ops will begin @ 15:45 UTC (pic from tanking after 3rd sunset)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-4)
10/6
#2🌄07:34:15 🌅09:44:36
#3🌄13:35:06 🌅15:45:27 !!🚀!!
#4🌄19:35:57 🌅21:46:18
10/7
#1🌄01:36:48 🌅03:47:09
@ KSC (UTC-4)
10/6
#2🌄07:34:15 🌅09:44:36
#3🌄13:35:06 🌅15:45:27 !!🚀!!
#4🌄19:35:57 🌅21:46:18
10/7
#1🌄01:36:48 🌅03:47:09
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mission Control will again become Launch Control for today but there is enough capacity in the Tracking Station to allow for Kerbin II operations to continue unhindered while the Progeny Mk7-B takes flight later. They are not planned to talk to one another
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h45m] updated forecast is in and we are GO to proceed with launch preparations. Main concern leading up to L-0 are storms building out over the mountains to the west but they are not expected to head our way. Further updates to be communicated at these major milestones:
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h15m] controllers are gathered in Launch Control for final preflight briefing from Flight Director Lanalye. We are still attempting to achieve all 3 primary mission goals set forth during the first attempt back in Aug: twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtr…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
hot-fire staging will occur automatically this time as soon as the lower booster cuts out, hopefully not allowing the rocket's pitch to be upset enough that it will be unable to maintain proper ascent angle via thrust vector control after the Ospray 2nd stage engine ignites
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h45m] pad crews have arrived to begin checking the GSE and rocket, removing launch safety hardware, etc. while controllers hop on their consoles to begin waking up the flight computer. Updated flight software can be found over at bit.ly/AFCS_KSA
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h40m] green across the board, no issues raised during initial pre-flight phase. Pad crew are clearing out to allow for checks of the fuel, engine and ignition systems. Booster recovery boat is being trucked down to the shore for deployment
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h30m] still on-sched for launch! Rocket is ready to go, pad crew making final checks. Kerbin II pass has allowed us to talk directly with MSV Aldeny 260km downrange & ensure that sea conditions are good for recovery of the second stage. Booster recovery ship is in the water
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h20m] a second KerBalloon has been released to ascend to the upper atmosphere by the next hour & give us another look at wind shear conditions. Before then it will also help to determine if those storms out west will be holding off - we can hear the rumble of distant thunder
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-45m] flight parameters have been updated for current surface weather conditions & final launch rehearsal is getting underway to ensure all systems are setup properly & all controllers know their roles. Meteorologist Katgan & her team are assembling final weather brief
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] rehearsal was good, rocket is hooked back into the control feed, final checks underway as we are GO to continue into final countdown procedures. We will not reset to here on a scrub tho as our next attempt would be tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] Range Safety Officer has confirmed nothing physical stands in the way of the rocket or endangered by its (hopefully slowly) falling booster. Engines are ARMED, Flight Termination System ACTIVE. RSO will hold count if any incursion is detected w/in 500m of pad
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
guidance constraints are the same as last mission, fairly loose since we're not targeting a specific landing location or anything like that. We're basically just hoping it stays close to expected course. If not, Ops Tracker telemetry will flash for being outside these values
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] the chorus of "Go Flight!" was heard throughout the room in Launch Control as we pass final general polling. Ops Director @DKerman_KSA has granted launch permission. 🚀 GO PROGENY!! 🚀 FTS internal, GSE prepped for disconnect at terminal count, AFCS primed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-2m] startup of the Automated Flight Control System, which will command the rocket through the mission with oversight & extra guidance from controllers. Rocket is now on internal power, batt drain levels being checked along with RF comms
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-1m] does this still get exciting? Hells yea! Only seconds remain now as we work towards final primary polling at 30s to L-0. If all is good, streaming telemetry will load in the Ops Tracker so be sure you're tuned in! ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
"hold hold hold!" the call came from Katgan at the weather desk stopping the clock at just 8s prior to launch. Rocket remains primed, gathering more information
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mountain wave sensors were tripped, warning us some gusty winds were potentially rolling down from the highlands. Rocket remains secure with support arms still raised. We continue to monitor the situation. More info: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10380#mtnwa…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no gusts registered at pad - false alarm or they died out, system is still new & mountain wave phenomena still poorly understood. Regardless, always better safe than sorry! Recycling to T-2min with new L-0 of 2100 UTC to wait a bit more & ensure conditions remain calm
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our delayed launch time does present us with an opportunity as Kerbin II will now be passing within sight during the mission. The two spacecraft were not designed to talk to one another but MSV Aldeny can receive the Mk7-B's tlm & beam it to us via Kerbin II
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-2m] we are out of countdown hold and back to the terminal count. GSE could not be hooked back up without a scrub but more than enough battery power remains to carry out the mission. Rocket remains ready, winds are blowing steadily but not enough to cause problems. No gusts
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-1m] OK time to get excited again! Ops Tracker will go live with tlm data if final polls pass at T-30s. If winds stay w/in limits support arms will retract @ T-5s. Here. We. Go? Be sure to tune in to find out the soonest: ops.kerbalspace.agency (if still loaded, PLZ REFRESH!!)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
booster ignition and we have LIFT OFF! This booster will be running for the third time but first time in flight to carry the Mk7-B close to or even into the upper atmosphere. If all goes well, the 2nd stage will be pushing the rest of the way before this first minute expires
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
welp - looks like staging went smoothly but still we have an attitude failure of the 2nd stage. Everyone hoping it can recover itself and still have enough fuel remaining to push out of the atmosphere and also enable us to restart the engine afterwards
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
stage did recover, engine was cut early due to low fuel but we at least will make it to space and although fuel is at lowest levels of all 3 flights so far there's still a chance we can get the engine lit again, so you bet we are going to try!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've got the reaction wheels online, rocket pointed prograde. Apokee approaching fast, controllers waiting to gather pre-ignition data before sending up the command within this next minute to attempt to re-light the engine. If it fails still enough time to prep for re-entry
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it worked! Thrust was good and slightly delayed apokee, which the rocket passed through seconds later. It's already flipping around to point its engine downwards in preparation for re-entry. Flight computer purged of ascent instructions & now setup with re-entry procedures
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KERZZAH!! \[0_o]/ tlm successfully relayed from MSV Aldeny via Kerbin II and we were able to confirm full chute deployment before Aldeny also lost signal over horizon. Once again we are well short of our intended landing zone, so recovery vessel is a few hrs away
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post-launch operations wrapping up, first stage was once again recovered successfully and is on its way back to the HAB where the fins, chutes and structural adapter will be removed so it can be shipped back to Periapsis Co. for refurbishment & hopefully reflight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kerbin II is passing over the recovery area every ~40min and on this check-in with MSV Aldeny we have confirmed they reached the splashdown location and have begun search operations. Payload likely drifted a fair distance, radio beacon is short-range
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
unfortunately we have to mark today's mission as another failure :/ MSV Aldeny just communicated with us that they recovered only the probe core and above, which means the rocket broke apart on re-entry & we lost the engine again. Bummer! Final flight will have new mission goals
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
premature celebration of mission success could've been avoided if we'd paid closer attn to the tlm data rather than just be excited about receiving it all the way to full chute. Drop in mass was recorded when the accelerometer detected a slower descent than expected under chute
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we finally have uninterrupted Progeny Mk7-B telemetry from launch to splashdown, now available to the public: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d… - although the rocket broke apart again like the 1st mission, this time the flight computer did not crash. Improvement in one area at least!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
The downwards facing camera lenses quickly get toasted during re-entry but the booster cam also has an upwards facing camera that can still see the heat and flames caused by air friction as the Progeny MK7-B comes falling back from space at over 1km/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we hope everyone has a great weekend but before you log off be sure to get caught up on all the cool and exciting things that have transpired over the past to weeks here at the Kerbal Space Agency: kerbalspace.agency/?p=11318
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
full details on the third Progeny Mk7-B mission and the lessons we learned are in the flight analysis report, now accessible to the public - kerbalspace.agency/?p=11390 the final report from the 4th mission will be available later this month as well
