After the disaster of the Mk2 careful review found the problem, now we just had to prove its solution was a proper fix
As the first mission of a new vehicle, this dispatch includes all the design and development leading up to launch. To skip to the launch, click here.
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we will release full video footage after we have a chance to extensively review everything to determine what's happening here twitter.com/DKerman_KSA/st…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon has torn through the engineering dept making sure every memo, blueprint & scribble attributed to the Mk2 is collected for analysis
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
been a long day, very trying on morale here @ KSC. What we know so far about the incident u can read in this release bit.ly/ProgenitorPR5
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
coming into work everyone is a bit glum - engineers lost a rocket, scientists lost a payload, but all are determined to figure out why
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
troubling news has reached us via relay from passing airships, apparently KerBalloon team have had an accident on their way to launch site
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our launch crews have made it back to Umbarg, took them a few hours to fix up the rover to be able to travel after this debacle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
apparently some large ditch in a shadowed depression caught one of the rovers as it was traversing down a slope & it tumbled end over end
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Weekly Ops Summary is posted, w/ some new info on the Progeny Mk2 launch anomaly & a review of KerBalloon ops + more bit.ly/OpsSummary10-2…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the KSC causeway bridges allow floodwaters to flow past the complex & to the ocean during periods of heavy rain from the western mountains
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rains happen more often that you may think - we generally don't report that it's raining unless it directly affects our operations somehow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our damaged UTV is in the shop & will be fully repaired. KerBalloon unit however will need to be replaced. Some batteries were recovered too
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
scientists report no change in the Monolith signal from launching closer to it with the Progeny Mk2. Radio wave emanation remains a mystery
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
October was rough, the Mk2 failure def hurt us. We pledge to come back strong tho! Mortimer has posted our monthly bit.ly/FinanceReport_…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
these finance reports cover our R&D/vessel operations budget only, so u won't see how much toilet paper we buy until we have craft w/toilets
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk2 anomaly investigation has developed a theory that they plan to test when we receive our new KerBalloon shipment on Friday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB crew spent the last 2 days putting this test booster together. Yes, the fins are on backwards. Yes, that is an explosive device attached
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
later today at 19:00 UTC we will drop this from a KerBalloon at a height of ~250m and see if it self-ignites upon impact with the ground
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
test booster is mounted to the KerBalloon and out on the pad ready for launch in <30 min. Launch control going through final checks now
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
fins will help keep the booster stabilized as it falls to ensure that it hits the pad as square on its engine bell as possible
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-10 min: all systems GO! which really isn't a lot, but still. Test will last approx 2 mins, will report back on success/failure after then
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
successful test! We will have full video and analysis later today w/ops summary. For now, here's a nice BOOMframe from the camera footage
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
closing out this week with several updates, and the full test video of the Mk1-B booster from earlier today as well bit.ly/OpsSummary10-3…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mk2 investigation team reports the material stress testing has confirmed the cause of launch failure. Next steps: bit.ly/ProgenitorPR6
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tl;dr - decoupler will take stress off engine fairing, MK1-B booster issues solved by end of month, return to flight will be at start of Dec
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
relatively slow week, but such is the pace of progress at times. Here's our ops summary. Have a great weekend! bit.ly/OpsSummary11-7…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon is busy this morning inventoring all the new rocket parts that have arrived for our Mk2.1s - still waiting on the new boosters though
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
would you believe Eve has just now completed an orbit around Kerbol since the start of the KSA? Let's take a moment to look back...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon is eager to get started on assembly of Progeny Mk2.1 rockets today. We'll be building a total of three to test various ascent profiles
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
to be a bit more specific - does the coast time between booster ignitions matter? We shall find out!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Civvie has been cleared for takeoff next week! That and more in our weekly ops review: bit.ly/OpsSummary11-1… Happy weekend to all!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here's a look at the new decoupler that will support the 2nd stage booster on the Progeny Mk2.1. Remains attached to 1st stage upon decouple
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/ProgenyMK2_1-1 craft page is live and we have a date and time for the first launch - 12/2/16 @ 20:15:00 UTC! Return to flight FTW!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
3 Mk1-A boosters being made ready in the VAB along with 3 payload assemblies on the workbenches across the floor. Mk1-Bs arrive next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ahhh the weekend here at last. Check out the bit.ly/OpsSummary11-2… before you head out for fun & relaxation! (that's your weekend, right?)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our Mk1-B boosters have arrived safe and sound, are in the VAB and ready to begin assembly & integration tomorrow for launch... this week!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all Mk1-A boosters and the payload sections are assembled, waiting on the Mk1-Bs to be finished tomorrow to begin final integration
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon reports that although the major sections for all 3 rockets will be ready, time for only 1 to undergo full rigors of final integration
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
high-surf advisory is in effect for kerbs & small vessels - there seems to be a strong storm out to sea and waves are currently over 1m
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
engineers are out in the north field modifying the Progeny launch base - we'll be launching the Mk2.1 at only a 5° angle instead of 10°
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-1 day & VAB crews are already hard at work to get the Mk1-B booster in place and integrated for final checks to be completed today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this late-stage integration of the Mk1-B booster is a new assembly method. Simon admits its stressing him out a bit w/ just 1 day til launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
high-surf advisory is now a warning. Maritime Service reports storm at sea getting stronger, but seems to be staying offshore for us
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mortimer has closed the books on November, happy to be back to green across the board thx to KerBalloon contracts - bit.ly/FinanceReport_…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon has reported to Drew & Lanalye that bit.ly/ProgenyMK2_1-1 is checked out & ready to go for launch tomorrow! Everyone very excited 🚀🚀
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
storm to the east still visible on the horizon, getting larger waves at the cape. We may not get rain but a storm surge is possible
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
meteorologists: high-level clouds show winds racing west, even tho pretty calm at ground lvl. Wx forecast for tomorrow is officially "iffy"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/2
#2🌅08:37:03 🌄11:57:31
#3🌅14:37:54 !!🚀!! 🌄17:58:22
#4🌅20:38:45 🌄23:59:13
12/3
#1🌅02:39:36 🌄06:00:04
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/2
#2🌅08:37:03 🌄11:57:31
#3🌅14:37:54 !!🚀!! 🌄17:58:22
#4🌅20:38:45 🌄23:59:13
12/3
#1🌅02:39:36 🌄06:00:04
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
light enough for a weather check. Cloud cover currently red, but hopefully will clear slightly. No rain. Will continue to monitor conditions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everyone trying hard to focus on daily work but all are eagerly awaiting start of launch prep later this morning. Here's the launch timeline
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
waves have continued to remain at around 1-2m out to sea and we have experienced a slight surge, but water staying below flood levels still
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we certainly hope someday to be able to offer up a better weather picture, but for now we can mostly only observe what can be seen outside
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/ProgenyMK2_1-1 is all loaded up on the truck and waiting patiently to roll out to the north launch site, 1.2km from the launch pad
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mess hall is serving up an early lunch, some kerbs just taking food back to their workstations. Energy ramping up. Launch prep begins soon!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-3:30 = Wx check still red for clouds, but that can always change rapidly. Still no rain, so approval has been given for rocket rollout
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-2:00 = Flight Director Lanalye has her launch team assembled and they are going over all the pre-flight, flight & post-flight operations
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
cloud cover has gone green! Wx says the break in clouds may not last long but hopefully long enough to get the launch off. Fingers crossed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket mounting completed ahead of sched, crew standing by to assist w/any issues that occur during pre-flight checks starting in a few mins
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Progeny Mk2.1 stands 8.4m tall mounted, 5.7m tall on its own & weighs 0.450t. Initial TWR is 10.183, fairly low for this type of rocket
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
fail! There was meant to be an img along with that update about the rocket being mounted. Here it is to visualize w/those specs tweeted also
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
recall the launch base has been modified to send up the Mk2.1 @ 5° angle instead of 10° for a higher apokee but still some downrange travel
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:50 = launch site clearing, no issues worked so far. Range safety zone is a 200m radius around site, 2km downrange cone to the west
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crowds starting to gather on various rooftops again, no big Jeb-run event this time tho, astronauts are off on a 3-day wilderness excursion
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:30 = Lanalye reports preflight checks are completed, no issues still. Beginning launch rehearsal. Next Wx check in 10 minutes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
dawn is coming, as seen from the tracking camera atop the launch control building. Sun will be fully over the horizon come launch time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:20 = weather conditions are deteriorating, but not rapidly. Still green for clouds, but now it's looking darker to the west as well...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:15 = Range Safety Officer has declared launch zone completely off-limits to any & all personnel. Visual scan shows launch zone is clear
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:05 = Final general polling: RSO = GO; Wx = GO; Tracking Station = GO; Launch Ctrl = GO; Flight = GO; Progeny = GO; we are GO for launch!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch count hold! Switch over to internal power has shown a rapid drop in electric charge levels. Launch controllers are working the issue
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
EC drop has stabilized, but is too low for mission requirements. It seems one battery rapidly fully drained after coming off ground power
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon & Lanalye are working with their various team leads to decide what options we have. Standby.
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
okay, decision made to safe the rocket, open the payload and replace the defective battery (hoping that this the one and only problem!)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new L-0 is 22:15 UTC, end of day. This is a *VERY* tight turn around time but Simon says if anyone can do it his team can. Lanalye says same
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket has been safed, crews that were waiting outside safety zone now approaching the launch site. This will not be a quick operation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
changing battery is not as simple as "pull out old, put in new" like normal batteries & payload explosive bolts have to be bypassed also
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather has just gone red again for clouds. Could change, but it's looking pretty well overcast in just about all directions right now...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
work crews are closing the rocket back up after replacing the defective battery, which will be very closely inspected back in the VAB later
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
hustle! hustle! Lanalye says her team needs at least 30min to roll back into full launch readiness, launch site clearing now. Will be close
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch readiness checks are well underway to come out of the hold back where we left off but Wx still remains red. Hoping for a small gap...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
aaand it's just started raining. Hard. Everyone still on the roofs rushing back inside. Despite all efforts, we must scrub launch for today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
will have additional details in our weekly ops summary, which will be posted later today once we finish backing out of launch operations
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mess hall is brewing up some hot drinks for the launch crew, still out in the pouring rain getting the rocket unmounted & hauled back to VAB
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we will plan for another launch attempt tomorrow, despite the wknd, if the weather passes. Details & other ops news: bit.ly/OpsSummary11-2…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/3
#2🌅08:40:27 🌄12:00:55
#3🌅14:41:18 ??🚀?? 🌄18:01:46
#4🌅20:42:09
12/4
#1🌄00:02:37 🌅02:43:00
#2🌄06:03:28
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/3
#2🌅08:40:27 🌄12:00:55
#3🌅14:41:18 ??🚀?? 🌄18:01:46
#4🌅20:42:09
12/4
#1🌄00:02:37 🌅02:43:00
#2🌄06:03:28
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/ProgenyMK2_1-1 launch postponed indefinitely. Weather has not gotten better. It has, in fact, gotten worse. Storm surge increasing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all non-essential staff are being told to evacuate KSC, possibility that the tunnel access to Umbarg could become flooded later in the day
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
evacuation has been completed in an orderly fashion. Storm surge has pushed waters up but still not high enough to inundate KSC grounds
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flood waters rising, no doubt thanks to whatever rain is falling over the mountains to the west making its way eventually down here
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still raining. Still windy. Still huge waves and water lapping at the edge of the raised ground upon which KSC sits. Will it spill over?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the worst is past? Hard to say but winds and rain have both come nearly to a stop and water hasn't gotten any higher since our last update
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we will report if anything happens over the next day cycle, otherwise will take full assessment of conditions tomorrow. Stay safe everyone!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
and with the sun rising we can share the good news that the worst does look to be over, KSC dry. Bad news: water level still hasn't receded
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it seems we suffered a "perfect storm" - meteorologists still working out the details of how it all came together. Will share when they do
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're unable to give a Progeny Mk2.1 launch update until waters recede enough for us to check the launch base, thankfully still out there
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flood waters have fully receded, plains around KSC still soggy and mucky but crews are slogging out to check over the Progeny launch base
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
relieved to find out the storm waters did no major damage to the Progeny launch base except requiring some electrical cables to be replaced
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon reports his crews can get it fixed up today and we're just waiting on launch control & tracking station assessments from Lanalye
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
so it turns out the battery that failed before launch last week was one of the ones recovered from the KerBalloon rover crash back in Oct
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're still not sure what exactly went wrong with it and are re-checking the other 5 that were also recovered to see if they have any issues
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
nice - FD Lanalye reports LC & TS are both in great shape, ready for launch ops. bit.ly/ProgenyMK2_1-1 L-0 now set to 12/6 @ 20:30 UTC!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
some great weather outside right now, a little breezy. Hopefully things will stay niiiice and calm this next week or so for launches
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/6
#2🌅08:50:39
#3🌄12:11:07 🌅14:51:30 !!🚀!!
#4🌄18:11:58 🌅20:52:21
12/7
#1🌄00:12:49 🌅02:53:12
#2🌄06:13:40
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/6
#2🌅08:50:39
#3🌄12:11:07 🌅14:51:30 !!🚀!!
#4🌄18:11:58 🌅20:52:21
12/7
#1🌄00:12:49 🌅02:53:12
#2🌄06:13:40
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
third time is the charm? We hope so! Launch remains on schedule for 20:30 UTC/15:30 local time. Expect updates at these countdown milestones
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mess hall crowded, serving another early lunch as everyone gets ready to roll into pre-launch ops once we confirm weather is looking good
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-3:30 = weather check from outside the launch control building shows scattered clouds, no rain in sight. Rocket rollout given green light
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-3:15 = rocket is on the way out to the north launch site, 1.2km from the main launch pad, so we can launch west w/o passing over KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-2:00 = Flight Director Lanalye and her team of launch controllers gathering for review of pre-flight, flight & post-flight procedures
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-1:30 = launch crew has the rocket mounted to the launch base, hooked up to ground power & comms so controllers can begin pre-flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:50 = no issues being worked, pre-flight on hold as launch crews clear the site to allow for checks of ignitors & other launch mechanisms
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:30 = rocket has been all checked out, launch control now in rehearsal for launch to make dbl-sure everyone knows what they're doing when
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:20 = launch rehearsal complete, time for another weather check and Wx kerbs report conditions remain green. Rocket remains nominal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:15 = RSO locked down safety zone: 200m radius w/ 2km downrange cone. All personell clear. Astronauts bummed there's no bunker close by
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:05 = Final general polling: RSO = GO; Wx = GO; Tracking Station = GO; Launch Ctrl = GO; Flight = GO; Progeny = GO; we are GO for launch!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:02 = rocket is off external power and controllers are keeping a watchful eye on EC levels to ensure we have two good batteries this time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:01 = EC levels holding, no other issues popping up, count continues. Flight time estimated to be around 1min to chute deploy. Stand by!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
cheers & high-fives here at launch ctrl! We had an excellent launch, flight - chute deployment confirmed at +0:48. Descent rate nominal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
payload has landed, we're eyeballing it at about 1km from the launch site. Recovery crews enroute to check on it along with both boosters
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
both boosters were seen mostly intact enroute to the payload, recovery crews report payload is intact! Heading back for booster inspection
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're recovering both boosters to use in our post-flight analysis. Damage received, fuel all spent, etc etc. Congrats everyone, great job!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
luckily we managed to pull Drew away from his desk just in time for him to enjoy... he's already reviewing Progeny Mk3 initial designs 🙂 twitter.com/DKerman_KSA/st…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've completed post-launch ops. Expect a video Thurs morning & full report with our weekly ops summary on Friday. For now, a still frame
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
lots of kerbs here early today, eager to get cracking on the telemetry & science data recovered from yesterday's flight of the Progeny Mk2.1
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
you can have a look at the Progeny Mk2.1 telemetry data yourself if you wish: bit.ly/ProgenyMk2_1Tlm Let us know if you have questions!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch video for bit.ly/ProgenyMK2_1-1 is now available. We'll discuss the staging timing in tomorrow's report youtube.com/watch?v=8CQKNR…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
We have the full report on the "perfect storm" that hit us over the prev wknd - bit.ly/StormPR Hope it's a long time 'til next time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have good reports from Simon for both the HAB & VAB projects. Rockets should be ready by next week, will have a new launch date tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've tossed out 3 of the remaining 5 batteries from the KerBalloon rover crash. All had small defects that only showed up under EC draw
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon has already put in place new measures to ensure all batteries receive better testing during the final integration process
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
analysis of 1st Mk2.1 launch & more deets on upcoming 2nd & 3rd +more in weekly ops summary. Have a great weekend! bit.ly/OpsSummary12-5…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
report from the engineering team on our Progeny Mk2.1 flights has been released! Check out bit.ly/ProgenitorPR8 for all the juicy details
