The first launch of our new 3-stage rocket will push the craft to its limits as hot staging provides continuous thrust and extremely high dynamic pressures
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
Head of R&D Wernher Von Kerman & Lead Scientist Cheranne Kerman both agree a radiation sensor is the next payload instrument to be developed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Wernher has announced we've awarded a contract to Bluedog Design Bureau, who will be working with us to build our new radiation sensor
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
new batteries have arrived, carrying 60 units of electric charge (20 more than two of our prev batts together) and only weighing 0.002t more
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
these will be for our high-alt KerBalloon probes & also for the next iteration of the Progeny rockets (not the current Mk2.1s already built)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our next altitude milestone is 10km and Simon reports his Progenitor team has already been working on the Progeny Mk3, TBA at start of 2017
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Cheranne says the radiation instrument from Bluedog Design Bureau is in its final stages of testing, looking for delivery next month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a big thank you to the Maritime Service for their support today. We look forward to extending our partnership in 2017 with rocket recoveries
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB reports the Z-60 batteries have undergone their full test regimen and are cleared for use on rocket/balloon probes starting next year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
that's it! We're out! Everyone enjoy the holiday, see you next year! Before you go though, here's a 2017 preview: bit.ly/OpsSummary12-1…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're back! KSA gradually returning to full operations this week. We expect this to be an exciting calendar year & a full one at that!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everyone has been spending all day getting back up to speed from where they left off at the end of Dec, rdy to hit ground running tomorrow!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we will be returning to the main launch site this year for flights of the Progeny Mk3, which we'll have more info on throughout this month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB & HAB gearing up for a big parts delivery later this wk that will let them start on Progeny Mk3, KerBallon & Civvie production projects
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Scientist Cheranne has reminded us that a separate delivery coming in two weeks will bring to us our new radiation sensors from BDB!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bad news from Kravass where a storm is sweeping thru, all airships grounded, no parts delivery today. Looks to be heading towards us next
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSA ops will be suspended from 1/11-1/16 while various work on our facilities is undertaken to repair some more building issues we've found
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
contractor says this is the earliest they can get the work done. Wish it could have been over Dec break but that's a holiday for *everyone*
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
storm broke up earlier than expected so VAB crews were able to complete setup of the clamps for testing our new booster later this month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
not a bad first week to kick off 2017! 🙂 Get some more information on what went down this past week via bit.ly/OpsSummary1-2-…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our supply airship arrived and has been moored outside the Support Village warehouse. Will be unloading rest of the day. New parts, yay!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Looong day for the VAB/HAB crews but everything got pulled and sorted from the warehouse to the facilities, ready to begin work tomorrow!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
meanwhile over in the VAB they have their hands full with organizing the integration of KerBalloon probes & the new Progeny Mk3 booster/base
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSA operations are now suspended through 1/15, will return 1/16 - however we will not be offline, will continue to respond & report events
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
looking forward to ops resuming tomorrow! Weather has been perfect this whole time, because of course it has. Hopefully stays so this week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSA is back up and operational - work done over the past half week will be assessed throughout this one to see if everything got patched up
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB crews are giving the Progeny Mk3 lower booster its first integration pass. Static test firing scheduled towards end of this week on 1/19
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB science team spent the day checking over the new radiation sensors from Bluedog Design Bureau for payload integration later this month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon reports that VAB is on track to deliver the Progeny Mk3 booster to the launch pad for static testing this Thursday. Should be awesome!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
operations are now gearing up for lighting off the Mk3 lower booster, which is on its way out to the pad for mounting to the static clamps
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
word from Simon is that the MK3 booster mounting is proceeding well, we currently expect to test fire sometime between 18:00 and 18:30 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
booster has been mounted & Flight Director Lanalye has begun getting launch control ready for firing. Scheduled ignition time now 18:15 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
30 minutes to ignition - launch control has established good comms & power to the booster, checks ongoing of cameras and onboard sensors
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
15 minutes to ignition - all systems are GO & the booster will be armed soon, launch pad work crews are now clearing out to a safe distance
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
5 minutes to ignition - booster is ARMED, pad is clear. Burn time will be approx 4.5s, looking for an output of 131.25kN here at sea level
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
FWWOOOOSHHHH!!! Ignition & burn out were successful. Engineers will be reviewing data this afternoon. Check that huge exhaust tail!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
*koff koff* pad workers still waiting for the smoke to clear out and the booster to cool down before approaching to begin dismantling things
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
initial review of the static fire data shows results in range with performance expectations, we're passing things on to USI to make sure
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
take a closer look at everything that has transpired this past wk & some of prev wk. Have a great weekend everyone! bit.ly/OpsSummary1-16…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
USI has confirmed booster test data was good & we've sent our order for 3 more. Progeny Mk3 rocket assembly will begin later this week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HAB has swapped out the Engineering Test Bay for our new Radiation Sensor Package. Val will take it up in the Civvie tmrw for test readings
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny parts shipment has arrived this morning from USI HQ in Sheltered Rock, still need our XL boosters but can begin upper-stage assembly
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny MK3 is expected to get us well into the upper atmosphere (>18km) & set stage for reaching space - Details: bit.ly/ProgenitorPR9
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have some radiation data transmitted successfully & Val is already swinging back around for home, will continue to pick up rad readings
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
anyone else think that week just flew by? Get more details or get caught up on what went down with our Ops Summary: bit.ly/OpsSummary1-23…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye has her team working on the launch protocols for the Progeny Mk3, will start doing launch exercises early next month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the first of 3 Progeny Mk3 payload stages is completed, ready for science instrument integration once the rest of the rocket is assembled
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jan finance report is out. New format puts totals on top & also includes individual sheets for programs & vessels bit.ly/FinanceReport_…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
lots of sneezing going around lately - Simon says he has kerbs taking another look at materials used for the recent facilities repair work
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB is still busy as the day winds down, hoping to get one more Mk1-B booster ready before the weekend arrives. 3 left to begin next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this past week has reminded us all once again that our endeavor can be hard at times. More details in our bit.ly/OpsSummary1-30…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there's been a rather large uptick in admissions to the MedCenter this past wk. Please follow proper hygiene protocols in public work spaces
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with a lack of KerBalloon contracts to work on, Bill has been lending his engineering expertise to Simon and his crew working on the Mk3
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
another day of integration work completed to bring us closer to launching again! We'll have Progeny Mk3 launch dates at the end of the week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we now have 1/4 of our staff out sick, including Cheranne, who was already stressing about all the papers she still has left to review
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB is running a bit short-staffed at the moment but still has all payload bays ready, hopes to finish Mk1 booster assembly by mid-next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
officials from the Disease Management Organization have arrived - it looks like the situation has become more serious. Meeting w/Drew now
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
DMO agents are working through the campus, taking random surface swabs and air samples. All employees please cooperate with them as needed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we will comply w/ DMO officials request to shut down KSC tmrw so all employees can be screened to see if any carriers exist among unaffected
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSA/C7 operations are mostly suspended today while KSC is shut down to allow screening of all employees on campus for any disease carriers
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
several of the DMO agents have fallen ill, some of whom had no prior contact to any KSC employee. They've now gone to full HAZMAT protocols
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC remains closed & under quarantine while the DMO continues w/ its investigation. We will share any news we receive from them immediately
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no, we won't be announcing any further MK3 details tomorrow. Cessation of operations, even temporary, has thrown off our entire schedule
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everyone is frustrated to some extent, but we also hope all our sick pull through & trust the DMO to do their job & figure this all out soon
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Day 3 of quarantine and not everyone is going stir-crazy. Flight Director Lanalye is still feeling fine & outlining tons of launch protocols
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
unfortunately while R&D labs have been cleared to operate due to their climate control, the VAB & HAB cannot be sealed & remain closed down
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our three new Progeny Mk3 lower stage boosters are ready on schedule in Sheltered Rock & are waiting for shipping to be allowed again to KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've gathered all the info we can about the health situation here in our weekly ops sitrep. Everyone feel better! bit.ly/OpsSummary2-6-…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Disease Management Organization reports that KSC needs to be shut down & fully decontaminated. We're not happy, but health is important
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we hope to be back at KSC again by 2/27, in the meantime KSA ops will move to Umbarg. Full report available here: bit.ly/KSCShutdown
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good news to start off the day is that most of our staff that got sick first are finally showing improvement with continued treatment *phew*
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everyone is ready to begin heading out tomorrow to our temporary homes in Umbarg, where a quarantine zone has been setup for all KSC staff
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sunset from the tunnel access to Umbarg City, along which the remainder if KSC staff will be traveling today. So long for now, KSC!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
over half of our sick employees have made full recoveries so far, and the same is expected for the remainder over these next few days, yay!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC decontamination is proceeding on schedule according to the latest report Drew has received from the DMO. All our staff are healthy again
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a makeshift launch control room has been setup for Flight Director Lanalye and her teams to begin launch exercises for the Progeny Mk3
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
DMO says they have fallen behind schedule thanks to a major equipment malfunction. Looks like they won't have KSC cleaned up until Feb 28th
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the support village however was finished earlier this wk & we can still start moving staff back on Monday & be rdy for ops to resume 3/1
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today we start moving kerbs back to KSC, starting with any staff living in the support village, while DMO gets back to decontamination ops
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC as seen from the top of Building B in the support village on a lovely day, great to be back! Final staff/crew arriving this afternoon
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
busy day for everyone to start getting caught up on work that was unable to be done while offsite, which wasn't as much as we feared
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye says she's very happy to back in the actual launch facility, has been working her team on more Progeny Mk3 exercises
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon has reported that the VAB & HAB both had a good day of getting "spooled up" and ready to dive back into work tomorrow full speed ahead
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mortimer has been working like a madman since he recovered from being one of the more seriously ill. Feb bit.ly/FinanceReport_… now posted
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our three Progeny Mk3 lower boosters have arrived safe & sound! Simon says it will be 1.5wks to complete full integration of the 1st rocket
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the current 3 flight launch schedule for the Progeny Mk3 first campaign is:
3/15 @ 18:45 UTC
3/21 @ 19:05 UTC
3/24 @ 19:20 UTC
3/15 @ 18:45 UTC
3/21 @ 19:05 UTC
3/24 @ 19:20 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it was a great half-week back at KSC, still plenty to get caught up on via bit.ly/OpsSummary2-27… - have a great weekend everyone!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Progeny Mk3 launch base, standing 9.1m tall & weighing in at 1.15t, has been moved out to the launch pad, awaiting mounting next week!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
one week until launch and the vessel page for bit.ly/ProgenyMk3_1 on our Flight Tracker contains all the important details on the rocket
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we confirmed launch just over 9min ago and have picked up signal from the balloon now at 2.7km as it clears the horizon, relaying this image
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we had a complete ascent, good descent & payload is now under chute within sight of Tongjess' launch craft moving under it for recovery
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
maneuvering a small boat to collect the payload before it splashes down is how we'll recover Progeny Mk3 probes, this is a trial exercise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Wx still a little rough from recent storms but low-alt balloons more tolerant of launch conditions. Tongjess seen prepping to weigh anchor
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
balloon ascent nominal & Bob is getting his crew in the launch craft to see how well a rocket chute floats in the seconds after splashdown
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
balloon has burst at 16.5km, the launch craft is circling around the recovery area waiting to spot the chute & get near it as it comes down
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KerBalloon recovery was successful, Bob reports the chute floated well in the water long enough for it to be easy to snag & haul aboard
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
FD Lanalye had her teams executing more Progeny Mk3 exercises after the KerBalloon mission earlier today, are now in a full procedure review
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk3 launch exercises will continue into next week. Flight Director Lanalye says procedure review was good - now to just drill it in!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Drew, Simon & Lanalye had a quick morning review on how the recent KerBalloon splashdown recoveries went, simulated as rocket payloads
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
consensus is all went well, and we feel more confident than ever in recovering at sea. (KerBalloon casings float, rocket payloads do not)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB is in high-gear to get the Progeny Mk3s ready to fly starting next week. 1st booster ready for final engine/fin tuning, 2 & 3 to follow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's been a great week of operations picking back up, get caught up on all the details via bit.ly/OpsSummary3-6-… - hooray weekend!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a fully-stacked Progeny Mk3 is indeed an awe-inspiring sight. Payload integration of science instruments is completing today to top it off
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a final check of the launch pad and launch base was carried out after 3rd sunrise and Simon reports the structure & all cabling is ready
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Lymun is anchored offshore to spend tomorrow doing recovery exercises. Tongjess had to stay in port due to engine problems unfortunately
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we don't expect this to be a major issue, we have planned for sea recoveries with the Lymun in the past & their crew is just as capable
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/ProgenyMk3_1 payload successfully integrated to the booster stack a short time ago, we'll see a full rocket on the pad in 2 days!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everyone is hoping for bad weather tomorrow that will clear through and leave Wed looking awesome. Weather has been great since last Thurs
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're well into our full day of launch readiness checks in the VAB, launch control and admin building. Long list of things still to do!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
you know that feeling before a trip or major event that you forgot something? This is basically a whole day dedicated to eradicating that
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye is scheduled to report in 1st & she says her launch team is ready for tmrw's flight profile. Launch Control - Check!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
extensive inspection of the entire Progeny Mk3 have been completed & Lead Engineer Simon reports the rocket is rdy for flight. VAB - Check!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we had a good day of recovery drills with the MSV Lymun offshore from KSC, crew is as ready as can be for the real deal tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Operations Director Drew & Head of Finances Mortimer have finished reviewing & signing all the paperwork - we are 🚀GO FOR LAUNCH🚀 tomorrow!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather remains fair, no storms for several days now so keeping fingers crossed it stays that way! Launch ops begin tomorrow @ 12:45 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the vessel page for bit.ly/ProgenyMk3_1 will once again provide real-time staging updates during tomorrow's launch, so tune in!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-4)
3/15
#2🌅08:26:24 🌄11:46:52
#3🌅14:27:15 !!🚀!! 🌄17:47:43
#4🌅20:28:06 🌄23:48:34
3/16
#1🌅02:28:57 🌄05:49:25
@ KSC (UTC-4)
3/15
#2🌅08:26:24 🌄11:46:52
#3🌅14:27:15 !!🚀!! 🌄17:47:43
#4🌅20:28:06 🌄23:48:34
3/16
#1🌅02:28:57 🌄05:49:25
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC campus is already starting to come alive as we get ready for the launch of our 🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀[[🚀]]<-10th rocket today. Double digits! Whoo!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sun is rising for us to begin launch operations shortly and the weather is still looking great! Will get a better idea of incoming Wx soon
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're waiting on Wx reports to come in from around the region to help us predict if we'll have good conditions for launch later today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the new launch timeline allows crews to mount during the day, gives us time to work thru any unforseen issues. Expect updates at these times
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have reports of great weather throughout the region & have a GO for rocket rollout to the launch pad to begin mounting operations
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
off she goes! Even though we upgraded our rocket lorry it is still near max carry capacity with the Mk3 on board. Rear suspension be like 💪😬
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
traveling at only 2m/s it takes the rocket lorry about 5.5 minutes to cover the 655m distance from the VAB to the launch pad. Now to mount!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
don't forget that bit.ly/ProgenyMk3_1 will also be updating throughout that day with launch information as the we continue towards L-0
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mounting operations continuing well w/rocket just getting removed from lorry now while launch ctrl team reports for their final briefing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
.@BrainOfVulcan so you're saying our carry vehicle should be traveling faster? Well maybe we should let Jeb drive next time then. Wait, no
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch team is waiting for rocket mounting to complete, running behind schedule as they are having difficulty with securing lower booster
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon reports they'll need to slap together something to better secure the lower booster to the launch rail. They have time, but not much
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch timeline is on hold until this problem is resolved, so don't refer to it for updates until we have concluded mounting operations
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
kerbs already staking out lawn spots for later. We have the following areas open for viewing the launch, please stay within roped areas!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Lymun has remained on schedule even though onshore operations are falling behind & has reported on station 3km east offshore from KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon reports the lower booster has been secured. Drew says "are you sure?" Simon says "yes". Drew says "ARE YOU SURE??" Simon says "yes"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are now moving into preflight to check rocket & ensure mounting operations connected everything & didn't damage anything in the process
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
since we're behind schedule, you can refer to the delta times between milestones to know when we'll be moving on to the next list item
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
as of right now, we do not need to reset our L-0 time, we should finish up preflight with 5min to spare & roll right into final launch prep
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mount hookups good, pad cleared now to begin tests of all onboard systems. Rocket stands 11.1m tall mounted, weighs 1.715t (57% solid fuel)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
lots of flashlights outside as kerbs find their spots. No sign of the astronauts anywhere, but we have a good idea where they'll turn up...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
preflight has completed with no issues & launch control is now moving on to rehearsal to make final sure everyone knows what they have to do
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
FD Lanalye reports a nice smooth rehearsal, even with a simulated surprise anomaly thrown in. We are ready to roll into the final countdown!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather check is negative for rain, but clouds appear to be gathering out west. Rain clouds? Launch proceeds until we hear word of rain
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Lymun reports their launch craft has been deployed off the stern ramp & is ready to get under the payload as it descends for recovery
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
RSO has closed the range - 300m radius around pad, 6km downrange cone with a 25km ceiling. *Anything* in this zone will stop the countdown
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have a hold from Weather due to heavy cloud cover moving through. No reports of rain from the west, so we will wait for skies to clear
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our daylight launch window is open until 21:02:43 UTC, 45 minutes prior to 3rd sunset. We need enough light for video footage & recovery ops
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
yup our crew is right where we expected them to be 😛 using the hold time to grab & send us a photo, taken by Val. Be rdy to duck out there!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
downrange corridor is monitored by radar aboard the MSV Lymun, whose officer works in conjunction w/ RSO in launch ctrl to ensure all clear
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're seeing clearer skies coming from the west & are currently working to resume countdown at L-5min if Wx agrees that we're good to go
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have a GO from all stations in launch control to pickup the count at L-5min. Tracking station is GO, Lymun is GO, Range is Go, Wx is GO!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket is switching over to internal power, EC levels being closely monitored to ensure batteries are supplying adequate power to systems
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final polling soon @ L-30s! If no hold, then launch. Head to bit.ly/ProgenyMk3_1 for real-time inflight staging updates. 🚀Go Progeny!🚀
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have ignition of the XL booster w/131.6kN of thrust pushing the Mk3 off the pad at 8Gs. We are hot staging, flight time will be <1min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
and just like that, it's over! Wow, that rocket spun up *really* fast. Sounded so awesome also. Chute has deployed & payload is descending
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
chute deploy was shortly after payload fairing sep to allow long descent for launch craft to get below. However payload descending over land
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
yikes, we have some debris landing towards the observation areas. Not good. UTVs have been dispatched to asses & recover. Everyone is safe
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
payload is approaching 3.5km & halfway down to the ground, rate of descent is nominal. We already have a UTV waiting underneath it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crews have successfully recovered the payload just 356m north of the launch pad. Sorry Lymun crew! We really did mean to send it your way!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
an unhappy Simon has already grumbled about the Mk3 flight 2 being pushed back to flight 3 launch date, at least. Will confirm by end of wk
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch cleanup/after-action items still ongoing, like digging 1st stage out of where it drilled itself into the ground by the launch pad rd
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Lymun has set sail, we thank them for their participation even tho this was 2nd time they didn't actually have to recover anything 😛
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
well, that was a long day. Flight didn't go as planned, but was still great to launch a rocket again!! Here's a launch photo. More tomorrow!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
.@BrainOfVulcan yea they were just thrill-seeking the initial liftoff. They ran outside right afterwards but right underneath, not much 2 c
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today's post-launch review is kicking off with a closer inspection of the launch base, which was damaged during lift-off yesterday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
over in the R&D labs they are currently extracting information from the Telemetry Data Unit so we can fully analyze yesterday's flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the new booster sounds so awesome, we just had to hook up the mic for this launch video footage. Hot staging action! youtube.com/watch?v=OWAzxP…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
thankfully Simon has reported the launch base is not damaged except for the one rail that can easily be replaced, we ordered a bunch more
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all the TDU information is still being reviewed by the Progenitor engineers but here is a plot, now w/ 0.25s per pixel. Mass drop = staging
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we officially have a new bit.ly/KSARecords for a vessel under acceleration: the Mk3 almost dbled the Mk2.1's 374.189m/s w/ 732.280m/s!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we also added a record field for maximum dynamic pressure during ascent, which also goes to the Mk3 for 190.237kPa (Mk2.1 was 72.297kPa)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
if you'd like to review the data yourself, including the TDU plot & tracking station data stream, check it out here: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
nasty weather has finally returned, working up from the south apparently, Umbarg has been getting poured on all day. We don't care anymore!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
so has anyone realized yet that our launch yesterday was 3 months to the day since the last Progeny Mk2.1 launch back in Dec? Not planned 😃👍
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
busy week, lots to review with lots of additional details included as well, so read up & have a great weekend! bit.ly/OpsSummary3-13…
