Pieced together from spare parts meant to replace any faulty/failed parts for the original 5 planned launches, a 6th base-spec Mk5 heads back into space for one final hurrah before the new Block I comes into service
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye has said she's willing to revisit the idea of aerial launch footage from a Civvie for the next Mk5 mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/ProgenitorProg… has all the details on its 1st Mk5 contracts & scheduled launches for 10/13 & 10/20 with a Mk5 & Mk5 Block I rockets
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we ordered parts for 6 Mk5s in case we needed spare parts for inital 5 launches so we can put together one last Mk5 in a wk for 10/13 launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
quiet end to the week, but exciting stuff announced during it so get caught up via bit.ly/OpsSummary10-2… & have a great weekend!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
lots of energy in the VAB tho earlier as construction work got into full swing for the Mk5 rocket that will be launching the end of this wk
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KerBalloon have suspended contract ops this week to let focus be on Mk5 assembly & also for their part in launching Wx monitoring balloon
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
two high-altitude balloons are being prepped, one will be backup in case of a failure/issue w/1st balloon or a hold & need for a 2nd release
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch base has been moved back into the VAB to be re-pitched to 85° tomorrow, back out on Wed ahead of launch readiness checks on Thurs
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our 3rd tracking dish has finished its trial period & is rdy to monitor the launch Friday as tertiary backup, still some final checks to do
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB workers plan to complete assembly of both boosters & 3rd stage sans payload today, will begin stacking rocket & integrate payload tmrw
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
update to our kOS boot script allows it to more easily receive new operations from KSC & also perform multiple ops: github.com/KSAMissionCtrl…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Scientist Cheranne is overseeing completion of preparations for the Mk5 payload instruments to be delivered to the VAB for integration
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
these next 2 Mk5 flights will each include an instrument that was lost w/the 4th Mk5 launch so we can get another shot @ gathering that data
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch base has been returned to the pad ahead of sunset, tomorrow it will be carefully inspected during our launch readiness reviews
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket getting stacked today. It's assembled in launch configuration for initial checkouts. Easy test: if it falls over something is wrong
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after vertical assembly is done the rocket is laid horizontal to allow easier access for final integration & loading onto the carry vehicle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tomorrow Cpt Jeb will take a Civvie up to rehearse a launch pad flyby @ L-0 so Flight Director Lanalye can work it into the countdown sched
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
assuming all goes well, Jeb will perform the flyby during Friday's launch - current plan is to be west of the pad @ 1km using the wing cam
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
4th sunrise has brought with it an interesting surprise: a large cluster of tents has appeared just north of the Monolith dome, est 50 kerbs
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
security has been deployed to check it out, they must have made the move onto KSC property over the last night cycle but from where? No idea
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no surprise, campers are all religious pilgrims, arriving overland on foot from Umbarg after gathering there from other cities via airship
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this is not really our problem to handle as Monolith is under gov't control now & we have no means to forcibly remove that many kerbs anyway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
pilgrims say they are content to sit outside their tents & pray w/o approaching the dome. We'll have to just wait & see how gov't reacts
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC is gearing up for a full day of launch readiness checks to prepare for the bit.ly/ProgenyMk5-6 mission tomorrow. Let's go teams!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
✔️ Tracking Stn ❌ Launch Ctrl ❌ VAB ❌ Ops
dishes calibrated & systems have been fully tested to receive rocket telemetry & send instructions
dishes calibrated & systems have been fully tested to receive rocket telemetry & send instructions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
✔️ Tracking Stn ✔️ Launch Ctrl ❌ VAB ❌ Ops
FD Lanalye reports her team is ready after drilling most of this week & reviewing all procedures
FD Lanalye reports her team is ready after drilling most of this week & reviewing all procedures
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with both Tracking Stn & Launch Ctrl now rdy for launch, Jeb will take up a Civvie next sunrise to see about working in some aerial coverage
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
✔️ Tracking Stn ✔️ Launch Ctrl ✔️ VAB ❌ Ops
Simon reports the Mk5 final integration is complete & it is rdy for rollout to the pad tomorrow!
Simon reports the Mk5 final integration is complete & it is rdy for rollout to the pad tomorrow!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
✔️ Tracking Stn ✔️ Launch Ctrl ✔️ VAB ✔️ Ops
🚀 GO PROGENY!! 🚀 Drew has finished review of all readiness reports & signed off for launch
🚀 GO PROGENY!! 🚀 Drew has finished review of all readiness reports & signed off for launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch prep will begin @ 13:36 UTC. Jeb's flight is scrubbed but we will give it one more shot after 4th sunrise if storm stays to the west
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're calling it. No Civvie coverage of this launch, but Lanalye is open to giving preparation for it another go at the start of next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-4)
10/13
#2🌅08:10:29 🌄12:00:59
#3🌅14:11:20 !!🚀!! 🌄18:01:50
#4🌅20:12:11
10/14
#1🌄00:02:41 🌅02:13:02
#2🌄06:03:32
@ KSC (UTC-4)
10/13
#2🌅08:10:29 🌄12:00:59
#3🌅14:11:20 !!🚀!! 🌄18:01:50
#4🌅20:12:11
10/14
#1🌄00:02:41 🌅02:13:02
#2🌄06:03:32
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
pre-launch ops almost ready to kick off, here is today's timeline w/slight adjustments to accommodate the rocket mounting on the same day
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5h20m] convoy prepping to leaving the VAB similar to this. Carry vehicle travels at 2m/s, taking ~5.5 min to travel to the pad 655m away
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mounting going well, another archive photo gives an idea of what is involved. Unfortunately Bill is too busy w/balloon to help this time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h] weather reports coming in. Skies currently mostly overcast w/low clouds but yesterday's storm system has moved off northeast at least
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h40m] launch control team is reporting for briefing. We are back to an 85° launch angle & will be making a few addt'l ascent tweaks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
first tweak will be waiting for only 1° of pitch change instead of 1.5° to see how much that affects coast time, speed loss & apokee
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
2nd tweak is new ascent code that will hold 3rd stage @ 2 TWR until dyn press (Q) falls, then throttle to full without further increasing Q
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket mounting is done, low-press storm system pulling winds out of the SW but is moving along & should leave better weather next day cycle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h10m] with no severe weather reported in the region, rocket hooked up & flight briefing complete we are GO to begin preflight!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch teams are waking up the rocket & loading up initial software - see what's new in our ops code via bit.ly/AFCS_Changes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
biggest change is thx to boot script upgrade, now each phase of flight that needs to be monitored is its own function. Bye-bye run codes! 🙂
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h55m] rocket is all booted up & initial checks are good, FD Lanalye has given the fueling teams waiting out on the pad a GO to begin ops
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h40m] no issues during tanking, rocket now weighs 1.826t with the additional 109kg of liquid fuel aboard. Rocket system checks continue
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC security has been dispatched to keep an eye on the pilgrims & inform launch ctrl if any make attempts to approach the launch pad
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
if any try, they are 2.5km from the pad - we would have plenty of time to hold count & safe the rocket. They don't seem opposed to us tho
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bob, Bill & a small crew are heading a few km west to get setup with their balloons to be ready for release in a little under 1 hr from now
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h55m] pad closeout underway, fuel levels holding, all systems nominal - Standing by for pad evacuation & booster ignition system checks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h30m] MSV Tongjess has pulled up on station offshore, working with Range Safety Officer to setup monitoring of the eastern range
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
for the record yes, there are northern & southern ranges already defined for highly-inclined launches we just have no reason to use them yet
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h20m] we have good release of the high-alt KerBalloon west of KSC, winds will push it through our ascent corridor as it hits upper atmo
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KB crew remaining out on standby w/2nd backup balloon to release in event of an early envelope failure or no pass thru/near ascent corridor
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all viewing areas are open, as usual for a Friday launch things are already pretty crowded out there so hurry up & claim your spot(s)!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h] MSV Lymun has called in from 90km downrange, reporting on station. They have cruised around & found mostly moderate seas in the area
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are not sure what planned ascent changes will do for downrange travel - could be anywhere from 50-130km so we just split down the middle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-45m] preflight complete, no issues being worked, all assets on station & time for a full launch dress rehearsal before final countdown
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] GO for final countdown! Skies clear enough we were able to see Mun & Minmus set together just a few mins ago, winds light from west
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although we don't need to hold, if we did we can now update the launch time on the rocket without having to do a full system restart. whoo!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-20m] final check-in from Lymun reports they are ready to track down & recover payload. KerBalloon ascent remains nominal, now @ 18.2km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] eastern range is clear & RSO has given the GO to arm the rocket, Flight Termination System also activated (under manual RSO control)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
controllers giving all their systems a final complete once-over to be ready to announce their status during final poll. We can see Wx is GO!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the unseen weather we are most worried about, wind shear, is currently negative according to latest balloon readings from the upper-atmo
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] Final polling: Wx GO, Range GO, Flight GO, Tracking GO, Ops Director GO! 🚀GO PROGENY🚀 AFCS is monitoring time, rdy for terminal count
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-2m] rocket is transitioning to internal power, umbilicals pulled, RF comms 5x5, AFCS monitoring EC levels. All systems remain nominal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-1m] head to bit.ly/ProgenyMk5-6 to see real-time updates for planned events during the flight. 1 more quick poll @ T-30s then launch!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
LIFTOFF! 1st stage booster has ignited sending the Mk5 roaring off the pad @ 4Gs toward space! Shorter coast times will make events go quick
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all nominal, 3rd stage engine auto-throttling to increase thrust to full while not increasing dynamic pressure worked great, MECO just now
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are back in space once again, coasting to an apokee of 107km. Science team is keeping careful watch on payload instruments, now active
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
nearly at apokee & science instruments are working great, lots of data showing up onboard. Rocket's ballistic arc will re-enter in a few min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
standing by for atmospheric interface, rocket remains tail-first so engine takes the brunt of heating during re-entry, comm loss expected
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
25s comm loss & signal regained for chute deploy confirmation 66km downrange *just* before horizon cut off signal. Lymun is already moving
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
payload will be floating around a while, but this is also part of the reason the empty fuel tank stays attached & fairings remain airtight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post-launch ops underway as we ensure all spent boosters splashed or are recovered, pad is cleaned up & KerBalloon is recovered by Tongjess
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ok *now* we can celebrate! Lymun recovery crew just pulled payload from the water. Mission success! Bring that sweet science on home! \[0o]/
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progenitor engineers will analyze telemetry data early next week & decide how we want to send up the Block I at the end of the week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no attempts were made to interfere with this launch & it's nice that not all religious kerbs are opposed to our actions (actively at least)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post-launch ops complete & we are all wrapped up for this week of operations. Get all the details here: bit.ly/OpsSummary10-9…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have a new entry for our bit.ly/KSARecords on longest recovery distance from KSC. Got any ideas for other additions? Let us know!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progenitor teams spent a full day reviewing & comparing telemetry data. Here is the data from last week's flight: bit.ly/ProgenyMk5-6_T…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
report on last week's Mk5 launch is up & we have plans in place for this week's 1st flight of the Block I: bit.ly/Progenitor-PR4
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tl;dr: first 4 Block I launches should lock in an optimal ascent profile for the rocket by the end of the year based on analyzed Mk5/4 data
