Although the ascent did not go entirely as planned, a proper initial launch allowed the rocket to reach a staggering 493km up into space, far exceeding any and all expectations on its performance!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have our 2nd Block I launch contracted for Kerbolyov Design Bureau. bit.ly/ProgenyMk5b1-2 is scheduled for liftoff 10/31 @ 19:58 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
report on yesterday's launch failure is posted: bit.ly/ProgenitorPR17
and here's the video that goes with it: youtube.com/watch?v=TTrfze…
and here's the video that goes with it: youtube.com/watch?v=TTrfze…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tl;dr - new ignitor needed, not new booster. Code flaws patched. Unsure if Tiberdyne wants a relaunch. 2nd Block I launch confirmed on sched
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB already hard at work getting the next Block I assembled for launch at the end of the month. Replacements for reusable parts are on order
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
thx to re-using most of what is recovered (payload trusses, chute, probecore) a new Mk5 Block I costs only 1,973F vs. 2,665F for everything
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
why don't we have photos from space yet? It's complicated, we asked @DKerman_KSA to write a post about it sometime this wk when he has time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although no space photos, we are looking into placing a camera on the 2nd-stage booster, which might get higher than a KerBalloon w/Block I
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
USI liquid fuel engine has arrived today so final Mk5 booster assembly can wrap up & allow rocket to be stacked tomorrow. All is on sched
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tracking Stn has declared our 3rd dish to be fully commissioned & operational. Work now begun to take roof dish offline for removal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today the VAB is stacking the rocket while the science team finishes up preparing the payload instruments for final integration on Monday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new bit.ly/AFCS_KSA code was pushed yesterday, software team has ensured that *any* booster ignition failure is now handled properly
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've also made sure the rocket has only one way to know that it has landed & execution should end that will trigger only after chute deploy
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
3 KerBalloons are being prepped for next week's launch. If we use them all up due to multiple delays, 3 more will be in supply already Mon
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
every launch w/ balloons so far has been budgeted for 3. We expect to build up a surplus & upon reaching 10 extra only order more as needed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Everyone have a great weekend & don't forget there's a lunch next Tuesday! Catch up on this past week via bit.ly/OpsSummary10-2…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val just took off to run some laps in the Civvie to practice setting up for capturing tomorrow's launch. Jeb is advising from Flight Ctrl
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
1st pass made to setup distance, Val coming about & will time her trip southward from when she passes launch pad to return for L-0 in 5 mins
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
so, the idea is that while keeping a constant speed & direction, you know that's how long it will take you to come back the opposite way
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val arrived late, forgot to factor in the time needed to turn around and begin to head back. Setting up another practice run, L-0 in 9min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a minute early for this approach, Val did a 360° turnabout to burn time and got the pad in frame at L-5s for a good view. Doing another run
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
once again early, once again compensating Val had the pad in sight at L-2s - a bit tight but still would have worked. Descending to land now
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
smooth approach & landing, Val is taxiing in, says she feels comfortable with the procedure & is ready to catch a rocket launch tomorrow!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
pad won't be empty tomorrow. Everyone @ KSC is working hard today to ensure that everything is in place & ready to support tomorrow's launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tracking Stn reports roof dish is now offline, 2 grnd dishes rdy for data reception tomorrow, w/ VAB roof dish also set as tertiary backup
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
✅Tracking Stn ✅Launch Ctrl ❌VAB ❌Operations
Flight Director Lanalye reports her team is all ready to go after a full day of launch drills
Flight Director Lanalye reports her team is all ready to go after a full day of launch drills
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mk5 is loaded up & being marshaled into place for rollout tomorrow, work already being started on the boosters for bit.ly/ProgenyMk5B1-3
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
✅Tracking Stn ✅Launch Ctrl ✅VAB ✅Operations
everything has checked out & @DKerman_KSA says we are now 🚀GO FOR LAUNCH🚀 tomorrow!
everything has checked out & @DKerman_KSA says we are now 🚀GO FOR LAUNCH🚀 tomorrow!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/ProgenyMk5B1-2 pre-launch ops will begin @ 14:38 UTC. As usual, Flight Tracker is set to carry operations & ascent updates
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-4)
10/31
#2🌄07:01:20 🌅09:11:41
#3🌄13:02:11 🌅15:12:32 !!🚀!!
#4🌄19:03:02 🌅21:13:23
11/1
#1🌄01:03:53 🌅03:14:14
@ KSC (UTC-4)
10/31
#2🌄07:01:20 🌅09:11:41
#3🌄13:02:11 🌅15:12:32 !!🚀!!
#4🌄19:03:02 🌅21:13:23
11/1
#1🌄01:03:53 🌅03:14:14
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5h20m] time to get down to it! Rocket has left the VAB for the launch pad, no rain or high winds prevent mounting ops from commencing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
expect regular updates at these major events throughout the countdown as we work towards an on-time launch later today @ 19:58 UTC!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h] mounting ops are proceeding w/o issue & weather data is now being gathered from Umbarg, Kravass & airships roaming thruout the region
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the weather over KSC right now is mostly cloudy w/low clouds @ 2.4km, surface winds light & variable. Currently Wx is RED for cloud coverage
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h40m] Flight Director Lanalye is assembling her launch team for final briefing prior to preflight. It'll be the same ascent as last time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mounting all wrapped up - cutting it close to preflight as an umbilical needed replacement after a small animal tried to make it into a nest
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h10m] we are GO for preflight, all controllers on console. Rocket is being powered up & initial ops load commencing to setup for fueling
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
you can see the latest changes to our flight control software via bit.ly/AFCS_Changes - primarily operations code for this mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h55m] rocket is online, instructions loaded & preliminary system check is clean, crews on the pad have a GO to begin 3rd stage fueling
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h40m] topping off the tanks, rocket now weighs just 1.701t, lofting a lighter set of payload instruments on this flight totaling 25kg
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
as the fueling crews clean up after themselves and secure the pad for launch, tank levels will be monitored closely to ensure no leaks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
lots of lawn areas already staked out. If you're looking to catch the launch these locations are all that are available for safe (external) viewing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h55m] fuel lvls holding, pad clearing for booster engine checks. All other rocket systems nominal, no issues being worked by launch team
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h30m] setup of the eastern range has begun with MSV Tongjess arriving on station to provide radar tracking & range security & recovery
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h20m] Bob & Bill took a crew a few km west of KSC to setup & release our weather balloon, now rising towards the upper atmosphere
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h] MSV Lymun is expected to be stationed 180km downrange but we have not heard from them yet. Comms at that distance can be iffy @ times
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
they will continue to attempt to contact us for the next 5 minutes before waiting until later in the countdown to keep the comms net clear
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-55m] Jeb & Val have Civvie #3 all checked out & ready to go, Val is climbing aboard to get preflight completed prior to launch rehearsal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-45m] still no word from Lymun, launch rehearsal begins regardless. Lanalye confided to us she has some sneaky launch anomalies thrown in
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] rehearsal complete, rocket is GO, launch team is GO, assets are GO but unfortunately weather remains red for cloud coverage
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Range Safety Officer needs to have clear sight on rocket to determine if it is off trajectory - we can't rely on tlm data if comms go down
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
additionally video recordings can provide valuable clues in the event of an ascent failure but are useless if they can't see rocket clearly
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we will have weather updates every 20 mins throughout the launch window, which extends to 1hr before sunset so 2203Z is latest we can launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[HOLD] Wx still red. With 30min left in countdown we need a very clear horizon to the west for a large enough cloud coverage gap to proceed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Tongjess has moved off station to recover the KerBalloon launched earlier. Bill & Bob remain out in the field with one more ready to go
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[HOLD] pockets of clear skies passing by but none large enough. Umbarg reports a storm is approaching them but it should remain south of us
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[HOLD] clouds remain persistent. We said earlier window closes @ 22:03 UTC but that means we need to pickup the count no later than 2133Z
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've let go the 2nd balloon to provide an update on upper-level winds in the event that we have clearance to launch later in the window
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[HOLD] Good news is storm remains to the south & moving off to sea but bad news is clouds aren't going with it. We see no clear sky to west
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
decision has been made & we are scrubbing for this day cycle - will resume the countdown from L-30m @ 01:28 UTC for a 01:58 UTC launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
scrub operations complete, rocket is in standby w/new L-0 uploaded, pad secure. Bill & Bob already back at KSC prepping the third balloon
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Tongjess will recover the second balloon shortly then head out east to check on MSV Lymun, as we still have not had any comms from them
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tongjess is returning after confirming Lymun is out there on station in moderate seas. Hopefully we'll be sending a rocket their way soon!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
3rd balloon has been released. If we have to scrub into tmrw there is surplus for 3 more that can be built prior to launch after 4th sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tongjess is back on station & all launch support personnel are returning to their duties to get everything back in place to resume countdown
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30] we currently have heavy clouds overhead but clear skies are following! Wx has given the GO to proceed into final countdown !!🚀!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-20] still no word from Lymun, but at least we know they are out there! Val has already begun to taxi out to Rwy27 to prepare for takeoff
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] Tongjess reports range is clear, bunker crew reports pad is clear. RSO has closed the range. FTS & booster engines are now ARMED
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-10m] Val has received take off clearance & will depart west, swing north then back around south to pass the pad & set up her timed appr
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] final general poll - Wx: GO, Range: GO, Flight: GO, Tracking: GO, Civvie: GO, Ops Director: Launch permission granted! 🚀GO PROGENY🚀
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-2m] AFCS has control, we are now in terminal count. Rocket switching to internal power & RF comms. Val is on her approach, looking good
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-1m] tune in to bit.ly/ProgenyMk5B1-2 for live ascent updates. Val has throttled back & pitched up hard to slow down. May overshoot
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
(first stage!) booster ignition & lift off! 67.2kN of thrust push the Mk5 off the pad at 4Gs - but things will speed up quick. Too quick?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
oooh the tense faces of launch controllers willing rocket to hold together during 1st stage boost! 3rd stage has now just lit for final push
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
AFCS crashed during 3rd stage boost but as designed it returned manual control & Lanalye says launch team is following procedure perfectly
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket is in a flat spin after BECO-3 but still holding together & ascending to an insane apokee of 493km!! WHAT?! We had no idea... [0_0]
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val is on final approach to land & her maneuver kept her on-target to get some great footage! We will have a launch video to share tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket is above LKO @ 370.5km ASL traveling 938m/s, only 26km downrange thanks to a very early 2nd stage boost from large wobble @ stage sep
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the look on Wernher's face is priceless seeing all this additional science data come in from a region of space we never meant to reach today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
RT @DKerman_KSA: if we'd had any idea we probably would have put in some altitude updates or something for the Flight Tracker. Almost there!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
apokee reached at last, rocket is now falling, still in a flat spin. We have no idea how it will handle broadsiding the atmosphere @ >2km/s!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are hoping the larger surface area will both help to brake the rocket & distribute heat enough to not allow any parts to lose integrity
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
however although rocket is still in a flat spin according to tlm data it has stopped rolling, which will not help with heat distribution
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tongjess is recovering the KerBalloon & then prepping for payload recovery also as rocket is falling back towards KSC, now 21km downrange
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
RT @DKerman_KSA: everybody hold on to your butts, this sucker is coming in hot!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket just exceeded 2km/s velocity & is slamming sideways into the atmosphere as you read these very words. Moment of truth is upon us...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
cheers from launch ctrl as we regained signal after 20s of comm blackout - it survived! Manual chute deploy cmd sent @ 2.5km but then LOS 🙁
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
initial fears have eased once we realized rocket fell behind mtn on island w/abandoned C7 base, but we still don't have chute confirmation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
RT @DKerman_KSA: if you're watching the Flight Tracker & are confused, the chute deployment is just what we *hope* has happened by now
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tongjess is working its way around behind the island where the payload should have splashed down, we expect confirmation in about 15-20min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post-launch operations are underway while we eagerly await word from the recovery team. Can confirm both solid boosters splashed downrange
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
WE HAVE AN INTACT PAYLOAD!! Recovery team says it is well-roasted & we may have to write off some of the reusable parts - hopefully data OK!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
\[0_o]/ there will be a LOT of analysis to do this flight w/ its unexpected success so don't expect report tmrw, but we did promise a video
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post-launch ops closed out, payload is home & a tired but super-happy Progenitor team retires. What a day! Our expectations were blown away
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all day so far spent working to get the recovered rocket dismantled so we can retrieve data - it's all pretty badly burnt up outside & in!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in addition to altitude (493km), yesterday's flight also set new bit.ly/KSARecords for speed (1.8km/s) and distance traveled (993km)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
actually 3rd stage burned out traveling 2km/s but by then it was out of the atmosphere. 1.8km/s is how fast it was going when it hit 70km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
note: new shorthand for Block I & II designations: Mk5-I & Mk5-II. Using B1 deemed confusing as there is a Mk1-B1 w/ "B1" not meaning Block
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch video up! You can see how soon second stage lit off & rocket's bad spin by end of 3rd stage + civvie footage! youtube.com/watch?v=iaRcGI…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all day spent working to get science & telemetry data from rocket has been a total success! Now, all the bad news: bit.ly/ProgenitorPR18
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tl;dr: 11/7 launch pushed to NET 11/22; Block II pushed to NET Dec; lots of re-thinking & re-designing needs to be done after data analysis
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
data scrubbing is the task of the day for Progenitor teams - recovered data seems to have suffered damage during flight for some reason
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
almost all data from the last Mk5 launch was recovered, now real work can begin to understand how it all went down bit.ly/Mk5_Tlm_10-31-…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the graphical plot normally @ the top of telemetry data was both corrupted & overran its 10min buffer anyways, that was really the only loss
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
note also the loss of some data was simply due to the crash of the AFCS during ascent (and helped us pinpoint exactly when code crashed out)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bob should be in position sometime around now 212km SW for balloon release, we'll hear how mission went tomorrow when MSV Tongjess returns
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
an incredible rocket launch, some fancy pattern flying & new moonlet! Get all the details kerbalspace.agency/?p=5953
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
serious data analysis begins today for last week's Progeny mission; Lead Engineer Simon has told Drew to expect a report on Wednesday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
science team studying the data from last Progeny flight report over the top of rocket's arc radiation lvls were recorded up to 10x normal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
future spaceflt implications of this data are serious. Lead Scientist Cheranne says she'll be sure explanation is in flight analysis report
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new addition to bit.ly/AFCS_KSA will allow more arbitrary data logging, allowing us to release instrument data with flight telemetry
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
programmers are still stymied as to what caused the flight computer to crash during the last mission but glad it didn't lead to mission fail
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon has informed us that the Progeny flight report is delayed at least a day, everyone still discussing implications of the radiation data
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progenitor team have released full report on last week's launch. It's a deep read. Lots to do before the next one! bit.ly/Progenitor-PR19 tl;dr: most successful flight w/most problems too! Solutions for everything, but time tight. Block I launch NET 12/12, Block II NET Jan 2018
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
another week behind us, make sure you didn't miss anything & get some additional details on events in our bit.ly/OpsSummary11-6…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
an interesting thing we never shared about the Progeny Mk5 Block I 2nd launch was its trajectory in reference to Kerbin - it went so high and got so slow the rotation of the planet caught up to it, which is why it came down so close to KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
@ajp70 you can see it happen on ground plots too for bit.ly/Chikelu when it speeds up to approach perikee and catches up to then exceeds the speed of Kerbin's rotation for a short while
