Captain Jebediah cruises around KSC while testing out very basic software that will hopefully allow the aircraft to hold itself level in both pitch and roll without direct pilot input
 |
 |
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the success of the AFCS so far has helped C7 become more interested in developing some rudimentary automated flight assistance of their own
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 Aerospace has been looking into automated flight assistance - not a true autopilot but still a means of making pilot's jobs easier for basic aircraft handling. They hope to have Val & Jeb test things out next month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Civvie #1 completed its hardware control modifications today to allow the onboard computer to manipulate the control surfaces. Tomorrow the software will be tested on the ground, with airborne tests the next step if all goes okay
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good control tests were carried out for Civvie #1 in the HAB & crews are getting ready to roll it out for Cpt Jeb to take up for flight tests. Weather not favorable currently but we will see if it improves
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we were unable to get the Civvie airborne due to moderate winds aloft. Engineers would prefer conditions be as calm as possible to test out the flight assistance, at least initially. Will try again 3rd sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's been raining for the past hour with no signs of letting up so we are scrubbing the Civvie flight for today and will try again tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're looking at much better weather conditions as the sky begins to lighten with 2nd sunrise. Jeb is suited up and getting briefed in the HAB as Mission Control is tied up with Progeny drills
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is headed out to preflight, he will cruise around KSC while at times giving control over to the flight assistance software to see how it performs under various conditions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has departed KSC from runway 27, climbed to 1.5km and is beginning his test runs. C7 engineers on the ground are monitoring & can upload patches to make software adjustments as needed during the flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
making a pass over KSC as Jeb cruises around, we hear tests are so far going well, ensuring computer can fully actuate all control surfaces and properly read all flight sensors
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight testing has concluded for today without the Civvie spinning out of control, so that's a good sign. Winds have picked up a bit out of the east and Jeb is starting his descent with clearance to land runway 09
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taxiing in after an uneventful landing, Jeb will park on the tarmac as no hardware/control issues need addressing. Software has a few issues to work out but C7 hopes to have a basic PID controller ready for more advanced testing on Friday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 says it won't have their updated flight assistance software utilizing basic PID routines ready in time for flight testing today, so Jeb and Val are both done with flight operations for the year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC operations for 2017 are wrapped! Find out why via bit.ly/OpsSummary12-1… and catch up on this past week's activites. KSA operations are set to wrap next week - stay tuned for many year-in-review stats 🙂
