The debut flight of the Mk6 Block I goes off without a hitch, setting new records for speed and height over Kerbin but the extra velocity has made recovery even more difficult despite extra preparations
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're still reviewing designs for radial decouplers suited to a <1m stack. Submissions so far are from OMB Demolition, USI, AIES & MRS
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
excited to announce the 0.625m radial decoupler design contract has been awarded to Modular Rocket Systems. They await our order invoice
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've made our first order from Modular Rocket Systems for the mini radial decoupler they won the manufacturing contract for back in January
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progenitor introduces the Progeny Mk5 Block II, our most powerful & capable rocket to date! Get all the info here: bit.ly/Progenitor-PR3
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tl;dr this rocket should be able to take payloads past Low-Kerbin Orbit (LKO), >250km. How far? We look forward to finding out on 11/15!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we just realized our Mk5 Block II instagram post caption included a typo: "sun-orbital" - it's not *that* powerful haha!
or is it?
or is it?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mortimer confirms we have all but the SRBs ordered & on the way for our Progeny Mk5 Block II launch next month, launch date still NET 11/15
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
SRB order awaits results of 1st successful Block I flight, as their more powerful constant thrust may require change to solid fuel burn rate
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in which our Operations Director @DKerman_KSA explains why it'll be a while before we get photos from space: kerbalspace.agency/?p=5890
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tl;dr: spinning rockets not good cam platforms, de-spin possible but add complications to re-entry, ext. payload cam could unbalance ascent
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
VAB crew felt overworked these past few launches & management concurs. New build times extended 0.5wks: 2.5wks for Mk5-I and 3wks for Mk5-II
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
we've ordered new fairings that will offer better radiation protection, have also begun to upgrade our RF antennas and new shielded casings are on the way for our probe cores
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progenitor team had a final meeting today and decided that, due mainly to the visible design changes, once the Mk5 Block I design is locked in they will retire it and the Block I and Block II designs will go on to become the Progeny Mk6
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🎊✨ HAPPY NEW YEAR!! ✨🎉
We hope everyone rang in 2018 safely with much joy and look forward to returning to KSC tomorrow to begin ramping up operations for the coming year!
\[0o]/
We hope everyone rang in 2018 safely with much joy and look forward to returning to KSC tomorrow to begin ramping up operations for the coming year!
\[0o]/
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're back to full operational status here at KSC! We have a lot to look forward to in 2018 and over the past week at KSA HQ many meetings were had to finalize our general timeline for the year. Here's what to expect:
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's official, the Progeny Mk5 is now the Mk6! Find out all the details, including what is now in store for the Block II since the Block I has proven capable of making past low-Kerbin space as well as a possible Mk7 kerbalspace.agency/?p=6681
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
time to chillax and enjoy the weekend! Head over to bit.ly/OpSummary1-29-… (link verified! Sorry about last week) to check out details on this week's Deuce PR tour and the latest news from the Progenitor team on the Mk6
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB has not been idle waiting for the next Progeny launch - they have plenty to do assembling new work stations and finalizing procedures for Ascension rocket integration to be performed alongside Progenitor integration
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
check out all the details in the official report for the final Progeny Mk5 flight and get ready for the next launch, the first Mk6, scheduled for 2/15 @ 21:01 UTC!! kerbalspace.agency/?p=6728
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/ProgenitorProg… contract details have been posted along with bit.ly/ProgenyMk6B1-1 details over at the Ops Tracker. VAB is starting the third stage assembly, which we have all the parts for, today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bob & Bill have been spending the week getting KerBalloons prepped for next week's Mk6-I launch, but bit.ly/KerBalloonProg… finally signed a new contract for next Monday so they will help to assemble that one over the next day and a half
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
stage three of the next Progeny Mk6 Block I has completed its initial assembly and will integrate the science instruments on Monday. SRBs will arrive Tuesday for a fast 2-day assembly culminating in final integration to end Wednesday with rollout & launch Thursday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
that's a wrap for this week folks! Have a relaxing weekend but before you go get caught up on what transpired this past week along with any additional information we have: bit.ly/OpSummary2-5-18
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tickets are on sale for this week's launch but if you can't afford one or are too slow to grab one then we will have open access first-come first-serve viewing areas behind the ticket holder areas, which will now house grandstand seating
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bill, Bob and crew have set sail from Umbarg aboard MSV Lymun to head out ~575km to bit.ly/Sector_PHCV-843. They are taking along 2 UTVs as well in case winds push the balloon overland after release
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mk6 Block I 3rd stage is complete, VAB ready for the two SRBs to arrive tomorrow as well as the 1.25m Ascension LF/O tank that will be used to power the engine while it is mounted to the test stand
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a roughly 12-13hr trip at best speed would have had MSV Lymun arrive at the research site late yesterday. Assuming weather cooperates they will release and recover today to be back by tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mk6 SRBs are in the VAB ready for fins and structural elements to be installed. Have a look at the Ascension Mk1 main fuel tank! It is 1.25m in diameter, 6.6m long and holds 3.150t of liquid fuel with 3.850t of oxidizer. It weighs 875kg dry
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tracking Station has completed system checkouts and dish calibration in anticipation of tomorrow's launch. Only one dish is designated primary but all are used for redundancy, including the dish atop the VAB
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye reports her team has procedures drilled and locked in for tomorrow's launch, which will be mostly the same as the last one except for full thrust on stage 3 booster, launching further south & fairing deployment after re-entry
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Operations Director @DKerman_KSA has all the launch paperwork in order and ready to be signed off on - we are just waiting on the VAB. Lead Engineer Simon reports the Mk6 is stacked & horizontal, still running through its final integration checks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon has handed Drew his readiness report and with everything now signed off we are officially 🚀 GO FOR LAUNCH 🚀 tomorrow!! The rocket will be rolled out and mounted after 2nd sunrise and pre-launch operations will begin at 16:51 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no word from MSV Lymun. If they are not back tomorrow, we will have to send MSV Tongjess out after launch to search down and recover the payload if it survives re-entry. No big deal, it will just take longer to learn its fate
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-5)
2/15
#2🌄07:04:20 🌅09:14:40
#3🌄13:05:11 🌅15:15:31 !!🚀!!
#4🌄19:05:02 🌅21:16:22
2/16
#1🌄01:06:53 🌅03:17:13
@ KSC (UTC-5)
2/15
#2🌄07:04:20 🌅09:14:40
#3🌄13:05:11 🌅15:15:31 !!🚀!!
#4🌄19:05:02 🌅21:16:22
2/16
#1🌄01:06:53 🌅03:17:13
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the rocket is on the way out to the pad, workers are already out there re-orienting the launch base to point 105° ESE. Weather is looking beautiful today with partly cloudy skies and a light wind out of the west
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mounting operations wrapping up, leaving the rocket standing 12m tall on the pad massing 1.597t of dry weight. More information on the rocket can be found on our Ops Tracker bit.ly/ProgenyMk6B1-1
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h10m] with the rocket on the pad pre-launch operations are getting underway. Here is our timeline for today's launch, with checks removed for our recovery ship - even if MSV Lymun were out there ~200km downrange it would be too far to contact
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h40m] Flight Director Lanalye has her launch team assembling for briefing. Today's ascent profile will have 2 tweaks from last launch: 3rd stage booster will kick off at full thrust instead of 2.5 TWR and chute will open 1km lower
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
lowering the chute opening altitude will give the rocket a bit more time to slow down but the chute also requires time to fully open & decelerate the rocket before splashdown - it remains to be seen whether we strike a good enough balance on this flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h10m] weather continued to look good at sunset earlier, hopefully will remain so next day cycle. Rocket now looking just a tad bit further to the south than normal, which will slightly alter our launch commit criteria for surface winds but as of now we are GO for pre-flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h55m] Automated Flight Control System has been initialized, you can check out code changes here: bit.ly/AFCS_Changes. Fuel system has been prepped for propellant loading and crews on the pad have been given the GO from Launch Control to begin tanking
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h40m] tankers have left the pad while remaining crew work to secure the area. Rocket is now 109kg heavier and further system checks are proceeding at Launch Control along with fuel level monitoring to ensure no leaks are present
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ticketed viewing areas are full up but there is still plenty of room in the open access areas - be sure to remain within designated areas for your safety and comply with all instructions given by KSC staff
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h55m] pad evacuation underway ahead of booster engine checks, quick response team sheltering in the nearby bunker. MSV Tongjess is receiving a balloon crew as winds shift out of the south but remain light
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h30m] no issues being worked as pre-flight concludes with indications of 3 good boosters. Range Safety Officer awaiting the return of MSV Tongjess to complete range setup but we don't expect this to delay the countdown
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h20m] KerBalloon has been released off the deck of MSV Tongjess to ascend into the upper atmosphere for wind readings. Surface winds continue to remain green. Tongjess heading back on station for range monitoring duties
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-45m] rocket remains healthy and launch team is now running through their ascent procedures in a full dress rehearsal to ensure all systems are properly prepped and ready for flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Lymun has just pulled into port at Umbarg but will take too long to turn around for rocket recovery duties. Bill & Bob report a successful release & recovery of their KerBalloon, will head back to KSC after delivering data to Probodobodyne
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] still pretty dark out but we're seeing mostly clear skies and no sign of rain or storms reported in the region. Surface winds remain out of the south but within limits and steady. Upper-level winds check will come at L-5m readiness poll. Final countdown is GO!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] RSO has the range secured, controllers are arming the rocket boosters. Pad is cleared out to 300m, airspace and waters around KSC are clear for 15km. View from atop Launch Control is looking good with even clearer skies following
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] final polls! Wx: GO, upper-level winds nominal; Range: GO; Flight: GO; Tracking: GO; Ops Director: Launch permission granted! 🚀 GO PROGENY 🚀
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-2m] Terminal count! AFCS now has control as the rocket switches to internal power and RF comms as cables disconnect, retracting from the launch base out to the pad edge
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-1m] if you haven't already, head over to bit.ly/ProgenyMk6B1-1 on the Ops Tracker for real-time updates of planned flight events and yes, you should totally be counting down out loud the final 10 seconds. Here we go!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
successful ignition of the 0.625m lower booster and the Progeny Mk6 Block I has left the pad at 4Gs! Burn will last approx 33s and carry the rocket almost all the way to the upper atmosphere with a MaxQ between 70-80kPa
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ascent nominal, now at 34km ASL 10km downrange making the final push out of the atmosphere in excess of 1km/s and increasing. All boosters separated cleanly, rocket AoA <1° at 3rd stage sep, spin rate good
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
BECO-3 just after entering space and full thrust at ignition has pushed the rocket up to a new record height of 581km! We will be coasting to apokee over the next ~9min while keeping a close eye on power levels and radiation readings
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've passed 580.571km apokee & are now falling back to Kerbin. Rocket is 137km downrange, MSV Tongjess confirmed both SRBs splashed and is already working its way southeast. Power levels will last the remainder of the flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've exited the high radiation zone and the data sent back shows we entered later than last flight and falloff on descent was also quicker. A picture is starting to be painted...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
now a whopping 254km downrange traveling over 2.1km/s & still accelerating rocket is re-entering the atmosphere. It will dump its fairings at 6km in an attempt to induce more drag and deploy chute just 1.5km over the water. Horizon has already cut off the signal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
by now the rocket is either floating on the surface or sunk to the bottom of the sea. We will have to wait for MSV Tongjess to travel there and back with news - it is a ~5h trip one way so we won't know for some time. Pad cleanup and post-launch ops are underway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everyone was very pleased with the flawless launch today. We eagerly await word from MSV Tongjess - which by now should be nearing the splashdown area and listening for the locator beacon signal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Tongjess contacted us around 0900 UTC, on its way back after spending a few hours searching the estimated splashdown area when no locator beacon was detected. Unfortunately no sign of the rocket was found
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
while we lost detailed data stored on the Mk6 we still have the 1s interval telemetry data beamed back until loss of signal as well as enough science data to get a partial payout from Reaction Systems. You can review telemetry data here: bit.ly/Tlm_2-15-18
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are ready to close out this week, so head on over to bit.ly/OpSummary2-12-… to get the latest details on our two high-profile missions this past week. Enjoy your weekend everyone!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight analysis from the last launch is up! kerbalspace.agency/?p=6879 VAB has already begun completing the next Mk6, scheduled for now to liftoff next Tues @ 21:45 UTC, launching 120° southeast
