Our first orbit-capable rocket makes its debut flight after months of testing and development and a few false starts leading up to launch. The hopes of this flight lie upon an engine that has seen a lot of use already in testing…
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
VAB's project to start this week off is construction of a spin table which can be used to ensure that rocket payloads are properly balanced
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
speaking of R&D, you'd think cameras would be easy right? However Wernher says "when you have to attach things to rockets, nothing is easy"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in better news, Drew & senior staff just had a productive meeting on our future Programs for orbital, interplanetary & supersonic flight!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new orbital data has been uploaded for bit.ly/DGU-266_B and as you can see below, astronomers still can't predict orbits very well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still, this will help better refine the orbital modeling used & astronomers hope that they'll be more accurate next time, at the end of Mar
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Head of R&D Wernher Von Kerman has announced work has begun on our new general-purpose science instrument, a negative gravioli detector
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Head of R&D Wernher Von Kerman reports his team finally had a breakthrough on the negative gravioli detector, plan for a instrument in June
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
"apoapsis" is highest point in an orbit, "apokee" is the same but specifically in an orbit around Kerbin. Here are the other shorthand names
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Journal of Astronomical Sciences has a paper w/preliminary results from data gathered on Pilirani aerobrake observations from pass #2
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
now that the data has been released, we are looking forward to even more research being done for us to apply with future space missions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're looking into getting a dish installed atop the VAB for KerBalloon payloads to prevent occlusion & just cause it's higher off the grnd
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Head of R&D Wernher & his team have finally delivered the first prototype of the negative gravioli instrument to the VAB for final testing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV cutters like the Lymun (and Tongjess) can travel up to 50km/h over calm seas so unless conditions worsen should be on station in ~2hrs
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
admin bldg meeting room packed w/senior staff members to inaugurate our newest program: Extremis! Once everyone is briefed we will have a PR
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there is still a lot of work to be done, but the groundwork for Extremis has been laid. Find out all the details: bit.ly/Extremis-PR1
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
on top of everything else being done, work has also begun to prep the Tracking Station to receive its 3rd radio dish late next month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
once 3rd dish is installed, the roof dish will be placed on the ground as well. More details in this earlier report bit.ly/DSN-PR
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the base for our new tracking dish was finished earlier today, we expect the dish to be mounted early next wk. Commissioning will take ~2mo
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
1st sunrise w/3 dishes! 3rd tracking dish finished construction earlier today & will be fully commissioned over the next two months
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
liftoff!! Skies are again just barely within limits for launch. 1st stage booster pushing the rocket off the pad at 4Gs for initial ascent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've suffered an inflight anomaly. Signal loss occurred at L+1m4s & visual tracking reported an explosion and break up of the rocket
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
assuming launch readiness checks complete w/o issue today we are GO for launch tomorrow! Final anomaly report: bit.ly/ProgenitorPR16
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tl;dr - we will launch a high-alt KerBalloon from the range monitoring vessel or KSC prior to launch to check for any wind shear conditions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
delay to Extremis has a slight knock-on for our orbital program as we expected to base engine requirements on Extremis probe escape needs
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Oct focus is now on 2018-19 Extremis 1 launch window for an idea of mission requirements w/plan to announce orbital program in early Nov
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
if anything, 280 chars per tweet simply means we can use less acronyms & abbreviations. Have never felt we needed more room to communicate
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
results of gravity data analysis from Monday Civvie flight confirm instrument is only sensitive enough to be used at high-alt or space
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Weeeeeeekeeeennnddd!! Also month end! Everyone is excited for all the cool stuff Oct will bring. But first, a recap! bit.ly/OpsSummary9-25…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
RT @DKerman_KSA: I can say that we're prob looking @ 1-2 launches/mo starting Oct for the Mk5 & early next yr an orbital launch once/mo, for starters anyway
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
once 3rd dish is fully commissioned later this month we will take down the one on the roof, re-locate it on the ground to form a triangle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Researcher Wernher Von Kerman reports they've entered final testing period for accelerometer instrument, plan to have it rdy in <3 wks
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
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
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
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
roof dish will be re-installed on the grnd during Nov to form a triangle of dishes to use as an array to capture data far beyond Kerbin SOI
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
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
we've sent what's left of yesterday's envelope to KerBalloon for further analysis but Bob says it's most likely a minor defect, nothing obvious found. We're not treating this partial ascent failure as a problem yet, but hopefully KB can make improvements to their manufacturing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC lead staff just finished up an important meeting on our orbital program which took into account the latest data from the Progenitor missions. A bit of retooling was needed and we still hope to announce details sometime this month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tracking Station roof is looking pretty empty now as the dish once atop it has been removed for its ground placement later this month. Also weather fails to cooperate for Genesis mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final all-staff meeting for our orbital program just let out. Exciting! Now just to prepare all the public-facing aspects and we look forward to introducing you all to the Ascension program next week!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there is still a lot of work to be done before our first launch next year, but we can at last reveal the details of our upcoming orbital rocket program, dubbed Ascension! Get all the details here: bit.ly/AscensionPR1
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
unmentioned in our original Ascension program report is the fact that we will need a new system of getting the rocket out to the pad and setup for launch, which is indeed also under development
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
not a whole lot you could have missed this week but just in case you weren't paying attention get caught up with bit.ly/OpsSummary11-2…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our dish array placement is complete, now to just get the 3rd dish back to operational status and fully calibrated in its new location - then work can begin to see about linking them all together to someday receive faint deep space signals
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final re-calibration & testing will be completed today for the 3rd Tracking Station dish, re-commissioning it for active duty. It will still be a while before we can work on linking them though
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-20m] still no word from MSV Tongjess so over-horizon comms not bouncing signals well today, but we at least know from Lymun they were headed out there. We can't wait until we can bounce a signal off a satellite instead of the finicky atmosphere
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
2017 Year in Review: Rocket Flight. We had some great missions this past year, you can review them all via the bit.ly/ProgenitorProg… home page and we can't wait to get started with bit.ly/AscensionProgr… next year!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we had a profitable 2017 with good growth according to our year-end bit.ly/FinanceReport_… from Mortimer. 2018 should continue this trend although the budget for Ascension (not included) is looking rather daunting right now
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
KSA HQ in Umbarg is once again a hive of activity as all staff return from holiday break to get everything in order to return to KSC this week. Full regular ops will begin next week as building surveyors need more time to finish their inspections started last month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
great work getting things organized at HQ so far this week, R&D and science labs getting back to work at KSC today while HAB and VAB are still completing their inspections - we expect to get the "all clear" tomorrow so we can finally kick off 2018 operations full swing next week!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Operations Tracker v1.0.0 has been 🎉 DEPLOYED!! 🎊
Check it out and let us know what you think. We expect issues and hope to see reports submitted for them to be fixed ASAP. We can't wait to put it to use with out next Progenitor launch this month!
kerbalspace.agency/Tracker/tracke…
Check it out and let us know what you think. We expect issues and hope to see reports submitted for them to be fixed ASAP. We can't wait to put it to use with out next Progenitor launch this month!
kerbalspace.agency/Tracker/tracke…
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
our Admin building has served us well, but with Ascension & Extremis set to move ops onsite this year it's going to get a bit cramped. A 780,000F expansion project will begin this month & conclude in March. In the meantime all programs will be run from KSA HQ in Umbarg
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
upcoming Progeny launch via the Ops Tracker will still have status updates similar to the old Flight Tracker as we use the launch to code for and test the general updating of page information. Will eventually reach the point of live telemetry, hopefully by 1st Ascension launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are proud to announce the Ascension Mk1 lifter engine contract being awarded to NovaPunch! We look forward to seeing it light off next month - read the details on the next steps for the Ascension program: kerbalspace.agency/?p=6373
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
not bad for our first week of 2018 right? Catch up on anything you may have missed along with additional details via our bit.ly/OpsSummary1-8-… and we hope you all enjoy a relaxing weekend!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
looking southeast past the main R&D building and science labs to the empty campus lawn where we will begin construction of the Ascension K2-X lifter engine test stand later this month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VWU-324(E) will be coming down away from any surface ops, scientists are logging it for future research trips - hopefully soon we'll have satellites to help us check these sites out
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
if all went well Bill, Bob & the KB crew should be at their release site. We don't like remote operations that can't check in regularly but one day satellite communications will let us worry less. Airship due to return tomorrow so we will have some news then
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
work began later than planned due to taking longer to move things over to Umbarg HQ than we thought but Admin Building has at last been razed and we'll have our new Admin Center fully operational by the end of March
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in additional KSC campus news the test stand for the Ascension K2-X engine has broken ground. NovaPunch is on schedule to deliver the prototype engine next month for us to test into March
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
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
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
VAB is getting prepped for another Mk6 build with the parts that have come in this past week while also getting ready for the Ascension K2-X engine to arrive next week for integration with the tank and insertion to the test stand
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
the Ascension Mk1 main lift engine, the NovaPunch K2-X, has arrived today for its initial checkouts prior to being mounted to the fuel tank on Wednesday. We can't wait to test it out!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC Operations Cease Indefinitely Due to Legal Injunction: kerbalspace.agency/?p=6892
Don't panic! Sadly our operational capacity has been drastically reduced but the KSA is not being shut down
Don't panic! Sadly our operational capacity has been drastically reduced but the KSA is not being shut down
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are in the process of "winding down" operations at KSC and in doing so managed to put the provisional finishing touches on the K2-X engine test stand, so it will be ready when we return!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sunset from the Umbarg access tunnel as we end our last day of operations at KSC for at least the next 2-3 weeks. The last of onsite staff will be departing tomorrow after final equipment shutdowns are complete
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today we completed our 5th orbit 'round the sun since the KSA began operations back in late 2016. Happy Kerbol anniversary! Jeb & Val also returned to Umbarg via airship after spending more time with the advanced training unit
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the High Court has ruled that the injunction against surface operations is legal, which means our team of lawyers now has to get to work writing up amendments to the current laws that will have to be cleared through Assembly. This could take months!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
fortunately we expect to have majority support in the Assembly as well as the backing of the Presider so hopes are high we can get all this ratified in a matter of weeks instead. Still - well played, Monolithic followers. Well played.
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the fight to resume surface operations continues, get additional information on that and more via bit.ly/OpSummary3-5-18 - a relaxing weekend is wished upon all
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Ascension Mk1 Block I & Block II lifters have been finalized. Barring any serious trouble w/ K2-X engine tests we should still be able to hold to our original Apr/May target for first flight of the Block I, now aiming for the end of May
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it is important to note that Lift Capacity is how much mass it can push off the ground. Payload Capacity (LKO/UKO/KEO), still unknown, is how much mass it can put into a given orbit.
Block I full res: flickr.com/gp/kerbal_spac…
Block II full res: flickr.com/gp/kerbal_spac…
Block I full res: flickr.com/gp/kerbal_spac…
Block II full res: flickr.com/gp/kerbal_spac…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
vessel patches for the Ascension Mk1, and once they start lifting actual payloads we will be able to also begin featuring mission patches!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our crew have been busy the past week advising the Ascension engineers as the final design specifications for the 1.25m crew capsule were finalized. The actual design will be finalized later this year after a few months of prototyping & testing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our legal team isn't just *our* legal team, unfortunately, so while we'd like them to get these laws rewritten and put through for review by the Assembly posthaste they do have to deal with the needs of their other clients as well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
find out more about the Ascension Mk1 designs released earlier this week via bit.ly/OpSummary3-12-… and tell us - are you doing anything sciencey this weekend?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we can't occupy permanent structures above ground but we can continue to build them! Our new Administration Complex is complete on schedule. Original bldg rebuilt w/new & better materials, second bldg is 3rd story, with 2 levels sprawling underground (high water table)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the new offices still have to be setup with equipment and everything wired up but it should be all set for our return. Although the underground areas could be used before then, pointless to do so without any ongoing operations at KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
not much to review this week, so here's an update on the shutdown as well as details of Extremis Phase Two calculations: bit.ly/OpSummary3-19-…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the amended laws have been submitted to the Assembly, which should get around to reviewing them sometime next week. We did our best to speed up the legislative process but there's only so much that can be done...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
work has continued on the 1.25m engine test stand to complete all the little bits of plumbing and structural support for the fuel tank - all we have to do is drop it in and hook it up once KSC ops resume
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are one step closer to getting operations back underway at KSC. That and more in bit.ly/OpSummary3-26-… - we hope everyone enjoys a relaxing weekend!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/OpSummary4-2-18 gives some additional details on what our objectives are for the first Ascension flights prior to going for orbit. Have a great weekend everyone!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC will re-open for operations this week! We will endeavor to show the Presider that his potential "sacrifice" will not be in vain and we thank him immensely for his support. Read more on the operations restart here: kerbalspace.agency/?p=7024
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
shortly after sunrise and KSC stands ready to resume operations as we complete our initial move back onto campus today. Will take another week or so to complete the transition but activities will pick up & a rocket will be back on the pad soon!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
earlier today installation of the K2-X engine and its Etoh-1400 fuel tank into the test stand was completed. Final checkouts will be conducted on Monday with the first hotfire testing to begin on Tuesday of next week!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's time at last to start getting back on track for orbital flight! Summary of our plans for the next two months are available in our bit.ly/OpSummary4-9-18 - enjoy your last "weekend off" all staff & crew 😛
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after spending all last night cycle reviewing procedures, teams are moving out with the sunrise to perform final checkouts of the test stand while Flight Director Lanalye and her team continue to drill for tomorrow's firing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Engineer Simon reports the test stand is secure and ready to receive fuel, which it will today to test tanking procedures in addition to pressurization. Lanalye's team will conclude drills so they can monitor fueling operations
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
7t of fuel is being offloaded after successful tanking and pressurization of the Etoh-1400 - no ruptures were detected although extensive leak checks will be performed tomorrow prior to firing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final readiness reviews from Lanalye and Simon have been filed and approved by Operations Director @DKerman_KSA - we are GO for ignition tomorrow! first test between 13:00-13:30 UTC with second between 19:00-19:30 UTC assuming first goes well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
controllers are on console and test crews are outside prepping for fueling operations. Tanks once again will be fully loaded & pressurized followed by nearly an hour of monitoring to ensure no leaks are present
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
3.150t of liquid fuel with 3.850t of oxidizer have been loaded & tanks are at flight pressure. Test site has been secured, engine confirmed safed and shutters have been lowered at the R&D building to prevent glass shattering in event of an explosion. Causeway is shut down
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
leak monitoring continues but at this time pre-ignition operations have also begun in launch control as Flight Director Lanalye's team begins to validate all monitoring and control systems built into the test stand
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tank pressures remain stable, control team is working an issue with data relay from the accelerometers that will be measuring vibration while the engine is operating - a critical factor in future payload design
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
data issue thankfully was identified as an improper cable connection at launch control, meaning no further delays in having to drainback & approach the test stand for inspection. Ignition time is now set for 13:20 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
warning horn has sounded to alert KSC staff of ignition in 5 minutes. Test area confirmed clear, engine ignition system is ARMED. Computer control has been initiated for final purge sequence and valve checks, followed by ignition sequence & throttle control
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
1 minute to ignition! Test will last only 30 seconds starting at minimal 10% power throttling up to 50% before cutoff valves terminate the burn. At least, that's the plan...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
short but sweet! Quite the rumble for only half power, no doubt we'll hear from Wernher despite all the warnings we managed to foul up *some* ongoing experiment of his. Waiting for things to clear up & cool down before verifying safe conditions to conduct post-ignition inspection
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post-test inspection underway. Despite the short firing this was a major milestone, being the first integrated systems test firing. Engine design itself has undergone extensive testing already by NovaPunch but this was closest to launch conditions so far
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everything is looking good for our second test firing later today, still scheduled for sometime between 19:00-19:30 UTC. Unless complications arise, prep work will begin at 18:00 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
test schedule continues on track and weather continues to remain favorable as tankers approach the test stand to reload propellants. Following similar procedures to earlier today minus the extensive leak check should have us ready to fire within the hour
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all systems stand ready for test fire #2 with ignition scheduled for 19:00 UTC. Lasting 45 seconds, 10% power at ignition will once again throttle up to 50% & hold before throttling back to 0% to force a flameout & gather new shutdown transient data
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
hot hot hot! But still not full power, which will come later this week if tests continue to go as well as this one just did. Post-test inspections will be conducted for the remainder of the day with detailed data analysis throughout tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
let's get back to launching rockets!! Ascension Mk1 flight is still NET end of May but here are the next Progeny MK6 Block I flights:
#2🚀 4/26 @ 17:58 UTC
#3🚀 5/2 @ 18:18 UTC
#4🚀 5/8 @ 18:38 UTC
#2🚀 4/26 @ 17:58 UTC
#3🚀 5/2 @ 18:18 UTC
#4🚀 5/8 @ 18:38 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
engine test data looks good, here is a chart of the second test showing the engine response curve performing as expected. Inspection of the integrated assembly has turned up no issues & we will resume testing tomorrow after 2nd sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
pre-ignition inspection has been completed, controllers coming on console and fuel trucks heading out to the test stand. We are looking to fire between 12:40 & 13:00 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all operations have remained on track so we are GO for ignition at the start of our planned window in 5 minutes. Warning horn has sounded across campus, all roadways within 200m are shut down. preparing to hand over control to the engine management system
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
EMS is running, will manage and monitor the ignition sequence then command the throttle through the 60 second burn to step upwards to maximum thrust if all parameters remain nominal before fuel cutoffs engage to terminate the firing. 2min and counting!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
and cutoff! Firing went as planned, all systems and pressures registered nominal throughout. Propellant offload followed by post-burn inspection will be carried out to confirm all components look good for a second max thrust test later today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🚨📢 HAAAAAWWWWRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! 📢🚨
5 minutes to ignition for our second hot fire test! We will run the engine for 120 seconds (practically a full burn) while throttling straight from minimum to full power and then below minimum power at the end to induce flameout
5 minutes to ignition for our second hot fire test! We will run the engine for 120 seconds (practically a full burn) while throttling straight from minimum to full power and then below minimum power at the end to induce flameout
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
FWWWOOOOOOSSSHH!!!! Check out that burn at full rated thrust of 172kN (@ sea lvl)! Important to note that the "smoke" you see is really just steam as the hot exhaust gases boil off the water deluge used to keep down temperature and noise during the testing youtube.com/watch?v=F4iRXV…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Engineer Simon reports the K2-X is holding up just fine, so we will continue with testing tomorrow and then pause at the start of next week for our second comprehensive data review
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
We just don’t push it past tolerances and it doesn’t run long enough to melt, tho it does go red hot. One of the things being tested is how stressed the bell gets after repeated testing, and whether any fatigue from the heating/cooling will be apparent by the end of next week twitter.com/lastcartridge/…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good first K2-X test of the day, with the engine being ignited while already throttled to 50% but only with 25% of fuel remaining to test conditions (except air pressure) where the engine could one day be made restartable while in flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
second engine hot fire of today was another success, igniting at 15% thrust with only 5% of fuel remaining in the tanks. Next week will begin with more comprehensive reviews of test data before two final tests to close out the run by the end of the week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
report from Lead Engineer Simon is that the Progeny Mk6 for next week's launch is on track for payload integration and final stacking early next week. Learn more about the engine testing via bit.ly/OpSummary4-16-…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ascension teams report the K2-X engine is good to go for another round of testing tomorrow, which will put it through full burns simulating the flight profile of both the Block I and Block II ascents
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
nominal first hot fire test for today saw the K2-X run through a Block I launch of full thrust at takeoff with a pull-down through MaxQ regime followed by return to full thrust for the remainder of the burn. Post-testing inspection & prep for next test underway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
second hot-fire test was also successful, running the engine through a Block II launch with partial thrust to start until SRB release and throttle up to full power (MaxQ during SRB burn) for the remainder. Tomorrow will be dedicated to further data review & engine inspections
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ascension teams report the K2-X has passed all primary testing and want to run one more test tomorrow to really push the limits by kicking off the engine at full thrust for a 60s burn
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today's K2-X test has been cancelled after further data review found it to be redundant and unnecessarily risky given that we would like to use this engine for our first Ascension Mk1 flight to meet our original schedule - which we can't do if it blows up
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
preliminary flight report for yesterday's launch is included in our review of events this past week - get more details via bit.ly/OpSummary4-23-…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/FinanceReport_… is now up and although we nearly recouped our losses the amount of missions we were able to squeeze in at the end of the month couldn't quite overcome the Deuce and K2-X testing costs. Looking for some profit this month though!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a render of the service structure that will be built (higher, with two booms) over the next month on the launch pad to provide fuel, power and comms to the Ascension rockets when they are on the pad. Boom rotates away prior to launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
payload is already being enclosed in fairings as we are simply re-using the one that was recovered this week. Not having to re-integrate instruments has allowed us to push up the launch on Tuesday to 12:38 UTC with rollout late on Monday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
pictured earlier today back in the VAB, the Ascension Mk1 test vehicle is undergoing final checkouts to get ready for its fins and test weight payload to arrive for integration & assembly later this month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are still aiming at early-2019 for kerbed spaceflight, here is the rough schedule for the next year. These activities will all fall under the Ascension program, to which the crew will officially switch over to next month. Two prototype pods will be tested, one will be chosen
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny launch base was moved back to the VAB today to clear the pad so construction can begin to build the launch support towers that will deliver power, comms and fuel to the Ascension rockets
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
while we tried our best to keep to our original schedule for the first Ascension Mk1 flight we've slipped into the beginning of June but if all continues to go well the rocket will be ready to launch NET 6/5
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight analysis from the last launch is up, including future launch plans for the Mk6, with another Block I launch at the end of this month and then two Block II launches in June between Ascension Mk1 launches in June/July kerbalspace.agency/?p=7230
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our most extensive bit.ly/OpSummary5-7-18 yet contains everything you might have missed this week along with extra details too verbose for tweets. With the latest Progeny launch campaign completed, truly a relaxing weekend ahead!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the data we have so far on the hazardous radiation region in space tells us three main things:
1: it extends above 580km near the equator
2: it gets "fuzzy" around the edges with a larger area extending closer to the surface
3: it stops entirely if you travel south far enough
1: it extends above 580km near the equator
2: it gets "fuzzy" around the edges with a larger area extending closer to the surface
3: it stops entirely if you travel south far enough
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
fully exploring this region will be a goal of our first orbital probe Kerbin I, but until then we'll get what data we can from our sub-orbital missions, such as correlating data with a northward launch & flying higher with a Mk6 Block II
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have two companies that made it through to the final selection round for designing our first space capsule. The prototypes will be delivered next month for the astronauts to begin training with them to determine which design is best
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is rolled out & ready for her mission tomorrow. A newly developed booster camera meant for the Ascension Mk1 has been mounted on the roof, facing the tail, to check out its capabilities. It will also be used to monitor the future tests of rocket launches off the aircraft
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB remains busy as new parts arrive for the next Progeny launches. The first Ascension Mk1 has its stabilizers attached with control surfaces set to go on these next few days. Test weight on sched to arrive next week for integration
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce mission is a Go for this day cycle, Jeb & Val are finishing up preflight. Above the cockpit you can see mounted the booster camera that will get to undergo some relatively light aerodynamic stress testing while the aircraft is in flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no issues on departure, Val is now turning in course for bit.ly/Area_B-1F following Jeb's directions as he plots their course. Looking back from the rear-facing booster camera saw this while climbing out - look closely & you can just make out the runway threshold markers
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
smooth landing and rollout, aircraft is taxiing back to park out on the tarmac in front of the HAB. Jeb & Val will be debriefed after lunch while ground crew examines the camera to ensure it stayed mounted properly throughout the flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
booster camera held on fine during the flight and was operated by the pilots with no issues, functioning as designed. Here's a look at the target area for today's flight from the front-facing camera
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
earlier we launched & recovered a low-altitude balloon used to test the inline mystery goo containment unit. The radial version is being installed on the Deuce for flight testing tomorrow. Lead Scientist Cheranne's team will examine the samples to determine how they fared
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Engineer Simon reports the Ascension Mk1 is coming together on schedule and they are going to aim near the beginning of our planned launch period with an L-0 time of 6/6 @ 20:17 UTC. Get hype! Orbital space flight! ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=ascens…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/OpSummary5-21-… will get you caught up on anything you may have missed this week, as well as providing additional information. Everyone enjoy the weekend - launch next week!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Sheltered Rock and Ockr comm substations report they are ready to receive and relay to us telemetry data. This will serve as a test for the upcoming Ascension Mk1 flight that will follow a similar trajectory
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have booster ignition and the rocket has cleared the launch base on its ascent to explore space far north of the equator! Initial boost phase will end at L+35s, pitch nominal and spin-up has begun to stabilize the rocket (Minmus is hiding in the clouds)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
both Sheltered Rock and Ockr have confirmed with us they have acquisition of telemetry signal. For the first time in a long time we will be able to follow the rocket all the way through to landing - no waiting to find out what happens!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
construction has completed on the Ascension service towers, shown here in their post-launch position. The arms swing in to the left to hook up to the rocket once it is on the launch pad - which it will be next week!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB crew pulled a long day in order to get the Ascension Mk1 stacked vertically by adding the test weight to the top of the fuel tank. Initial mating was troublesome and the test weight had to be modified slightly for a good fit. Final checkouts begin tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final checkouts on the Ascension Mk1 are completed, Lead Engineer Simon reports "that's a fine looking rocket!". It will now be loaded up aboard the carry vehicle for transport out to the launch pad tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb & Val have just completed their final mission for the Genesis program! Tomorrow they will officially transfer over with Bob and Bill to Ascension and begin to focus solely on training for space flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there were issues late yesterday getting the rocket attached securely to the carry vehicle, VAB crews are continuing to work the problems and still hope to have the rocket ready to be rolled out sometime today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Head of Finances Mortimer is still happy with our meager income this month considering the size of our expense column and the failure to recover valuable science data from the last rocket flight. Full financial report: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there she goes! The Ascension Mk1 is finally on its way to the launch pad to be raised vertical and hooked up to the service towers. Still lots of things that need to be confirmed working properly before launch but definitely a big milestone for the teams
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mounted atop the Ascension Mk1 lifter is a test weight that masses 1t. What else is on the rocket? Hover over its image and over the dots that appear to learn more about its various parts in our Ops Tracker: kerbalspace.agency/Tracker/tracke… (tap on touchscreens) twitter.com/lastcartridge/…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
yes, this is a concern we share! The ongoing research project is working closely with us to monitor our progress towards launch and see if any new activity can be detected. It remains quiet so far, and there was a build-up recorded prior to The Incident last year twitter.com/NovaSilisko/st…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
very nice to see others with this point of view. We are getting tired of KNN putting on talking heads that try to convince everyone the event had malicious intent, when scientists still know so little! In fact, be sure to check today's Ops Summary for an update related to this... twitter.com/NovaSilisko/st…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bad news, the rocket made it almost halfway vertical before the hydraulics failed - thankfully fail-safes prevented it from crashing back down, but it will need to return to the VAB and be offloaded so repairs can be made to the carry vehicle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good news however is everyone volunteered to work over the weekend on the problem and there is plenty of room to raise the rocket vertical for tests in the VAB to work out any other issues that may arise before attempting another rollout
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
let's wrap up this week with bit.ly/OpSummary5-28-… - learn more about our new recruits and why female flight instructor Helta turned down our request to join the Agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
carry vehicle has been repaired and tested in the VAB, Lead Engineer Simon reports it will be ready to attempt another roll out tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
high winds off the water with stronger gusts have prevented the Ascension Mk1 rollout this day cycle. No one wants to see it make a successful lift to vertical only to be blown over (main concern is the wide lift platform, not the rocket itself)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
3rd sunrise is here, winds are still out of the east but have died down enough that crews feel safe erecting the rocket, now making its way back to the pad aboard the carry vehicle at 1.5m/s, just a bit faster than the average walking pace
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
pad workers have successfully placed the rocket into its engine support collar and hooked up the service tower arms. Here is a look at the lift from earlier - the collar raises to attach to the engine base
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the rocket will remain out on the pad until launch, tomorrow the teams will run through checks of the ground support equipment (service towers & engine collar). If all looks good a wet dress rehearsal will take place on Wednesday. Launch is now NET than 6/7 @ 14:20 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today Ascension teams will be working to ensure all launch systems are ready, both in the control center and out on the pad. The rocket is already pointed 45°N, the NRAP logo marks the "top" if it were laid horizontal, and defines which of the 4 ctrl surfaces roll/pitch/yaw
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye and Lead Engineer Simon are both satisfied with testing today and have cleared the Ascension Mk1 through to its wet dress rehearsal tomorrow. One step closer to launch!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sunrise approaching, prepwork underway for the Ascension Mk1 wet dress rehearsal after a dry one yesterday. Today we will actually be loading propellant onboard through the service towers. Fuel trucks hook up at the base
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
several minor issues cropped up during fueling of the Mk1, rocket is being drained back and crews will endeavor to resolve the problems for another attempt later today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Assembly member who chairs the committee for science and education will be making her second visit to KSC to witness the upcoming launch, she was last here back in Oct '16 to see a Progeny Mk1-B take flight. We appreciate the government's continued interest in our activities
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
did you know it costs less to build (not buy) and deliver to the launch pad an Ascension Mk1 rocket as opposed to a Progeny Mk6? The Ascension may be bigger but it is also relatively less complex. The size increase is mainly due to needing more fuel
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today's second attempt at fueling progressed further, but we're still experiencing multiple issues that need to be resolved, mainly regarding the service towers. Launch attempt has been pushed further back to NET than 6/8 @ 14:23 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Monolith researchers have been continuing to monitor the edifice closely as we approach full launch readiness. There is still no outwards signs of activity but concern remains (mostly among the public) that bringing a bigger rocket out to the launch pad could have some effect
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taken earlier at sunset a replica of the Progeny Mk4, first rocket to space, and off in the distance stands the Ascension Mk1, first rocket capable of orbital flight. Hopefully it can achieve it tomorrow. Crews are back to work resolving service structure issues
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's worth pointing out that both the Progeny Mk6 and the Ascension Mk1, in terms of power, are capable of achieving orbit. The only thing that allows the Ascension Mk1 to actually do it (relatively easier) is the fact that it can steer itself
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
while service tower issues are being worked, launch readiness is still ongoing at the Tracking Station, working once again with comm substations in Sheltered Rock and Ockr to ensure we can follow the flight all the way to orbit
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
teams feel they have resolved all issues with our ground support equipment and are prepping for another tanking of the rocket, hoping to top off and continue with the wet dress rehearsal countdown timeline
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tanks are at flight levels! Countdown procedures continuing all the way to L-0 (no hold-down engine firing) and then a launch simulation will run the flight software through its paces. Still lots of problems to discover, no doubt
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
nearing simulated launch time and surprisingly things are going very well. Flight Director Lanalye says all systems are operating nominally. Although no launch is planned, the area around the pad out to 500m is still clear of personnel
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the "launch" was good and propellant is now being offloaded for crews to approach the pad for a final check of all ground systems. Lanalye is working with Lead Engineer Simon to assess rehearsal performance & submit a final readiness report for review
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's a late call but WDR was solid and everyone is in favor of launching tomorrow. Ops Director @dkerman_ksa can't see any reason for further postponement and has signed off on the readiness reports. We are 🚀 GO FOR LAUNCH! 🚀 L-0 set for 20:24 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-4)
6/8
#2🌄07:27:41 🌅09:38:02
#3🌄13:28:32 🌅15:38:53 !!🚀!!
#4🌄19:29:23 🌅21:39:44
6/9
#1🌄01:30:14 🌅03:40:35
@ KSC (UTC-4)
6/8
#2🌄07:27:41 🌅09:38:02
#3🌄13:28:32 🌅15:38:53 !!🚀!!
#4🌄19:29:23 🌅21:39:44
6/9
#1🌄01:30:14 🌅03:40:35
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
hopefully we get to launch a rocket today! Hopefully that rocket makes it into orbit! Kerbs across campus are well-rested and all in the process of gearing up and getting organized to begin pre-launch operations @ 15:54 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h30m] the launch timeline is mostly similar to Progeny launches with a few additions and 20 minutes extra time for tanking. Starting to gather weather reports from maritime and airship sources in the region. Expect further updates at these milestones
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h] Flight Director Lanalye is assembling her team for final pre-launch brief. Here's an overview of what is planned for today's mission. If anyone has any questions, just ask!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h30m] controllers are all on console ready to begin preflight procedures, starting with waking up the rocket and ensuring everything is still nominal from its rest on the pad, then loading operations code: bit.ly/AFCS_ChangeLog
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
software engineers have shuffled around some core AFCS components and streamlined the overall operations sequence. Lessons learned from the last Progeny flight have also been implemented, like radar altitude measurements for chute deployment
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h15m] rocket is in good condition and configured for fueling. Trucks are out at the pad getting hooked up, service structure is also configured for fueling - manual valves are set by the pad crew to allow fuel to flow through the towers - 7t worth
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
halfway done with fueling, trucks have to return to the VAB to top off their tanks and make a second trip out to the pad to get the rocket to flight levels
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
yes we can, but it hasn't yet become anywhere near impractical using these to justify the cost of purchasing new ones. If it took like 8 trips and half a day cycle to fill a rocket then that would be a bit absurd... twitter.com/Gav1100/status…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h40m] fueling was completed without issue, tanks are topped off with 3.150t of liquid fuel and 3.850t of oxidizer. Rocket now masses a total of 10.427t. Payload is 1t. Want more info? Check it out on our Ops Tracker: ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=ascens…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
viewing areas have been modified to provide faster access to shelter even tho still outside of blast area. In addition, *anyone* outside MUST wear hearing protection. We have rentals at the Support Village if you did not bring your own. NO EXCEPTIONS
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h55m] fuel system is showing no leaks, all pad workers except the bunkered quick response team are clearing out to 500m so launch controllers can run checks of the engine and ignition systems. This engine does not gimbal - one less thing to worry about
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h30m] pre-flight operations are wrapping up, issues board remains clear. MSV Lymun will be providing range services for us today, has reported on station to work with Range Safety Officer to ensure our launch corridor is secure. Final pad closeouts underway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h20m] KB crew has released a weather balloon to ascend up and assess upper-level winds by launch time. Surface winds out of the SSW tailing the rocket give us a large margin but are currently nowhere near violation levels
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-45m] launch rehearsal gearing up to get underway and ensure that all systems, pad and range assets are properly configured and controllers know their roles
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] still a few minutes from sunrise but general weather conditions are deemed good enough to proceed into the final countdown. Cloud cover is still looking low and thick, so that will likely be our main concern this day cycle. No issues being worked
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] RSO has confirmed the launch pad is cleared of all ground crew, Lymun reports waters and airspace northeast of the pad are clear - rocket ignition system is ARMED and flight termination system is ACTIVE. Anything seen w/in 500m will hold count
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-13m] new procedure in our launch timeline has nitrogen gas onloaded for tank pressurization. This gas is itself stored under high pressure when onboard the rocket on the pad and is an explosive risk when crews are in the area
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[HOLD] final readiness poll was not passed, both weather and range agreed cloud conditions are no conducive to good viewing for initial ascent. Good news is that clearer skies are on the way and we've only pushed L-0 back by 5 minutes, now 20:29 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] Final readiness polls complete: Wx: GO; Range: GO; Flight: GO; Tracking: GO; Ops Director: Launch permission granted! 🚀 GO ASCENSION 🚀 FTS transitioning to internal power, service tower boom locks disabled to prepare for retraction
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3m] preliminary tank pressurization underway to add rigidity so the rocket can stand on its own, mainly against lateral movement from winds (not a high concern today) atop the engine support collar until launch once the service tower booms have detached and swung away
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-2m] terminal count sequence has begun as the AFCS takes over to perform the sequence of events that will lead to launch. Service towers have retracted. Rocket is now on internal power, RF comm check underway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-1m] assuming all is Go on final primary station readiness poll at T-30s here is what will happen in the final moments leading up to launch. Don't forget the Ops Tracker has real-time ascent updates: ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=ascens…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
AFCS threw an abort after engine ignition at approx T-3s. Engine was automatically shut down and controllers are reviewing abort data to determine if we can attempt another launch. Engine can be ignited as often as needed as long as it's hooked up to pad equipment
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
abort thrown was related to engine chamber pressure, which was slightly lower than what the AFCS was programmed to expect. Controllers will now work to determine why. Tank pressure? Pumps? Mixture? Meanwhile, rocket can and will remain primed for launch. Standby!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
full check of all systems has not turned up any issues that may have been missed during preflight ops, so conclusion is the inputted constraints on chamber pressure did not take into account this engine has undergone multiple static fires and is not brand new
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Engineer Simon has conferred with Ascension engineers and all agree we can widen our constraints. FD Lanalye has reset the count to T-2min but cloudy skies have returned. Broken clouds are approaching though & L-0 is set for 21:07 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although it's been a while since the originally planned launch time, upper-level wind data remains valid. If this launch attempt fails though we will have to release a second balloon and wait an hour for it to ascend into the upper atmosphere for new data
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-2m] second launch attempt is underway as the countdown restarts from 2min and the AFCS once again takes control of the launch sequence. If everything else remains the same as last time, we should be good to go!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-1m] prepping for ignition again. The hold-down sequence prior to lift off could one day be removed but for these initial flights, as demonstrated, it serves as a good checkpoint for new hardware and systems. Crossing fingers now...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have LIFT OFF!! Initial ascent is slow after launch as full thrust is not needed & would just add wear to the pad, engine clamp, and possibly the service towers. Once the rocket is clear of the towers the engines throttle up to full thrust for a TWR of 1.7
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket is actively steering itself downrange, pitching gradually through Max Q before really starting to work towards flying more horizontally, throttling back as it climbs to maintain constant acceleration. All systems remain nominal, now passing thru 16km @ 664m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
reports of absurdly low chamber pressure and fuel drainage spiked @ L+1m32s - it looks like the engine bell has failed. Rocket will coast through space a little bit before returning, sadly will not be orbiting Kerbin. Sheltered Rock reports AOS
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
passed through apokee of 101.82km, strangely we're not getting expected status updates from the AFCS but the telemetry data it collects is still being transmitted so the computer hasn't frozen... hopefully the return code will trigger for chute deployment...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ok, we got a "status dump" that shows the code did hang up somewhere but not completely, is prepping for re-entry & chute deploy. We expect loss of signal soon, don't expect to pick it up again before landing - rocket is falling into a comms dead zone between us & Sheltered Rock
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket should have returned by now, over land or water? Hard to tell - it's right near the coast. MSV Lymun is in the process of retrieving the KerBalloon launched earlier & will then head for the landing zone to see if it can pick up a locator beacon (land) or sonar ping (water)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post-launch ops are ongoing, everyone outside was in awe of the launch, said they could feel the sound of the rocket engine in their bones as it headed skyward. Science and education committee chair says she was impressed yet again by what we are doing here
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we figure Lymun is still ~1.5hr away from the estimated landing area, and even then we don't know if they will be able to reach us or Sheltered Rock via skip comms to pass on any information. Might be a late day waiting...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
despite the engine failure, achieving orbit wasn't the only goal of this mission. The new flight guidance software worked as expected, the ground support equipment functioned as planned, overall we are pleased with the rocket's performance up to engine failure
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the rocket survived!! Lymun picked up its locator ping and was able to reach Sheltered Rock with the news. It is submerged in ~400m of water and we will have a salvage ship onsite early next week to haul it up and bring it back. Whoop whoop! \[0o]/
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're a bit concerned that it's on the sea floor as the fuel tanks should have kept it afloat after splashdown. They could have been damaged and ruptured however since they were still pressurized and if impact was too fast... we'll find out next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
what a week! Lots to do now before we're ready to send up the second Mk1 next month, learn about that and more on what else transpired at KSC via bit.ly/OpSummary6-4-18
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we set several new bit.ly/KSARecords yesterday with the launch of the Ascension Mk1-I:
Heaviest Rocket: 9.427t
Heaviest Sub-orbital Payload : 1t
Tallest Rocket: 11.6m
Heaviest Rocket: 9.427t
Heaviest Sub-orbital Payload : 1t
Tallest Rocket: 11.6m
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
telemetry data from last week's launch is available up to the point where we lost contact with the rocket. Once it is recovered off the sea floor we can fill out the remainder of the data. docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today crews began inspection of the launch pad and accompanying ground service equipment to see how well they held up to the hot rocket exhaust that washed over them during launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
salvage ship has contacted us through Sheltered Rock that they have arrived over the splashdown site, still have a strong ping from the rocket and will begin operations to raise it tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
salvage ship raising the Ascension Mk1 rocket says they have only brought the test weight to the surface. They are searching the sea bed starting in a 5km area to see if the rest of the rocket can be found. Test weight was the only part with a locator signal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
report from the salvage ship is they think scans of the bottom have found the engine, but no sign so far of the fuel tank - at least nothing big enough to guess is the fuel tank. If it did explode, not much would be left to pick out among the surface scatter
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the second of 4 potential sites for the Ascension Mk1 engine turned out to be the real deal. More searching is being done for the fuel tank but salvage crews say both the test weight and engine show significant damage unrelated to impact with the water
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've called off the search for any large remains of the fuel tank and are certainly satisfied with the engine and test weight. They'll be in the hands of Lead Engineer Simon and the Progenitor teams early tomorrow so they can begin analysis
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
test weight and engine have come ashore and will be moved into the HAB for analysis since the VAB is rather packed right now. Everyone is eager to see if the data stored in the test weight is still intact
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the engine looks as we would expect if the bell failed during flight but we also don't know yet for sure exactly how the rocket landed so too soon still to say whether all the damage seen is just from during flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the nose of the test weight is almost completely crushed, so looked at first glance earlier like chute deployment failed and the rocket dove straight into the water. But we'll find out for sure because data onboard is intact! Test weight was purposely built to insane tolerances
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
telemetry data from last flight has been updated, but not fully as there was a crash at chute deploy, which did fail. Onboard accelerometer though froze with last reading on impact and rocket hit the water traveling just over 300m/s docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although data recorded from instruments inside the test weight is intact, video sent from the booster camera is in very bad shape for some reason. Technicians are trying to recover what they can, especially of moment engine gave out
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/OpSummary6-11-… has all the info you need to stay on top of all that is going on, with additional details that are too verbose for tweets during the week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
turns out the video data from the Ascension booster cam wasn't actually damaged, the camera itself was just shaken so violently the picture looked corrupted. Seems even with testing we underestimated the vibrations twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtr…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we already have a device to help us stabilize rockets in flight, looks like we will need a "shake table" as well to better test equipment before it is put on the rocket and used twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtr…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ascension team have finally released their lengthy report on the first Mk1 flight earlier this month: kerbalspace.agency/?p=7513 prepare yourself for the wall of text!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
TL;DR - we've got solutions for every major issues that prevented us from reaching orbit and tomorrow after final administrative review will be able to set a date for the next Ascension Mk1 launch
