After failing to reach orbit on our first attempt, adjustments have been made to the ascent profile to get the rocket horizontal sooner and hopefully push our periapsis out from under the ground on this second attempt
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB has begun to work on finishing the assembly of the Progeny Mk1-B that will be carried atop the Deuce while integration work continues on the two Mk6 Block II vehicles and parts are starting to arrive for the second Ascension Mk1 launching next month
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
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
several days since launch now and still no outwards signs of activity from the Monolith, according to researchers. New plans are still being drawn up to attempt to get access to the inside
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
inspection of the pad and ground service equipment has been completed without issue. A good deal of refurbishment will still be needed to get everything ready to launch again next month, but this was expected & crews will get to work on that tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
vertical stacking of the Progeny Mk6 Block II was completed today. It stands 10.7m tall, just under a meter shorter than an Ascension Mk1, some parts of which can be seen in the background getting prepped for next month's flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch pad has been closed to tours since construction was begun early last month. This weekend the public got their first chance to see the Ascension service structures up close & take photos on the pad next to the engine support collar
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ascension engine support collar has been removed and the Progeny launch base has been returned to the launch pad, strengthened to handle the extra weight and length of the Mk6 Block II. Launching direct east, service towers pose no hazard. Hopefully weather improves for launch
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
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
second launch for the Ascension Mk1 will take place on 7/17 @ 16:36 UTC and once again aim to make orbit. More information on the vessel and its mission can be found on the Ops Tracker: ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all the parts are here for the second Ascension Mk1 Block I vehicle to finish assembly on schedule next week. VAB is also sending the Progeny MK1-B back over to the HAB to be mounted atop the Deuce, itself finishing repairs just yesterday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
you didn't forget there was a rocket launching next week did you? Two, in fact! An Ascension Mk1 Block I is being topped off today while a Progeny Mk6 Block I works to complete assembly next week. See the bit.ly/Ops_Tracker for launch date details!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ascension Mk1 was laid horizontal today after no issues were found with load bearing after vertical stacking yesterday. It will undergo final checkouts today and tomorrow before being loaded up on the carry vehicle for its trip out to the pad on Monday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ascension Mk1 Block I rocket is loaded up on its carry vehicle ready for rollout early on Monday and later in the day will undergo a hold-down firing test of its engine prior to being cleared for launch on Tuesday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're calling it - all crews standing down for the weekend. Everyone will be back ready to go on Monday! Catch up on everything that happened this week via bit.ly/OpSummary7-9-18
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Sheltered Rock and Ockr have completed comms testing and Tracking Station reports all is ready to keep tabs on the Ascension Mk1 as it makes a second attempt for orbit tomorrow, passing northeast over both caverns on its way... into the history books?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ascension Mk1 was successfully raised vertical and hooked up to its engine support collar and service tower umbilicals. Flight Director Lanalye and her team are now prepping the rocket for a hold-down fire to check the engine's flight readiness
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have had a nominal 30-second firing of the Ascension's K2-X main engine. Remaining propellants are being offloaded and pad re-secured while launch control crew take a look over the data and submit their readiness report
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all readiness reports have been submitted, reviewed and approved! Ops Director @DKerman_KSA has signed off on launch tomorrow - 🚀 GO ASCENSION!! 🚀 Pre-launch operations will begin at 12:06 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-4)
7/17
#2🌄09:40:17 🌅11:50:38 !!🚀!!
#3🌄15:41:08 🌅17:51:29
#4🌄21:41:59 🌅23:52:20
7/18
#1🌄03:42:50 🌅05:53:11
@ KSC (UTC-4)
7/17
#2🌄09:40:17 🌅11:50:38 !!🚀!!
#3🌄15:41:08 🌅17:51:29
#4🌄21:41:59 🌅23:52:20
7/18
#1🌄03:42:50 🌅05:53:11
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch day! Weather reports have begun to be collected by our meteorological team from around the region via airships, weather station and maritime vessels. The rest of today's launch timeline will also be the same as last launch. Expect updates at these milestones
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h] Launch Control begins to fill up with staff as Flight Director Lanalye prepares to brief the team one last time on today's flight, which they've been rehearsing the past 2 weeks. Here's what the rocket will aim to accomplish on this mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the one noteable change between this flight and the first launch is the rocket won't increase pitch-over once it's past MaxQ - it will be aggressively pitching over from the moment it clears the tower, moreso than the first launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h30m] we are GO to enter pre-flight ops! Weather reports show no rain or storms in the area, chance of development throughout today is low. Winds are light, leaving mostly cloudy skies to be our main source of weather issues leading up to launch time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h15m] Automated Flight Control System initialized, rocket and pad are configured for fueling operations to begin, FD Lanalye has given the GO for tankers to hook up and begin pumping propellants onboard. AFCS code changes can be viewed at bit.ly/AFCS_ChangeLog
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h40m] after a trip to the VAB to refill and back to the pad for each tanker, 7 tons of liquid fuel and oxidizer have now been onloaded to the rocket. System checks and pad close outs will now continue as fuel levels are monitored for any leaks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all viewing areas are open - please remember that hearing protection is REQUIRED! KSC staff will be checking all kerbs and moving any without protection indoors. If you're seen removing protection during the launch you will be banned from future visits
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h55m] no issues being worked, rocket is now ready for controllers to check over its engine and ignition systems. Pad is clearing of personnel out to 500m, with a quick response team sheltering in the nearby bunker
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h30m] wrapping up preflight with a clear issues board - a few minor problems cropped up yesterday leading up to the hold-down fire test and were resolved. MSV Hoodall is on station and working with the Range Safety Officer to secure the ascent corridor
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h20m] balloon crews have driven UTVs southwest of KSC beyond the hills to the grasslands near the shores to release the high-altitude balloon for checking upper-level winds. Three are prepared but all are sharing parts so only one is ready to go at a time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-45m] inside an hour to launch and all continues to progress well - pad is secure and clear of personnel. A fuel truck left behind hooked up to the service tower contains the pressurization gas to onload later in the countdown. Launch rehearsal has begun
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] winds continue to remain light out of the southwest, no showers or thunderstorms in the area. Clouds remain overcast and low but we still have time for skies to clear so weather is GO to continue into final countdown!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sunrise shows we have broken skies off in the distance to the east but unfortunately off to the right out of picture to the south no clear skies are in sight at the moment
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[HOLD] we will standby at L-15min, prior to range closure and tank pre-pressurization, until we have indication of clearer skies coming our way. Umbarg is to the SW and will be able to give us notice of better conditions. Wx updates will be posted every 30min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
upper-level wind conditions are nominal. Balloon will pop soon & splashdown just off the coast, where a recovery boat from MSV Hoodall will collect it and return it to shore so its meteorological instrument can be mounted to the second balloon if needed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Wx update: sky remains overcast, clouds low at ~2.5km. Winds still light out of the SW. Hold remains, rocket still healthy. Controllers using the time to run extra system checks and launch drills
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] we have broken skies to the south and Umbarg confirms clearer weather is heading our way! Countdown has been restarted. RSO confirms pad is clear, Hoodall confirms range is clear - rocket is now ARMED for ignition, Flight Termination System is ACTIVE
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-13m] nitrogen gas now being pumped into pressure containers onboard the rocket and will be used to maintain tank pressure during flight to feed the engine. This is done late to ensure any tank rupture does not harm pad workers
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] Final readiness polls complete: Wx: GO; Range: GO; Flight: GO; Tracking Station: GO; Downrange Tracking: GO; Ops Director: Launch permission granted! 🚀 GO ASCENSION 🚀 FTS on internal power, service tower booms unlocked to prep retraction, AFCS awaits terminal count
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3m] preliminary tank pressurization underway to add structural rigidity to allow the rocket to stand on its own atop its engine support collar once the service tower booms swing away prior to ignition
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-2m] Terminal countdown begins! AFCS now takes full control of the rocket from this point forward, ensuring all systems remain nominal during engine ignition and run-up prior to commanding release of the support collar to begin ascent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-1m] rocket is on internal power and service tower booms have moved aside. RF comms check is good, battery drain rate is nominal. These are the final steps the rocket will take before lift off. Follow its ascent on our Ops Tracker! bit.ly/AscensionMk1B1…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good ignition, throttle up and clamp release for LIFT OFF of the 2nd Ascension Mk1 Block I making another attempt at orbit! Tower is cleared and the rocket has begun to turn towards the horizon, aiming to be at 60° pitch by 10km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket is through max dynamic pressure and throttle hold is engaged to ensure the rocket does not go too fast through the atmosphere. 66° pitch at 10km is bit behind target - now passing through 15km we want it to reach 45° by 20km. It also just passed Mach 2
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
46° at 20km was better but the slower-than-planned pitch-over in the beginning may have cost us an orbit. Perikee is dropping fast now as rocket pushes through the outer atmo, pitched at 14°. Only a few seconds of fuel remaining. Engine chamber pressure remains nominal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flameout! Tanks have run dry and left us on a sub-orbital trajectory, but we did come very close to perikee positive (it starts at nearly -600km). Rocket now coasting up to a 268km apokee over the next 8 minutes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
behold our first photo from space! Booster cam is capturing video but we don't have enough power to spare to beam that back so it will send us still images instead at preset points along the trajectory. First one is from 80km, looking back down towards KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here's a shot from 150km, looking down at Sheltered Rock. We may not have Kerbin in the frame for all these photos - rocket is on a slow spin and tumble so wherever the camera ends up pointing is what we get. Also takes 1-2min to downlink photo so rocket is already past 150km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
250km up a short while ago, still looking towards Sheltered Rock but Ockr is also now in the frame, hidden below cloud cover in the bottom right. Rocket was 572km downrange at the time of the photo, is currently 726km downrange and approaching apokee
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the view from apokee, 268km and rocket has drifted around looking along its direction of travel towards the terminator. We are high enough the glare from the planet is reduced enough the camera can resolve some stars and nebulae filaments
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
loss of signal from KSC, but both Ockr and Sheltered Rock still have line of sight and data relay is up and running great. Trajectory analysis however shows Ockr will lose signal well before the rocket begins to re-enter the atmosphere in ~5 minutes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we got one last photo from 200km (it was every x50 on the way up and x00 on the way down) before Ockr lost signal, looking south along the terminator over the night side of Kerbin. Fabulous! Now let's just hope we can recover all the rest of the data
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we had airships staged at Ockr & Kravass to head east or west as needed, and the one at Ockr already departed once we knew rocket was sub-orbital. It'll search along the last known trajectory for the landing site, listening for the radio locator beacon, which has 2 days of power
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post-launch activities winding down, 2nd Wx balloon recovered offshore. Progeny launch base will be returned to the pad today. The earliest we would expect to hear from the airship would be late tonight, as it still has not even gotten halfway to the search area as of right now
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no word still from the airship, but it has several hundred km to search along since we don't know how fast the rocket will fall when it's using its control surfaces to glide down. If it fails to pick up a signal it will backtrack slower & lower to look for a crash site
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
telemetry data from yesterday's flight up to the point where signal was lost has been posted. Mission analysis has already begun, taking a close look at why the rocket failed to pitch over as much as it should have in early ascent phase docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KerBalloon mission to the Badlands has returned after a successful trip. It was night for them during the Ascension launch but unfortunately it was too low over the northern horizon for them to see it re-enter
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although we're hoping to hear from the recovery airship today, chances are that since it hasn't reported back yet then it's on a hunt for a crash site somewhere in the yellow area. We can only make a best guess of rocket heading at re-entry based on data we have prior to LOS
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
earlier today the recovery airship flew in contact range of Ockr to report that they have failed to find any locator beacon signal nor sign of impact area on the landscape. They dropped a sonar buoy in the waters of the search area and heard no pings
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
decision was made to recall the airship rather then expend further funds searching an ever-increasing area. Our primary goal being reaching orbit and with no inflight mechanical anomalies, recovering the rocket is not a priority. Ascent data we have is good enough to work with
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk6 launches are so routine nowadays but Ascension Mk1? Not even close! Here's the meaty flight analysis read you've been waiting for. Third time is very much looking to be the charm: kerbalspace.agency/?p=7786
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather remains unsuitable for flight so Deuce mission will have to try again on Monday. It was a slow week, but you can still check out our weekly Ops Summary in case you missed anything: kerbalspace.agency/?p=7811
