No longer fit for space flight, the test capsule that had been used for previous pad abort tests was still fit enough to fly partway to space so we could conduct an ascent abort test to fully qualify the Launch Escape System
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
last week's LES pad abort test went off perfectly and ends the test series. Ascension team is currently considering the need for an ascent abort test as well, which would finally discard the beat-up test capsule since it can't operate in space anymore anyways
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
TL;DR - everything remains on track to launch the other 3 Mk1 lifters currently in the VAB - one will fly an ascent abort, another will re-fly this past mission w/proper LES usage & return. If all still looks good, an astronaut will go on the 3rd rocket!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ascension team have finished planning out the use of the remaining 3 Mk1 lifters - ascent abort test will take place right after the Progeny Mk6-I mission on 5/16 @ 21:48 UTC followed by a re-fly of this past mission for more testing on 5/28 @ 16:28 UTC ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
if both missions go well, then the 3rd will send the first astronaut up no earlier than July - we'll need to get the first of the new engine shipment that was put on hold back in Feb, integrate it, test it & we are also still working on the 2nd new Mk1 capsule integration as well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk6 has been laid horizontal for final payload checkouts before they button up the fairings and load it up onto the carry vehicle for rollout on Monday. The ascent abort test Ascension Mk1 lifter will have the capsule stacked atop it today for fit & load checks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
SRB-XL ignition & lift off! First stage will boost for 34s and carry the rocket >10km high at speeds exceeding Mach 2, with a peak thrust of ~68kN. Angled lower fins will spin the rocket up for stabilization
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Hoodall has headed back to port after returning the KerBalloon it recovered from just offshore. Launch pad has been confirmed clear of any debris and crew is getting the launch base ready to be moved back to the VAB so the engine clamp can be installed tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
both Progenitor and Ascension teams are working together today to turn around the launch facilities and get everything ready for the Ascension Mk1 ascent abort test tomorrow. The mission is basic enough to allow the launches to happen almost back to back
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've updated Flight Officer Aldeny's background information on his crew member page (click the bottom of his portrait) to properly reflect his nearly 1 year of service with the KSA. Head on over to review all his achievements and missions ops.kerbalspace.agency/?crew=aldy
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-4)
5/16
#2🌄08:47:57 🌅11:01:42
#3🌄14:48:48 🌅17:02:33 !!🚀!!
#4🌄20:49:39 🌅23:03:24
5/17
#1🌄02:50:30 🌅05:04:15
@ KSC (UTC-4)
5/16
#2🌄08:47:57 🌅11:01:42
#3🌄14:48:48 🌅17:02:33 !!🚀!!
#4🌄20:49:39 🌅23:03:24
5/17
#1🌄02:50:30 🌅05:04:15
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket left the VAB aboard its carry vehicle earlier today for mounting operations, which look like this. FD Lanalye is running her team through some more rehearsals. MSV Tongjess is still anchored offshore to provide range support & capsule recovery for today's mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h30m] rocket was mounted earlier without issue and time has come for pre-launch operations to kick off. Launch teams are assembling across campus as the weather desk begins collating reports from stations & airships to build a forecast. Expect updates at these milestones:
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h] final mission brief under way at launch control. Flight will be relatively simple - after rocket ascends into the upper atmosphere the capsule will be detached and flown away using the Launch Escape System. It will then descend ballistically for splashdown
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h30m] weather forecast for today is 100% favorable conditions - it's a lot easier to commit to a launch you already know is going to fail! Launch team has confirmed Monolith chilldown is complete and have begun to wake up the rocket to onload flight instructions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no major changes to the Automated Flight Control System other than a new launch time and a trigger for handling the activation of the LES - bit.ly/AFCS_ChangeLog
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h15m] rocket is fully woke, weather remains stable and GO has been given to begin fueling, adding 7t of liquid propellant. The lifter stage will simply burn out and crash back onto the surface after the capsule separates. Look out below!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h40m] after a trip back to the VAB to refuel the tanker trucks have completed their task on schedule. Preflight is resuming in launch control while pad workers get things cleaned up and locked down. Tank levels will be closely monitored to ensure no leaks are present
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h55m] no issues being worked, launch operations proceeding on schedule. Pad is now clearing out except for a Quick Response Team sheltering in the bunker as controllers begin to check over the main engine ignition and control systems
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h30m] all rocket and capsule systems check out - FD Lanalye reports the vehicle is ready for flight! MSV Tongjess has sailed out to just over the horizon to ensure the eastern range stays clear and be ready to move further downrange after launch for recovery
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h20m] we will not be launching a high-altitude weather balloon today because we won't be flying through the upper atmosphere - also because Mortimer got stingy with funds and we actually don't have any more (but some additional units are now on the way for next launch)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-45m] launch rehearsal time, where the control team runs through a simulated ascent to ensure all systems and mission assets are properly configured and also sometimes so Flight Director Lanalye can try to trip them up with a failure or few
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] we are GO for final countdown procedures! Weather remains well within our loose constraints for today and now the Range Safety Officer is making sure all launch areas are clear and the eastern range is void of ships or aircraft
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] RSO has closed the range, rocket is now ARMED and Flight Termination System/Launch Escape System has been activated. Anyone or anything spotted within 500m of the launch pad will hold the countdown from this point on
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-13m] tanker truck left hooked up to the service tower has been remotely commanded to begin pumping nitrogen onboard to be used to pressurize the fuel tanks. Late onload of the gas is to ensure any tank rupture doesn't endanger pad workers
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
you could hear a pin drop in launch control right now - but that's good! Everyone quiet means no issues being worked as all stations do a final review of their data to be ready to announce their go/no go status at the upcoming polling
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] Final readiness polls complete: Wx: GO; Range: GO; Flight: GO; Tracking Station: GO; Ops Director: Launch permission granted! 🚀GO ASCENSION🚀 FTS on internal power, service tower booms unlocked to prep for retraction, AFCS ready for terminal count
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3m] tank pressurization underway ahead of service boom retraction to add rigidity to the structure and allow it to stand on its own atop the engine collar prior to launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-2m] tanks rising to flight pressures at nominal rate, AFCS has now activated to begin the terminal countdown. Service arms have swung away to clear the rocket for ascent and are no longer supplying resources so battery power is activated. RF comm check underway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-1m] coming up on final primary polls at T-30s followed by this sequence of events leading up to launch. If you've loaded up the Ops Tracker the live telemetry will show them happening: ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=ascens…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good engine start, chamber pressure checks out for 1.2 TWR launch power - clamp release and lift off! Rocket will clear the launch tower and throttle up to full power and begin to pitch over downrange
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
nominal ascent, rocket is stable and passing through 15km - coming up on capsule release in just a few seconds at 18.5km. Velocity is currently >600m/s (Mach 2)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
clean capsule separation! It is just about to finish coasting up to an apokee of ~35km. Flight computer will command the chute to pop at that point but the chute's own pressure mechanism will hold it in until the capsule falls below 30km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good chute deploy as seen from ground tracking camera, canopies are reefed to create extra drag and slow the capsule as it descends into thicker air. They will fully deploy <1km above the surface to arrest descent and allow the capsule to land at around 5m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tongjess got a good view of the capsule as it made its final decent under full chute and splashed down 32.429km downrange just off shore at the north end of the bay. Capsule heat shield was dropped and float collar deployed. Recovery operations are underway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
capsule is out of the water and being delivered back to KSC for post-flight analysis. Mission was a success in gathering the data needed but ultimately we have yet to determine if the LES did indeed operate within tolerances for a future onboard crew member
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
telemetry data from yesterday's flight is now available, with a full analysis coming by the end of the month once the Ascension team is able to look closely at how the capsule and its test occupant Greggery ultimately fared docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everyone is ready for a relaxing weekend after such a busy week! Be sure you're caught up with everything and learn even more details via our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=9127
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#ICYMI our second launch this week featured a Launch Escape System test during powered ascent. We had video of the capsule separation on our YouTube yesterday, taken from the ground tracking camera footage youtube.com/watch?v=Ei6RzA…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
another step successfully taken on the path to kerbed flight - Ascension Mk1 ascent abort test was well-within tolerances for crew survival. Full flight analysis now available: kerbalspace.agency/?p=9148
