The first flight of our latest rocket design suffered a double failure resulting in the total loss of the rocket – but as always valuable data was learned in the process to make future launches more successful and new tech was still tested
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
it's official, the Progeny Mk5 is now the Mk6! Find out all the details, including what is now in store for the Block II since the Block I has proven capable of making past low-Kerbin space as well as a possible Mk7 kerbalspace.agency/?p=6681
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
@LemonKiwiCherry Very pleased with USI. They got us to space, could maybe get us to orbit too but not with anything substantial hence the Ascension program. A potential Progeny Mk7 design might deliver LKO cubesats in the future tho
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in related news however scientists have released a new post detailing the findings of the recent Progeny flights in regards to the hazardous radiation region, now closer to being called a "belt" - kerbalspace.agency/?p=7542
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
meet the radiation belt! Or maybe it's just the *inner* belt? Report has been published detailing what our Progeny rocket missions have discovered about the so-called hazardous radiation region up in space: kerbalspace.agency/?p=7937
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
TL;DR - we can well-define a "no go" region for future space missions that leaves plenty of room in LKO for kerbed space flight, but there still may be some challenges to advancing further out towards Mun if the radiation discovered at the poles extends far out into space
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all the science instruments we'll be including on the Extremis probes are ready to be tested in space, we're just waiting on a good means of getting them up there. Primary vehicle would be Ascension but can't rule out a future Progenitor rocket either twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
on a related note, Head of R&D Wernher von Kerman is *not* happy with Head of Finances Mortimer and the cuts he made to our R&D budget this year, so we hope to get him some operational test data soon because, well - an unhappy Wernher is not a thing you want around...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight analysis for the recent Progeny Mk6 Block II launch has been posted: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8587. We thought the Mk5 would be the final Progenitor design, but then came the Mk6 and now... the Mk6 won't be the final design either
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the results are finally in from last month's Ascension Mk1 flight and there's still a lot of work to be done since much of the data was inconclusive in determining key aspects of the flight profile that we plan to send kerbals along kerbalspace.agency/?p=8614
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this flight analysis was also conducted in part with the Progenitor team, who were working on the finishing touches to the Progeny Mk7 design when Ascension made some requests for technology they'd like to see prototyped. Stay tuned for details next week!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight report for the recent Mk6 launch has just been posted: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8630 and we can confirm there will be another launch of the Mk6, coming up on 3/5 @ 18:43 UTC. We will also drop details of the Mk7 next week!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ever since the Mk6 debuted a year ago Progenitor has been cranking away at R&D and accumulating design goals for the Mk7. Like all its forebears, it will be a pathfinder for new technologies, most of which will make their way onto Ascension rockets. Here they are:
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Mk7 will be based largely on the design of the Mk6, likely the Block II variant to handle the extra payload capacity. With the design goals locked, we should have a blueprint to publish sometime in April and could fly the first rocket around Q3 of this year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our initial order of 5 K2-X lifters for the Ascension Mk1 has been satisfied today with the final engine delivery. We will soon have 3 more on the way as well. Additional orders will depend on the success of the upcoming 2nd-stage engine orbital test flight later this year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
if the K2-X falls short of our orbital needs, we will have to wait about a year for a new 1.25m lifter engine to allow some design iteration with the gimbal system on the smaller Progeny Mk7 engine. Still, it can continue to support sub-orbital capsule flights
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our week of operations has concluded, be sure to check out our Weekly Ops Report to get all the information on what has transpired: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8769 (BTW new altitude record is 8.683km ASL)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're teaming up with the Rockomax Conglomerate for our Progeny Mk7 vacuum engine, which will debut the use of thrust vectoring to control the rocket's flight through the upper atmosphere and can be restarted once for an orbital insertion burn
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the USI aerospike was an incredible feat of design, however they have failed since then to scale up the technology. The Ospray uses engine design that is already similar to the 1.25m K2-X used on Ascension & can lead to even larger engines in the future (USI hasn't given up tho)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
larger than the USI engine, it produces slightly more thrust but isn't as efficient however it is also made with lighter alloys and nowhere near as dense, making it weigh less. Ultimately a more powerful engine was not the primary design goal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
BREAKING: KNN has reported that the entire executive division of C7 Aerospace has been arrested and the government is launching a full scale investigation into the company. We are partners with them and have no idea what is going on - this is all news to us!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have learned all we know from the press conference just held: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8781 this will have an immediate impact on fixed-wing flight here at the Cape, however the long-term impact is still largely speculative since more details have yet to be released by authorities
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
earlier today before 2nd sunset the latest K2-X engine was undergoing a routine ascent simulation static fire on our test stand. Some fault during testing led the engine to explode, causing irreparable damage to the test stand and rattling the windows of the R&D complex
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all safety protocols were followed & no one was nearby when the incident occurred. Test stand will be rebuilt after a thorough investigation looks over it and the remains of the engine as well as test data to attempt to determine what went wrong
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today's accident with the 1.25m test stand will not affect Progeny Mk7 development, as its new vacuum engine is small enough to test at Rockomax's own facility. The Viklun 1.25m vac engine will simply be tested during unkerbed flight as it is far & away by the time it ignites
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ops Director @DKerman_KSA has been mostly stone-walled in Sheltered Rock attempting to get some answers on the whole C7 debacle. Learn more along with what else went on this week in our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8798
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/FebFinances report posted. Last month we nearly recouped our losses from January, thanks in part to our bit.ly/KSA_Patreon subscribers. Become a Space Envoy today and help support the KSA!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
kuudite-powered radioisotope thermoelectric generators, which have been under development since late 2017, have proven to be reliable sources of energy that could power our first satellites, although the Progeny Mk7 will be needed to finish qualification
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
while the RTG casing has been proven to contain the radiation, one of the Mk7's first missions will be to launch a dummy satellite which will be crashed down onto Kerbin to assure that the RTG can withstand the impact and not leak any radioactive material
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the plan of course is to return all RTGs under chute at the end of the satellite's mission for reuse or at the end of their lifespans but we have to also be prepared for a worst-case scenario where a planned recovery fails & the satellite crashes into the surface instead
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although the development of the Mk7 is largely based upon the previous iterations of the Progeny rocket, it will still be the first to use the Launch Vehicle Designer for initial confirmation on meeting design requirements ahead of a flight test: bit.ly/KSP_TOT
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
operations are in a bit of a lull right now but still there are things to report in our weekly Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8859 everyone have a happy weekend!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we don't mess around when it comes to calculating launch profiles for our rockets. How do we get the precise surface area that will be encountering the atmosphere on ascent? A new KSPTOT wiki article reveals all: github.com/Arrowstar/ksptβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the C7/Airship fiasco has thrown global shipping into a bit of disarray and delayed the arrival of our 2nd stage vacuum engine but the Viklun from Bluedog Design Bureau is at last in the VAB undergoing initial checkouts! It will hopefully power 1.25m payloads into orbit
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
originally designed as an 0.625m engine, it was scaled up to 1.25m for use with Ascension and instead became the precursor for the 0.625m Ospray engine planned for Progenitor. The enlarged design puts out 68kN of thrust with an ISP of 360
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk7 is under final review, still planning to lock the design in by the end of this month. One of the biggest challenges was designing the rocket and launch system to be compatible with the existing pad infrastructure built for Ascension
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Head of Finances Mortimer confirms we had another profitable month in March, although just barely and only because Genesis is still largely on hold until C7 gets its affairs in order and spending on Dhumla testing is nonexistent. Full report: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/dβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
note that our profits for March would have been even more marginal if not for our Patreon donors, so thank you! Pledge your support of the KSA and help us continue to explore: patreon.com/KerbalSpaceAge⦠every little bit can make a difference!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
end of the week is here at last! Catch anything you may have missed in our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8916 we suggest all our rocketry crews get some rest this weekend - launch campaign for the next Ascension mission kicks off in earnest next week!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progenitor team has announced preliminary modeling of the Mk7 shows it capable of achieving a circular 100km equatorial orbit, moving it one step closer to design lock. Still much work to be done but things remain on track to debut the new rocket by the end of the month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we bet you all thought *next week* was going to be the exciting one! We made quite a few ambitious announcements this past week, so let's take a closer look at what still needs to be done to get something up into orbit in our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8935
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've discovered a flaw in our original modeling of the Progeny Mk7's ascent to 100km orbit - Launch Vehicle Designer had somehow deleted Kerbin's atmosphere, so rocket was ascending in vacuum. We added the atmosphere back & were short of any orbit by only ~40m/s of Ξv
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
that's actually okay though, as it's close and we already plan the Mk7 to go through many rapid iterations and this one is just the first to mainly test out the new tech (fins/stability control/0.625 payload parts) so deploying anything to orbit isn't a requirement... yet
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're not digging any deeper into this week's flight, but if you fear you may have missed anything these past few days you'll find it in our weekly Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8957 a well-deserved rest to all our rocketry team members this weekend!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
say hello to the Progeny Mk7-A, the first iteration on the path to a cheaper small-sat option for deploying 0.35-0.625m payloads to low-Kerbin orbit (<250km). Unable to make orbit, this rocket will be a technology pathfinder. More info: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8963
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we expect several iterations as it's already known the SRM-L will need to be replaced with a more powerful solid and the SRM-XL needs to revert back to its old core, which can output up to 145kN of thrust ASL for the larger payloads that will be carried
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
because it uses a lot of major parts that have already been manufactured, the first launch could be as early as June and interspersed between the launches of our remaining three Ascension Mk1 lifters (although one is still missing an engine)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a relatively mundane week here at the KSC but as always exciting things are on the horizon. Catch anything you may have missed or find more details on what transpired in our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8969
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sliding backwards again, April financial report just published by Mortimer shows we should still have just enough money even if we continue to suffer losses to make to where we can launch commercial payloads later this year. Otherwise R&D will be shut down docs.google.com/spreadsheets/dβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mk6 is on its way out to be mounted. Progeny rockets have their own carry vehicle but it won't do any longer once the Mk7 comes around - those will use the same carry vehicle that bears the Ascension Mk1. The Ascension Mk2 will also use its own, much bigger, vehicle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the parts order has been placed for our first Mk7-A rocket. It takes ~2wks to build a Mk6 so with some new parts that the VAB crew is not experienced with integrating Lead Engineer Simon has stated he needs at least 3-4wks to ready the Mk7-A. Launch set for 6/20 @ 17:42 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Ascension Mk2 will require a reconfiguration of the current umbilical towers (top one stays put, becomes bottom while bottom one is built higher up) plus the addition of a new crew access tower since the Mk2 will be rolled out vertically from the VAB
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Mk1 will still be rolled out horizontally so the astronaut will board just prior to the rocket being raised vertical. The new launchpad configuration will still be able to support Progeny Mk7 launches as well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this weekend workers will finish up a radio relay tower placed at 5.2km ASL - so high workers need to wear oxygen masks. This will allow us to extend sub-orbital flights further downrange & still stay in contact with Ockr on returns
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with no launches until the Progeny Mk7-A towards the end of next month, work has begun out on the launch pad to erect the crew access tower and reconfigure the service towers to prepare to launch an Ascension Mk2 in July
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
CFO Mortimer is pleased with our gains in May, but we will still be struggling these next few months to afford the test launches needed to draw in more commercial partners and thus more money. it's a vicious balancing game. Full report: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/dβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
going vertical in the VAB this week, bit.ly/ProgenyMk7-A1 is making steady progress towards launch later this month. Lead Engineer Simon reports there were no issues integrating all the new parts & they can probably cut a week off their next build
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today marks our 6th revolution around Kerbol since the founding of the Kerbal Space Agency! π₯ Here's a look back at some of what we managed to get done in our 1st revolution. Look backwards in the album for more flickr.com/photos/kerbal_β¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mk7-A was brought back down to horizontal but this time as a fully assembled rocket to begin final checkouts. Not actually carrying a real payload, VAB teams are just focusing on the overall assembly to make sure everything was done properly on this first attempt
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
thumbs up given from Lead Engineer Simon over in the VAB as the Progeny Mk7-A has been through final close outs & loaded up onto the carry vehicle for roll out tomorrow. The extra day ahead of launch will give Flight Director Lanalye's team plenty of time for their own check outs
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
construction wrapped up today at the launch pad for the new crew access tower and service arms. Thanks to a modular design the large pieces had already been assembled off-site and airshipped in for placement. We are now ready to support 5 different rockets on one pad!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk7-A is on the way to the launch pad! Although it seems small on this carry vehicle usually used by Ascension rockets (later Mk7 versions will be bigger) the way it is mounted on the launch pad requires its use so it can be lifted up vertical over the engine clamp
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk7-A is headed back to the VAB so some adjustments can be made to the support structures on the launchpad that help hold the lower booster, and the service tower connection ports on the rocket itself need tightening. We plan to attempt another roll out tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk7-A has been successfully mounted after rollout at 2nd sunrise. FD Lanalye has less time than originally planned to run checks on the rocket - we'll know later today after she submits her readiness report whether we will have to delay the launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny MK7-A launch has been delayed until next week, but not by FD Lanalye - Ockr relay antenna is not testing well & it will take at least 3 days to work out the issue due to its high and remote location. New L-0 set for 6/24 @ 18:30 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk6 Block II that was scheduled to launch on 6/25 is now being bumped to 6/27 @ 15:49 UTC to give time for the launch pad to be turned around since the engine support collar will need to be removed for the Mk6 launch base prior to rollout on 6/26
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ockr relay has been patched up in a timely manner & will be monitored all weekend to ensure that transmission is solid. Now that we have the ability to steer Progeny rockets, we'd like to stay in touch with them all through the mission like we can for Ascension
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye got the time she wanted to give the rocket a full systems checkout and reports it is healthy and ready for flight. Ops Dir @DKerman_KSA has reviewed all readiness reports & given approval for launch next week - π GO PROGENY! π ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=progenβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
make sure you know all that happened this week and learn more details via our Ops Summary - kerbalspace.agency/?p=9247
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
technicians at the Ockr relay site have packed up their gear & set off for home. Testing all weekend has shown nothing but a strong signal from the relay to our recovery vessel already stationed offshore. Forecast tomorrow is good but we do have tight upper-level wind constraints
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
6/24
#2π 07:10:03 π11:00:32
#3π 13:10:54 !!π!! π17:01:23
#4π 19:11:45 π23:02:14
6/25
#1π 01:12:36 π05:03:05
@ KSC (UTC-4)
6/24
#2π 07:10:03 π11:00:32
#3π 13:10:54 !!π!! π17:01:23
#4π 19:11:45 π23:02:14
6/25
#1π 01:12:36 π05:03:05
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5h10m] thanks to having time to perform a wet dress rehearsal last week among other checks, we'll be rolling into a clean countdown with no planned holds today. Here are the major milestones, very similar to a Mk6 just more time needed thx to increased rocket complexity
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h40m] weather desk has all the reports they need to put together a more accurate launch forecast while Flight Director Lanalye assembles her team for a final briefing, which as you can see today's flight will closely mimic that of the Ascension Mk1
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in addition to checking out the steering and guidance of the Mk7 we'll be using this flight to test a trajectory that could give a more comfortable ride to Ascension astronauts
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the flight was designed with very general drag calculations given lack of flight data for the Mk7 so we expect the rocket to under perform more than we would expect of the Ascension Mk1, but it should still make it to the ocean east of Ockr
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h10m] Monolith is chilled, weather is good, team is briefed and we are GO to begin preflight! Pad crew is heading out to prep for fueling while controllers wake up the rocket to onload flight instructions and configure systems ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=progenβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Automated Flight Control System update features some new instruction load commands, a whole new set of operations code for the Mk7-A with better fault tolerance. We are also testing a new guidance system that wasn't ready in time for this mission. bit.ly/AFCS_ChangeLog
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h35m] pad & rocket are configured for tanking and the GO has been given to onload the 220kg of liquid propellants to the third stage via the service tower umbilical arm
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h25m] tanking was completed without issues, pad crew is cleaning up after themselves while the launch team proceeds with preflight checks. Tank levels will be monitored closely to ensure there are no leaks in the plumbing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new rocket means a lot of new and old visitors coming out to see its first flight. Please stay within your designated areas & obey the instructions of KSC employees in the event of an emergency. Just because we point a rocket away from you doesn't mean that's where it's going
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h40m] rocket continues to look healthy and no issues are being worked as pad workers clear out so controllers can move into engine and ignition checks. Quick Response Team has sheltered in the pad bunker
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although Lanalye requested the ability to run vector checks on the Ospray, Simon had to deny that & just do extensive testing during integration since the interstage shroud could not be made thin enough to support the third stage and allow for movement of the engine inside
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h30m] smoooooth preflight! Rocket is all set to go, now to finish up external tasks like securing the pad, recovery and range. Range Safety Officer is in touch with MSV Tongjess offshore and launch team is patched through to MSV Hoodall through Ockr relay
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h20m] weather balloon has been released. First flight of a new rocket means we have very strict constraints on conditions in the upper atmosphere. If any hold is called it's most likely because of this. Be nice to us today, @upperlevelwinds!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-45m] balloon is only at ~11km by now, we won't know details of upper atmosphere until just before final polls at L-5min. Final launch rehearsal is underway in launch control to ensure all systems and assets are setup and properly configured
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] still green weather conditions and launch rehearsal was clean so we are GO for final countdown procedures! Final pad evacuation underway as controllers reset for launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] pad is clear, range is clear, RSO has closed down both and rocket is now ARMED. Flight Termination System is ACTIVE. Any incursion to within 300m of the launch pad will hold the countdown. Any attempts will be thwarted twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] we are within launch commit for upper-level conditions! Final general readiness polls are all GO! Launch permission has been granted by @DKerman_KSA. All eyes are glued to monitors as the remaining minutes tick down to seconds. Nervousness fades. Anticipation builds
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-2m] terminal countdown has begun with the AFCS taking control of the rocket as the service arm swings away. FTS was already on internal power and now so is the rest of the rocket. RF comm check underway by controllers as battery drain is monitored
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-1m] battery drain rates good, comm status good. final primary stations poll coming up at T-30s along with live telemetry activation on ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=progen⦠Support arms will swing down 5s prior to booster ignition
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
LIFT OFF!! Rocket has shot off into the blue with the lower booster pumping out 67kN of thrust for just under 4TWR. It will cut out and detach for the second stage to ignite after 34 seconds. Lower guidance fins will orient the rocket to 54Β° and begin pitch over
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
what remains of the rocket is about to pass through apokee after a breakup following 3rd stage ignition. We are still getting telemetry data so probe core is functioning, has detected the anomaly and should arm chute - if not controllers are standing by
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ops Tracker should still be showing telemetry data stream but the Info Box image is updating based on preset events that assumed the rocket would make it to space. Chute was armed by the control unit and deployment should be any second now...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good initial chute deployment was confirmed by the tracking camera however the chute failed to fully open fast enough to slow the payload down before it crashed into the Kerblantic just 7.8km downrange. MSV Tongjess is moving in to see if anything survived the impact
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
unfortunately but also unsurprisingly no trace of the rocket has been found. It impacted the water at 156m/s according to the last packet of telemetry data we received. All debris and spent stages landed safely in the predesignated downrange fallout zone
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rough day! This isn't the first time we've had a new rocket design fail on us though - we must push beyond the limits to find them. Post-flight analysis will help refine the Mk7 design for future launches to have a greater chance at success
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch video showing the support arms folding away 5s prior to launch. If they aren't down and locked by T-1s the flight computer will abort the launch on the assumption that one has gotten stuck in the way of the rocket youtube.com/watch?v=9x8MJLβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
time to roll up the sleeves and dive into the data to see what went wrong on yesterday's flight, although based on past experiences over-stressing the rocket in the lower atmo is the likeliest cause. Public data is available here: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/dβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
given that it only had a powered flight of 40 seconds a lot of effort had to go into figuring out what went wrong with the first Progeny Mk7-A mission. Luckily, past experience helped a great deal. Full report: kerbalspace.agency/?p=9294
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
TL;DR - rocket needs to get higher up before 3rd stage kicks in. Excellent performance by the new guidance fins. Not so excellent performance by the guidance computer (similar to Ascension). Funds to build the next Mk7-A are currently lacking, Ascension takes precedence
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we gots all the details on what went down this week in our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=9303 We hope everyone has a fun and relaxing weekend. Rocketry teams: rest up!
