Ascension Mk1 Flight 9 (Commander Valentina)

CFO Mortimer has announced the Kerbin World Firsts organization released the bounty of 57,000 funds to our account in recognition of our accomplishment this past week of putting a kerbal into space. This is enough to get the Ascension Mk2 off the ground later this year!

the award will also enable us to send Val, next in rotation, to space no earlier than Sept while also sending up another unkerbed Mk1 w/ the older capsule for more testing of Extremis instruments. Not enough tho for another Progeny Mk7-A flight unless KB/Genesis can help w/income

flight analysis for the kerbed Ascension Mk1 mission last month has been posted: kerbalspace.agency/?p=9491 Ascension team is now working to schedule the next two missions - expect dates to be announced later this week

the unkerbed Mk1 & Mk2 missions will use the newer, lighter fins & ctrl surfaces. Kerbed Mk1 will stick to originals not just because they are well-tested but the same mass makes it easier for flight planners to stick to the same trajectory we wanted for the 1st kerbed mission

we have dates for the next Ascension Mk1 missions!

Uncrewed Mk1: 8/27 @ 15:30
Crewed Mk1: 9/17 @ 17:10

Aug mission will test several new science instruments & Sep mission will send Cdr Val into space (Cpt Jeb is her backup). Details on bit.ly/Ops_Tracker

the vertical test stand today had a good static fire of the K2-X engine that will power the next unkerbed Mk1 rocket into space. Before the kerbed Mk1 engine gets its turn, we will make sure dampeners functioned properly to keep the fuel tank from damaging the engine again

Ascension Mk1 for next week has passed load checks and is being laid back horizontal for final close outs. Mk1 for Sept has its engine prepared and will be center-stage next week to begin its final integration while the Ascension Mk2 & Progeny Mk7-A prep begins in the wings

VAB is quite busy these days with this month's Ascension Mk1 center stage for final integration prep, next month's Ascension Mk2 is starting to get some attention and the Progeny Mk7-A for later this month is almost ready for staging. Guest appearance by the rocket sled

learn more details on what went on this past week in our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=9624 Everyone have a relaxing weekend! We look forward as always to greeting all the visitors that will be stopping by - be sure to check out the new Ascension Mk1 static display!

next week's Ascension Mk1 has gone vertical for capsule integration and load checks in the VAB over this week, after which it will be laid back horizontal for final closeouts and loading up onto the carry vehicle for rollout next Monday

with the previous Ascension flight analysis wrapping up & data from the rocket sled testing, planners have made a late change to next week's mission w/ a higher trajectory from ensuring the rocket burns out w/in the atmosphere, nearing 300km apokee & slightly rougher on re-entry

all the nitty gritty details on last month's Ascension Mk1 flight are now available along with a full data and performance analysis from the rocket telemetry. Want to know what these plots are all about? Check out the report: kerbalspace.agency/?p=9754

TL;DR: we learned a lot of new lessons, some of which have already been applied to Val's upcoming mission for what we hope will continue to be progress towards a more on-target ascent & final trajectory so our future missions can save fuel & fly tighter margins

daily medical checkups for our crew in quarantine ensure not only that they remain in good health but also allow physicians to collect base line data they can then use after the astronaut returns to see what effects exposure to 0G might have on the body, even for a short time

final closeouts passed, loaded up on its carry vehicle and marshaled to the front of the VAB, Commander Val's ride to space is now ready to head for the pad next week! Jeb has been trying to convince everyone he's hearing lots of coughing coming from her quarters

the Ascension Mk1 had a good roll out and mounting over the previous day cycle. Flight Director Lanalye and her A team are preparing for a wet dress rehearsal to make sure all connections and pad equipment are ready for operations as part of their launch readiness

our 1st kerbed launch had the rocket rolled out the same day so we wouldn't have to lower it again. However we ended up doing that anyways a few times & the pad crew found it to not be as big a hassle as feared, so now it is rolled out a day prior & can undergo extra checks

it's an early start for pad workers, who are heading out now just prior to sunrise so the rocket can be lowered off its engine mount and back onto the carry vehicle in preparation for crew loading later this day cycle

Val & Jeb are both awake (well, in Jeb's case woken up) and enjoying their choice breakfasts prior to suiting up. Val will depart for the pad at L-5hrs while Jeb remains in the ready room in the event that he is needed to crew the capsule

🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-4)

9/17
#2🌄09:48:47 🌅11:59:09 !!🚀👨‍🚀!!
#3🌄15:49:38 🌅18:00:00
#4🌄21:50:29

9/18
#1🌅23:00:51 🌄03:51:20
#2🌅06:01:42

our recovery vessel MSV Aldeny left port yesterday to sail out to the recovery zone. They have checked in to report choppy seas but not enough to endanger recovery of the capsule after splashdown. They will continue to report conditions up until final launch polls

[L-5h] Cdr Val has climbed aboard the crew shuttle to depart for the launch pad, the rocket was lowered without issue. Expect updates from us at these major milestones as the countdown to launch progresses

[L-4h45m] capsule is prepped for ingress and Val is climbing in, assisted by Bob and pad workers as the angle makes getting in easy but strapping in is a bit more of a challenge while wanting to roll sideways. Crew photo snapped earlier after arriving at the pad

[L-4h20m] capsule hatch has been sealed, loading ramp moved away and Bob has his intercom plugged in to keep tabs on Val inside as mounting operations begin to get the rocket back to vertical atop its engine mount and hooked into the service tower

[L-4h10m] conditions outside at KSC are great as we approach second sunset, weather kerbs are taking stock of the day cycle's meteorological data from regional weather stations, airships and maritime vessels to work up a new launch forecast

[L-3h40m] Flight Director Lanalye has her A Team assembled in Launch Control for final mission brief. If the rocket manages to stay on course and fly the planned trajectory Val should have nearly 13 minutes in space, more than twice as long as Bill's 0G trip

[L-3h10m] mounting was wrapped up during flight briefing, weather remains GO with new launch forecast showing no adverse surface conditions. Bob is back at Launch Control for his CapCom duties, walking Val through capsule configuration with the launch team

no major changes to the Automated Flight Control System from the last launch, just some tweaks to the operational code, the details of which you can check out here: bit.ly/AFCS_ChangeLog

[L-2h55m] Monolith chilldown was begun earlier today and weather desk reports atmospheric pressure is stable. Rocket is configured for tanking and pad crew has the fuel truck hooked to the service towers. GO has been given to begin propellant onload

[L-2h40m] tanking completed on schedule, pad workers getting fuel equipment tidied up while flight controllers continue preflight, keeping Val busy so she's not thinking about the 7t of explosive liquid she's now sitting atop of. Launch Escape System has been armed

the Ascension Mk1 can be flown with an empty capsule - so what does the crew have to do? The control panel still needs manual configuration for flight, readouts have to be visually checked, manual controls need to be manipulated to ensure proper function.... plenty!

[L-1h55m] issues board has cleared up nearing the end of preflight, engine systems are now being checked after the pad crew clears out except for the Quick Response Team sheltering in the nearby bunker. Most of Val's work in the capsule prior to launch has been completed

you are NOT allowed to drive personal vehicles across the causeway! Park in the Support Village garage and wait for a shuttle bus. Security just cleared another traffic jam because we had to make a car turn around at the gate. Don't hold up other launch attendees!

[L-1h30m] issues board is clear as preflight wraps up! FD Lanalye confirms the rocket is ready, now comes final external setup work as the pad is closed out, MSV Lymun offshore takes status of the launch corridor with the Range Safety Officer, weather balloon preps for release

[L-1h20m] balloon has been deployed off the rear MSV deck to rise over 18km and give us readings on wind conditions, including any shear that could present a danger to the ascent. It will reach the upper atmosphere just prior to L-5min polls

Bob & Val are very close friends, so having him to chat with during this late stage in preflight has kept her relaxed when she doesn't have much to do & anxiety can creep in. Still, Flight Surgeon is keeping a close eye on her vitals even when down here on the ground

[L-45m] all systems are set and assets in place for the launch team and Val to run a full ascent simulation to make double sure all is ready and usually as a final exercise since FD Lanalye can throw in some curve balls. Launch countdown intensifies...

[L-30m] final countdown has begun, meaning from this point on any issues will likely result in a reset to L-30 with a new L-0. Local weather conditions and conditions at the recovery site remain green. Pad workers prepping to clear the launch site

there was an extended period of grunting, scraping and bumping noises coming over the capsule comms. When they died down Bob asked - "what was all that?" Val, embarrassed she forgot to mute her mic, replied - "I was scratching an itch on my head"

[L-15m] pad is clear, launch corridor is clear, airspace empty - RSO has closed the range, Flight Termination System/LES is ACTIVE, rocket is ARMED. All visitors should be wearing hearing protection - security will perform a check & anyone not will be moved indoors

[L-13m] late onload of pressurized nitrogen gas for the fuel tanks has begun to be transferred from the one tanker truck hooked up on the pad before close outs. This protects workers from any rupture

flight controllers are all taking one last look through their data getting ready to report polling status while Bob walks Val through a final suit integrity check & switch over to internal life support, which Bill said he felt rushed doing later in the count

[L-5m] Final readiness polls complete: Wx: GO; Range: GO; Flight: GO; Tracking Station: GO; Downrange Tracking: GO; Ops Director @DKerman_KSA: Launch permission granted! 🚀GO ASCENSION🚀 FTS power internal, service tower boom unlocked for retraction, AFCS rdy for terminal count

Flight Surgeon reports Val is finally showing an elevated heart rate, but at this stage that is considered normal and anything else would have been cause for a bit of concern - anyone who is not at least a little afraid generally tends to make bad decisions

[T-2m] we have arrived at the terminal count, AFCS is now in command - Val has manual controls she should not have to touch during ascent. Service tower boom has swung away leaving the rocket on internal power & life support, RF comm check underway

[T-1m] live telemetry will be loading shortly - ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=ascens… Val is ready, eyes locked on her panel to call out readings during ascent. Final GO/NO GO at T-30 before automated launch sequence begins. Hang on Val! Get ready.... get set....

Ignition sequence was good - LIFT OFF of the 9th Ascension Mk1, carrying Commander Valentina skyward to become the second kerbal in space!! Rocket will throttle up as it clears the towers, maintaining 1.65 TWR as it rolls onto 54° heading and begins to pitch over downrange

rocket has passed thru MaxQ & is supersonic, guidance is looking the best we've ever seen this early in the ascent - nominal pitch over, nominal heading. Engine parameters nominal. Val is dutifully reading out her instruments to ensure we're getting good data

some turbulence passing through the upper atmo bumped Val around a bit but overall pitch & heading remained nominal. Control authority remains good as rocket is approaching 40km and Val is prepping for "the kick" as the engine will throttle up to full w/ 3.6Gs

MECO was 3km short of planned altitude but overall an extremely nominal ascent! Capsule is adrift after separation & Val confirms guidance is released properly and she has full control of both the RCS and SAS systems

with just over 4min to apokee, Val will spend more time in space on her way up than Bill did his entire flight! She currently has the capsule under manual control and is spinning about to take in the sights through the window, camera at the ready

Val has unstrapped to get a better view out the window. Not really much room to float around inside the cramped capsule but you can still float. Like Bill, she reports no negative effects on her breathing, vision, swallowing, etc. Flight Surgeon reports her vitals are nominal

after passing through 251.907km apokee, only 47km lower than planned, Val is reluctantly leaving the window to strap back in and begin preparing for re-entry. New trajectory has been plotted and MSV Aldney is already on the move towards the new recovery zone ~35km west of target

getting the capsule reoriented Val was still able to barely spot the lift stage out the window. Controllers are debating whether she should make additional maneuvers to put some more distance between the two craft - a collision on re-entry would be catastrophic

secured back in her seat, Val is proceeding through the checklist for re-entry. SAS guidance enabled to hold retrograde, she has rolled the capsule "up". LES jettison armed, chutes armed - controllers deemed separation distance good from lift stage. Atmo in <2min!

tense moments in mission control as static crackles through the comm speakers from ionized air blocking radio transmission as the capsule plunges through the atmosphere in excess of 1.9km/s, heating the external surface to over 1,000°F (>550°C). Bob will call out for Val soon

contact! Radio blackout lasted 33s and Val came back "read you loud & clear!" on the first attempt. We have confirmation of LES jettison and initial chute deployment. Updated telemetry coming in shows Val only had to sustain +10G (max 11.4) for 6 seconds

✨KERZZAH!!!✨ Mission success, with Val back on the surface safe & sound! MSV Aldeny is about 45min away making best speed to the landing site. Everyone busy congratulating each other in the control room. Val says she wants to get out, float & feel weightless again

as much as our crew seem to desire a swim after the mission, procedure dictates they stay put until Aldeny hauls the capsule up the ramp onto their deck. Ending up in the water is only in case of an emergency, and their suits can pressurize to keep them afloat

at last the recovery vessel was in visual range of the capsule when it deployed full canopy! Photo taken through the eyepiece of the high powered scope, bumped a bit. Attempting to re-center lost tracking and the capsule fell below the horizon. Still, not bad!

arriving just after sunset, capsule was located, hooked & pulled aboard MSV Aldeny. One of the deck crew thought it gallantrous to pick Val up out of the capsule - yea he won't ever try something like that again, suffice to say. Aldeny should arrive at Sheltered Rock early tmrw

MSV Aldeny has been docked and crew offloaded in Sheltered Rock. Val will remain there for medical checkups and return with the capsule on a supply airship Friday. Jeb is stoked to hear that his flight for early November has been confirmed, exact date TBD

the complete telemetry data for Val's flight is now available: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d… we've also got her pictures and will be going through them as part of the flight analysis. Here is one just after lift stage separation, looking back towards KSC

initial telemetry data review has also clinched Val the new bit.ly/KSARecords for time in space at 11m2s while also claiming the new record for a kerbal's height over Kerbin at 251.907km. Jeb, obviously, is keen to break these on his flight

once she was unstrapped, Commander Val could get a better view out her window, seen here looking along her direction of travel past Sheltered Rock and Ockr. Minmus is rising over the horizon and the capsule is passing through 160km on its way to apokee

Val's last photo before she had to leave the window and strap in for re-entry as the capsule passed down below 200km. If you look closely at the bay that is cut off by cloud cover, over the water is the lift stage way off in the distance

Support Village airship tether is now occupied by another cargo carrier, this time bringing us supplies along with the capsule and Commander Val, who won't be sticking around long as she has media engagements this weekend in Umbarg & Kravass

it used to be that our crew would watch rockets climb into the sky and only dream of one day heading up there themselves. The dream has become reality. The time is now, and a whole new generation of explorers are right on their heels. How exciting!!

flight analysis for Cdr Val's mission has been posted. Just a few ascent design issues to clean up next time. We are also actively working to resolve an issue in LVD we discovered while doing this analysis: kerbalspace.agency/?p=9878