All the tweets pertaining to the operation of the program along with its crew and vehicles. You can click the link below to reverse the order of the reports and start from the very beginning. Clicking on the bookmark icon will save your spot so you can return at any time to pick up where you left off.
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a final round of static fires last week has completed the WildCat-V's second qualification run & we'll know for sure by next month if it is finally ready for production. If so, two will be ready by Q3 2021 for Extremis I and a Min/Minmus mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
at this time we do not know the nature of the threat or the time frame, but given that we have suffered an attack in the past (kerbalspace.agency/?p=9965) we have no choice but to take this seriously & deal with the relatively minor inconvenience compared to a potential loss of life
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there is also now apparently a threat against KSC and we have complied with orders from the government security forces earlier today that the entire facility be evacuated. We will continue to operate at limited capacity from our HQ in Umbarg until the threat has passed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#DYK that until today, Plock wasn't actually the furthest known planet in the kerbolar system? The honor has now been transferred to it from Neidon. Could both lose a chance at this record someday? Scopes are always hunting for new large bodies in the outer system...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
obviously planetary scientists crave more images like these but limited scope time has kept them wanting as the majority hunt for mysteries deep in the cosmos. We will give them plenty to do though once the Extremis program gets to work exploring all the worlds in the system!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the 10m scope at ATN Central took its eye off deep space to capture the highest-res img of the Sarnus system ever, taken during the Great Opposition that is now underway. Sarnus is not only closest to us but near perikelion as well. Won't be this close again until 2070
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
kerzzah! ✨🥂 A happy 15th kerbolar anniversary to us all here at the KSA. Yes, in the time since the Agency has started operations we have traveled around Kerbol 15 times now for a total distance of 1,280,470,886km! Which sounds impressive but is barely over 1 light hour
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the fuel from this RTG will be re-used in future probes. Although as it ages it will slowly lose power, more than enough remains for smaller missions that don't have as much energy requirements. Some will be sent out never to return, some will still be re-used a few more times
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Aldeny has pulled back into port at Arekibo after nearly exhausting its supplies again but didn't because it found and recovered the RTG from Kerbin II! \[0_o]/ Not only is it nice to not have it potentially polluting the environment, these things are *really* expensive
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all staff and crew are due back at KSC today to begin our 2021 operational year! Here's the new photo that adorns our various social media profiles and website header. This year the only changes planned so far are to expand the Support Village for more on-campus housing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although we signed our biggest commercial contract to date this month to set us high on income for the year, lots and lots of spending to come in 2021. Wernher von Kerman, R&D Head, is excited to have had his full budget proposal accepted, for once
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
financial report for December has been posted by CFO Mortimer, who will also be working this week on our year-end report to publish at the start of next month. It and our past months/yrs of finances are always publicly available here bit.ly/KSA_Finances
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
project and program leads as well as KSA admin staff are back to work already, foregoing the normal 2wk vacay to get working on solidifying plans for next year. We will also be doing our regular recaps on the year's operations over this coming week leading into 2021
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our final Ops Summary for 2020 has been published! What an amazing year it has been, despite our troubles towards the end. Thank you everyone for your support, have a safe holiday season and we hope you too are aiming high for 2021! kerbalspace.agency/?p=11442
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
consider that 47m/s is well within error margins for ascent modeling of a new rocket, going straight up not nearly as efficient as a proper launch trajectory and Extremis I is planned be on top of a Mk3 with the more powerful WildCat-V engine. Interplanetary here we come!! 🚀✨
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
also good news on the initial modeling of a straight-up launch for the Ascension Mk3 with a K2-X engine and the Kerbin III probe firing as well - it almost escapes Kerbin SOI! Altho only halfway, from that point just ~47m/s Δv needed to barely break free of Kerbin's influence
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here's a first look at Kerbin III, with notes on its design and mission objectives. Final blueprint coming in Jan after any adjustments made based on Kerbin II recovery. Most of this design is final though and has already started assembly to meet the launch target of early Feb
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
of course the new knowledge also raises concerns regarding such events and the impact they may have on spacecraft and even surface colonies - we won't know more until a similar event occurs or until we get more instruments observing the sun, both on the ground & in space
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#OTD 2017 we were still mystified by this occurrence but now we have a better understanding thanks to the discovery of the radiation belts and how they interact with our atmosphere in conjunction with the kerbolar wind as a result of activity on the surface of our sun
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Alaba holds the record, by far, for the most Mun encounters during its stay in orbit around Kerbin (49). This will help us greatly as we've already noticed how large trajectory changes after an encounter can throw off our predictions & understanding this will help future missions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Asteroid Tracking Network will continue to keep tabs on Alaba along with the rest of our former moonlets and the thousands of other asteroids out there. Right now it's not expected to come back through our SOI for at least the next 30 years
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Alaba exited our SOI earlier 2day, we are now without an asteroid companion for the 1st time since 11/17 when Alaba was discovered. It's not the 1st moonlet, but has stuck around the longest of the 8 we've had. Here's its full nearly 3yr journey (hugeres: flickr.com/gp/kerbal_spac…)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it may be only 4 calendar years since we started the KSA but in that time Kerbin has orbited the sun 14 times as of today! There are also still 4 outer planets starting with Sarnus that have not even completed a single orbit around Kerbol yet (Sarnus' 1st orbit ends 11/2024)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
✨🎊 Happy Operational Anniversary KSA!! 🎉✨
🎂🎂🎂🎂
Yes we have been underway now for 4 years. Our founder and Ops Director @DKerman_KSA would like you to know what could be in store for our future - please read his statement on our website: kerbalspace.agency/?p=11270
🎂🎂🎂🎂
Yes we have been underway now for 4 years. Our founder and Ops Director @DKerman_KSA would like you to know what could be in store for our future - please read his statement on our website: kerbalspace.agency/?p=11270
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
notice something different about this ATN plot? REZ-109(E) is the first recorded asteroid to pass through the Eve system. Close follow-up observation is scheduled to help further constrain the gravitational properties of Eve and its small moon Gilly for future space missions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
head on over to the Ops Summary on our webpage to recap all the major events from the past two weeks and learn more about them, like expanded thoughts on the first Extremis mission next year. Have a great weekend, everyone! kerbalspace.agency/?p=11231
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we acknowledge this is quite the attempt for what would also likely be our 1st interplanetary mission, but the chance for getting a probe to the outer Kerbol system for only ~2km/s Δv is just too good to pass up & we will do our best to make it work with whatever we have by then
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
one year until the launch window for Extremis 1 opens, which is being planned to fly by Eve, Jool and Plock over the course of just longer than 2 years. This would most likely be launched on an Ascension Mk3, altho not ruling out the chance of a slightly more capable Mk4
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
results remain inconclusive as to the origin of the "asteroid belt" discovered around Dres last year. This of course is exciting news for us because it means there's more reason to send a future Extremis mission out there to get more data! twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtr…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronomers will continue to work on why such close passes add uncertainty to their predictions if made several encounters ahead of time. This will be very important for future Extremis missions that will make use of gravity-assist maneuvers!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new orbital data for bit.ly/_Alaba shows the large trajectory change as expected and also confirms the next encounter will happen 11 minutes sooner than originally predicted back in June. This is a large enough error to void the rest of the long-term propagation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Launch Vehicle Designer (bit.ly/KSP_TOT) continues to grow more complex but so will our missions, thus it will continue to allow us to communicate various aspects of them visually. While this is a demo by the developer, the Ascension Mk3 could do a Mun flyby like this
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
@hydrocarbonjack there are no plans or ambitions for a Dres flyby at this time unless it happens to work into an outer-system exploration mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Even though Dres is almost as far away as possible at the moment, near conjunction, having its full face towards us keeps it bright enough to be seen at dawn during times when its inclined orbit brings it out from behind the sun. A setting Eve continues to linger high above
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
R&D have concluded that however the Monolith is able to slowly discharge its energy, the understanding is beyond them. The potential for high density EC storage remains tho, and even with quick discharge rates could provide for emergency backup power to hungry spacecraft systems
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
that is Sarnus hanging out near Mun. The Ascension Mk1 can't reach either but the Mk2 has the potential to send payloads into orbit around Mun & Minmus or at least do fly-bys while the Mk3 should have the capability to send probes out past Sarnus (w/ gravity assists)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
meteorologist Katgan has compiled her report for tomorrow & shows a 70% chance of good launch conditions, citing surface winds as the main issue. Of course, Wx forecasting is still a nascent concept that has the same probability of general accuracy... Regardless, Mk1 stands rdy!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
@KerbalSpaceP we think their relatively high velocity makes them very dangerous and hope the asteroids that regularly pelt us are not also joined by comets as well. Other than that, they are fascinating objects we are very interested in studying up close some day!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the ATN is not part of KSA so why do we care so much about Alaba & the study of its orbit? Because this is what our future spacecraft will be doing! Being able to accurately plan ahead multiple encounters with large bodies will be integral to future planetary system exploration
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Here is a look at the new long-term propagation, going out 15 encounters over the next year. Alaba seems to yo-yo instead of escape, possibly coming back to crash into Kerbin or Mun. Hi-res 4k plots available:
flickr.com/gp/kerbal_spac…
flickr.com/gp/kerbal_spac…
flickr.com/gp/kerbal_spac…
flickr.com/gp/kerbal_spac…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new orbital data has been posted for bit.ly/_Alaba, set to make its 41st recorded encounter over this coming weekend. Latest observations shows it reaching Mun's SOI nearly 4hrs earlier than what was predicted back in March, which is why a new prediction has been made
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new bit.ly/_Alaba orbital data shows it will be even further off predictions at the next encounter later this wk. After that astronomers will have time to produce a new prediction again through the rest of this year to see if it is still on a course to be ejected by Dec
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have reached opposition with Neidon today @ 164°E Kerbolar longitude, bringing us to within 400,598,555km of the giant world, which still needs a better photo from a future ground scope w/adaptive optics or better yet - a future Extremis program space mission!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the close pass will bring about a significant change in Alaba's trajectory. This is the key encounter that will set the moonlet on the path to be ejected at the end of the year, if predictions hold. The big change in trajectory will also be a big test for our modeling
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kerman Observatory at Kravass is keeping an eye on Alaba as it encounters Mun for the 38th time on record, making its 2nd-closest flyby of this year only 566km above the Munar surface. It is expected to take 1h14m43s to transit through
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new size estimates puts the minor planet's radius at around 60-70km or about half the size of Dres. Astronomer's next major undertaking will be to see if any of 2,000+ known asteroids that could potentially cross its orbit will come near enough to learn more about its density
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
knowing more now about Vant's orbit since its discovery late last year astronomers knew we were at opposition on the 11th and the 10m scope at ATN Central took a look, resolving an object smaller than Dres (but much brighter) and also visibly oblate
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the IEF have pledged further financial support should we succeed at the upcoming unkerbed Ascension Mk1 mission that will further explore what we now know are the radiation belts. We have also accepted some of their members onboard for the Extremis program twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtr…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
work continues to get our rocketry programs back to flying, but there is still a ways yet to go. Learn more about what lies ahead and take a look back at what transpired over these past two weeks: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10927 Everyone have a nice weekend!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
just barely visible by the naked eye under Munless skies, Vant's either similar in size to Dres or smaller but more reflective. Spectral analysis (icy compounds) favors the latter. Its orbit has only just been constrained & lots more study yet to do on this new world!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Dres has long been considered sole occupant of the Main Belt asteroid region, but a small group of astronomers questioned this assumption & have been rewarded in their yrs-long search with the discovery of a new minor planet! Today the Kerbal Astronomical Society recognizes: Vant
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB will be making use of the down time to upgrade their spin table to handle payloads larger than 0.625m in diameter, the first of which could be the Extremis I probe that is still under design twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtr…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
💫 KERZZAH! ☀ - 12 times we have now traveled around Kerbol since the KSA was founded - at 1,025,316,660.821km distance traveled we are just 3 light minutes shy of a light hour's travel time over the same distance. Spaceship Kerbin is tooling along at a constant 9.28km/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we forgot to mention that astronomers have actually been studying objects like these for a while now, but have failed to draw any conclusions. Future space telescopes or even probes sent out to the Main Belt may help one day twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtr…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
newly-discovered asteroid RIC-094(E) has an orbit that initially categorized it as a member of the Main Belt family but appears more like a Comet in composition based on spectroscopic analysis. How it got there is a puzzle that astronomers are looking forward to solving
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
light glinting off the seas allows for attempts at spectroscopic analysis, with astronomers saying the liquid appears to be some form of hydrogen peroxide although not knowing the exact makeup they instead like to refer to it simply as "explodium"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
every now & then astronomers get a lucky peek through the clouds of Eve - we don't know why they sometimes thin out or develop holes but the latest view from the ATN Central 10m scope has captured the best look yet at land & sea features
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ongoing mystery goo studies have found the larger colonies that seem to allow for higher-level functions are much more successful in locating new deposits of Kuudite, allowing for our future demand of RTGs to be met once they are certified for space use
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
many arguments were had across countless meetings this week but everyone worked together to forge a path forward for 2020 - read up on what else went down this week in the Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10243
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
an early decision that was nearly unanimous was to retask the Extremis program to include *all* missions sent to other bodies, not just the original fly-by attempts currently being planned. This could make it relevant as early as this year with a Mun/Minmus mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSA 2020 ops are kicking off this week with meetings! Lots and lots of meetings as the various programs decide on their goals for the coming year, which we will report on over the course of this week. Admin makes final decisions but all team members contribute
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
welcome to 2020!! 🎉🥂 Kerbs are eager to get back to work next week, so much so that Operations Director @DKerman_KSA revoked access privileges to force some to take a vacation. We're not naming names but their initials start with Wernher von Kerman
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ATN has officially removed bit.ly/Zosimus from its catalog. No sign of the asteroid has been found and it likely broke apart on its last pass through the atmosphere earlier this week. Data from its encounters with our atmosphere will help improve aerobrake models
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
latest update from Wernher von Kerman is that they have found a way to stably release the stored energy however they are still working to slow the discharge rate - dropping to long-lasting levels brings back "violent instability" twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtr…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
earlier today at 17:06 UTC almost 600km southeast of ATN Central, Zosimus began its fourth pass through the atmosphere. Astronomers are again attempting to look for it with the ATN Central IR scope for early confirmation of whether it still survived
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
✨KERZZAH!✨ today we get to celebrate our 11th trip around Kerbol on space ship Kerbin since the KSA began operations back in 2016. That brings our celestial odometer up to 939,011,983.1456km or nearly 1 light hour. Here's to another 106.5 day trip around the sun 🥂
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
OFU-009(A) has been captured! It's on the Ops Tracker designated bit.ly/Zosimus, ancient Kerbskrit for "viable" or "likely to survive" - which its discoverers bet on happening after its aerobrake. Unfortunately the namesake will not hold & it will eventually hit Kerbin
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
comparative analysis is still underway to determine why Vieras and Alaba eventually fall off their projected orbits after several Mun encounters - the number varies. We don't expect complete accuracy, but we're working with the KSPTOT dev to achieve better accuracy
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the radome has been completed on the tall hills west of KSC and will be hooked up to the Tracking Station by tomorrow, which means we can return to KSC next week! Due to security, it's tough working remotely for engineering and R&D teams w/o full file access
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's important to admit that we mostly *think* we know what we're doing when it comes to rocketry. We only *know* what we are doing when what we think we're doing actually *works* to within an acceptable margin of accuracy. We are mostly doing a lot of thinking these days
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronomers are still going over all the data they collected on Vieras and will fully analyze how its trajectory changes messed with their long-term predictions but in the meanwhile here's an overview of its orbital progression over 8 recorded encounters with Mun
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still, this was much less than the level of tolerance that was planned to be demonstrated so we still need a good result from the Kerbin I impact from orbit to fully certify the RTG casing as safe to actually carry radioactive material and power future orbital satellites
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
more good news for our future orbital missions, the RTG casing from last week's mission has been carefully inspected and does not show any more damage than expected from an impact at the speeds it endured, estimated to be at over 100m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the 60m dish will be built in late 2020/early 2021 once the North & South ATN/DSN complexes are complete and operational. The 18m dishes will be installed as needed to handle increasing orbital traffic and relieve the 27m dishes for deep space missions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
let's have a look at the various communication dishes in use (or planned to be) around Kerbin. When deep space missions come around, we plan to work out a way to combine our three 7m dishes for greater reception rather than just upgrade them to bigger sizes - initially anyways
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
wrap it up folks, weekend is here! Get caught up on all our operations this past week with additional details via our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=9767 it's been mostly crummy weather all week so let's all hope for a turn-around this weekend
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🎊✨Happy Operational Birthday to us!✨🎊 KERZZAH!
today is the start of our 4th year in operation 🥂 Send us a gift - tell us what you enjoy most about the Kerbal Space Agency.
today is the start of our 4th year in operation 🥂 Send us a gift - tell us what you enjoy most about the Kerbal Space Agency.
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Extremis program is still being granted processing time to work possible future trajectories for beyond 2021 and we are still hoping to launch the first Extremis probe to fly by Eve, Jool and Plock in 2021 over the course of just 3 years!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today was supposed to be the launch of Extremis 2, aiming to fly by Moho, Duna, Dres and Jool. While it may seem laughable now to think back in 2017 we imagined we'd have interplanetary space craft capabilities by now, there was never any reason to hold back on our ambitions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
leaving August behind and pushing forward into September! Check out all the exciting stuff that happened this past week in our Ops Summary and have yourself a pleasant weekend everyone! kerbalspace.agency/?p=9606
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
another week in the rear-view, catch up on all that went down in our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=9541 We have more details on the new Progeny Mk7-A mission, which will help test new tech for future Mk2 missions. Have a great weekend, everyone!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after almost a year of R&D, Wernher has just announced his team had a breakthrough with Monolith crystal, getting stable energy storage without any heat radiation. Now they just have to figure out how to slowly release the energy without the crystal blowing up violently
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
✨ Kerzzah! ✨ today is the completion of our 10th trip around Kerbol since KSA operations began back in 2016 💫 That's a total travel distance of 853,647,257km! In a straight line from the sun's center that would put us beyond the orbit of Plock. Here's to many more! 🥂
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
results from the Viklun test firings show it is likely to under-perform in flight, due to losses in efficiency while operating. This is not unexpected for our first vacuum engine design. Further modeling of Mk2 Mun/Minmus missions has been put on hold until we have flight data
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
another successful engine startup and burn! The stage will be returned to the VAB next week for even more checks and by the end of the month we should be able to determine if we are ready to schedule the first Mk2 mission, once again attempting orbit 💫
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
@StronkTenk_ Extremis 1: 11/29/18
Extremis 2: 9/2/19
Extremis 3: 8/31/20
So yea, the program page is a bit out of date you'll want to read some of the more recent news articles listed there. But it still represents our eventual goal
Extremis 2: 9/2/19
Extremis 3: 8/31/20
So yea, the program page is a bit out of date you'll want to read some of the more recent news articles listed there. But it still represents our eventual goal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the capsule that flew 2 unkerbed missions will continue to fly & show how they wear over time. No longer needed for testing crew systems, its main hatch is being modified to be opened & closed in space. The ECLSS will be removed for more room to hold experiments & instruments
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
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
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
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!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after the revelatory Neidon image, astronomers have been eagerly awaiting the latest Urlum photo from the 10m scope and are surprised to find it is much closer to the featureless orb they expected of Neidon, with what appear to be ice clouds mostly present (img enlarged 1000x)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
common belief among astronomers until now was since Neidon is so far from the sun, its surface would be relatively featureless without enough heat to drive a turbulent atmosphere. The outer gas giants could be way more interesting than previously imagined
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we passed opposition with Neidon this week and the 10m scope at ATN Central took a good long look to give us the best photo of this world to date. A gas giant like Jool & Sarnus, it too is now confirmed to have visible cloud patterns in its swirly atmosphere
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the comet has indeed been located, not quite where astronomers expected it to be but within a respectable margin of error. This bodes well for future deep space missions that will rely on Jool for gravitational assists that will fly much closer to the massive planet
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the current Presider is running for a second term - he has neither interfered nor directly supported us but has acknowledged our potential for the advancement of kerbal society several times. A third candidate has been for some reason dodgy when asked about us
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
campaigns are ramping up towards this year's election for a new Presider in December - we are not directly controlled by the political machine however the government can make things difficult for us if they wanted. One of the candidates is heavily tied to Monolithic interests
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
currently the Extremis team has put aside for now the multiple Grand Tour ambitions but are keeping their extra-planetary focus by helping the Ascension team figure out how well their Mk2 rocket is capable of executing individual missions to Minmus, Mun, Eve and Duna
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#OTD in 2017 the bit.ly/ExtremisProgram was formed, with the over-ambitous goal of sending out three probes on Grand Tours of the Kerbol system. While we do have a fairly epic 2021 trip start planned for Eve-Jool-Plock, additional multi-flybys have been hard to find
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the annual symposium of the Kerbal Astronomical Society was held in Kravass over this weekend. Asteroids was a big topic last year, still of concern this year but larger focus was on planetary science as guidelines for proposals for space missions were hashed out. Exciting!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today marks our 6th revolution around Kerbol since the founding of the Kerbal Space Agency! 🥂 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_…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
being able to eject from the system also means the Mk2 could reach Minmus and Mun. Whether the payload mass that could get there would be enough fuel to enter into orbit is unknown. Extremis team is being leveraged to help w/these calculations. Still, even fly-bys would be great!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ascension program has been working on determining the upper-limits of the Mk2 and the results are surprising. It has the potential to send a 255kg payload direct into kerbolar orbit, possibly to Duna or Eve - that's the next thing they will be looking at with LVD
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the extensible truss is mainly to protect the spacecraft from heat generated by the RTG (for those that carry the most fuel) but it can also be useful to control spin rates when placed appropriately - mostly a planned feature for our Extremis probes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our partnership with Coatl Aerospace continues to bear fruit as they have submitted the final design revision of the RTG that has been under development the past year and a half and will be integrated into our first commercial satellites
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's called the Kraken Nebula, covering most of the southern sky. It's just one of many bands of gas surrounding our planetary system & is part of the stellar nursery remnant in which our star was born. An exciting prospect for future exploration is how close our neighbors are
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bluedog Design Bureau has helped to finance a mission to test out their ion trap, which will be a future instrument for Extremis probes. Launch is scheduled for 5/14 @ 16:40. Mission details on the ops tracker: ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=progen…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ZMA-630(A) is beginning a unique pass thru our SOI this week - it will actually skim through Minmus' SOI as well, passing 1.4Mm from the small moon before continuing on. Tho no major change to its trajectory, still enough for astronomers to infer finer details of Minmus' gravity
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
yes, we of course want better photos and the Deep Space Network (bit.ly/DSN-PR) Central Observatory's 10m scope will be online this year to give us some, not to mention future space telescopes and maybe even a fly by via bit.ly/ExtremisProgram
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are currently at opposition with Urlum, placing us at the same Kerbolar longitude & bringing our distance to the outer ice giant down to 229,219,408km - which due to Urlum's slightly eccentric orbit is the closest we'll get for the next 24yrs. Still, this is best photo we have
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
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
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
our brief unexpected foray out into inter-planetary space found much less radiation than predicted, which is great news. How far our magnetotail stretches in the opposite direction is still unknown, but could potentially cross Mun orbit
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
second belt cannot be avoided when leaving Kerbin orbit, but it is not as dense or as wide as the inner belt so can be traversed with minimal shielding as vessels will be traveling through at high velocities
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the prominent journal Science Source has published our paper discussing the radiation data from the recent Progeny MK6-II launch. The highlights are the confirmation of the second outer radiation belt and discovering the sunward boundary of the magnetosphere!
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
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_MissionCtr…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
head on over to bit.ly/AFCS_ChangeLog to check out the latest updates to both the flight computer and mission software. We are excited to be using the hibernation capabilities for the first time on this launch, a vital test for future unkerbed orbital missions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Extremis team members are still plugging away at trajectories. Still?? Yes - With so much open-endedness to what our future rockets/probes might be capable of they are working on many various possibilities. No complaints though, keeps them busy
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
being stuck underground for so long gave society an excuse to develop a new way to mark the passage of time, but we still like to make note of a "kerbolar year" on occasions like today - the start of our 8th trip around the sun since the KSA was founded back in Sep 2016! 🥂🎉✨
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mun would have a bigger advantage if we weren't at the equator, and able to launch straight into a proper 6° inclined orbit for an efficient Minmus transfer burn. Looks like we have a lot more thinking to do when it comes time to design our 1st extra-planetary mission!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the biggest difference is time, of course. A ~2 day trip to Minmus is 7x longer than to Mun, even though it's only 4x farther away. Also, beyond arrival Δv needed, a long enough mission could use significantly less fuel at Minmus than Mun thx to its smaller size
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
where to go first? Answer may seem obvious, but a study has shown that visiting either one is very close to being equal in terms of fuel required. If circularizing ~50km over the surface, total trip Δv for Minmus is only ~70m/s less than Mun. ~80m/s less at edge of SOI
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our bit.ly/OpsSummary_1-4… is now posted in case you missed anything that transpired this short week. Also, @DKerman_KSA has more information about the Patreon/Ko-Fi announcement earlier today in his Desk Notes that should address any questions/concerns
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mortimer has a post on the website with more details on our current financial state (not dire, but definitely hurting) and also includes instructions on how you can help support the KSA if you are interested kerbalspace.agency/?p=8272
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Head of Finances Mortimer has completed his financial analysis from 2018 and you can see the summary sheet here: bit.ly/2018FiscalSumm…. We have also decided that we will begin accepting donations as a way for the public to lend support
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final day of general staff meetings for all programs. Debates have raged but everyone is still friends so far. Great to see so many opinions and ideas being expressed by team members on the various goals that should be pursued this year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
one of the reasons Head of R&D Wernher von Kerman wanted to get back to work so badly is because he says they are close to a breakthrough at last & they've also begun to work on studying the Monolith crystal vein's conductive properties twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtr…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
operational teams from all our programs will be meeting over the course of this week to review 2018 and solidify plans for 2019. We'll have all the details next week about new launch times as well as any additional 2019 goals we didn't mention in our last tweet
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🎊🎉 HAPPY NEW YEAR!! 🎉🎊
we hope everyone is having a great holiday and look forward to hitting the ground running tomorrow to begin solidifying our plans for 2019, which is looking to be another exciting year for space exploration 🥂✨
we hope everyone is having a great holiday and look forward to hitting the ground running tomorrow to begin solidifying our plans for 2019, which is looking to be another exciting year for space exploration 🥂✨
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ARO released a very brief statement acknowledging that some "interesting signal noise" was detected coming from "the region of space that included Jool" but denied that any follow-up observations were already scheduled once the telescope begins science observations next month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
anything in the news about the Arekibo Radio Observatory's 200m dish picking up alien signals coming from Jool is complete speculation. It is still wrapping up commissioning. Anything it *may have* detected so far will have to undergo a full study once it is fully operational
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
2018 operations have officially ceased! We will resume operations on Jan 2nd, 2019. We are very pleased we were able to squeeze in so much this final week, here is one last Ops Summary to close out the year: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8189
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all crew have been recalled this weekend to begin active duty once again starting next week. Everyone else is still working through the weekend and almost around the clock to get KSC back to operational status. Right now that's looking like sometime towards the end of next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Cheranne says her team also took time to study the seismic equipment and its effective use in order to one day apply the same principles to instruments that could accompany a probe to another body. They plan to do more research on this in 2019
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Scientists Cheranne and researchers are back from their seismic study. Cheranne loves getting out of the office and into the field, says the new research outpost (we help scout the location last year kerbalspace.agency/?p=7363) is looking great
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we just got word from the surface that the EM field has collapsed down to 150m! It will continue to be monitored this week and if it looks to be holding steady we'll begin the work of getting the affected buildings back up to operational status over the next few weeks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are now just 2 days from projected closure of the bore hole into the crystal base of the Monolith. EM field remains stable - scientists were hoping to see it begin to reduce by now. A large influx of pilgrims has begun to arrive for what they believe will be an event this wknd
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
once more detailed orbital data is published after additional extensive observations we will add Sorlon to the Ops Tracker so you can view its orbit and current position and properties like all the other bodies
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
incredible news from the Kerbal Astronomical Society - astronomers have discovered what appears to be a huge asteroid on a highly-elliptical and inclined orbit around Kerbol! Full press release: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8103
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the effort to penetrate the Monolith has been indefinitely suspended and the bore hole will be allowed to heal. Current estimates put this happening by mid-November. We still don't know if this will bring about the end of the EM field as well, but everyone is hoping it will
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Our engineers are very intrigued by this compact dish antenna design and are looking into similar folding mechanisms for future space probes twitter.com/NASAJPL/status…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
✨🎊 happy birthday to us!! 🎉✨ Today marks the start of Year 3 for KSA operations. Our founder and Ops Director @DKerman_KSA has some words to share on the current state of things 🥂 kerbalspace.agency/?p=8039
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Extremis team members have been keeping their heads down and busy. With a mission ruled our for Year 3 operations, they are taking their time working through some more complex trajectory options in an attempt to find a good Year 4 mission launch date (Sept '19 - Sept '20)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
following the Kerbin probes will be named missions into longer-term orbits to carry out various tasks including mapping, communications, science studies and technology testing. Larger Ascension vehicles will be developed to lift heavier loads. No timeline yet for a Munshot, sry!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ultimately, unless failures occur on orbit, none of the Kerbin probes will remain in space and all will eventually decay back into the atmosphere to burn up - except for the RTG test missions of course, which will return the generator to the surface for re-use or safe disposal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
what we can say is that the Kerbin series of satellites will test numerous new tech, including reaction control systems, larger-capacity batteries, a radioisotope thermoelectric generator and all the science instruments that will eventually fly on the Extremis probes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Head of R&D Wernher & his dept still working on Extremis science instruments, Lead Scientist Cheranne has her field team deployed at KSC to help work with Monolith researchers, Lead Engineer Simon is assisting with our TBA jet engine program
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've finished transferring what equipment we can from KSC to Umbarg HQ so programs can continue development work as best as possible. Progeny still analyzing Mk6 debris. Extremis plotting trajectories. Ascension reviewing capsule tests. Genesis prepping Dhumla test requirements
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
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
we now know the EM field is still active because the bore hole is in fact continuing to fill, just at a pace now only measurable in days. New estimates say it could take as long as 3 months to heal. Here is an updated report for the past 2 weeks: kerbalspace.agency/?p=7933
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have released the report on the events that occurred this past Tuesday, which will serve as our Ops Summary for this week. Additional updates will be posted as we get more information on the EM field surrounding KSC. kerbalspace.agency/?p=7917
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
high-level KSA staff meeting will be held tomorrow to work up a full assessment of the current situation and decide what steps will be taken moving forward over the next several days. We will have details in our Ops Summary
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
surface team has returned, reports there is a consistent EM field over KSC, tho they found it has a radius of 10km in all directions (assumed out over the water as well) & is not specifically directed @ the space center. Generated current is strong enough to still fry electronics
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
website and Ops Tracker are now back online as electrical services here in Umbarg become more stable. Still no word from the team dispatched to KSC, but they are not overdue unless they fail to return or get in contact with us by later today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we will release more information on the current situation once we have a better idea what we are dealing with; the past two days have mainly been working to recover basic infrastructure & ensure all our injured employees are being taken care of
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
hello from KSA HQ in Umbarg! Just calling out to let everyone know we are okay - electrical services are gradually coming back online in all caverns here, but KSC remains off limits until a team sent out yesterday to assess the Monolith's new activity has returned
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
project scientists are monitoring the Monolith for any signs of its old subsonic/EM disturbances as well as the crystal veins locally and off in Kravass & Umbarg for any electrical activity. So far, all signs point to the Monolith remaining inactive
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
from roughly 30 meters below the Monolith researchers continue to carefully bore up into the crystalline structure they hope leads into the edifice itself. They have nearly reached the bottom and have slowed down to ensure they aren't damaging or triggering anything in the way
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
which, paradoxically, aren't actually that hard. Especially since we are just doing flybys without orbital insertions or landings. Getting the probe safely into an optimal ejection orbit ready to go? Half the journey twitter.com/Otherdude4566/…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although it does block a good deal of sunlight, Kerbin is not big enough to fully eclipse the sun from Minmus' orbital distance, so the moon never falls completely into shadow. It's still something future mission plans will have to take into account however
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
yesterday we reached opposition with Plock, bringing us the closest we will be on this orbit to the far outer planet. It's only getting further away tho, working its way out to apkelion. It will reach it in 2052 but there is still a chance we could fly a probe past it before then
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
issues with the trajectory analysis tool that were causing problems giving us future SOI encounters for Alaba have been confirmed fixed. We will definitely continue to help make KSPTOT a more robust tool for everyone! forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/index.php?/top…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
2019-20 window for Extremis missions to Neidon or Urlum with flybys of Sarnus/Duna/Dres are not coming up with any feasible results. Planners now looking at 2-3 flybys of a single inner planet for extra boost before considering another Jool flyby
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
we've reached conjunction with Duna, positioned on the opposite side of the sun (191.9°/11.9°E) 34,413,484.286km away. Future missions to the planet will need to plan for times like these, when radio comms are blocked by our stellar parent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
kerbalspace.agency/?p=7518 is the direct and proper link to today's Ops Summary
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
if we take the data from when the Progeny Mk6 Block II engine was cut off and use our trajectory software to complete the burn with the remaining dV the apokee ends up being nearly 3.5Mm!! That's nearly 1/3 of the way to Mun! How we would power a mission that long, no idea
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astrodynamicists now looking at routes like Kerbin-Duna-Sarnus-Neidon or Kerbin-Dres-Sarnus-Urlum or numerous variations of Dres, Duna, Jool, Sarnus, Urlum and Neidon. Sarnus or Jool gravity assist is a must to keep dV requirements at a minimum
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Extremis has concluded all Phase Two calculations for 1st year window. As mentioned a week ago our best shot at a flyby of both Urlum and Neidon is passed. The best is a 9-year mission but for less than 3km/s dV is not really feasible. So 1st Extremis mission now NET Sep 2019
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today marked the end of our 6th trip around Kerbol since KSA operations began back in late 2016. ✨🎉 Kerzzah! 🎊✨ Here's to yet another awesome Kerbolar year in space exploration! 🥂
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
one day, if we manage to get a probe onto the surface of Minmus, it could look up and send home photographs showing this effect thanks to the moon's inclined orbit en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analemma
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
though Extremis is still searching hard, it's likely our best bet to exit the inner solar system and swing past Urlum then Neidon with a possible boost from Jool or Sarnus was back in 2016 and won't come again for another ~23 years
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a new organization of scientists whose families happen to have deep pockets have declared themselves the Interstellar Exploration Foundation and have given us initial funding to help offset the cost of our Progeny MK6 Block II launches to explore the radiation region
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
did you know it snows on Minmus? During the daytime kethane ices in the lowlands sublimate into a cloudy mist that freezes as night comes and falls back to the surface. Veeeerrryyy slllowwwwlllyyyy due to the low gravity
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
scientists have released data from this revolutionary year-long study. If living in space proves viable, this data could be of great use to future mission planners and spacecraft designers twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtr…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
TL;DR - mission Δv was in most cases inflated by having huge radial/normal burn components that can be negated by launching into a proper parking orbit from which to eject out of along just the prograde vector. Upshot - lots more feasible routes to consider now
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Extremis mission planners have just realized that, in their initial round of Phase Two selection, they completely forgot all departure burns started with an equatorial 200km parking orbit. This is a big <facepalm> & we explain why here: kerbalspace.agency/?p=7282
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Extremis program has extended Phase Two to search for additional fly-by combinations but we do at least have a mission to Plock that will be launching in late 2021! Get the details here: kerbalspace.agency/?p=7192
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
since it is attracted to the radioactive signature of Kuudite, scientists have been using the larger colonies of mystery goo they've collected to help them seek out new deposits, still hoping to be able to meet our eventual demand for RTG production
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
time to call it a week! Catch up on anything you may have missed and/or learn additional details via bit.ly/OpSummary4-30-…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Extremis team have announced Phase Two trajectory calculations are complete! See what was involved via this article: kerbalspace.agency/?p=6915 now the team will determine if the feasible trajectory options they have are enough to visit all the planets
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
Head of R&D Wernher von Kerman has his labs setup back to the way he likes things. He and Lead Scientist Cheranne will be getting their teams working on the prototypes of the Extremis science instruments that have been arriving for testing
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
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
Extremis planners accidentally began to run several flyby routes for a launch window of 2019-20 using dates from 2018-19 but actually found 5 feasible new mission options so at least not all the time was wasted on the error
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
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
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
these are all the instruments we will attempt to cram into the Extremis probes. Design will not be finalized until later this year after we've had more experience with orbital probes, starting with Kerbin I (instruments not to scale)
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
#OTD one year ago our Umbarg Headquarters opened for operations and what a great decision that was because had we consolidated all our business at KSC we would be in quite the bind right now!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
as of this minute it's been just 1 Kerbol year on Dres since the KSA was founded back in late 2016 - here's some major events that have transpired during that time. To look at events in Duna's orbit and further back, start here: flic.kr/p/S6ZqxU
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
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
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
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
TLB-795(C), discovered today, is predicted to be captured into orbit around Kerbin after a Mun encounter in October of 2026. Hopefully by then we can also visit it! Alaba will most likely have been kicked out or smashed into Kerbin/Mun by then
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
Gilly can drop shade on Eve, but not only is that itself a rare event, catching it from Kerbin is even harder. Another reason why we can't wait to have an Eve orbiter!
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 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
Phase 2 trajectories for our Extremis missions have been selected, planners get crunching to stress test 68 trajectories. Full details: kerbalspace.agency/?p=6915
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
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
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're reaching superior conjunction with Moho this weekend. Again. A very common occurrence, hardly worth mentioning so often but when a mission eventually orbits Moho this will become a major mission planning issue thx to comms interference from the sun's atmosphere
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
Extremis lowered their max ΔV constraint from 5km/s to 3 and still have 68 trajectories that fall under 10 years of mission time. They're still working out whether any combination of those gives us the ability to visit all the planets
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
@spacepotato101 it was last at apkelion in 1979 and it will next be at apkelion in 2052
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deep Space Thoughts: Plock was at perikelion in 2016 - did we miss our best shot to get there? No. Distance in space less important than position! Where Plock lies relative to other planets could mean a shorter trip w/gravity assists vs direct
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
you've heard us mention Phase One mission planning for our Extremis program & the 100s of trajectory plottings being done over the last several months - now read all the details for Phase One and what's involved in Phase Two: kerbalspace.agency/?p=6365
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
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
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
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
🎊✨ 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!
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Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Extremis program has completed its Phase 1 trajectory calculations! They now have nearly 600 flyby combinations to analyze starting next year. We'll have an article detailing Phase 1 and the upcoming Phase 2 next month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Extremis team worked hard but have been unable to finish Phase One trajectory calculations today as they had hoped. Fortunately the project can be moved over to KSA HQ in Umbarg for them to hopefully wrap up next week
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
we apologize again for failing to register our shortlink prior to publishing, causing a web bot to note the dead link & create one to a spam site :/ Horrible scammers out there. Catch up on this week's activities w/additional insight here: kerbalspace.agency/?p=6168
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Extremis team has finished trajectory calculations for 2019-20 this week and is moving on to their final round of phase one plotting, looking at trajectories for the 2020-21 launch window
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this realization prompted us to ask the KSPTOT author to implement a configurable constraint in the MFMS that sets how close of an approach to the central body is allowed. It's available now in the latest development release & will be used for future plotting by the Extremis team twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtr…
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
definitely one of the wackier trajectories deemed feasible by the Multiple Flyby Maneuver Sequencer in bit.ly/KSPTOT - it would probably melt the probe flying past the sun...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
an error was discovered in some of the Extremis trajectory calculations for the 2018-19 window, meaning they will need to be redone, but the team still aims to have all initial courses plotted by the end of the operational year
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
Extremis team continue to churn out flyby trajectories, now working through the 2019-20 launch year. Some interesting results overall so far, like a Kerbin-Eve-Jool-Plock trip that could take only 2.47 years with just 3.671km/s of Δv!
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
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
R&D Lead Wernher Von Kerman says his dept is now focusing solely on science instruments for the Extremis probes over the next 6-8 months
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in final Extremis news, the first Kuudite RTG prototype is nearly complete, we aim to test it on an orbital launch sometime early next year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in addition to flyby routes program scientists are in the final process of selecting the suite of instruments that the probes will carry
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Extremis still churning out flyby trajectory combinations, by November they will have all 800+ to begin Phase 2 of choosing the best routes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post-launch ops complete & we are all wrapped up for this week of operations. Get all the details here: bit.ly/OpsSummary10-9…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
so yea, perhaps it's more clear now why trajectory analysis is so far behind sched! Much better progress being made now but still lots to do
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
also that's not all of them 😛 There are 109 routes w/ high success chance that will be explored in phase one. For 3 windows. 3 diff ways
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
can't say yet until phase one is complete for all 3 launch windows, then we'll see what year works best for what route to ensure we hit all twitter.com/spacepotato101…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Extremis team remains focused on phase one trajectory computations for 2018-2021. Here is a sample of trajectories constrained to 2018-19
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
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
quiet end to the week, but exciting stuff announced during it so get caught up via bit.ly/OpsSummary10-2… & have a great weekend!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
these 1st-phase plots just determine if a multi-flyby route is feasible & if so give us an idea of the delatV & time that will be required
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Extremis program has all 2018-19 first-phase trajectories computed, now starting 2019-20 & should be quicker with better planning in place
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
ATN tracking ABU-633(C) out of the system on the course originally plotted after its Mun flyby; more assurance in our orbital modeling
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
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
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
Extremis has announced they are way behind schedule on computing flyby trajectories w/updated sequencer due to excessive computation time
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
conclusion of the KerBalloon mission ends our ops for this week, catch up on what else went down w/add'l details: bit.ly/OpsSummary8-21…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in further R&D news, much work still being done to plan out the suite of instruments that the Extremis probes will carry on their missions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Head of R&D Wernher von Kerman has announced they are developing a dedicated accelerometer instrument that can also detect surface movement
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
Extremis program mission planners are still working on revised flyby trajectories for all three missions, expect to finalize things in Sept
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today marks our 3rd trip around the sun since the KSA's first day of operations. Kerzzah!! (We missed announcing our 2nd trip on April 15th)
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
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
the bad news is that it's pretty heavy, and weight is a big deal when you are dealing with space. Hopefully further refinement is possible
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good/bad news out of Sheltered Rock for Extremis - RTG casing material has proven adequate at shielding kerbs from its harmful radiation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're scrubbing all missions & calling it a week! *shakes fists at the sky* learn more of this week's activities: bit.ly/OpsSummary6-26…
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
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
a promise is a promise - we said our interplanetary program would be announced no later than June so get ready for what's coming this Fri!
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
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
"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
as the groundwork for the program continues to come together, we are hoping to make an announcement sometime next month. June at the latest!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
another piece of our upcoming interplanetary probe program has fallen into place, thx to the naturally-occurring radioactive mineral Kuudite
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ops Dir Drew reports he had another great meeting with dept leads laying more groundwork plans for our TBA interplanetary probe program
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
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
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
in general most employees like to take advantage of the greater availability of various KSC facilities to work on personal projects
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we don't stop kerbs from coming in to work on weekends. Many live here, so tough to step away sometimes. But we also don't always mandate it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
hey, just because we're only launching sub-orbital rockets right now don't go thinking our astrodynamicists have nothing to do...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
will there ever be launches on weekends? Some missions will demand it (orbital intercepts mostly) but majority will be sched for weekdays
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here's a look at our tracking station & the two 6m dishes that can receive HGT signals from as far as Minmus
