Ascension Mk1 Timeline

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

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

big spending this month is what we want to see, working hard to get Ascension closer to being able to accept full commercial launch contracts. CFO Mortimer says we are still looking healthy to continue operations as planned thru 2020. Full report: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…

one more photo from Bob's mission, one of the last few he took prior to returning to his seat for re-entry. Looking northeast, you can spot the aurora & also see the island he landed on just over the terminator. To the left far below is the mountain upon which sits Ockr Relay

Bob has been given a clean bill of health, which is great news considering he blacked out for 24 seconds during the most punishing point of re-entry, which saw over 9G for nearly 10s, 4s of which was over 11G and nearly 12G. He's now heading back home to Kravass for some R&R

although it did not travel as high as planned, Bob's flight still managed to pull ahead of all Val's sub-orbital 2019 bit.ly/KSARecords & also set a new record for longest downrange distance from which a sub-orbital vessel was successfully recovered ops.kerbalspace.agency/?body=Kerbin-S…

we hope everyone else had as good a week as we did! Although yesterday's mission concludes kerbed space flight for 2020, we have details on upcoming Ascension missions in our weekly Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=11107

here's the first time we've ever seen Mun's shadow from space! First photo taken ~140km & second at apokee over Sheltered Rock @ 294km. Note the land seen to the right of img1 extends into the shadow & contains KSC but it gets too dark to see it

with the capsule recovered we now have the rest of the onboard telemetry. The full data set is available online for anyone to peruse and analyze as they wish: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d… and here is the remaining operations log

Bob is only a little more than halfway through the sea journey back to Sheltered Rock but airship recovery of the capsule is already completed. Here is a photo he took of the landing site. Space photos will need add'l processing but we hope to release them today too

the Civvie has been relieved by another pilot with her personal craft & it remains circling offshore to relay comms over the horizon. The Aldeny has arrived and made contact with Bob, who has been working towards the shore, performing various surface observations along the way

✨🎉 KERZZAH!! 🎊✨ \[0_o]/ the Civvie has returned w/in range of Ockr relay to report Bob is indeed safely down, no injuries from landing in grassland area. MSV Aldeny is still about 2-3 hours away. Capsule is reportedly well inland, so it will need to be recovered separately

post-launch operations continuing as flight data is pulled from launch consoles and organized so the Ascension team can begin to look into the guidance issue that plagued the start of the mission. Could be mechanical, could be software. They will hunt it down w/ vengeance

a Civvie volunteer has just departed from Ockr General to serve as relay messenger between us and the Aldeny as it sails over the horizon. It will also get to the island sooner to confirm Bob's status and location. Should be there & back w/in 2 hours. thx to public for support!

Bob should have landed by now. If uninjured he can egress from the capsule on his own. He has 4 days of food and water in addition to the capsule for shelter, but there's no reason why we shouldn't find him later today as search & recovery operations kick off full force

capsule should now be descending slowly under ALL chutes - controllers recommended to Bob he pop the reserve radials as well even if the mains open to help make the landing softer since he will not be splashing down into the ocean. Heat shield will also be sacrificed to help

we had Bob calling out readings non-stop to make clear when comms dropped out. Now just static. The Aldeny is still several hours from the island but telemetry data prior to signal loss has everyone fairly confident that is indeed where he is coming down

Bob is strapped into his seat again for a rough ride back to Kerbin. Capsule is retrograde & LES jettison will occur shortly before re-entry in <1min. Capsule spun up to keep radial chutes cool. We don't expect to regain comms after plasma blackout. Good luck, Bob!

decision made to hold off on LES use. It's looking like Bob will come down right smack dab in the middle of this large island, which would be preferred over having him floating for hours in an open sea that could be rough. Val is telling Bob to begin re-entry prep

approaching apokee & discussion is still underway whether to use the LES to put the brakes on and bring the capsule down sooner, altho the steeper re-entry will put more Gs onto Bob, who is now floating around and saying he's getting a great view of Mun's shadow far down below

Bill has already shucked his suit to be in Launch Control with everyone else to see how this plays out. Apokee in ~4min & Bob's flatter trajectory will take him well downrange. MSV Aldeny is already starting to move eastwards at best speed

controllers are scrambling to plot Bob's new trajectory as he takes over control to begin orienting the capsule to get some good views out the window. Despite the guidance issue, we are still pleased at how well the rocket carried out the rest of the ascent

bumpy ride is smoothing out, close eye kept on external temp as friction heats up. Throttle pull back to maintain 2.7 TWR ended at 40km to jam Bob back in his seat with 4G+. We will at least make it up to space - primary goal achieved!

WHOA. Okay, guidance issue. Rocket thinks its nominal tho so not auto LES. Tlm shows it *is* still under control w/o danger of flipping. Controllers have left abort decision up to Bob. Shaky response but nonetheless he says "push on push on!"

ignition & launch thrust good - we have LIFTOFF! Spc Bob is finally on his way to space for the 1st time, outrunning the shadow of Mun as it passes over the KSC. Once clear of the towers, engine will kick up from ~70% to full thrust

[T-1m] it's time to load the Ops Tracker if it's not already to watch live ascent tlm, which should load up after T-30s if final primary polls come back GO. The final automated sequence follows. Val excitedly tells Bob to "hold on tight & enjoy the ride!" kerbalspace.agency/Tracker/tracke…

[T-2m] Automated Flight Control System has assumed command, with Bob overseeing & controllers backing them both up. Boom has swung away to leave capsule on internal power/ECLSS & RF comms. Final checks of all systems underway, Bob is busy again to keep himself focused

[L-5m] final general poll: all GO! Bob has switched to capsule life support & is undergoing final suit integrity check. Launch permission granted by Ops Director @DKerman_KSA. 🚀 GO ASCENSION! 🚀 FTS power internal, service arm unlocked to retract, AFCS rdy for terminal count

Val uses a rare lull in final procedures to ask Bob how he's doing. There is a tense moment of silence. Then, "I don't know why I thought you could see me give a thumbs up". Crew-facing cameras in the Mk1-B capsule? We could do that...

[L-13m] a small tanker still hooked to the service tower is loading nitrogen aboard the rocket, which will in turn be used to pressurize the fuel tanks for flight, mainly for extra rigidity as engine burns non-stop. Late onload ensures safety of pad crew. Bob has LES

[L-15m] Range Safety Officer has closed down the ascent corridor & launch pad area, any incursions via ground, air or water will hold the count. All outside viewers must remain in designated areas w/hearing protection. Flight Termination System is ACTIVE, engine ignition ARMED

careful attention being paid to Bob's vitals as we approach the end of countdown. He's spent the past year working on his anxiety. Val has helped him learn meditation & he says all the practice to get into a routine has made it easier to work through. Heart rate is steady!

[L-30m] we are GO to continue into the final countdown sequence, events which will need to be repeated if a scrub occurs. Launch window is all day long - we will not stand down for the next eclipse in the event of a launch delay. Katgan says surface conditions are 100% favorable

[L-45m] pad has been locked down and evacuated for the final time, launch controllers and Bob getting ready to begin rehearsal protocols to ensure all systems are set & ready, nothing missed. Weather desk beginning to analyze data from balloon's early ascent

flight surgeon reports Bob has peed his suit. This was expected, altho Jeb still jokes that he was surprised Bob didn't do it the first time out of terror. What happens? He gets a little wet but it'll dry alright and no important sensors are down there... twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtr…

[L-1h20m] the 2nd weather balloon has been released to ascend through to the upper atmosphere (18km+) and report back on any hazardous conditions. Weather forecast is for surface conditions only. We're also hearing from MSV Aldeny in the recovery zone that seas are within limits

[L-1h30m] preflight complete, no issues raised, rocket stands ready for launch! Pad crew moving back in to close out the launch site, remove mechanical launch safety devices. RSO is confirming with SkyWatch team airspace is clear as well as waters out under the launch corridor

[L-1h55m] Bob has completed his preflight checks, pad crew have secured the ground service equipment and are clearing out as controllers continue their preflight with checks on the engine & ignition systems. Issues board remains clear. Hi-alt KerBalloon being prepped for release

[L-2h40m] rocket is now topped off and weighs in at 10.851t. Bob continues to work preflight with launch controllers while the pad crews move back in to get the tanker truck unhooked & moved out, GSE cleaned up, external valves closed, etc. Launch timeline continues on schedule

[L-2h55m] rocket has been configured for tanking, LES is armed & GO has been given for onload of propellants to begin - 7t worth will flow into the lifter stage. Val is keeping Bob busy with the preflight checklist, which keeps his mind off the explosive potential beneath him

[L-3h10m] mounting was completed on schedule, Val is on her way back to LC while the pad crew is preparing to hook up the fuel truck. Controllers are on console, ground link to the capsule confirmed and startup procedures are under way. AFCS change log: github.com/KSAMissionCtrl…

[L-4h20m] rocket is vertical and pad crews are finalizing mounting. Meanwhile in Launch Control the A team is gathering for a final briefing from Flight Director Lanalye. Bob's mission could be the longest space voyage yet and break Val's record of 11m2s. Flight overview:

[L-4h20m] crew load complete on schedule, capsule hatch is sealed. Val has plugged in for CapCom in case any issues arise inside while the rocket is raised and mounted. Visitor busing has begun to depart from the Support Village so viewers can pick out their spots

[L-4h45m] capsule hatch is open, crew loading has begun. Climbing from the crew van, Bob gave Val a big hug then started up the ramp. When asked to pose for a new photo he just kept on walking saying "I'm getting right on in this thing while I'm still feeling good about it"

[L-5h] the rocket has already left for the pad & now Specialist Bob is on his way to join it w/ the rest of the launch site crew. Tanker truck is getting fueled up to head over a bit later as well. Bill will remain suited up on standby in the ready room at the Astronaut Complex

[L-5h10m] meteorologist Katgan has upgraded her weather forecast to 85% favorable based on more recent data so we have the GO to kick off the launch timeline. Crew has already woken, eaten their choice breakfast & are finishing suit up. Further updates to come @ these milestones

🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-4)

7/16
#2🌄08:56:17 🌅11:06:39 !!🚀!!
#3🌄14:57:08 🌅17:07:30
#4🌄20:57:59 🌅23:08:21

7/17
#1🌄02:58:50 🌅05:09:12

our recovery ship MSV Aldeny set out from Umbarg yesterday to head for the recovery zone east of Ockr, another factor that would have been affected if the Kerblantic storm had developed tho we do continue our Maritime Service partnership to have a ship rdy @ Sheltered Rock

with WDR already completed earlier this week we will not be rolling the rocket out to the launch pad until tomorrow, so the crew can be loaded prior to it being raised up and mounted. VAB workers are instead taking the opportunity to give it another final look-over

we have the possibility of bad weather later this week, Maritime Service is reporting conditions are ripe for a large low-pressure system developing out over the Kerblantic. Moving up Ascension Mk1 WDR to today, rocket is on the way out to the launch pad

Bob's Ascension Mk1 was closed out today and loaded up on the carry vehicle. The crew also finished their last run of sim training. There were a few sim deaths, but FD Lanalye had to come up with some seriously out-there failure scenarios to kill either of them

while Bob's mission was able to be scheduled initially to coincide with the eclipse, that is not the primary mission goal and if there are any launch delays Bob has made it clear he will not be spending an extra 3 days in quarantine until the next eclipse

today kicked off with a kerbolar eclipse, and Mun's shadow raced across the KSC like as seen in this photo from 2017. Another eclipse will happen on 7/16 and the shadow of Mun will cross the Kerblantic underneath Bob's capsule as he views it from above for the first time ever!

the mock capsule is out the Kerblantic this week as MSV Aldeny works through more recovery drills but this time with primary crew Specialist Bob and backup crew Specialist Bill. Different protocols are obviously in effect here, like actually caring if the capsule is sinking...

staring towards the sun normally camera wouldn't see capsule that well, but so low to Kerbin light is reflecting back to illuminate it. Also did you see Mun? And Minmus?

have a look at the Gamma Ray Spectrometer retracting back into the capsule as it is detached from the lift stage and begins to orient for re-entry. 5FPS video was beamed back thx to remaining EC on the lift stage batteries, until atmo drag pulled antenna out of alignment

the view from 426km over the equator is not what you want to be seeing without proper shielding to protect you from being pelted by large amounts of ionized radiation. At apokee, the camera is looking back over the KSC landmass across the ocean to the Great Desert

the Mk1-A capsule has been returned to us for post-flight inspection along with what remnants of the heat shield didn't sink after it broke up after landing. You can now view the full telemetry data from the mission: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…

many thanks to NovaPunch for another finely-made K2-X lifter engine, which showed no issues during its static fire out on the vertical test stand today. It will now be placed into storage awaiting a mission assignment but also be rdy to backup the upcoming Mk1 & Mk2 flights

to be balanced @ MECO meant it had to be unbalanced @ launch, but the fins had enough bite even early in the ascent to keep it from flipping, altho we had hoped the extra forwards pitching moment would make it turn over faster when clearing the tower more than it ended up doing

a fact about the recent Ascension Mk1 mission we neglected to share was how the engine was mounted for the 1st time @ a fixed angle of just 0.0093° to overcome the rocket's desire to flip as it exits the atmo under thrust, low fuel changes CoM & no air to help fins hold attitude

low-alt crew have shipped out aboard MSV Lymun to head for bit.ly/Area_G0-XK8 & will return next week. We'd save some funds by letting them use our own ship MSV Aldeny but that's needed here so Bill & Bob can begin working their water recovery drills for July's mission

✨🎊 KERZZAH!! 🎉✨ \[0_o]/ MSV Aldeny has hauled the capsule out onto the deck & reports that it is beat up (this was its 4th flight) but intact. The heatshield however was found floating in pieces that will be collected to determine what happened. Overall tho - mission success!

we at least know the capsule was set for re-entry & if all went well it should be under chute around now for a safe splashdown ~125km downrange, right near where MSV Aldeny is stationed so we should have some news soon on how it fared. Post-launch ops are already in full swing

we have confirmation that preparations are underway to get the capsule clear of the lift stage and oriented for re-entry. It has ~40s to do what it needs to do before slamming into the atmo @ 2km/s+. Keep an eye on the Ops Tracker for comms blackout

coming up fast on re-entry in <2min. Here is where we will miss the LES, with a very late capsule release from the lifter at only 150km for max science grab, it would have done a much better job pushing clear than the RCS, but RCS should still do the job okay

belt was exited @ 342km! We did a near-perfect slice up across the middle as planned. Goo canisters will switch again when re-entering LKO. If you're not still watching the Ops Tracker, these vehicle state updates are being depicted as they happen ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=ascens…

so far so good! Apokee is lower than planned, as expected. Hatch will now re-open to split the time back down through the belt between the GRS and RPWS. Peak exposure was recorded as 6.816rad/h so we came up a bit short of the densest region, which can be as high as 10rad/h

increasing levels of radiation beginning at 342km have triggered the capsule to withdraw the RPWS antenna and seal the hatch so the shielding efficacy can be tested. Magnetometer continues to collect data along with the Goo. Now we hope for no electronic glitches/failures

still racing upwards at over 1km/s, the rocket has passed 250km and out of Low-Kerbin Orbit. Goo canisters have switched exposure to prepare the samples that will be exposed to the high-radiation environment of the inner belt, which it should reach sometime in the next 2-3 mins

this image heralded the coming of science data, confirming the high gain antenna have deployed. You can just make out the north end of the Cape to the right of the antenna base. Apparently we also seem to have lost the LES tower at some point somehow?

MECO to w/in 2 sec! A relatively quick ascent with full burn heading almost straight up. Body rates are minimal & RCS will soon be brought online to stabilize. Flight computer is being purged of ascent instructions to load rest of mission code & kick off the science observations

rough start, rocket did not pitch over as quick as we would have liked, a bit bumpy through MaxQ but it should smooth out soon as we escape the denser lower atmosphere. Guidance is in phase 2 shallow curve mode & transition was without noticeable issue. Onward to space!

good engine start, nominal chamber pressures at throttle up, launch thrust good - we have LIFT OFF! The 13th Ascension Mk1 heads up to increase our knowledge of the hazardous inner radiation belt. Once clear of the tower engine will throttle to full, guidance will enable

[T-1m] coming up on one last poll at T-30s, if all good ascent telemetry should load shortly afterwards in the Ops Tracker ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=ascens…. During the final seconds leading up to launch the following operations will occur:

[T-2m] the Automated Flight Control System has entered the terminal count sequence, where it takes control of the rocket for flight. Tower boom has swung away, leaving the spacecraft on internal battery power. EC drain rates are being monitored while RF comms check is underway

[L-3m] tank pressurization has begun to strengthen it & allow the rocket to stand rigid atop the launch clamp after the service structure has been swung away and the rocket is at the mercy of surface winds, which could always start gusting prior to lift off

[L-5m] we are GO for launch! Final polls completed with weather calm, Tracking Station dishes aligned, controllers ready, rocket primed for ignition, range clear & permission granted by Ops Director @DKerman_KSA. FTS is on internal power, service tower unlocked for retraction

be sure to bring up the Ops Tracker for live ascent telemetry - ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=ascens…. If the rocket is on an off-nominal trajectory you'll see flashing indicators. Here are what they mean. Other values are more general "not good"/"very not good"

[L-13m] nitrogen gas is being onloaded from a small tanker left hooked to the service towers, which is used to keep the fuel tanks pressurized. This is done late in the countdown while the pad is permanently cleared of all crew to prevent any injury in the event of a tank rupture

[L-15m] RSO has shut down the range, Flight Termination System is now ACTIVE, engine is ARMED. All kerbs should be within designated viewing areas and have hearing protection. Masks are also required as pollen levels are currently HIGH in the area

[L-30m] we have reached final countdown procedures, which is the furthest point at which a launch scrub would have to be recycled back to. Hopefully tho any launch issues wouldn't force such a long re-count as our window today is only 15min

[L-45m] pad crews have evacuated for the final time (hopefully) but stand ready to return if any issues pop up during the launch rehearsal starting now. Weather balloon is only at ~11km, still rising towards the upper-atmosphere (18km)

radio transmissions relayed from MSV Aldeny by other maritime vessels plying the route between Umbarg and Sheltered Rock report sea conditions in the recovery area are within limits for hauling the capsule out of the water. Not just launch site weather that needs consideration

[L-1h20m] another weather balloon is now on its way to the upper-atmosphere, timed to reach it prior to L-5min final polls to give us an update on wind conditions that could affect the rocket during ascent, such as shear or just high velocity that could push it around

[L-1h30m] Lanalye reports launch controllers are standing by, rocket is healthy and primed for flight! Pad crew is back near the rocket again for final closeouts while the Range Safety Officer begins ensuring airspace and waters around KSC are clear & will remain that way

[L-1h55m] launch crews are clearing out once again for controllers, now done with preliminary preflight, to run a thorough check of the engine and ignition system. After that, it's just some final checks of the rocket's secondary systems

[L-2h40m] no issues during tanking, launch timeline remains on schedule as pad workers move back in to unhook the tanker and clean up. Controllers are continuing preflight operations while keeping a close eye on tank levels to ensure no leaks are present

[L-2h55m] we have the GO from launch controllers that the rocket is woke and ready for tanking operations to begin. On the pad valves are opening to allow 7t of liquid fuel and oxidizer to flow into the 6.6m tall main fuel tank. Pad crew has cleared out to a safe distance

[L-3h10m] tanker truck is standing by at the rocket with the pad crew preparing the service structure for fueling operations while controllers get on console to begin waking up the rocket and loading up the latest bit.ly/AFCS_KSA flight software operations

the guidance computer follows a quadratic fit formula to match the desired pitch curve when plotted against altitude, so the early steep curve won't also fit the later shallow curve and we need to switch at 10km from one to the other. Should be seamless. Should be...

during the ascent you'll see flight log readouts for "phase 1" and "phase 2" guidance. This is something new we are trying since the ascent profile has such a steep pitch change early and flat the rest of the way as opposed to a more gradual pitch over like for previous missions

[L-3h40m] the lights are on in Launch Control as Flight Director Lanalye's Launch Team B reports for final briefing ahead of preflight operations. Here is the ascent and mission plan for today. We barely made the mass limit to get everything we wanted up into the inner belt

[L-4h10m] Katgan has updated her forecast based on data from a recent weather balloon release & regional sources - we are now 80% GO for our launch time, still unsure about wind gusts but upper-atmo looks relatively calm. Launch operations proceeding as scheduled:

even though there is practically no room inside the capsule, Bob has still often joked the past couple of days that Jeb's whereabouts should be constantly monitored so that he wouldn't be able to sneak aboard for an extra ride into space

earlier at 2nd sunrise crews began to arrive at the launch pad to lower the rocket for late cargo onload of the Mystery Goo samples. It's not just a volatility issue, the samples are also radioactive & thus would have been a minor hazard to pad crew during rollout/WDR yesterday

MSV Aldeny has set out for the recovery zone ~135km to the east. A rather funny but legitimate concern on this mission was, we are sending the rocket nearly straight up - could Kerbin rotate enough to have it fall back down on us? Thankfully, it's not going high enough for that

🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-4)

6/23
#2🌄07:38:09 🌅09:48:29
#3🌄13:39:00 🌅15:49:20 !!🚀!!
#4🌄19:39:51 🌅21:50:11

6/24
#1🌄01:40:42 🌅03:51:02

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!

based on data from past Progeny Mk6 flights through the belts, we have a very rough picture of their shape (details here: kerbalspace.agency/?p=9336) and the inner/outer belts are compressed by the kerbolar wind, so they are slightly closer to Kerbin's surface over the dayside

WDR came up with no GSE issues, all launch readiness reports have been signed off on by @DKerman_KSA, rocket is prepped for launch procedures to begin tomorrow @ 17:50 UTC. Launch window is near-instantaneous mid-day cycle as we want the deepest inner belt penetration possible

we're sticking to a familiar timeline, and as the sun sets the rocket is tanked up to capacity so the launch team can perform a wet dress rehearsal to ensure all ground support equipment is functioning properly. Rocket propellants will then be drained back

Mk1 rollout was successful and before it will be lifted vertical for mounting to the engine clamp and service towers a comms check was done for both high-gain antennas. Data rates are good, they will be folded back down & the rocket mounted for fueling prior to WDR

final closeouts were successfully completed today on the Ascension Mk1, now loaded up onto the carry vehicle for roll out on Monday! Congrats to all the teams on getting back to this point, ready to launch a rocket once again after nearly 3 months

our recovery ship MSV Aldeny has made the ~900km journey started Wednesday from its berth in Sheltered Rock, from Jeb's recovery, to port in Umbarg. Over the weekend it will engage in drills offshore here at KSC to get the crew back up to speed for capsule recovery

the 2nd K2-X engine from the order placed back in Feb has arrived at KSC. It will be static fired next week after the Mk1 mission and then will serve as backup to Bob's mission and the 2nd Mk2 mission before being assigned its own flight - likely to deploy commsats on a Mk2!

CFO Mortimer has published our latest financial report, which shows us eating - nay, gorging on the profits we made in Feb thanks to the orbital Kerbin I mission. Another reason to pause ops - rocket flights not yet sustainable. Full report: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…

a tough decision has been made. The Kerbal Space Agency will be suspending launch operations for at least the next two months while we reassess Ascension & Progenitor program management. More details in this press release from @DKerman_KSA: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10854

the final K2-X engine from the order placed back in Aug 2019 has arrived. It will be static fired next week and then assigned to the Ascension Mk1 mission in May that will carry the unkerbed capsule up through the radiation belts

telemetry data from yesterday's mission is now available. What we thought was transmission issues in the ascent telemetry turned out to be a timing issue on the rocket that is still being investigated, only seemed to affect logging thankfully  docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…

Jeb was just congratulated personally over radio by the Presider and will also get a chance to be honored in person when MSV Aldeny docks in Sheltered Rock tomorrow, now making best speed out of the recovery zone after also tracking down and collecting the heat shield

sun has set but the capsule has been recovered w/o issue thx to night exercises as part of standard mission training. Here's a photo Jeb took while waiting. Photos from space will also be released in the coming days. Congrats to all the teams on another successful kerbed mission!

Jeb has confirmed he is afloat, capsule is not sinking nor taking on water. While he can unstrap & stand on the seat to stretch a bit he'll have to wait for MSV Aldeny to haul him out of the water before he can exit the capsule. Taking a swim is for emergencies only. Even for him

SPLASHDOWN! Welcome home to our latest space voyager - Captain Jeb! While his rash action failed at allowing him to break Val's records for altitude & duration as he'd hoped, leaving him slightly unsatisfied, he readily admits the experience was still worth it.✨🎉 Kerzzah! 🎊✨

full chute deployment, confirmed by MSV Aldeny ~20km away able to full-frame it this time with a telephoto lens as capsule drifts down at ~6m/s in the soft glow of sunset. Flotation collar is armed & heat shield will be dumped just before hitting the water

cheers & applause in Launch Control as Jeb contacts us to confirm chute deploy! Chutes are reefed & continue to decelerate him but the worst is over, similar to Val he dealt with +10G (11.2 max) for 6 seconds. MSV Aldeny hasn't had much time to get underway but are <30min out

blazing through the atmosphere now, we expect plasma blackout to occur at any second (ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=ascens… will show it happening) and last up to 30-60s, after which we should get confirmation of chutes popping. Descent profile at reentry was nominal

without causing any more hassle Jeb has the capsule prepped for re-entry, heat shield facing forward & LES decoupled. He will also place the capsule into a roll to help ensure the radial chutes do not get cooked. He's been looking forward to this - the centrifuge can't sim it

with awe in his voice Jeb says he just witnessed a beautiful sight watching Mun set, although that's really from his capsule falling back down and now passing through 200km he has to reluctantly leave the window and begin preparations for re-entry

and Jeb continues to not earn any points today when he refuses the suggestion to decouple the LES tower, saying he finds the extra effort to maneuver the capsule makes it easier to control. That is within his purview, however, as capsule commander. Coming up on apokee in <30s

Jeb is unstrapped & floating in 0G, taking photos out the capsule window. Flight surgeon says all vitals are nominal. Lanalye is still livid but at this point in the mission there is no other need for the LES' alternate backup uses & splashdown zone shifted by only ~20km

LES push motors were triggered from within the capsule shortly after RCS push, increasing apokee to 244km. This was *not* a planned or approved action & FD Lanalye is turning purple. Jeb is actually trying to convince her that he accidentally bumped the (covered) switch

MECO 3km short of target altitude, rocket is a bit shallow on ascent with an apokee of 206km instead of 239km as planned. Capsule has been released & will push away on RCS thrust, then Jeb will flip over to look back at lifter & confirm good sep and increasing distance

Jeb says he's "loving the real deal" as flight continues into the upper-atmosphere w/ only minor "roll-shake" turbulence. Thrust is <50% but pitch authority remains nominal. Passing above 30km Jeb will soon get a kick as the engine throttles to full @ 40km ASL in the next minute

smooooth flight so far, engine performance nominal. Guidance right on track. Telemetry is dropping in & out but Jeb's calling out good instrument readings, all systems nominal. Rocket is through MaxQ and about to go supersonic, where the ride could start getting a little bumpy

LIFT OFF of the 12th Ascension Mk1 carrying Captain Jebediah up on his first trip into space! As the rocket clears the tower guidance will enable, throttle will push up to and hold 1.5 TWR. Once Jeb stops laughing maniacally he should begin calling out instrument readings

[T-1m] back to the final seconds once again. Flight surgeon reports Jeb's heart rate is elevated as expected, no doubt as he asks himself - "can this finally be happening??" Tune in now to find out live if T-30s polls are GO via streaming telemetry: ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=ascens…

[T-2m] "GO! GO! GO!" yelled Jeb over the comms when asked for his status to move into terminal count, a play on the other word we do *not* want to hear called out three times at any point in the next two minutes. Capsule power internal, comms RF. EC monitoring active

yellow flag just popped up next to the wind readings on the main display at Launch Control. Everyone's trying to not look at it but of course it can't be ignored. If winds continue to increase and it goes red... no, we're not thinking about it. But we're still watching it

[L-5m] final general polling has come back GO from all stations! Jeb is switching his suit over to internal capsule systems while the FTS does the same. Rocket fuel tanks will soon add pressure for rigidity to prep for service boom retraction. A hush falls over the crowd outside

[L-15m] rocket is ARMED for ignition, LES & FTS both ACTIVE. Any incursion to the airspace exclusion zone, downrange ascent marine corridor or 500m ground blast safety radius will immediately halt the count. You don't want to be the one to make Jeb even more frustrated

[L-30m] with the launch team still working no issues, fair weather both here and in the recovery zone where MSV Aldeny sailed back to yesterday, we have a GO for final countdown procedures to commence. Launch pad is evacuated and RSO is preparing to close the range

[L-1h30m] pre-launch ops continuing without issue, preparing now to send up the second weather balloon for a final check of upper-level conditions. Winds are picking up on the surface but trending within expected limits. Jeb's latest comment is "can we get going already?"

[L-2h55m] we have a GO for tanking ops. Flight computer is online and Monolith chilldown was performed earlier today to withhold the formation of storms. FD Lanalye is making sure no one is treating these operations as "routine", so soon from last time. Complacency is dangerous!

we've finally allowed the surface map to move in twice the current zoom level to make it easier to see the rocket moving & mouse over markers in the early ascent stages. A future orbital mission will provide us with higher detail hopefully in the next year or so

[L-4h20m] crew loading was without issue. Jeb is aboard while Bob waits in the Astronaut Complex. Rocket is being raised back to vertical for mounting and tanking. Flight briefing will be underway soon and there are no changes from last week: twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtr…

[L-5h10m] launch prep underway with a favorable report from the weather balloon sent up earlier to check on upper-level winds. Surface conditions remain green as well altho attention still being paid to winds from a high pressure system offshore. Countdown remains the same:

🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-4)

3/20
#2🌄08:15:57 🌅10:26:17 !!🚀!!
#3🌄14:16:48 🌅16:27:08  
#4🌄20:17:39 🌅22:27:59

3/21
#1🌄02:18:30 🌅04:28:50

drainback of remaining propellants is underway after a successful static fire. We lit the engine, ran it to launch thrust & for good measure throttled it up to ascent TWR of 1.5, held it for 10s then went to full for 30. Not a full burn but enough to feel confident about tomorrow

Jeb's Ascension Mk1 has been rolled out to the pad to be hooked up & fired. We don't plan to do this before every launch moving forward, but in this case with time already wasted we certainly don't want to go through all the trouble again of reaching T-0 to suffer a similar issue

Lead Engineer Simon reports the engine for Jeb's rocket developed a bad fuel flow sensor in the time between static fire and launch. They will replace the part, seek higher quality from the manufacturer, and have the engine ready again for Bob's mission in April

still no diagnosis on Jeb's engine, but luckily we don't have to wait for one because the engine for Bob's flight is tested and ready. Lead Engineer Simon says they can swap it for another launch attempt next week, now targeting lift off on 3/20 @ 16:15 UTC

actually it will be the Ascension Mk1 that gets to continue Mystery Goo studies. The flight in May will carry two radial goo canisters on the side of the unkerbed Mk1 capsule up through both radiation belts and out of the magnetosheath twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtr…

medical team gave Jeb his games back while he remains stuck in quarantine. Although they tend to get him a bit worked up at times, better than having him depressed thinking about the continued setbacks in his attempts to get up into space

propellant drainback has been completed, service arm will now be swung away again so the rocket can be lowered for Jeb to egress from the capsule and head back to the Astronaut Complex. He and Bob will remain in quarantine until a decision is made on the next launch attempt

we got Jeb calmed down, rocket is once again safed, including FTS & LES. We have to rehook the service boom to drain propellants before the rocket can be lowered so Jeb will have to stew out there for a while yet. At least hookup means he has continuous power for climate control

[ABORT] "NOOOOOOOOOO!" came Jeb's holler over the comms, followed by banging noises, as he felt the rumble of the engine subside. AFCS has still failed to detect proper lift off thrust and we will have to unfortunately scrub today's launch & rollback for a good look at the engine

[T-1m] final 30s polls coming up, same automated sequence will follow as before. If you are tuned into the Ops Tracker keep a close eye on the telemetry data - it does show current TWR!

[T-2m] back in terminal count, AFCS once again has control. Power levels have continued to drop since first terminal count but we still have enough battery life to give this another shot. Fuel usage from 1st attempt won't have any large impact on ascent plans

[L-5m] once again back to general polls, all GO. Rocket is rearmed for ignition & AFCS is back to waiting for terminal count. Everything will proceed as before (except pressurization, already completed) and hopefully this time the engine will perform as expected

work is underway to reboot the flight computer & reload op code to make sure that wasn't an issue. Lift off now targeted for 16:15 UTC. This is one of the faster launch recycles that controllers will have to perform but FD Lanalye is confident in her team's training

no one is finding anything unusual in the data leading up to lift off so we will try again. K2-X cannot be relit in flight but on the ground we can restart it as many times as needed. If this 2nd attempt fails tho launch will be scrubbed for a more detailed engine investigation

rocket engine is safed, clock reset to L-5min. Jeb is of course frustrated & altho rocket would have still gone upwards at launch w/1.18 TWR, failure to set thrust properly could mean it also doesn't throttle up enough later in flight to make it to space, which would be a waste

[ABORT] AFCS threw an automated hold just before lift off when it did not detect proper launch thrust setting. RSO is working with Jeb to safe the rocket while controllers take a close look at the telemetry data to determine whether this is an issue that can be overcome w/o scrub

[T-1m] tune into the Ops Tracker now if you're not already! ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=ascens… primary poll at T-30s coming up & real-time ascent telemetry should load shortly after that. Here is the final automated event sequence prior to launch:

[T-2m] all remains GO as we enter terminal countdown, AFCS has assumed control of the rocket, service boom detached & capsule now on internal power, life support and RF comms. EC drain being monitored and comm checks underway. Jeb has tasks to keep him occupied up to launch

[L-3m] prelim fuel tank pressurization underway to increase rigidity & allow the rocket to stand on its own atop the engine support clamp once the service tower boom swings away in the next minute. Jeb will call out his own GO shortly to confirm he is prepped for terminal count

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

Bill is walking Jeb through a final suit integrity check followed by the switch over to internal capsule life support ahead of terminal countdown. Controllers are glued to their monitors, making final checks as well in prep for FD Lanalye to conduct final general GO/NO GO polls

[L-13m] late onload of pressurization gas underway. Modifications made to the upper liquid fuel bulkhead moved the nitrogen tanks up higher and necessitated that we also raise the capsule up a bit as well, creating a small enshrouded interstage gap

[L-15m] RSO has confirmed airspace is clear out to our 20km exclusion zone & ascent corridor over the water is empty of vessels. Rocket Flight Termination System is ACTIVE, engine ignition ARMED. Jeb's heart rate slightly elevated as he rapidly taps his foot. Impatience, he says

[L-30m] Kat & her weather team confirm surface conditions remain green throughout our daytime launch window & we have a GO to enter into final countdown! Launch control resetting after a clean rehearsal to link back up with the live rocket. Jeb is humming contently to himself

[L-45m] launch rehearsal is underway to uncover any final issues that may have evaded the teams during preflight. Launch site is locked down & cleared of all vehicles except for the small tanker truck carrying the nitrogen pressurization gas

checking in with MSV Aldeny out in the recovery zone and in range of Ockr Relay they confirm weather and sea conditions remain good for splashdown. We're still evaluating ascent accuracy and whether for future missions to have a land target to use in event of rough seas

[L-1h20m] another high-altitude balloon has been released so we can get updated information on upper-level conditions before the general polling at L-5min. Wind shear constraints are a bit tighter due to the new extended interstage between the capsule and fuel tank

[L-1h30m] preflight wrapping up on schedule with 0 issues, rocket is healthy & ready to go! Launch site lockdown underway for final evacuation as Range Safety Officer begins final check with the SkyWatch team of the waters and airspace surrounding KSC

[L-1h55m] another planned pad evacuation underway as preflight moves into engine and ignition checks. So far issues board remains clear, valve problem from earlier this week has been fixed. Jeb is now out of things to do except chit-chat with Bill on CapCom

"Rolling left. Check?"
"Check"
"Pitching up. Check?"
"Check"
....
call/response continues between Jeb & the pad crew as he manipulates the manual controls & they confirm movement. Rocket may operate under automated control but the kerb aboard still has plenty of preflight tasks

[L-2h40m] tanking ops wrapped up on schedule and rocket is now 7t heavier with liquid fuel & oxidizer, bringing its total mass to 10.814t. Preflight operations are now continuing while the pad crew moves back in to clean up and prepare to lock down the launch site

[L-2h55m] we have a GO to begin tanking operations. Monolith chilldown in effect, no change to atmospheric pressure. Launch Escape System is armed & Jeb actually knows from past experience that if the tank happens to blow up he'll be safe from harm

[L-3h10m] remounting was successful & w/o issue allowing the launch team to begin preflight operations, waking up the capsule computer and onloading flight instructions, including a new comms protocol (bit.ly/AFCS_ChangeLog) Jeb also has work to do setting up manual controls

Jeb's rocket is using the old-style fins but they are also the newer lighter versions, so his rocket masses 59kg less than Val's. It's amazing how much difference that can make, his ascent profile required completely different angle & power settings to still land near Ockr Relay

[L-3h40m] rocket mounting proceeding well, Flight Director Lanalye's A team of launch controllers is now assembling for final mission briefing. Like past kerbed flights, Jeb's mission will primarily be to measure physical response to 0G & re-entry forces

[L-4h20m] back on track as capsule hatch is sealed and pad crew begins to raise the rocket back to vertical for remounting. Bill is at the pad plugged into the capsule to maintain contact with Jeb during the process, as capsule comms to Launch Control are not yet online

[L-4h41m] crew loading underway a few minutes late - FD Lanalye had given the pad crew special instructions to *not* allow Jeb to climb up on the rocket again. After his attempts were foiled he then refused to pose for a new photo and began to climb into the capsule

🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-4)

3/12
#2🌄07:48:45 🌅09:59:05 !!🚀!!
#3🌄13:49:36 🌅15:59:56
#4🌄19:50:27 🌅22:00:47

3/13
#1🌄01:51:18 🌅04:01:38

[L-4h57m] crew shuttle departed on schedule 3 min ago and is now passing Launch Control on its way to the pad with Jeb aboard. Bob will remain in the Astronaut Complex suited up and ready to replace Jeb at any time. According to Jeb that time would be "over my dead body!"

[L-5h10m] weather balloon released earlier shows upper level atmospheric conditions to be within limits, surface forecast remains 90% GO. Rocket is back horizontal and capsule is awaiting crew ingress. Here is today's launch timeline, expect updates at each milestone

the flight crew are being roused from bed, will be given their choice breakfast and then proceed to get suited up. They aren't the only ones up super early - weather team is out to release a high-altitude balloon and pad crew is heading out to lower the rocket

latest report from the KWS shows that we will likely get hit by the outer bands of the storm so launch has been delayed further until tomorrow, now targeting lift off @ 15:45 UTC. Further delays are possible - we will see what happens with the weather later today

🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-4)

3/11
#2🌄07:45:21 🌅09:55:41
#3🌄13:46:12 🌅15:56:32 ??🚀??
#4🌄19:47:03 🌅21:57:23

3/12
#1🌄01:47:54 🌅03:58:14

wet dress rehearsal was good and identified a minor valve issue in the GSE that will be rectified by tomorrow so no hold up for launch. Although propellants are stable tanks have been drained so the rocket can be lowered again for crew loading

all ground stations, dishes and antenna that will be supporting the upcoming mission have undergone comms checks and are good to go. One of our Tracking Station dishes is undergoing routine maintenance but the other two will be able to provide primary/backup requirements

upon the pod you can see 1 of 2 radial parachutes that will provide triple redundancy. Main chutes have never failed & can land the capsule with only 2/3 deployed but radials can be used in partial main failure or even in complete main failure 1 is enough twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtr…

it's the crack o' dawn and the Ascension Mk1 is on its way to the launch pad, where it will be erected and later today tanked up as part of the wet dress rehearsal as final steps are taken today to prepare the Space Center for launch tomorrow!

KWS has dispatched another flight from Sheltered Rock as the storm out to sea continues to develop. Not sure at this time whether or not it will head our way but if so it could disrupt our launch plans. They will be keeping us informed of the data that is collected

the Ascension Mk1 passed load checks last week and was put back to horizontal for final checks consisting of a 26-page closeout process that was finished today for tomorrow's launch readiness review. It has been loaded up onto the carry vehicle to prepare for tomorrow's rollout

the doctors finally had to take away Jeb's video games - not because he wasn't getting enough sleep but his stress levels were staying quite high. He's a bit of an angry gamer... Bob in contrast has been working on his meditation twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtr…

Kerbin Weather Society called for a flight to investigate a gathering storm out on the Kerblantic but with Jeb in quarantine and no additional flight crew to assist Val we had to tell them to send the crew out from Sheltered Rock instead. Good thing we own our aircraft...

once again Jeb comes out of sim training with the most mission successes. He says he wishes he and Val were a permanent crew pairing so they could go head to head more often (Jeb is Val's backup in the rotation). Bob may have lagged, but still learned from all his mistakes

final integration of Jeb's Mk1 is underway today & tomorrow. Although the new fins are both lighter and cheaper his rocket will sport the older ones as the first use of the newer ones actually replaced these, so we had them as spares & sub-orbital ascent profile is steep

tickets are going fast for this upcoming launch that will see kerbals returning to space! There will be no VIP visitors and all viewing sites at KSC will be available. As always the non-ticketed areas are first-come first-serve and overflow will be held at the Support Village

Captain Jeb will get his second chance to go to space next month! Mission has gotten its final approval, launch date has been decided for 3/11 @ 14:40 UTC. More information on the mission can be found at the Ops Tracker - ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=ascens…

K2-X engine for Specialist Bob's mission in April has been delivered for final inspection, along with static fire testing next month. This is the 2nd of 3 arriving in this first quarter of the year, with 3 more in Q3 that should hold us until the new lifter engine is completed

monthly financial report has been released by CFO Mortimer - lightning towers, centrifuge, pad repairs - lots of large infrastructure expenses this month. We expect to burn money the first half of this year but not as much as January (we hope) docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…

after a week of multiple high-G runs in the centrifuge using the latest suit, seat and strap adjustments (based on data from Murstap's tests) both Bob and Jeb report to be feeling much less fatigued and have found the stresses to be more tolerable under slightly higher and longer exposure

ever since we demonstrated it was possible to open the Mk1 capsule hatch in space then close & secure it again for safe re-entry on an unkerbed flight rumors have persisted about a spacewalk from Jeb or Bob. Official response: As of right now we have NO such plans

we are also keeping open the possibility that the 3rd K2-X engine would be used for a second orbital Mk2 flight, although such a mission would be under planning long enough that a new order of K2-X or the new lifter engine would likely be ready by then

new fuel tanks & other parts for 3 add'l Ascension Mk1 missions will be ordered over next few months to cover the flights of Jeb & Bob as well as an unkerbed test flight. This will use up all remaining lift engines by April & unsure at this time if the new engine will be ready

we've received the 1st of the three K2-X engines ordered back in August 2019 which will be test fired next week and if all is well be set aside for use with Cpt Jeb's mission in early March. The following two engines will arrive in February and March

we are pleased to hear Lead Engineer Simon report that the capsule from the pad abort of Jeb's mission has been re-certified for flight. It required only minimal repairs from the landing on hard ground but was nonetheless put through extensive testing these last few months

here's a look at the rough ride the rocket endured passing the transonic regime (+1 Mach), which lasted to some degree all the way through to MECO. This "roll shake" has been experienced to various extents in past flights and is still something we are trying to understand

as we said, lots to analyze from yesterday's flight but if you want to go ahead and draw your own conclusions on anything, the telemetry data up until plasma blackout is now available: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…

airship is on its way back to Sheltered Rock after locating and recovering the RTG casing - ✨🎉 KERZZAH!! 🎊✨ we should hear by next month how it endured its ballistic return from space. Perhaps sooner we'll also get a full report on the performance of this flight

post-launch operations are wrapping up while we await word from the airship, which is just now nearing the search area. The beacon within the RTG casing has 12 hours of battery power but they need to be within 2km to pick it up. The hunt begins!

we have failed to regain contact with the payload after plasma blackout, as expected. Ground controllers are already using the last-received data to give our airship charter a smaller box of coordinates to search for the impacted RTG, the only part that will be recovered

less than a minute to atmospheric re-entry. At apokee after fuel tank purge the RTG, probe core, batteries & antenna were separated from the lift stage as planned so its large drag doesn't slow things down further. The antenna will most likely burn off during re-entry

already only 20s from apokee, updated plot of the rocket's trajectory shows it on a shallower path, despite final apokee almost spot-on with LVD planning, with re-entry further downrange in a lower area, which is not ideal since it gives RTG more time to slow down

MECO @ 45km along w/ separation of the payload fairings. Rocket managed to orient and hold prograde even as the atmosphere continues to rapidly thin. Apokee was just over 80km at MECO but will degrade ever so slightly as rocket coasts out of atmo & still encounters drag

past Mach 1.3 rocket picked up roll shake that has eased but continues thru 2nd min of flight. Rocket wobble seems to be having an effect on pitch control. Significant heating has built up at the nose but this was expected & should ease after passing through 40km in a few seconds

some serious steering corrections early even before launch likely from gusting winds but rocket is now stable, through Max Q and has achieved supersonic velocity. Throttle program running as programmed to keep speed in check. Course is back on track & pitch nominal

engine start good, launch thrust nominal - we have LIFT OFF!! The 11th Ascension Mk1 begins its ascent to pave the way to orbit for the Ascension Mk2. Throttle program will kick in once it clears the tower and begins to increase its pitch over downrange

[L-1m] make sure to tune in to the Ops Tracker for live ascent telemetry! ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=ascens… it will come up after final L-30s polls if we are still GO. Past that, these are the final steps leading up to launch

[L-2m] we are now in the terminal count where the Automated Flight Control System takes full control to perform the final sequence leading up to launch. Rocket is switched over to internal power & RF comms with the detachment of the service arm. Final checks underway

[L-3m] tank pressurization has begun to strengthen it & allow the rocket to stand rigid atop the launch clamp after the service structure has been swung away and the rocket is at the mercy of surface winds, which have just started gusting

[L-5m] upper-level wind conditions are green!! Final polls passed - Range: GO; Flight: GO; Tracking: GO; Payload: GO! Ops Director @DKerman_KSA: Launch permission granted! 🚀GO ASCENSION🚀 FTS power internal, service tower boom unlocked for retraction, AFCS rdy for terminal count

this flight is operating under extremely tight tolerances for various aspects. If you see any yellow or red flashing telemetry values during the ascent, these are the constraints the rocket will be operating under. Values are trigger thresholds

[L-13m] nitrogen gas is being onloaded from a small tanker left hooked to the service towers, which is used to keep the fuel tanks pressurized. This is done late in the countdown while the pad is permanently cleared of all crew to prevent any injury in the event of a tank rupture

[L-15m] Range Safety Officer has closed the range, pad crews have cleared out. Flight Termination System is ACTIVE, engine is ARMED. All kerbs must remain inside designated spectator areas & remember hearing protection while outdoors for launch is REQUIRED

[L-30m] 🎵 It's the final countdown... 🎶 we are still unsure of upper-atmospheric conditions but surface conditions are forecast to remain green for launch the remainder of the day cycle, so in the event of a scrub due to upper-level winds we will have the chance to wait it out

[L-45m] pad is locked down, crews standing by in case any new issues pop up in the launch rehearsal that is about to get underway. Crowds are starting to gather outside as more kerbs are bused over from the Support Village. Astronaut Complex mess hall closes in 20min!

[L-1h20m] off on the water our small utility boat has released another weather balloon, which will reach the upper-atmosphere just prior to L-5min polls to give us an update on upper-level wind conditions. With tightened constraints, they need to be calmer than usual

to be clear, boats, aircraft and airship all exist in the area, but they are all staying outside our exclusion zone and they are all operating on registered route plans. A "bogey" would be any object of unknown nature, not just on track towards KSC

[L-1h30m] rocket is healthy & prepped for flight! Issues board remains clear, now to ensure airspace & waters around KSC will remain clear for launch as well. SkyWatch is currently tracking no bogeys on course for KSC but will remain vigilant while ground crews close out the pad

[L-1h55m] preliminary pre-flight has been completed without issue, leaving only the engine & ignition systems left to look at. For crew safety the pad is being evacuated ahead of these final checks

[L-2h40m] tanking has wrapped up on schedule, with crews already getting the truck unhooked and controllers continuing with their preflight operations while keeping a close eye on tank levels to ensure there are no minor leaks in the fuel system

[L-2h55m] rocket has been initialized & configured for fueling. Crews on the pad have been given the GO by controllers to begin onloading 7t of liquid propellants, then clearing out to a safe distance for the duration of tanking operations. Check out the new pad lights!

[L-3h10m] launch controllers are moving into preflight operations as the ground crews on the launch pad receive the tanker truck. Operations code will soon be onloaded to the rocket's flight controller, which can be reviewed here bit.ly/AFCS_ChangeLog

more details on the Mk2 orbital path colors from our Ops Director earlier this month: twitter.com/DKerman_KSA/st…

the slower ascent also means the final trajectory is reasonable - at full throttle this ascent would send the Mk1 halfway to Mun!! This would place it out of radio range, unsure of its impact location. Instead it will fall around Sheltered Rock to perform another RTG impact test

in addition to flying the same pitch profile, the Mk1 also has to throttle to match velocity of the slower & heavier Mk2. If it didn't do this, the faster speed would increase airflow and thus control authority, making it harder to determine if Mk2 could then follow suit

[L-3h40m] all of Flight Director Lanalye's launch team A are assembled & ready, now going through the final pre-flight briefing. Mission profile will simulate a Mk2 ascent, tasking the Mk1 to fly the same trajectory that has already been simulated to place a Mk2 into orbit

[L-4h10m] weather balloon that was released earlier today has returned data that meteorologists have used in their updated forecast which predicts 90% favorable launch conditions at the surface. That is a GO for launch controllers to get on console & begin prep for prelaunch ops

🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-5)

1/22
#2🌅07:09:09 🌄10:59:38
#3🌅13:10:00 !!🚀!! 🌄17:00:29
#4🌅19:10:51 🌄23:01:20

1/23
#1🌅01:11:42 🌄05:02:11

launch has been delayed 6hrs due to upper-level winds & the threat of a low-pressure system encroaching from out at sea carrying thick cloud cover over the KSC. We will launch another balloon to determine if conditions have improved to begin countdown @ 20:27 UTC

our new tighter launch commit criteria extends to launch procedures as well, as in we will not even start them w/o good indication of acceptable weather later in the day. Balloon is already on its way up to give meteorologists data to determine if countdown will begin @ 14:27 UTC

🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-5)

1/21
#2🌅07:05:45 🌄10:56:14
#3🌅13:06:36 !!🚀!! 🌄16:57:05
#4🌅19:07:27 🌄22:57:56

1/22
#1🌅01:08:18 🌄04:58:47

SkyWatch team has confirmed our ground-based radar system that provides 360° coverage of KSC airspace along with coverage of the waters east of KSC is functioning nominally to ensure no sea or air-based incursions present a possible hazard to launch procedures

Flight Director Lanalye has been drilling her A team hard since the start of the month to get back to used to working with the Ascension after two months of Progenitor operations. The B team has already been working since last month to prep for operations with the Progeny Mk7-B

good reports in from down-range tracking stations at Sheltered Rock and Ockr, which don't actually actively track the spacecraft but allow for relay of telemetry that allows us to continue to monitor its progress during flight once it flies over the horizon from KSC

the Ascension Mk1 began its trip to the launch pad a short while ago to be mounted, seen here rolling out of the shadow of the VAB as we approach 2nd sunset. By the time the sun rises again it will be vertical and undergoing final launch readiness checks

crew training was planned and begun last month but has now kicked into high gear for the next kerbed Ascension mission (TBD NET Mar). Captain Jeb will once again be primary crew with Specialist Bob as his backup. Spc Bill will be primary on CapCom with Commander Val as his backup

what are we hoping to achieve in 2020? Last week we shared details on Extremis goals and now we have information for the rest of our programs in this report: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10258 what are you most looking forward to from us in 2020?

up until now the crew service tower has also acted as a lightning rod but the Ascension Mk2 can rise taller so rods have been installed around the pad to protect it from any hazardous weather. Yes, they are also sunk several meters into the ground & will stop an aircraft

behind the payload workers are busy getting the old static fins off the future Mk2 tank to be replaced with actuating fins, which will also be tested on the next Mk1, which is off-image to the right at "center stage" for final tank/engine/fin integration checks

Lead Engineer Simon reports work in the VAB is ramping up well coming back from the break, with final checks being performed on the next Ascension Mk1 payload before it is encapsulated in the first set of 1.25m payload fairings set to be flown hopefully later this month

CFO Mortimer has compiled his report for December as well as all of 2019 to show that we actually managed to pull off a small profit this past year. Kerzzah! Still quite a ways from net gain but a promising step towards commercial success  docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…

check it out - 2019 was the first full calendar year that saw continuous operations! We did take a few hits this year that reduced our operational capacity but KSC was not shut down for any extended period of time. Here's looking to a stronger 2020!

rocket launches were up from last year, which only had 11, and we put 2 kerbals into space! That lineup could increase to as many as 6+ rockets by the end of next year with continued development of the Progeny Mk7 along with debut of the Ascension Mk2 & Mk3

a tumultuous year for our crew - a death, severe injury, severe anxiety, almost getting blown up... Val & Bill had it the best with successful space missions. Hopefully Jeb & Bob will get to pin some new ribbons next year. Will our crew grow again? Possibly

launch pad resurfacing was completed last week to allow work on the service structures to now begin. Further back from the pad, the crew tower has already seen repairs to the minor damage it suffered and we look forward to finally using it in 2020!

CFO Mortimer is happy that we managed to squeeze out a slight profit last month! Thanks as always to our bit.ly/KSA_Patreon supporters for their help as well, with a new record for donations this month docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…

the Air Safety Administration has confirmed it completed its investigation into the Deuce crash but has more work to do with law enforcement officials before the report can be released - hopefully by the end of this week

a final report has been submitted by Lead Engineer Simon after review of the launch pad damage. It will take at least the remainder of the year - we need to make major repairs with minor replacements, but hopefully we can kick off 2020 with an Ascension launch!

KNN reported a leak from the ASA investigation into the wreckage of the Deuce that crashed into our launch pad: conclusive evidence has been found that it is the plane reported missing earlier this year. The remains of the sole occupant who piloted the plane have yet to be ID'd

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