All the tweets pertaining to the design and operation of the vessel. 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
say hello to the new member of the Genesis family! The Deuce will be our 1st multi-crew, multi-engine passenger-capable fixed-wing aircraft
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there is a lot to talk about regarding this new aircraft & C7 lays out all the juicy details in this press release: bit.ly/Genesis-PR7
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in addition to ordering the parts to build our first Deuce in May, we've ordered 3 Mk1-B boosters for at least 1 more MK3 launch end of Apr
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
so ends another day of operations here @ KSC but this one was special: today we've orbited Kerbol twice since the start of the KSA. Kerzzah!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here is the ops review for this past week. Of note is our initial Mk3 analysis. Everyone have a relaxing weekend bit.ly/OpsSummary4-10ā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/GenesisProgram have accepted several new contracts for the Civvie to handle, turning a profit on the aircraft for the 1st time!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Genesis Program itself is still deep in the red, but that's mainly thx to Deuce development. Genesis profit will come after Deuce profit
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
over the next month these parts will be assembled into our 1st bit.ly/-Deuce aircraft! Flight trials expected at the start of June
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mortimer says that up until today, Apr was looking like our 3rd straight month in the red for net profit & now we're well in the green again
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
party on everyone! For those not able to attend, here is our weekly recap. Everyone enjoy their time off! bit.ly/OpsSummary4-24ā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mortimer has posted our April bit.ly/FinanceReport_ā¦ and it's nice to see a full spread of green numbers again! Revenue growth is projected
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HAB had all the Deuce parts prepped by the end of last week & have been making good progress on their first full day of assembly work
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kravass General Airport held its official opening ceremony earlier today, Jeb gave a nice short speech. Congrats to C7 & Kravass Muni Dept
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
work on the Deuce going well, entire airframe is complete & the twin engines are going on next week while internal cabling/wiring starts
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HAB will be spending the rest of the wk finalizing the installation of the twin engines on the Deuce & also prep for ctrl surfaces next wk
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
both the Deuce & 2nd Progeny Mk4 have their final main integration work today, VAB & HAB so busy they are closed to non-essential workers
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
main build phase completed, the first Deuce is getting examined carefully in & out by technicians before the final build phase is approved
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final closeout tasks require NO further changes to airframe w/o massive delays & extra cost so everything being double & triple checked!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 has cleared the Deuce to begin final assembly phase over the next week, targeting the following week to begin ground & flight trials
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Head of Finances Mortimer has closed the books on May, you can review all our operational transactions at bit.ly/FinanceReport_ā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Deuce is approaching final closeout, with lights and access ladders visible outside & more cabin necessities installed on the inside
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb was hanging out in the VAB earlier & noticed we still have 2 Mk1-B boosters. He casually mentioned to Simon launching 1 from the Civvie
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
initially scoffing at the idea, Simon reports he has since started to give it some serious consideration given no Mk4 flights until July...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon casually mentioned Jeb's idea to Drew who was like "hahahah- wait you're serious?" Simon admitted he still wasn't sure about it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final closeout work today on the Deuce - we expect to hear from C7 by the end of the day if it is ready for ground trials to begin next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is complete! That and more details about today's bizarre KB mission in our ops summary: bit.ly/OpsSummary6-5-ā¦ enjoy the weekend, all
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather was nice this day cycle and if it holds then Jeb will perform ground trials in the Deuce come 3rd sunrise (look again for Mun)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has suited up and is headed over to the HAB to get briefed on today's trials, testing engines, controls, systems, brakes, etc etc
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce has been rolled out of the HAB & Jeb has begun his walkaround inspection while 1t of total fuel is loaded into the two wing tanks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with a final customary kick of the tires to finalize his walkaround inspection Jeb is ready to climb aboard the Deuce & begin his preflight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has all the basics out of the way - avionics are good, external lights are good, control surfaces are good - time for engine checks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
engine #1 fired up! Jeb will perform idle checks, run-up checks, EC checks, taxi checks - lots of checks to ensure it is operating normally
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we think Jeb is having a bit too much fun taxiing on 1 engine. He says he's not trying to do donuts but "test the main gear's lateral grip"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
focus is now moving over to engine #2 on the right after shutting down engine #1. Same idea - test everything to ensure it is running well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
both engines are now operating & Jeb will do more taxiing to see how the wheel suspension feels while also checking the thrust reversers
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taxiing on the dirt runway feels good, reports Jeb. Sped up to around 40m/s to simulate a landing rollout & tested brakes several times
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
heading down to the turf runway, Jeb will do some full-power runs approaching take off speed & also test thrust reversal for slowing down
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taxiing back to the HAB, Jeb reports he'll need a better way to activate both reversers together & wheel braking action needs improvement
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 will analyze the TDU for a much closer look at all performance aspects of today's test while HAB workers apply Jeb's needed tweaks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
depending on what C7 finds in the hundreds of monitored variables the Deuce will be assigned further ground trials or be approved for flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after talking w/Progenitor engineers Simon has agreed to un-retire the Mk1-B & go forward w/Jeb's idea of an airborne rocket launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
however, a fully-assembled Mk1-B will not fit underneath the Civvie, so the one now being prepped will eventually be used with the Deuce
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 says overall Deuce performance yesterday was excellent, but have found a potential issue in the fuel system they are still investigating
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce has been cleared for flight tests! Issue noted yesterday still a minor concern & will continue to be monitored under flight conditions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb will see how she handles tomorrow after 3rd sunrise & is of course super stoked to be first pilot of a multi-engine aircraft. History!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a few workers & technicians staying late to wrap up Mk1-B structural work. Payload integration tomorrow, just batteries & an MCU
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no offense to Jeb, but rescue crews ran practice exercises earlier in the day & are now debriefing & prepping for Deuce test flight later
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is getting ready, Deuce will be rolled out at sunrise & flight will be later than usual to ensure good visibility during the test
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
briefing underway. Jeb will keep things simple this 1st flight - get up, establish level flight, get a feel for handling then get back down
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce has been rolled out to the tarmac in front of the HAB as the sun rises w/Mun just finishing its transit across, ending an eclipse
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is out doing his walkaround inspection prior to climbing into the cabin & performing his preflight routine. Weather is looking great
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
both engines fired up, all systems nominal, Flight has cleared Jeb to taxi. Winds 0-3kts @ 315, Rwy27 chosen to stay over land on departure
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has reached the hold point down on the turf & Flight has cleared him for takeoff. He will apply full thrust, flaps at 2. Here we go...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
he's up! He's away! Jeb reports slideslip on the takeoff roll, which was countered. Deuce was airborne ~500m down the runway at ~50m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
confirming positive rate of climb, Jeb has cleaned up the wings & undercarriage - gear up! Working to maintain runway hdg, battling sideslip
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
climbing thru 1km, going for at least 2km to give himself recovery room, Jeb says there is a *big* leftward-roll tendency at stick neutral
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
attempting to level off @ 2km, traveling 126m/s, Jeb is finding the controls way too sensitive, especially the elevators (controlling pitch)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
30km downrange to the west Jeb has made a slow, careful turn back towards KSC to setup for landing. Says keeping in control is very tiring
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight confirmed he wanted to land so soon. Jeb doesn't like ctrl response, afraid he will over-correct in attempting any maneuver testing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
1km pattern altitude 7.5km south of KSC but still traveling 98m/s Jeb is working to slow down & continue to descend w/engines at idle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
down < 500m & 60m/s rolling out into base leg Jeb says he's fighting to stay a step ahead of what the plane is trying to do he doesn't want
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is too low & has lost sight of the runway, has started to turn final early & climb back up, not calling a missed approach just yet
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has called runway in sight & is back on good approach for landing, flaps full & Flight reminded him to check that his gear is down š
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
"Mayday! Mayday!" Jeb lost control shortly after our last tweet & crashed into the water 6km short of the runway. Rescue boat already onsite
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is visible, responsive, talking over short-range emergency radio as nose cone damaged. Engines stripped off as designed. Deuce is afloat
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
assessment by emergency response crews completed & Jeb is instructed to not egress unless he notices water leaking in. Setting up a tow now
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
oof, we need a bigger boat. Tow is making slow progress. Thankfully Jeb has assured us he is not in need of immediate medical attention
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is back to shore & crews already there to haul it out of the water & back to HAB. Jeb is off to the med center for an evaluation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb suffered through a full medical examination & has been released with some muscle relaxants but otherwise a clean bill of health
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 has already called in their crash investigation team, thankfully all data recorders are intact. Engines will be dredged up from seafloor
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
despite the recent setback for the Deuce, closeout work proceeding on the Mk1-B. It will standby for use whenever the Deuce is ready for it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
also despite the crash the Deuce *did* fly, so bit.ly/GenesisProgram has now achieved all of its original primary goals! More may be added
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
salvage ship arrived over Deuce crash site earlier today & has successfully hauled up both engines, which are now being delivered to HAB
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the engine recovery is vital to the crash investigation to ensure no mechanical issues were to blame, regardless of what flight data says
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
speaking of Deuce flight data, here's a look at the trouble Jeb had w/aircraft control. Preliminary crash details in ops summary later today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
another busy week wraps up here at KSC. Even if you saw it all, additional info almost always included in our bit.ly/OpsSummary6-12ā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is off to Kravass via Umbarg to join Val & pin wings on the new flight instructors. Original plan: fly Deuce there then back w/ Val :/
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good news from C7: Deuce's cabin is sound & will not have to be replaced or overhauled - that is a lot of work knocked off the rebuild
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
damage assessment expected to be completed later this week. Wings now focus of inspection, def need replacing but note of damage still req'd
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce crash investigation reports both engines were functioning normally, as reported by telemetry data. All mechanical issues ruled out
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new engine pods, gear, wings & nose cone ordered for Deuce rebuild, engineers are now looking into the tail section as a source of sideslip
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
time to close out the work week! As usual, review of this past week & extra details available in our Ops Summary: bit.ly/OpsSummary6-19ā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce crash investigation nearing completion. Rebuild won't be fully underway until 7/11 - many parts, like wings, need to be specially made
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
some of the simpler parts like nose cones & lights already here, also both new PT-6 pistons since we employ a well-used airship engine
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/OpsSummary6-26ā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC is active today, but not for missions. We have opened up the campus to staff families with numerous educational & fun activities setup
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
be sure to stop by the Horizontal Assembly Building, where you can sit in the cockpits of the Deuce and Civvie, also talk to Jeb & Val
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mortimer has closed the books on a profitable June, you can see all our income/expenses by month/program/vessel via bit.ly/FinanceReport_ā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final report on the Deuce crash has been published, aerodynamic stability issues assigned primary blame - bit.ly/Genesis-PR8
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today is our 300th day of operations! Tho, not much going on as everybody is taking a well-deserved rest prior to a mad crazy launch week š
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/KSA-Statement this is our Ops Summary for this week, because there's really not much else to talk about
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tl;dr - the Monolith electronically fried the entire KSC campus when the Mk4 passed 70km, also managed to knock out Umbarg & Kravass
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC full damage assessment is still underway, most staff pulling OT this weekend to inventory everything that needs to be fixed or replaced
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC damage assessment complete, tomorrow senior staff will meet to lay out the recovery plan & scientists will begin detailed Monolith study
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
recovery plan meeting underway while comm techs are busy finishing up repairs allowing us to speak directly to Umbarg & other cities again
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's going to take 3wks to get KSC back to full ops, but early Aug will see back-to-back Mk4 launches to clear the way for Mk5 later in Aug
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce replacement parts are all here, now HAB just needs to get back into gear so the rebuild can begin. It will take around 1.5-2wks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
get the rundown on the current status of KSC, the next Mk4 launches and Monolith investigations - bit.ly/OpsSummary7-17ā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
senior staff & crew gathering in the Admin bldg for 1st daily ops meeting in 2wks! Been a struggle but we are gradually returning to normal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Engineer Simon just brought everyone up to speed on VAB & HAB status - both are set to resume work on Deuce and Progeny Mk4s this week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 engineers have come up with a hopefully simple fix for the Deuce yaw issues - a 5Ā° dihedral pitch to the tail to raise the vertical fins
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the tail rework will be carried out during the rebuild and we expect to see the Deuce back in action by mid-August or perhaps even sooner!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HAB swung back into action today. Civvies have good starters & Deuce reconstruction has begun in earnest, targeting early August completion
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
Head of Finances Mortimer has bit.ly/FinanceReport_ā¦ for an extremely profitable July thanks to the success of the Mk4 in reaching space
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Civvie awaits Val, who is just finishing up her briefing in Flight Control off in the distance. Skies looking great but wind is kicking up
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still standing by. Crosswind component is a concern, don't want Civvie blown over on takeoff/landing! Winds ok now, but later? Could worsen
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight decided Val will be remaining close enough to abort mission & land if winds show steady increase. Taxi/takeoff clearance granted
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
spiraling down past KSC, seen from 2.2km. Winds have whipped the ocean up to waves as high as 2m but are still w/in limits & not increasing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val has spiraled down to 500m & is on her base leg, setting up for late turn to final to not get pushed off course by the time she rolls out
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bob knew this approach would be difficult & was ready with his camera. Val crabbed in great but still almost nosed down into the ground
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taxiing back in, a little shaken, Val admits she's not quite sure what happened but Civvie definitely almost flipped over forwards on her
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after lunch & a longer than normal debrief, we've worked out that Val forgot to reset pitch trim prior to landing, nose couldn't rise fully
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a nearly disastrous mistake, chalked up to managing her approach in heavy winds. Something we hope multi-crew aircraft will help avoid
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
5th Mk4 is ready for rollout on Monday reports Simon. bit.ly/ProgenyMk4-4 has final update. Ops summary: bit.ly/OpsSummary7-31ā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
from Cdr Val's flight earlier this wk, the abandoned C7 base still has a usable runway for any emergency unable to reach KSC for some reason
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
repair work on the Deuce is finishing up in the HAB today, tomorrow will see final closeouts & determination as to flight trial readiness
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
as mentioned last month the tail has been modified with a 5Ā° dihedral pitch to raise the vertical stabilizers up out of the prop wash
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce trials are officially a GO for next week! While Jeb carries out Civvie mission, Val will run the rebuilt Deuce through ground checks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
assuming all goes well on Monday, Deuce could take to the skies once again as early as Wed to restart & hopefully continue its flight trials
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everyone enjoy the weekend & hope for better weather! Catch up on this past week's activities via bit.ly/OpsSummary8-7-ā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
runway has been repaired after erosion from last week's heavy rainfall (also regular use), ready to support Genesis operations tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
very nice weather still this past day cycle, hoping it holds for 2nd sunrise so we can have a Civvie flight & Deuce ground trials
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still no sign of any rain in the area, so HAB crews are getting the Deuce prepped for rollout onto the tarmac. Civvie already parked outside
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb & Val are getting suited up in the Astronaut Complex ready room, then heading to their briefing over in Flight Control @ 14:45 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
out on the flight line, each have to do their own walkarounds this mission š How cool if both could fly today, but maybe some other time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has boarded the Civvie to begin his preflight, however Val has a more extensive walkaround checklist to complete for the Deuce
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight has granted Jeb his taxi/takeoff clearance for Rwy27 while Val is currently aboard the Deuce, getting it ready for engine testing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val will be conducting the same ground trials that Jeb did back in June - you can read the details in this report: bit.ly/DeuceGrnd1
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val has run successful tests on both engines individually, is now restarting engine #1 to begin taxiing around & check out the undercarriage
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
having fun doing spins with the Deuce, Val also discovers the joy of taxiing with two engines capable of reversing thrust to help w/turning
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
18km SW from KSC @ 1.5km, Jeb is setting up for downwind pattern entry. Val is taxiing back in after successful takeoff runs & landing stops
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is lined up on final approach & the Deuce is back in the HAB for post-trial mechanical & data analysis, which will conclude tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mechanical inspection will take thru tomorrow but Simon reports C7 already pleased with software data collected during Deuce trials today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 reports the Deuce is once again ready to conduct flight trials. Cpt Jeb is more than eager to take it up again tomorrow after 2nd sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
boat rescue crews also performed drills this past day cycle as it is likely Deuce will be approaching over water again for landing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's been a calm night, mostly clear skies & no rain. Jeb is getting suited up for flight while HAB crews roll the Deuce out to the tarmac
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is off to briefing. Like the first trial he will takeoff, get a feel for handling, then come back down. Just looking for major issues
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
dawn approaching & winds are picking up. Standing by to see how conditions are over the next 20 minutes or so before Wx kerbs give okay
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
winds are remaining light & variable, so Jeb is finishing up his walkaround inspection. Val will be documenting takeoff/landing from the rwy
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
two engines fired up, all systems checked, Jeb is ready to taxi out to Rwy27. Prevailing winds out of the west blowing 2-5kts @ 310
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
having no sideslip issues on his takeoff roll this time, Jeb has the Deuce in a steady climb but still reports a leftwards-roll tendency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still climbing towards 2.5km Jeb is finding it impossible to trim out for level flight, says pitch control still seems overly sensitive
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
circling around the Grasslands to stay in sight of KSC, Jeb continues to fight the plane to stay level, so far only making left turns
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb flew a circle to the right okay, says just the pitch is troublesome, wondering if it's an aero stability issue more than flight ctrl
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
reporting that his arms are starting to get tired again holding attitude Jeb is turning for home. Rescue boat already deployed & standing by
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flying his downwind leg Jeb is notching flaps & getting extreme pitch oscillations, but is managing it OK, continuing to slow down for final
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
200m ASL 4km out, still looking right on the money according to Val. Reverse thrust levers are armed for Jeb to trigger upon touchdown
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
floating about 1/2 down the runway, a big bounce initially but then a solid touchdown & short rollout as props reversed to slow the plane
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
parked back in the HAB Jeb says he was honestly a bit concerned at times about making it back down okay. Glad also he hadn't eaten much yet!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 still analyzing data, here's a look at how much trouble Jeb had holding the aircraft level - a few big movements almost stalled the plane
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is wondering if the left-roll tendency is due to only him aboard & in the left seat. Engineers say yes, but shouldn't be this noticeable
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 has tweaked the control surfaces down lower still & have asked Jeb to take another flight but winds have increased. Monitoring weather...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
approaching sunrise, winds still haven't died down. Waiting also for a report from KB team to the north of Wx conditions for balloon launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bob reports that weather is currently overcast over their position, so both KB team and Jeb are standing by at launch/flight readiness
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is standing down, but KB team has a larger window in which they can launch, not worried about payload landing at night up in that area
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sky of molten gold. Doesn't look like rain will come our way but low clouds will not allow Deuce to fly, hoping for better Wx 2nd sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rain stayed away, so HAB crews rolling out Deuce. It has a sandbag in the co-pilot seat to see how much it helps balance out left-roll
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in addition to the sandbag, both the aileron and elevator controls have been set to lower sensitivity to hopefully give Jeb an easier time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have a GO from Wx to continue flight trials, clouds still low Jeb can't climb past 3km but he doesn't need to go higher than 2.5km to have plenty of recovery room
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
climbing aboard for preflight Jeb comments on how cavernous the aircraft feels when he is the only one aboard. Can seat up to 4 passengers
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is on his way out to Rwy27, winds are light enough to depart either runway but sticking to 27 as that's the well-used departure/approach
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
climbing out after a ~500m takeoff roll, Jeb fought a brief period of left roll/sideslip but says it is better now. Gear up, flaps up!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
up at 2-3km, still fighting for level flight, Jeb says the trim control is better but still not able to completely level out the aircraft
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb managed to find a good trim setting & is flying much more easily now. Aircraft roll is lessened but still present to a noticeable degree
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after some more meandering about Jeb says the dampened pitch control really lets him feel how it's the aircraft itself that is unstable
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
furthermore the aircraft seems to want to dive turning left and climb when turning right. Perhaps ailerons were mounted slightly misaligned?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb spent a few minutes cruising level(ish) at 1/3 throttle to check out low speed handling, is now heading back to KSC for pattern entry
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
7km out lined up on final, flaps full, gear down, Jeb is looking to fly the same approach as last time, 60-70m/s then 50m/s over rwy to land
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
BUMP BA DUMP... BUMP, BUMP - several bounces that time, touching down initially around 50m/s as planned. Gear may need adjustments as well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
back in the HAB, we don't expect another Deuce flight today or soon. C7 already saying they may need to do another aerodynamic redesign pass
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Genesis/C7 have confirmed Deuce will undergo a redesign to attempt to fix the pitching problems, now ID'd as an aerodynamic stability issue
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
engineers are already working up several new models to test in R&D's modest wind tunnel, hope to have some promising results next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weekly ops review - 3rd Ed! All hail the weekend - catch up on this past week's activities & w/additional info via bit.ly/KSAOpsSummary8ā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
seems we still have to remind contract submissions we can't observe from hi-atmo. Somehow Mortimer manages to continue to do this politely
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce redesign completed based on Jeb's test flights, will take ~4 weeks to rebuild as engines need to be moved & tail also will be altered
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the long time is mainly due to having to order up new wing parts, which takes 2wks+ to manufacture. Full details: bit.ly/Genesis-PR9
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
okay, our bad - a typo in contract submission guidelines led many to believe we could carry out high-alt crew observations. It is now fixed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb & Val have left for Kravass to attend an Air Safety Administration meeting on multi-crew training procedures set to be voted on this wk
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
should the vote pass to authorize the new training regimen Val & Jeb will begin testing it out aboard the Deuce (on the ground) next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
word from Kravass is multi-crew training protocols have been approved, Jeb & Val will begin working out the details in the cockpit next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb & Val will begin working this week thru the outlined multi-crew training program, looking for any issues/errors to bring back to the ASA
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HAB already has the tail section of the Deuce dismantled & the new tail came in today so time to put it all back together, then the wings
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mortimer has posted our bit.ly/FinanceReport_ā¦, Aug in the red thx to new comms dishes + more funds being funneled into Deuce & Mk5
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Genesis is creeping towards a profit again, but once Deuce is back to flight testing it will stay in the red until Deuce can start missions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new wing sections for the Deuce have arrived, HAB says tail is done & wings will finish this week so flight testing can resume next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Happy bday to us! Send cake! It really has been a yr of operations here at KSA! Founder @DKerman_KSA has a few words kerbalspace.agency/?p=5167
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're not going to do any year-long wrap up of stats or milestones or anything - we'll get in the habit of doing that every calendar year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is closing out work today to be all rdy for ground trials this coming Monday ahead of return to flight as soon as the next day 9/19
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Cpt Jeb & Cdr Val are both ready to put some of their multi-crew training to the test while giving the Deuce a ground ops checkout
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
they'll be working together to put the Deuce through its paces just as it has been done the last two times: kerbalspace.agency/?p=4826
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce looked solid during its ground work. Jeb & val were able to manage their own tasks & not fumble around each other while operating
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rolled back to the HAB, final mechanical inspection carried out today & flight certification for tomorrow will hopefully be the result!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce has been cleared for flight, tomorrow after 2nd sunrise Cpt Jeb will start what will hopefully be a full day of flight testing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb & Val have sent their final multi-crew training review off to the ASA. Hopefully their next test runs will be together in flight!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this is, of course, exactly what KerVoyant intended. Launch is scrubbed today >:( here is what we're getting over all our comms channels
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
assuming we can get this ship out of here by then (working on it!), we will aim for the end of our 1st daytime window @ 13:40 UTC w/4h count
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce flight testing tomorrow will be pushed back to 3rd sunrise to free up launch ctrl (which is also flight ctrl) for the Progeny launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] Wx GO for final count, scattered clouds will not impede visual monitoring, upper-level clouds are sparse to none. Winds however...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HOLD HOLD HOLD! Winds remain red. Countdown has been terminated, rocket being safed & we are working to recycle the count to L-30m w/new L-0
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new L-0 time is start of next daylight window @ 17:35 UTC, rocket will remain fueled all systems in standby to pickup count again @ L-30min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce flight trials have once again been pushed back, this time until tmrw since right after Mk5 flight, #4 needs to be rolled out & prepped
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have released a brief statement about the events of yesterday's launch delay, which you can read on our website: kerbalspace.agency/?p=5253
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
booster ignition & liftoff of the 3rd Progeny Mk5 making for space & our highest Mk5 apokee yet! Flight reports nominal ascent off pad
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
that's a successful recovery! Payload landed just 31km downrange & we'll find out why when engineers review TDU. Expecting report late today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Monolith dome is completed, made of large pre-fab pieces it's 46m tall - we still can't believe they managed to raise it in only 2wks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mk5 #4 is out on the pad. Launch Ctrl & Tracking Stn will wrap up their launch readiness reviews prior to Deuce test flt after 4th sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rain has moved in. We will see if it clears out so that we can get the Deuce up in the air. Jeb says he'll be praying to the Rain Gods
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sun is coming up but rain is still coming down. Jeb getting suited up anyway, saying if he doesn't then the rain has no reason to stop. K...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
despite praying, sitting in his flt suit & praying while sitting in his flt suit Jeb has admitted defeat. Rain still falls, flt is scrubbed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we won't be able to free up resources needed to get a flight off the grnd 2nd day cycle so next Deuce flight trial attempt after Mk5 #4 launches
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather outside this day cycle is looking great, no trace of the clouds & rain that came thru late yesterday. Here's hoping conditions hold
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] we are GO for final countdown sequence. Winds out of the WNW pose no problems, clouds are scattered & could be a potential issue
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
liftoff!! Skies are again just barely within limits for launch. 1st stage booster pushing the rocket off the pad at 4Gs for initial ascent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has bunked down in his quarters due to illness, med center says it's a minor infection that just requires rest. No Deuce flight today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 Aerospace is adamant that Jeb be the sole test pilot for the Deuce to properly gauge changes to how the aircraft handles while in flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HAB has rolled out the Deuce for Jeb, who is feeling better, to take up after 3rd sunrise. They shut the door like "keep it in the air!" š
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb & Val are getting suited up - they will preflight the Deuce together for more multicrew practice time then Jeb will take it up solo
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
pilots are off to flight control be briefed, weather this day cycle looking good with clouds mostly scattered at 4km & light winds from west
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb's main goal for this flight is making sure that pitch stability is improved. Assuming it is, he will do some performance envelope tests
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
eastern sky beginning to brighten, Jeb & Val are climbing into the cockpit for preflight after external inspection found 0 issues w/aircraft
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
preflight done, Deuce is fired up & rdy to go. Val is deplaning while Jeb calls into flight ctrl for taxi/takeoff clearance from runway 27
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is off to hold position for takeoff while Mun slides over Kerbol for an eclipse - up above you can see Jool, Moho, Minmus and Eve
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is in position & holding for takeoff clearance while Val & Bob post themselves down the runway to document the takeoff roll/climb out
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
takeoff clearance granted! Jeb has pushed the throttles to max to begin his roll, he's aiming for 60m/s before rotating to begin his climb
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has aborted his takeoff after reaching almost 90m/s & being unable to rotate w/the yoke full back. Was able to stop w/o thrust reversers
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
instructed to taxi back to the hold point, Jeb will await a decision from C7 engineers now discussing possible implications of the failure
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb was told to forego another takeoff attempt & has taxiied the Deuce back to the HAB so engineers can have a look at the elevator controls
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb & Val will be doing their combined preflight again, Deuce back on the tarmac after engineers adjusted controls to allow for more pitch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
once again Val is out of the cockpit to watch the takeoff w/Bob & Jeb has clearance to taxi to Rwy27, weather remains favorable as before
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after a 2km roll w/speed approaching 80m/s Jeb was able to gradually haul back on the yoke, take to the air & hold positive rate of climb
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb kept gear down until 800m in case he couldn't hold his ascent & had to make a quick turnaround for landing. Now climbing->2.5km @ 72m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
trimming level, Jeb reports that going stick neutral the Deuce still wants to roll left quite readily. Pitch-wise tho he says its a dream
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb climbed to 3km then let go of ctrls for as long as he dared, fell almost 1km in 40s w/roll ~50Ā° but was able to recover w/o any issue
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
using rudder trim (no roll trim available) Jeb can lvl out but is sideslipping at ~5Ā° which is increasing drag & is not a real solution
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight ctrl says C7 has seen enough & instructed Jeb to come about for his landing appr to Rwy27. So close to perfect flight performance :/
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is entering the pattern south of KSC on his downwind leg, looking to approach @ ~80m/s to account for changes since last time he flew
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
on final approach, Jeb just recovered from what was almost a repeat of his 1st landing attempt where he stalled out off his final leg turn
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
spoke too soon. As soon as he dropped gear the Deuce rolled over & plunged straight into the water. Rescue boat was pacing & is moving in
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rescue boat is onsite & crew just entering the water. No response via shortwave emergency radio from the cockpit, no visual reported on Jeb
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rescuers had to blow the emergency hatch to access the cockpit & extract Jeb, who is unconscious & being rushed ashore, med team standing by
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is on his way to the med center, boat crew heading back out to setup a tow for Deuce to get it ashore before taking on too much water
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good news, Jeb thankfully only suffered a minor concussion from the impact & Deuce didn't sink, will be ashore shortly then back in the HAB
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
as with the last crash, a full investigation will be launched while C7 also further investigates this nagging roll issue plaguing the Deuce
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has been discharged from the med center & is off duty for the next week. Crash was worse than the last one so we are glad he is okay!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce crash prelim report, Mk5 flight overview for this week's bit.ly/OpsSummary9-18ā¦ - everyone relax this weekend you all earned it!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Genesis has ordered the parts for new Deuce engine pods, in a few more days structural analysis completes to see what else needs replacing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce engines have been hauled up from nearly a kilometer of water so they can be inspected for any mechanical failures during landing
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
despite the Deuce crash, pitch stability was *definitely* improved as seen by the much smoother flight path of the more recent flight test
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 still has to determine the roll issue but there are certainly no plans to scrap Deuce development, it's almost a solid design like Civvie
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 Aerospace says plans are finalized to break ground in Oct for surface airports @ Sheltered Rock & Ockr, due to be completed in 3 months
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's great to see the fixed-wing aviation industry growing so fast. Like Kravass General Airport, these will be small with room to grow
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/OpsSummary9-25ā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce will undergo an entire overhaul, with only the tail section still OK for flight & even that is going to be rebuilt w/rest of aircraft
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crash investigation is still ongoing so we won't have a full report til that has been resolved but C7 estimates ~2mo until Deuce flies again
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mortimer is happy with bit.ly/FinanceReport_ā¦ showing a good profit margin despite our 2nd-highest ever month of operational expenses
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
quiet end to the week, but exciting stuff announced during it so get caught up via bit.ly/OpsSummary10-2ā¦ & have a great weekend!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Genesis & C7 have released the Deuce crash report along with future plans for reassembly & an updated blueprint: bit.ly/Genesis-PR10
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tl;dr Jeb at fault but only from lack of experience, no big design changes, rebuild will take 2 months to make very sure assembly is correct
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
kicking off our 400th day of operations! Tracking Stn team on console waiting for word from KerBalloon team on how the weather looks today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
altho the original Deuce cabin will not be used again for flight it will still be used, integrated into a training simulator for our pilots
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kravass air school has been using a Civvie cockpit simulator for the past 2 months now with great success in lowering trainee accident rates
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HAB crew had a good 1st day starting to *very carefully* build the new Deuce prototype. They expect to be finished sometime in mid-January
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mortimer has bit.ly/FinanceReport_ā¦ published, showing our slimmest profit margin to date (751F). If yesterday's launch had failed... ouch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the success of the AFCS so far has helped C7 become more interested in developing some rudimentary automated flight assistance of their own
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val & Jeb spent their first full day working in the new Deuce simulator. Still very basic setup under development but they say its real cool
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce's cabin section, the core of the entire aircraft, has been completed. Now it's time to start building outwards, starting with the tail section then the wings over the next month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with the lack of Civvie missions, Jeb & Val have put more time in the Deuce sim to really get their multi-crew work habits nailed down. We plan to put them both in the cockpit when flight trials resume next year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today marked the 4th time we have traveled around Kerbol since the day the KSA was founded, a distance of 341,458,902.962km. Impressive? Well, despite its smaller orbit, its faster speed means during this same time Moho has traveled 544,970,972.899km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
looks like it is more sim time with Val for Jeb today as the storm we mentioned yesterday rolled in several hours ago and doesn't show any sign of letting up
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crashing in the simulator is not a failure, it's just another lesson learned - thankfully without any serious injury, loss of life or huge cost of damages. Simulators FTW!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we don't have enough data yet to properly simulate stress forces on Deuce airframe so Jeb has been having fun pulling out of absurdly fast dives in the simulator. Best to get it out of his system in there...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the idea of "rocket planes" or jet-propelled aircraft is but a glimmer in the minds of C7 Aerospace engineers still working to wrap their heads around the Deuce being capable of performing regular operations at well over 100m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
construction remains on track for Jan 2018 completion of airports at Sheltered Rock and Ockr for fixed-wing aircraft. Jeb and Val both can't wait to pay them a visit - hopefully in the Deuce!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 Aerospace has been looking into automated flight assistance - not a true autopilot but still a means of making pilot's jobs easier for basic aircraft handling. They hope to have Val & Jeb test things out next month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Air Safety Administration have been dragging their feet on aircraft external marking regulations for months, its really dumb. Thankfully not something needed when flying twitter.com/svechluft/statā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Head of Finances Mortimer has posted up bit.ly/FinanceReport_ā¦ which was an easy net gain thanks to no Progenitor or Deuce missions but we get happiness more from pushing boundaries than making lots of funds
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Genesis & KerBalloon have both suspended contract work for next week so Val & Jeb can test out rudimentary flight control software while Bill & Bob prep high-altitude balloons in support of the Progeny launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
work on the new Deuce prototype has been going well and is on track to be finished by mid-Jan 2018 for flight testing to resume. It has been meticulously built to a standard never before seen to attempt to alleviate weird control issues that plagued the original prototype
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC operations for 2017 are wrapped! Find out why via bit.ly/OpsSummary12-1ā¦ and catch up on this past week's activites. KSA operations are set to wrap next week - stay tuned for many year-in-review stats š
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
2017 Year in Review: Atmospheric Flight. You can review any of these missions via the bit.ly/GenesisProgram and bit.ly/KerBalloonProgā¦ home pages. Everyone is excited to see the Deuce take to the skies once again next year! (full res: flickr.com/gp/kerbal_spacā¦)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's not just the buildings getting attention at KSC, we are refurbishing both the turf & dirt runways 09/27 as well as bringing back turf Rwy01/19 compacted once earlier this year for permanent use moving forward
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronauts are finally done being test subjects for the year, had their final day of poking and prodding by the doctors and are shipping out to spend time off at home. Here's what they've all accomplished this past year (ribbon details can be found via bit.ly/CrewRoster)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we posted 900+ photos this year & after much debate the top 100 have been chosen! Some are simply our favorites but many are key events that happened this past year. Do you remember a favorite of yours that didn't make the cut? Our #1 photo is attached flickr.com/photos/kerbal_ā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
for their last act of 2017 the Air Safety Administration finalized the first draft for aircraft marking guidelines & regulations, which means hopefully early next year we can give our planes custom liveries at last!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we had a profitable 2017 with good growth according to our year-end bit.ly/FinanceReport_ā¦ from Mortimer. 2018 should continue this trend although the budget for Ascension (not included) is looking rather daunting right now
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
fare thee well 2017!! Kerbal Space Agency signing off for the year! If you hear from us before the 1st of next month it's probably going to be nothing good. We still have one last bit.ly/OpsSummary12-1ā¦ for you all. Safe holidays everyone!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
šāØ HAPPY NEW YEAR!! āØš
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!
\[0o]/
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
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
VAB & HAB both passed their inspection today, clearing the way for crews to get things setup over the weekend so operations on the Deuce and Progeny Mk5 can get started full swing on Monday
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
the rebuilt Deuce is undergoing final checkouts this week, which will culminate in a ground test early this Friday followed by a flight test later that day if all goes well. Both Jeb & Val will be at the controls this time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
piloting the Deuce earlier today Jeb and Val successfully landed after one of their engines shredded itself and a piece of propeller tore off part of their right rear stabilizer....... in the simulator š Yep, they are being trained hard!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb & Val are psyched to board the real thing tomorrow after spending so much time in the sim. Turning the original Deuce cockpit into a full-motion simulator has been an awesome tool - the primary reason we feel comfortable allowing both to operate for these trials
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
photographed a little while ago Jeb & Val are already boarded up for preflight, crews rolled the Deuce out with sunrise. Even though there won't be a flight this day cycle, weather is great and expected to hold all day
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
preflight complete, each PT6 engine has been started up and checked individually. A series of throttle run-up checks will now be conducted, the vessel is chocked to allow continuous monitoring of high thrust settings
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
engine data collection complete, everything is running fine so next up ground roll tests will allow differential & reverse thrust checks of the engines while the undercarriage begins its checkouts
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Captain Jeb is in the left seat for these trials in command of the aircraft while Commander Valentina monitors readouts, calls out checks and ensures good data collection from the right seat but is able to assume control if needed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taxiing around the tarmac and out on the dirt runway Jeb says the handling feels loose but hasn't noted any serious issues. Heading down to the turf runway the crew will begin passes down & back, gradually working up to takeoff speed (~70m/s)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
getting up to around 30m/s Jeb reports the main gear are wanting to steer the plane off to the side - tail wheel is off the ground at this point and rudder authority is barely enough to hold it in line
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
additional testing up towards 50m/s has shown enough lift to remove stress from gear and allow rudder to straighten things out easier but Jeb remains concerned. Flight agrees & has waived off further takeoff run-up tests, moving on now to various flight systems
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bob & Bill finished up their KerBalloon probes for next week, went out to watch the trials. Bob snapped this photo from the side of the taxiway as Jeb allowed Val to taxi back to the HAB and conclude trials for this day cycle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
back in the HAB for its post-trial maintenance checkouts and some control/suspension adjustments per Cpt Jeb's observations, Deuce will be rolled out again at 3rd sunrise for flight trials if C7 finds data review satisfactory
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 have decided they need more time to review today's data, especially in light of observed undercarriage issues. Deuce flight trials have been pushed back to 3rd sunrise Monday pending good ground checks earlier on the day
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-ā¦ and we hope you all enjoy a relaxing weekend!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bill & Bob have set off with their team in 3 UTVs for bit.ly/Site_GLE-F8 as crews finish rolling out the Deuce for Jeb & Val to preflight after they finish their briefing. Weather bad for flying but ground trials can proceed no problem as long as it doesn't rain...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is fired up & ready to taxi, suspension spring/damping has been adjusted and hydraulic system flushed. Main focus today will be on takeoff runs to see if swerving is still exhibited by the gear
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb & Val have made two runs down and back the length of the turf runway traveling as high as 55m/s and although it's really bouncy Jeb says he has no trouble holding the aircraft straight. Next run will push to 70m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
excellent takeoff run saw the Deuce cover just over a kilometer (~1/2 the runway) at full throttle to achieve minimum takeoff speed, took a few big hops. Still a few minor items to test but the big item of the day looks like a PASS
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taxiing back to the HAB, C7 will once again study data before clearing flight trials later today, assuming weather conditions improve enough to allow for flying
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rain held off and skies have cleared with a ceiling of around 4km, C7 found earlier ground trials satisfactory and have cleared Jeb & Val to perform flight trials! They are heading out now to preflight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
preflight complete, Deuce has clearance from Flight to taxi out to runway 27. It is a bit breezy out of the SSW but within limits, not enough to bother taxiing all the way out to Rwy19. Jeb once again in command to use his past experience to gauge Deuce handling changes
Kerbal Space Agency
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in position and holding, takeoff clearance has been granted, the crew are running through the final takeoff checklist - Flaps: Set, Brakes: Check, Trim: Set, Strobes: On, Control Movement: Free, Tail Wheel: Locked...
Kerbal Space Agency
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textbook departure from KSC as the Deuce climbed out at 75m/s with a slight sideslip as the wind gusted. Gear raised, wings cleaned up by 800m - now passing through 1.2km for 2.5km ASL approaching 10km to the west of KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
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Jeb has vectored hdg225 to stay clear of the mountains, still working his way up to 2.5km to establish a level cruise. He says it handles like a Civvie, a bit unbalanced along the longitudinal axis but no longer wants to just roll over to the left
Kerbal Space Agency
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coming back around north with a smooth 25Ā° banked turn, now at 2.5km cruising around 135m/s at full throttle Jeb almost flew too close to the mountains on the turn he forgot more room was needed for how fast he was moving (Civvie generally operates at 90-100m/s)
Kerbal Space Agency
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Commander Val shares her view from the cockpit looking towards KSC, 36km off into the distance, from 1.7km AGL as they cruise northeast. Jeb has his hands on the controls but giving no input, aircraft is happily flying itself straight and level
Kerbal Space Agency
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Flight is pleased with cruise performance and given Jeb permission to begin a series of steep turns, starting at 30Ā° and working up to 45Ā°. Such turns dump lift & can drop aircraft into a spiral if tail slides out or nose falls too quickly
Kerbal Space Agency
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both Jeb & Val took turns performing steep turns and had no sideslip issues or any trouble keeping the nose up to maintain 2.5km +/- 150m. Deuce is heading back for KSC to perform some stalls over the water, recovery ship is standing by
Kerbal Space Agency
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cutting throttle and nosing up, Jeb will hold the yoke full back and continue to do so as the aircraft gradually sinks unless it fails to recover itself, in which case he will pitch down and apply throttle
Kerbal Space Agency
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outstanding! Aircraft nosed itself down to recover speed & after a few bobs settled into a glide at ~63m/s with a vertical speed no greater than 6m/s at idle thrust. Jeb says at no point did it want to roll over. He's now setting up for a landing pattern
Kerbal Space Agency
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15km east on final for Rwy27 Jeb dropped gear w/o issue and will make a pass over the runway to assess approach speed with room to recover. Based on stall testing just performed, he should aim to maintain ~50m/s with full flaps
Kerbal Space Agency
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climbing out and coming around for a touch and go on this next pass, Jeb says even with full flaps approaching 60m/s has the aircraft running out of pitch authority and nosing down, aiming now for a 65-70m/s approach
Kerbal Space Agency
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touch and go was successful, Jeb says it definitely gets slippery below 80m/s and likes to tail wag but this was expected based on engineer's preflight briefings. Everyone happy to see the aircraft mostly performing as anticipated. Deuce is coming around now for landing
Kerbal Space Agency
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we have touchdown and full stop! Jeb made a tight pattern, dropping gear on base leg & rolling out of a short 5km final, bringing the aircraft down gently at 57m/s. Everyone in Flight Control has big stupid grins on their faces - a great return to flight for the Deuce!!
Kerbal Space Agency
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with aircraft flying again we give you Ops Tracker v2.0.0 so you can once more visualize their paths around Kerbin - now you can also pop on as many as you like! Today's flight: kerbalspace.agency/Tracker/trackeā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
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an extensive debrief complete, some minor flight control changes will be made for tomorrow and HAB crews will give the Deuce's cabin a final pressure checkout so we can see just how high she can fly
Kerbal Space Agency
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late start to the day waiting for overcast skies to break up but weather has improved enough for Jeb & Val to head out for preflight, Deuce pressure checks yesterday were carried out with no issues
Kerbal Space Agency
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preflight complete, taxi and takeoff clearance granted, Deuce is on its way out to Rwy09 to head off into easterly winds, thankfully we don't share weather with the KB crew up north, winds only 6-8kts off the water
Kerbal Space Agency
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good departure, Jeb will hold his climb at full throttle and we will see how high they go. Unpressurized aircraft can fly as high as 4.5km ASL and we're hoping the Deuce will be able to reach at least 6km
Kerbal Space Agency
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approaching the mountains with little room to spare, Deuce is climbing now through 4.5km, traveling 86m/s climbing about 5m/s, Val is keeping a close eye on the cabin pressure
Kerbal Space Agency
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6km achieved! It was a bit of a struggle though, vertical speed is less than 1m/s and Jeb is leveling off and working to trim it out before seeing how the aircraft maneuvers up in the thin air
Kerbal Space Agency
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coming around in a gentle bank gave Jeb no trouble with holding the nose level, they will continue to maintain 6km, reducing throttle to 80% cruise setting to allow a good deal of engine performance data to be captured
Kerbal Space Agency
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originally traveling ~120m/s upon leveling out at 6km full thrust, reduction to 80% has gradually decreased speed to ~90m/s which Jeb reports is still rather stable. Flight has ordered him to throttle back up to 100%
Kerbal Space Agency
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throttle cut to begin descent for landing. Full thrust level flight was unable to increase speed, meaning the propellers can sustain momentum but not gain it through the thin air. With a very slight climb though they did take the cruise height record up to 6.503km
Kerbal Space Agency
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lined up on final 29km out for Rwy09, flaps have been adjusted for greater extension since last flight to hopefully allow for a slower approach - although whether or not that will be a good thing is what we're going to find out
Kerbal Space Agency
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rough landing! 55m/s didn't give enough airflow over the elevators to maintain pitch and the nose dove just a few meters off the ground, hitting hard on the main gear. Jeb was already applying full power and managed to recover on the bounce - barely
Kerbal Space Agency
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a thankfully-intact Deuce is taxiing back to the HAB from using nearly all the runway to stop after floating a ways due to the first bounce. Jeb says he'll take the faster approach next time, doesn't want more pitch authority as this will just make flight twitchy
Kerbal Space Agency
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HAB crews have finished their initial post-flight inspection and want to do a detailed breakdown of the undercarriage after that landing so flight trials postponed until at least Thursday
Kerbal Space Agency
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Sheltered Rock General Airport (SRG) was officially opened today. Civvies meant for customers there will begin to get ferried over from KGA as early as this weekend. The last new airport, at Ockr, is preparing for its own opening ceremony next week
Kerbal Space Agency
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C7 reports the Deuce is fit for flight again and Captain Jebediah will fly solo tomorrow after 2nd sunrise to do some performance envelope testing - high speeds and high G loads, along with single-engine flight
Kerbal Space Agency
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with favorable weather and briefing completed, Jeb is heading out to preflight with Val, who will hop out before taxi and follow along in Flight Control as Jeb pushes the Deuce up to and past its limits
Kerbal Space Agency
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cleared to takeoff from Runway 09, Jeb is heading down to the turf. Taxi speed is generally about 12m/s, although care must be taken on the slope from the dirt runway down to the turf, also when transitioning off the dirt to the tarmac
Kerbal Space Agency
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positive rate of climb, gear up, Jeb will climb to 3km to stay within the thicker air while still giving himself a decent amount of recovery room should he need it for any reason
Kerbal Space Agency
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vectoring towards Umbarg, leveling off at 3km Jeb will hit 130m/s cruise speed and then begin to pull some very tight 360Ā° turns, not yet at 90Ā° bank but with a good deal of pull on the yoke to increase the G load
Kerbal Space Agency
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first series of turns went fine, but without much pitch authority to really yank the nose around while banked and level the turns only reached 2.8Gs. Jeb will next bank into a turn, allow the nose to fall, the aircraft to pick up speed and pull up through the end of the turn
Kerbal Space Agency
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Jeb says he has lost power to both engines. He's feathered the props, come about towards relatively flat land and put the Deuce into a optimal glide rate before beginning to attempt a restart. All we can do is hope and all Jeb can do is follow the procedures he trained
Kerbal Space Agency
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phew! Jeb was able to restart both engines after two attempts on one and three on the other, pulling out of his glide at 1.3km. He's now maintaining that while flying on reduced power back towards KSC to land ASAP
Kerbal Space Agency
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lined up on final approach 8km out for Rwy09, Jeb will be looking to come in at ~80m/s as flaps have been reset to their original configuration
Kerbal Space Agency
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a nice easy touchdown and full stop nearly the length of the runway as he did not use full thrust after reversing the propellers and relied more on the wheel brakes. Engines have been shut down on the runway, we'll tow the Deuce back to the HAB for engineers to look over
Kerbal Space Agency
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looks like Genesis isn't the only program having a bad day - Progenitor has announced a structural problem with the 0.35->0.625m adapter was discovered during final checkouts. Launch has been delayed, now targeting 1/23 @ 19:42 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
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engine inspections continue for the Deuce, C7 says they are hoping to run down the problem in time to still wrap up flight testing tomorrow now that the rocket launch has been delayed
Kerbal Space Agency
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it's been a long day for the HAB crew but the issue has been found, related to the high G forces. Now for a marathon dual-engine rebuild as both were torn down to find the problem & ensure there were no others. One last test flight tomorrow after 3rd sunrise is still the hope
Kerbal Space Agency
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Lead Engineer Simon and Specialist Bill have both been lending a hand getting the Deuce engines reassembled, test flight later today still looking viable as long as weather holds
Kerbal Space Agency
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Deuce is ready to fly and is being fueled to max capacity - so far it has only flown with half the amount of total fuel it can carry, now it's time to see if it can takeoff with a full load: 2 tons worth! (that's Jool to the east)
Kerbal Space Agency
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Captain Jeb is once again flying solo, completing preflight with help from Commander Val. Winds are light so he'll be taking off from Runway 27 to have the most room available to stop should the aircraft not be able to lift off. We've removed the runway blocks on the other end
Kerbal Space Agency
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lined up, cleared for takeoff - here we go! Throttles to full, Jeb will let them runup a bit before releasing the brakes and starting his roll, said he could feel the weight difference even when he was taxiing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
traveling the length of the runway, full-back on the yoke at 86m/s the Deuce slowly got off the ground - Jeb was worried for a minute that the climb would not be sustainable but he's holding 10Ā° pitch at 80-85m/s and is maintaining positive rate. He will attempt to reach 2.5km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it was a slow climb but Jeb has reached 2.5km and leveled off, a great initial altitude for a full fuel load & Deuce is still cruising nicely at ~130m/s with full thrust. Now comes the next test - getting back down while still heavy
Kerbal Space Agency
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maintaining 2.5km to log a good set of performance data, Jeb has cruised back to within 30km of KSC and has cut throttle to begin his descent to land, looking to approach only slightly slower than his takeoff speed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
well, Deuce certainly had no problem settling on the runway! Landing was smooth and gear had no issues with the increased load. Jeb is taxiing to the HAB where we will offload a good portion of the fuel before he heads back out for the final planned flight test
Kerbal Space Agency
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now 1.298t lighter, Jeb is taking the Deuce back out to Runway 27. He will depart, climb to 2.5km out over the bay to the north and then shut off one of his engines (intentionally this time!)
Kerbal Space Agency
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left engine has been shut down and feathered, Jeb reports yaw trim is set and roll compensated - everything behaving just as it should! Of course, once again comes the additional challenge: can he land??
Kerbal Space Agency
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Jeb had Flight vector him out for a long final, he's now lined up at 17km and getting a feel for the throttle response from the single engine to control his approach, working hard on the rudder to keep things straight. Rescue & recovery ship is deployed and standing by
Kerbal Space Agency
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that was pretty awesome! A very weird sight to see, as photographed from Flight Control. No issues on the approach or landing - proving this engine redundancy is a big win over the Civvie for flights across large stretches of open water
Kerbal Space Agency
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with a successful end to initial flight trials C7 will spend weeks pouring over reams of test data, but results are so promising they've already scheduled it for a Public Relations tour starting next week to also gather additional data
Kerbal Space Agency
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the lack of a rocket launch has made this past week no less exciting, that's for sure. Catch up on all that happened along with additional information via bit.ly/OpsSummary1-15ā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today KSC will undergo launch readiness checks while the Mk5 takes another pass at final integration. Rainy overcast skies since yesterday are keeping the Deuce grounded but weather is passing and we hope to send it off to KGA sometime after 3rd sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
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rain has stopped, skies are still overcast but reports from airships to our west say scattered clouds are heading our way. Deuce is being rolled out and prepped for flight in anticipation of good conditions later this day cycle
Kerbal Space Agency
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decent flying conditions have arrived at last & the Deuce is ready to head out - with all our crew! We can't think of a better way to display our confidence to the public than loading up all our eggs into one basket
Kerbal Space Agency
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Deuce is taxiing out to Rwy27 for takeoff, Bob has his camera along and sent us this photo from inside the cabin. Commander Val at last gets to sit in the left seat for her first flight as Pilot in Command
Kerbal Space Agency
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good departure, Val is turning on course to KGA while climbing to 6km. Bob said it was really fun on the takeoff roll being in something so big traveling so fast. Bill just kind of clung to the seat really tight & shut his eyes
Kerbal Space Agency
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flight controller engaged, Val reports the wing-leveler (tested on Civvie late last year) is performing well. It's not a heading hold, but still reduces pilot workload, which is always a good thing
Kerbal Space Agency
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climbing through 5km Val notes they're struggling more up to 6km with the additional weight of 2 kerbals - cue the fat jokes. She's also signed off as they drop below the horizon. Kravass should pick them up in ~30 min
Kerbal Space Agency
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Val has made contact with Kravass 132km out, reports a smooth flight after a bumpy ascent early on. Bob & Bill are both comfortable, enjoying their views out the window, taking in the curvature of our nice and round planet
Kerbal Space Agency
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80km out, Val has begun her descent. Deuce never got higher than 6.253km, they'll try again for a new altitude record going to SRG with a lighter fuel load and no passengers at the end of this week
Kerbal Space Agency
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Jeb reports field in sight, looking out from the co-pilot seat. Val's approach is dead-on so far and she plans to make for the runway on her first attempt if all continues to go well
Kerbal Space Agency
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touchdown and full stop! Barely enough runway but Val is sure she'll have more room with additional practice. Bill commented that it's a pretty rough way to return to the ground. We expect a lot of aircraft vs. airship comparisons these next several days
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
oops, Val got the Deuce stuck as its belly scraped the ground taxiing down off the runway to the tarmac - crews had to rush over to lift the tail a bit, thankfully the lightest part of the aircraft and well back from the CoM for additional leverage
Kerbal Space Agency
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everyone is deplaned and a small crowd of aviation enthusiasts has gathered to admire the new aircraft. Here's a shot of mun rising from out Bob's window as they approached Kravass. He says he enjoyed the flight a lot. Bill is still a bit unsure
Kerbal Space Agency
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Val & Jeb have been letting the KGA instructors Mungee, Aldeny, Helta and Tedman have time on the "new equipment" and everyone is smitten. They'll all log flight time through tomorrow, VIP flights are scheduled for Thursday
Kerbal Space Agency
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the Deuce almost suffered a crash earlier today with Aldeny at the controls but unlike the Civvie where Jeb or Val could only just watch anxiously from the ground one of them was aboard to assume control and recover the aircraft. Multicrew FTW!
Kerbal Space Agency
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Ockr General Airport (OKG) had its opening ceremony today. It is the same overall design as SRG and is the highest airport to be constructed. The Deuce will make a visit next week after it stops over at SRG for this weekend
Kerbal Space Agency
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several VIPs were given flights in the Deuce today and the comments were... okay. Everyone enjoyed the experience but lamented the thought of extended trips with loud engine noise, poor views out the windows and little room to get up and move around
Kerbal Space Agency
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Jeb & Val have been waiting all day to get out of KGA and head for SRG but weather has remained against them - Kravass field frequently gets fogged in when cool air descends from the mountain. Can reduce visibility to <1m!
Kerbal Space Agency
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Jeb & Val will be heading for Sheltered Rock later today after 3rd sunrise. Not making it out before the weekend, the decision was made to give anyone unable to make it to the surface during the week a chance to check out the Deuce parked at KGA
Kerbal Space Agency
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the Deuce has taken off from Rwy19 and is heading for SRG. It's basically the same distance from KSC-KGA so knowing the fuel needs Jeb & Val are traveling with almost 900kg less mass and look to set a new altitude record along the way. Jeb is in command
Kerbal Space Agency
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past the Lonely Mountain, Val has signed off with Kravass as they fall below the horizon. Current altitude is 8.2km and they are going to try to get up to 8.5km. Climb rate is <1m/s and throttles are at full to burn off fuel as fast as possible
Kerbal Space Agency
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Sheltered Rock's comm tower has already picked up Deuce's transmissions. Jeb mentions that the aircraft is feeling a bit slippery up in the thin air. C7 engineers will no doubt love getting the data being recorded on this flight
Kerbal Space Agency
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Jeb has cut throttle to begin their descent just under 100km from SRG - they came close but only reached 8.447km ASL, still nearly halfway to the upper atmosphere and a new flying record
Kerbal Space Agency
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approaching 30km out and both pilots working to get their bearings. Some surveying was done but Jeb will mainly be flying his first approach by the seat of his pants with some tips from Mungee & Helta from their Civvie ferry flights
Kerbal Space Agency
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9km out and Jeb has finally radioed field is in sight - he's almost scraping his belly flying a few hundred meters over the terrain and making a tight turn onto final while descending fast - no room for a nice leisurely 3Ā° glide slope
Kerbal Space Agency
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Touchdown and rollout! Thankfully Jeb was able to stop without running off the runway given that this one literally ends in a mountainside. They only traveled 13km less than their flight from KSC-KGA but they burned 24% less fuel by flying higher. They'll head to Ockr on Monday
Kerbal Space Agency
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photo from Val looking towards the massive dome of Sheltered Rock Mountain. The approach corridor is designated with an arrow, which takes you around to a recess in the mountain which holds the airfield. Similar approach from the west and that's it. Quite the challenge
Kerbal Space Agency
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more VIPs given rides in the Deuce out of Sheltered Rock, pretty much the same reaction as Kravass - airships still preferential for passenger flights. A few cargo and delivery companies from both cities have approached with interest however
Kerbal Space Agency
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Val & Jeb are about ready to depart from Sheltered Rock for a quick ~30min hop over to Ockr. Jeb was out inspecting the runway for debris earlier & took this shot of where they have to climb out of after takeoff. Should be fun!
Kerbal Space Agency
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Deuce taxied out and upon turning around to face down the runway Val scraped the wingtip against the cliff face. They're pulling back up onto the tarmac to give the damage a close inspection
Kerbal Space Agency
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although the wingtip is scraped up a good deal Jeb reports no danger to flight, is not going to let Val forget that this is the second time she's banged up the aircraft. They're taxiing back out for takeoff down Rwy22
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
plenty of room for takeoff & even less fuel than last flight but Val let it run the length of the runway to fly off the ramp at the end just for kicks. She pulled up gear & cleaned up the wings quick so they could climb out - currently ascending at upwards of 15m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
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the Deuce has climbed out okay from between the mountains surrounding SRG and is on course for Ockr. Val will trim out at 3.5km ASL and cruise at full thrust to go for a level flight speed record
Kerbal Space Agency
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after only 8min of comm blackout due to terrain the Deuce has clear line of sight and Jeb made contact with Ockr's comm tower. They are 85km out and he reports their speed has been around 135m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
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coming up on 30km out Val has cut throttle and begun descent, although flying at 3.5km ASL they are only 1km above field height. No one has made this approach yet so Val & Jeb are both keeping an eye on the terrain looking for a good way in to the mountainous area
Kerbal Space Agency
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Jeb sent this photo with the transmission "come find us if we don't make it out" as they head for what should be a good approach corridor (literally) to land on Rwy09 once they can find the airport. Val says she will probably do a fly-by then come around to land
Kerbal Space Agency
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Val says they were lined up fine when the runway came into view so she made the approach on her first try, reversing props on short final to full thrust and bumping down with barely 300m of rollout before stopping - 1st time thrust reversal has been used in flight
Kerbal Space Agency
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Deuce is parked amidst a larger than normal crowd of kerbs as they welcome Jeb home in addition to coming out to view the aircraft. After one last round of VIP flights and meetings Jeb and Val will head back to KSC on Wednesday
Kerbal Space Agency
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the year's first contract for bit.ly/GenesisProgram will have Val & Jeb perform an aerial survey on their way back from Ockr, checking out an area that could be home to the first surface colony in the 2020s
Kerbal Space Agency
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Jeb & Val gave more VIP flights earlier today and are now meeting with several interested parties on behalf of C7 for purchase orders. Looks like fixed wing aviation will dig out its niche mainly in the cargo delivery business for now
Kerbal Space Agency
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C7 organized a final publicity event that had Jeb & Val fly two daredevils up to 4.5km from which they jumped and skydived down, making it the highest such stunt to be performed (airships generally do not fly higher than 2-3km)
Kerbal Space Agency
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Jeb & Val are pre-flighting, done with their stay at Ockr and ready to come back to KSC on what will be the longest flight yet for the Deuce and possibly for a fixed-wing aircraft in general. More record breaking!
Kerbal Space Agency
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ready to taxi, they will depart from Rwy27, which is an uphill run. Despite the flight distance they are only carrying 400kg of fuel (max 2t), which should be enough for 30min extra flight time. Point is, they are light and the uphill run at high altitude shouldn't be a problem
Kerbal Space Agency
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and they're away! The westward roll allowed spectators an up-close view as the Deuce roared off the end of the runway at just 74m/s but Jeb, in the pilot seat, reports they have positive rate of climb
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
cruising at 3.5km ASL Jeb will maintain this until they clear the mountainous region surrounding Ockr and then descend down to 1.5km in order to setup for their observation of bit.ly/Area_WP-VK
Kerbal Space Agency
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Val, working comms and navigation in the right seat, has signed off with Ockr as they descend and terrain cuts off the signal. They will make contact with KSC in the next hour or so if everything goes according to the flight plan they filed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've just been hailed by Val as the Deuce clears the horizon to the northeast, they're up at 7.5km ASL and got there at a much less aggressive pace that sees them still traveling at ~120m/s full thrust (they were doing only ~85m/s @ 7.5km flying KGA-SRG last week)
Kerbal Space Agency
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80km out Jeb has cut throttle to begin descent from 7.6km, says nevermind about the extra safety of having a second pilot to control the aircraft - having someone to chat with on the long flight was the real benefit
Kerbal Space Agency
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winds are strong out of the southeast, Deuce is on its downwind leg at 4km ASL to land Rwy09. Jeb, who has flown since takeoff, has retired and handed control over to Val for landing
Kerbal Space Agency
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welcome home, crew! With only just under half their fuel burned, Val brought the Deuce in for a smooth landing and is taxiing to the HAB where crews are ready to swarm it and spend the remainder of this week seeing how it handled these past two weeks of heavy flying
Kerbal Space Agency
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a look at the tip of a small peninsula (bit.ly/Area_WP-VK) that is being considered as the location for the establishment of the first surface colony in over 200 years. If approved, construction could begin sometime in the 2020s. Other sites are being looked at as well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although they didn't end up breaking the continuous flight distance bit.ly/KSARecords, Jeb & Val did drop the Deuce to the deck yesterday and telemetry data confirms that at 500m full throttle they managed to maintain 145m/s in level flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mortimer has posted our bit.ly/FinanceReport_ā¦, which shows we had a rough month and obviously a lot still to recoup from the big Admin Center renovation project. Genesis still hanging in the green but Progenitor has slipped back into the red again
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HAB crews discovered more tire wear than expected on the Deuce and rubber marks in the wheel wells - they will be recommending brakes be applied before gear is retracted. Thankfully this was caught before any blowouts occurred
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a look at the approaches/departure made for SRG on top and OKG on the bottom - Val & Jeb used to think landing at Kravass was challenging! Each airport offers unique challenges, while KSC is just a cakewalk in comparison
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
time to chillax and enjoy the weekend! Head over to bit.ly/OpSummary1-29-ā¦ (link verified! Sorry about last week) to check out details on this week's Deuce PR tour and the latest news from the Progenitor team on the Mk6
Kerbal Space Agency
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bit.ly/GenesisProgram has signed off on numerous observation contracts for the Deuce, which is being outfitted with camera equipment the first half of this week and should be certified by mechanics to resume flight ops on Thurs
Kerbal Space Agency
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current Deuce cleared for flights, new Deuce ordered with some improvements planned and the K-3X project has been approved to design a new cargo aircraft. Details: kerbalspace.agency/?p=6741
Kerbal Space Agency
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crews have the Deuce rolled out and ready for Val & Jeb to come over for inspection and preflight. They are currently in their briefing at Flight Control off in the background
Kerbal Space Agency
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fired up and ready to go, Val is Pilot in Command of this flight and has been granted taxi and takeoff clearance for Rwy09, skies mostly cloudy with winds light and variable
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no issues on departure, Deuce is "cleaned up" (flaps & gear retracted) and climbing for 2.5km on course to bit.ly/Sector_PH2W7C. In the right seat, Jeb as co-pilot mainly handles communications and navigation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
leveled off at 2.5km traveling ~138m/s now already almost 80km from KSC Jeb has signed off as they drop below the horizon. They have ~452km to travel before they are back at KSC, so we expect to hear from them again in no more than an hour or so
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have contact with the Deuce as Jeb & Val clear the mountains to the west, data download looks like their flight went according to plan. Val will begin her descent shortly to setup for a straight-in approach to Rwy09, winds still mostly calm & skies clearer
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val called a Go-around on final approach as only one green light lit up in the cockpit after the gear lever was dropped. Visual inspection out her window confirmed the left-side gear did not deploy. They are climbing out as per abort procedure & then will work the problem
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
coming around to the north for a pattern approach, single gear was retracted okay & another attempt will be made on final to actuate both gear using the main lever
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Go-around #2. Same scenario, although this time Val held on her approach longer while Jeb attempted to use the manual pump. The gear did deploy but no light still in cockpit, meaning it likely did not lock & could collapse on landing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after climbing out to reset her approach Val has shut down, feathered & locked the left engine so the prop will remain clear of the ground. She will land with one engine and hope the gear holds on touchdown. Emergency crews are rushing out to stand by near the runway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
turning onto final, this is Val's first ever landing with one engine outside of the sim, but Jeb has done this already & is right beside her with advice, also ready to take control if Val feels she's not up to it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rescue & fire vehicles rushing to the Deuce, which spun and slid off to the side of the runway, no smoke coming from the aircraft & both pilots have already evacuated out the main cabin doors. Wow, what an incredible landing!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb & Val are being inspected by the medics. Gear did collapse, but Val used the ailerons & rudder to keep the aircraft banked onto the good gear until about 20m/s when the left wing finally dropped into the dirt and dug in, spinning the aircraft around and off to the side
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
both crew have been cleared by the medical team, Genesis engineers already out to survey the damage to the aircraft so they can decide how to get it towed back to the HAB. Obviously tomorrow's flight will have to be rescheduled. We are glad everyone is okay!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HAB crew want to buy Val a round at the canteen, say aircraft damage is minor and they hope to have her fixed up in a few days. Hydraulic leak has been found and will be repaired. ASA says it will not open a formal crash investigation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Genesis have confirmed they are still in talks with Progenitor and KerBalloon to eventually attempt to launch a Mk1-B and deploy a balloon off the top of the Deuce sometime in these next few months
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
that's a wrap for this week folks! Have a relaxing weekend but before you go get caught up on what transpired this past week along with any additional information we have: bit.ly/OpSummary2-5-18
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is repaired but Kravass reports weather up there and further to the north is rough and stormy today, so we will postpone the polar flight until tomorrow and hope the severe weather passes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is being rolled out for Jeb & Val after they finish their briefing. Weather up north still reported to be "iffy", but Deuce can at least make it to Kravass if nothing else
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
preflight completed, Jeb has rotated into the pilot's seat with Val on the right as co-pilot - although if the mission goes all the way through they will swap these roles by the end of it. Taxi clearance granted out to Rwy27
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce in position and holding. Our runways do not comply with Air Safety Administration regulations to permit operations under low light situations so waiting for the sun to clear the horizon for takeoff clearance
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Control has given Jeb his clearance to takeoff. They will need all the daylight possible on this trip, which will cover at least 1,300km! This will also be the first exploration of a polar region in nearly half a millennium
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
normal departure - gear up & flaps to 1, fly runway heading out to 800m, flaps up and turn on course to bit.ly/Area_KV-001. Jeb will climb to 2.5km, level off to build up speed then slowly continue to climb to at least 6km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
starting their climb, Jeb will look to stay above 120m/s so they can make it to Sheltered Rock not long after sunset. Val has signed off with Flight as they drop below the horizon. We'll monitor their progress again as they pass Kravass
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
passing through 4km we have the Deuce back on comms thru Kravass. Jeb reports air is slightly turbulent but nothing to cause any deviation from their flight plan. Weather to the north has improved and mission has a GO to continue, will not divert to KGA
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
photo taken a few mins ago, Deuce is now crossing The Wall, the northern-most mountain range in our region (of which Kravass is at the left-end), running roughly 123km east to west. This was the source of earlier weather concern & further north than any aircraft has flown before
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val has signed off as they continue north out of sight from Kravass, with just over 300km to go. We'll hear from them again when they come into view of Sheltered Rock sometime around 17-1800 UTC. We've wished them both a safe flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Sheltered Rock has patched us through to the Deuce. Jeb & Val report they had to abort their mission due to radiation hazard. Enough daylight remained as they neared SRG to allow them to visually setup their approach towards the mountains
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with the sun recently set, Deuce crew had the pleasure of watching the light recede up the peak of this mountain as they flew by just a few minutes earlier
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val is now in command and has begun their descent from 6.9km through a gap in the clouds. Weather has already been deemed favorable or they would have diverted back to Kravass. Conditions are important - nighttime approach through mountainous terrain is a serious hazard
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
using colored beacons to steer clear of the tallest peaks and keep track of their location, coming up now on final approach which is just one long turn onto short final with a steep 10Ā° descent to the runway at up to 140m/s - it's quite a ride!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
applying full reverse thrust while still short of the runway, Deuce crossed the threshold traveling 102m/s and came to a full stop after a little over 1km. First nighttime approach and landing is in the books, in addition to new flight time & distance records
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is parked and shut down. Flight instructor Aldeny caught their landing. Jeb & Val will stay through the weekend to help Aldeny & Helta setup an advanced flight training school. We'll get more info on their mission abort during debrief
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce mission debrief reveals Jeb & Val got increased radiation warnings from the onboard instrument. They did not receive dangerous dosages but possibly only because they didn't stick around long. Scientists will be studying data further the remainder of this week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although the flight was unable to reach the contract area on the Northern Ice Shelf, many megabytes of science data were still gathered from over the Tundra and Ice Caps. That and the discovery of polar radiation are all still big wins for this mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a look at the northern Tundra seen just off at the horizon with some dazzling aurora dancing overhead. Both Val & Jeb agree it was the coolest thing they have ever seen
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val sent us another photo from her last flight looking at Mun and Minmus with Sarnus, Urlum and Neidon. As you can see by the cockpit, she hasn't turned the camera sideways that's just how things look from higher latitudes. Remember: you're standing on a sphere
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
review of data from the last Deuce flight shows that Jeb & Val definitely flew into radiation coming from outer space. We'll have more in the Ops Summary covering the implications of these findings - which are actually exciting and good
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are ready to close out this week, so head on over to bit.ly/OpSummary2-12-ā¦ to get the latest details on our two high-profile missions this past week. Enjoy your weekend everyone!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
advanced flight training program is coming together over at Sheltered Rock as Jeb, Val, Aldeny & Helta fly patterns in the Deuce and Civvies. Although in this case the pattern is around a mountain rather than the airport!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the advanced flight school at Sheltered Rock is set to begin pilot training next month, eventually receiving new Deuce aircraft as well as C7's new plant comes online in May. Jeb and Val will be returning to KSC tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val & Jeb's return home was delayed when bit.ly/GenesisProgram signed a new contract earlier, forcing them to re-plan their flight and not departing before weather closed in. Conditions permitting they'll fly home tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb & Val are still stuck at Sheltered Rock due to adverse weather but if they can make it home in time today bit.ly/GenesisProgram has a Civvie contract ready for more atmospheric samples over the western Grasslands to continue pollen monitoring
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
doesn't look like Jeb & Val will be making it home today either. Airships can manage high winds as they can always point into it for takeoff/landing. The K-3X will be larger & more capable of handling >20kts crosswinds
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
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
the R-3350-26W Duplex-Cyclone ("Dee Psych") engine will be what powers the Deuce moving forward, as well as the K-3X. It is the 1st engine designed specifically for fixed-wing flight and is 1.5x more powerful than the current PT6 in use, with three 4m propeller blades and nine cylinders. Image is to scale
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
the 50th Civvie rolled off the assembly line today at C7's Kravass plant, which will be ending Civvie production by May and setting up for K-3X builds - Civvies and Deuces will be assembled at the new Sheltered Rock facility
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/FinanceReport_ā¦ has been posted by Mortimer, showing out first profit for the year. Unfortunately it's not as much as we'd hoped given the shutdown of KSC but profit nonetheless
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the C7 assembly facility at Sheltered Rock have received the Deuce parts we shipped out of KSC so construction can continue while the HAB is not operational. We still plan to have the new Deuce completed by next month
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
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 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
the success of the Deuce sim used by Jeb & Val at KSC has led C7 to develop a Civvie full motion sim as well that the Kravass flight school is now using to train new pilots prior to actual flight time in order to reduce accidents
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
find out more about the Ascension Mk1 designs released earlier this week via bit.ly/OpSummary3-12-ā¦ and tell us - are you doing anything sciencey this weekend?
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
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
Jeb & Val have returned to Sheltered Rock to resume their Deuce flight instruction & training to prep for the new aircraft next month while Bob & Bill are embedding themselves with a research team heading south to see if radiation exists over that pole too
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
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-ā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
airship expedition to the south pole region has returned with confirmation of the same radiation exposure discovered by Jeb & Val to the north. Scientists say it's no coincidence this is detected right where the aurora occur
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
we are one step closer to getting operations back underway at KSC. That and more in bit.ly/OpSummary3-26-ā¦ - we hope everyone enjoys a relaxing weekend!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb & Val report the new Deuce is ready - at least, the main pieces of it are. Final assembly in the main hangar at SRG will not be possible until lawful occupation of permanent surface structures is possible again
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there is really not much to report in March's financial report but as always it is available for public review if anyone is interested: bit.ly/FinanceReport_ā¦
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
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
the engines for the new Deuce have arrived at SRG for final assembly to begin, which should wrap up in 2 weeks time so Jeb and Val can carry out flight testing with them
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
Bob & Bill are excited to get back to work prepping KerBalloons for launch and planning missions. Once the Deuce returns to KSC they will attempt to deploy a balloon off the top rear fuselage
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 š
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb & Val report from Sheltered Rock that the new Deuce with the new engines will complete its final ground check outs today at SRG. They plan to begin test flights on Monday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
report from Lead Engineer Simon is that the Progeny Mk6 for next week's launch is on track for payload integration and final stacking early next week. Learn more about the engine testing via bit.ly/OpSummary4-16-ā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
poor weather over Sheltered Rock has delayed flight testing, we're hoping for better conditions after 3rd sunrise later today. Val & Jeb have instead been spending some extra time in the sim working with flight instructors and students
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb & Val have completed inspection and preflight, Deuce is fired up and ready to taxi out for flight testing to begin. Weather much more favorable this day cycle with clouds up at 5km, winds 3-6kts out of the SW. Up north there at 1km ASL temp is 61Ā°F (closer to 80 down here)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
parked at the top of Rwy22, without managing to clip a wing in the process, Jeb has announced their intention to takeoff on the CTAF and Val is advancing the throttles to start their run
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have report of good takeoff and climb out, departing to the west for a shallower climb but they will continue once over the mountains and see just how high these engines can take them while monitoring performance during the ascent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
passing through 5km ASL, data relayed shows performance of both engines is nominal. Here's a look at the climb profile from relayed data compared to the last flight that went for an altitude record (started at KGA)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
elevator trim has been maxed out, Deuce is now passing through 7km but probably won't make it much higher - at least not anytime soon as it will slowly climb as it burns off fuel. Engines still throttled to 100%, all readings still nominal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight has called off the climb attempt just shy of 7.4km ASL, satisfied with engine data. Val will now step the throttle back to record additional data during descent as they vector back towards the airfield
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
80% throttle could not maintain >7km but was more of a "powered glide" than a descent with only mm/s of altitude loss. Great fuel savings for a long distance cruise. Now down to 60% and descending ~2m/s - elevator trim still maxed out
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with everything going so well Val was given permission to shut down one of her engines. 60% throttle w/full rudder trim allowed level flight, anything higher needed aileron compensation as well but full thrust single-engine was flyable. Both now running again
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val is lining up for an approach from the south, which has only ever been done with a Deuce in the simulator. It is an extremely steep approach of 10-12Ā° - once you clear the last high ridge it's pretty much reverse thrust all the way down to control speed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although she just proved something crazy that can be done in the sim can be done in real life, Val still had to step on the brakes so hard the aircraft nearly nosed over into the runway. Jeb says he had a few moments of concern for his mortality on that approach
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
engineers will be reviewing and validating the data collected from today's flight - if all looks good tomorrow Jeb & Val will be back up in the air to put the aircraft through some high-G maneuvers that the old engines couldn't handle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
SRG is still under the mountain's shadow but the sun is already up enough out east over there for Jeb & Val to see their departure, Deuce is ready to taxi out into even better weather than yesterday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
lined up for takeoff, today's flight will be short and focused on two main objectives: whether the engines will stall or the aircraft will break apart doing high-G maneuvers. Ideally, neither of these things will happen
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good departure, to the south this time to head for the flat grasslands. Trimmed out for ascent, Jeb is sitting back and enjoying the climb out over the mountains
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after two high-speed dives at full throttle (150m/s & 200m/s), Jeb & Val pulled out of both with a sustained load of over 5Gs and a peak load of 6.8Gs. Both dives also climbed out to a vertical stall and recovery. Val reports all flight controls still attached
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb just finished a series of 90Ā° high-G turns (150m/s+) again with sustained loads of 5-6Gs with a peak load of 7.1Gs. Aircraft still flying fine, engines had not even the tiniest hiccup in operation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
setting up for another northward horrendously steep approach to SRG Jeb says he's not going to "let Val have all the fun around here" but also claims he won't be coming in anywhere near as hot as she did
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
true to his word, Jeb crossed the threshold at 80m/s versus Val's heart-stopping 115m/s short final yesterday but Val said she was worried at the start of the approach that Jeb was going to sink the plane into the ridge line he was going so slow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
data review will be underway shortly for today's test flight but unless serious problems are found there or with the airframe inspection Jeb & Val will be cleared to fly back to KSC this week for the Deuce's first cross-country flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here's a look at the dives Jeb & Val took earlier today from their flight data. Jeb managed to pull out of each vertical stall pretty much right back to where he started without over-stressing the aircraft
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
more data visualization, this time a normalized look at the vertical high-G pulls to get a better look at the correlation between speed and G's, with altitude thrown in to mirror the speed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce has been cleared by the Genesis engineers reviewing the flight data but the structural engineers are still peering closely at the airframe for any signs of stress fracturing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Genesis team at Sheltered Rock want to replace the Deuce's elevator control mechanisms that are showing possible signs of fatigue so they can be examined more closely. New parts will be in place for Deuce to fly back to KSC no earlier than this Friday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
elevator parts have been replaced on the Deuce and it will be flown back tomorrow, taking an aerial survey along the way. Original prototype will be flown over to Kravass for retirement in the Air History Museum alongside the original Civvie
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
dawn is already breaking over at Sheltered Rock and the weather is great for flying so Jeb & Val are getting an early start because who knows what it will be like later today. Deuce is rolled out and ready for preflight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ready to taxi out, Deuce has taken off with a full 2t load of fuel before with the old engines but did not do so while also climbing out of SRG. Based on climb performance from this week's testing however it shouldn't be a problem, and will also break the takeoff weight record
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no issues on departure (new record: 5.145t), Val has cleared the mountains surrounding SRG and turned on course for bit.ly/Zone_64K-9M, where Jeb will use the underbelly camera to perform an aerial survey as they fly by before heading towards KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
approaching the horizon Jeb has signed off with us, relayed via the Sheltered Rock comm tower perched atop a dominating 6km peak. We'll pick them up again as they approach KSC. Jeb will fly the second leg, says he's going to hit the deck for a speed record attempt
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've been hailed by Val as the Deuce pops up over the horizon 68km to the east. Nominal flight reported, only minor turbulence to contend with. Flight Control is vectoring them for a straight-in approach to runway 27
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
gear down, flaps at full Jeb is coming in nice and slow on final approach, 10km out traveling 95m/s (stall speed is ~70m/s) - neither pilot considers the use of thrust reversers on approach to be acceptable practice under normal landing conditions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
smooth touchdown and rollout ends the 746km flight, reverse thrust applied on the ground to help ease the brake wear. Glad to have both our pilots back at KSC along with a brand new aircraft to put into service!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb and Val head off to debriefing after parking next to the one Civvie still deployed to the tarmac (other two are in the hangar). Yup, Deuce is pretty big but it in turn will soon be dwarfed by the upcoming K-3X (which we should have lots more info on next month)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
review of flight data has confirmed a new level flight speed record for propeller-driven aircraft at 167m/s, beating out the original Deuce, which was able to attain a speed of 145m/s. Check out all our records here: bit.ly/KSARecords
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
preliminary flight report for yesterday's launch is included in our review of events this past week - get more details via bit.ly/OpSummary4-23-ā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/FinanceReport_ā¦ is now up and although we nearly recouped our losses the amount of missions we were able to squeeze in at the end of the month couldn't quite overcome the Deuce and K2-X testing costs. Looking for some profit this month though!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/GenesisProgram has announced they are installing some shielding in the Deuce cabin so Cpt Jeb and Cdr Val can head back up to the northern ice caps next week to complete their original survey mission and fully explore the extent of radiation in the region
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the old Deuce prototype has been flown from Sheltered Rock to Kravass for disassembly & transport to be displayed in the Air History Museum. It flew 6,097km over 15.2 hours while in service with the KSA (across its two iterations)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HAB have finished modifying the Deuce to keep the cockpit shielded better from harmful levels of radiation, though it is not known for sure if any will be encountered as Jeb and Val fly through the polar region tomorrow - but better safe than sorry
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
turf is still soggy & muddy from heavy rains late yesterday but expected to dry out by 3rd sunrise for Val & Jeb to take the radiation-hardened Deuce out for its second attempt at reaching the northern polar ice caps
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb & Val are suiting up and heading to briefing while crews roll out & fuel the Deuce. It won't carry full fuel despite the distance due to the extra 436kg of mass added for shielding the cockpit. Range will still be enough to return to KSC safely
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
boarded for preflight, ground crew have sealed Jeb & Val into the cockpit via a newly-installed cabin hatch to keep that section of the craft hardened against radiation. The cockpit emergency egress doors are still available for use if a quick exit is needed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taxiing out to Rw09, Jeb will be in position for takeoff with barely enough light for a safe roll down the turf runway to give them as much daylight as possible to complete their mission & return to KSC before nightfall. Moho & Dres are visible - should be obvious which is which
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has turned on course to the north after departing without issue, getting to view the sunrise with Val before the rest of us here down on the ground. He'll make an initial climb to 2.5km before reducing power to 80% cruise & continuing a slow climb above the clouds to 6km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val reports favorable skies continue ahead, says Jeb is having no issues with the slightly nose-heavy aircraft and has signed off with Flight as they drop below the terrain. We will regain contact with them as they pass by east of Kravass for an update
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're back in touch with the Deuce, routed through the comm tower atop Kravass. Val reports they are passing through 3.8km, speed 134m/s. She adds the flight so far has been smooth with only minor clear air turbulence
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
headed for one of three major gaps in the mountain range known as The Wall, Jeb is making sure they are past the terrain before climbing up through the clouds to their final cruise altitude
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val has radioed in saying they see a line of thunderstorms on the horizon directly in their path. They have enough fuel to go around but they would not make it back to KSC or KGA before nightfall and would have to divert all the way to SRG. They're turning back for KGA
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
35km out from KGA Jeb has reduced power to begin descent while Val broadcasts their location and intent on the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency to ensure they remain clear of other air traffic in the area
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
turning downwind for Rwy19, a Civvie departed prior to their approach and Val has confirmed the field is clear for them to land. Thanks to the tight confines of the pattern approach here due to terrain thrust reversers are required on the Deuce even when landing uphill
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
shut down and chocked up after a good landing, the Deuce and its crew will bunk down at KGA and attempt to complete the mission tomorrow, hoping for better weather conditions to the north, not to mention over KGA for departure after 2nd sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
daylight arrives a bit later over Kravass but Jeb & Val are buttoned up in the hardened cockpit of the Deuce & taxiing out to Rwy19 as the first light begins to show in the sky to continue the journey north and hope the weather treats them better this time out
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after a good departure Jeb, still flying the first leg, has come about to the west in an aggressive 10-12Ā° climb at full throttle to clear the mountains and get on course with minimal delay - making it back to KSC before nightfall will still be a tight schedule
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
leveled out at 3.5km, reduced power to cruise, they will slowly climb to 6km as they head out over the northern sea. They'd go faster at full throttle but enough fuel needs to be reserved for a divert to SRG if mission extends past nightfall for any reason
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
signing off as they near the horizon, Val reports weather is looking good to the north as they pass through 4.3km. We will regain contact later this day cycle, although exactly when is unknown. Lack of contact past 16:00 UTC would be cause for concern
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
contact! Having swapped roles, Jeb is on the horn to Flight via Kravass comm tower as they head back south at full throttle - it will be close but they can make it back to KSC before operational sunset at 15:30 UTC with about 10 min to spare
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb reports they made two passes through the radiation zone at 6km and 3km, recording levels no higher than 0.078rad/hr - no danger to anyone transiting the area, spanning <60km north to south. It takes ~37rads to show signs of radiation sickness
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
not wanting to slow down while climbing >4km over The Wall, Val took a pass behind the peak in the foreground to slip through the range at 3.5km ASL. They can now make direct for KSC and descend gradually to maintain their speed at 160-170m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
signal loss from Kravass as the Deuce drops behind terrain, we'll pick them up next when they are in sight of KSC. Still doing good on time, but we're getting some portable spotlights standing by out near the runway just in case the threshold needs to be lit for landing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've been hailed by Jeb and Flight has given Val clearance to land on Runway 09. She'll have time to make a proper approach, the sun has just disappeared behind the mountains but enough light remains to see the runway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taxiing over to the HAB after a smooth landing, the Deuce will have its radiation shielding removed and be ready for flight ops again late next week. Jeb and Val will head to debrief with plenty of data to review from this long mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we can confirm three new Agency records from this last flight:
Takeoff Weight: 5.275t
Longest Mission Distance: 2,119.688km
Longest Distance Flown from KSC: 850km
(mission distance includes *any* mission, rockets too) You can view more at bit.ly/KSARecords
Takeoff Weight: 5.275t
Longest Mission Distance: 2,119.688km
Longest Distance Flown from KSC: 850km
(mission distance includes *any* mission, rockets too) You can view more at bit.ly/KSARecords
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
view of aurora beyond the clouds as the Deuce reaches the ice caps, seen from Cdr Val's seat. This marks the region of higher than normal radiation and is not a coincidence. Scientists will use data from this flight to work on their magnetic field models of Kerbin
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with no further modifications planned for the Deuce, this is the new final blueprint and the factory in Sheltered Rock will begin producing aircraft for customers in June at a starting rate of 2 per month (hi res: flickr.com/gp/kerbal_spacā¦)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our most extensive bit.ly/OpSummary5-7-18 yet contains everything you might have missed this week along with extra details too verbose for tweets. With the latest Progeny launch campaign completed, truly a relaxing weekend ahead!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/GenesisProgram will have Val & Jeb take the Deuce out for an observation contract later this week. Other than the extended range & engine redundancy, having two crew allows for more extensive observations & thus a higher contract payout than using a Civvie
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after extended review of past missions deploying balloons by plane (kerbalspace.agency/ksa/?cat=8&tagā¦) KerBalloon have decided the logistical issues outweigh any potential cost savings & won't be teaming up with Genesis for Deuce deployments after all
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
plans still remain for Genesis and Progenitor teams to work together to launch a Progeny Mk1-B off the back of a Deuce to see what the potential gains would be for starting off at altitude. Mission could occur as early as next month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Scientist Cheranne happily received the prototypes of two mystery goo container types from Head of R&D Wernher's team. They will be tested on a KerBalloon & Deuce flight next week. Radial (bottom) meant for aircraft while the inline (top) meant for rocket flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is rolled out & ready for her mission tomorrow. A newly developed booster camera meant for the Ascension Mk1 has been mounted on the roof, facing the tail, to check out its capabilities. It will also be used to monitor the future tests of rocket launches off the aircraft
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rain and high winds have kept Jeb & Val grounded. Doesn't look like it's going to let up anytime soon so they are standing down from flight readiness and will try again next day cycle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
arriving back in Umbarg, the KerBalloon team were completely successful this time out, having to deal with only moderate waters and recovering their payload. Genesis team however was informed the weather out east they sailed through on the way home is very rough
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
who else is ready for the weekend?? Before you go though, be sure you're all caught up on the latest KSA happenings via bit.ly/OpSummary5-14-ā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce mission is a Go for this day cycle, Jeb & Val are finishing up preflight. Above the cockpit you can see mounted the booster camera that will get to undergo some relatively light aerodynamic stress testing while the aircraft is in flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taxiing out, crosswinds are too strong to use Rwy09/27 so Val is heading for the lesser-used and oft-forgotten Rwy01/19. As the wind is from the north, she'll be lining up at Runway 01, which faces 10Ā° and allows for takeoff more into a headwind for better lift
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no issues on departure, Val is now turning in course for bit.ly/Area_B-1F following Jeb's directions as he plots their course. Looking back from the rear-facing booster camera saw this while climbing out - look closely & you can just make out the runway threshold markers
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight nominal, Jeb has signed off as they near the horizon, climbing through 5.5km so staying above it a bit longer than previous flights heading east. ~300km to their target so we expect to hear from them again in no more than 2 hours from now
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've been hailed by Val as Jeb pilots them back from a successful overflight of their observation area. Winds remain strong out of the north so they will setup for a Rwy01 landing - turf runways can indeed be used for both takeoff and landing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still descending, Jeb is making a crosswind pass over the runway to let Val get eyes on for reference - one of the benefits to using the dirt runway for landing is that it is way more visible to approach straight-in from farther out
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
satisfied she knows where the runway is, Jeb is executing a left-turn traffic pattern while Val keeps the runway visible out her window to help guide him down and setup for final approach - taking caution they don't swing too wide over the higher terrain to the southwest
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
smooth landing and rollout, aircraft is taxiing back to park out on the tarmac in front of the HAB. Jeb & Val will be debriefed after lunch while ground crew examines the camera to ensure it stayed mounted properly throughout the flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
booster camera held on fine during the flight and was operated by the pilots with no issues, functioning as designed. Here's a look at the target area for today's flight from the front-facing camera
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
earlier we launched & recovered a low-altitude balloon used to test the inline mystery goo containment unit. The radial version is being installed on the Deuce for flight testing tomorrow. Lead Scientist Cheranne's team will examine the samples to determine how they fared
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still a WIP, but you can select an aircraft flight from the Inactive Vessels at ops.kerbalspace.agency and click on its path to get an option to switch to elevation display, to see changes in altitude (green is lower, blue is higher)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
nasty day with low overcast skies and the threat of rain. Jeb & Val will remain at flight readiness and hope that things clear up. Mystery goo sample will remain comfy in the hazmat lab next to some kuudite ore. It gets inserted into the containment unit during preflight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb & Val are standing down for the day but will attempt their flight again tomorrow. Goo remains healthy in the lab. The sample flown via balloon yesterday came back dead, but instruments in the container did collect data while it was exposed & active
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
getting the mystery goo ready for today's flight, a lab technician accidentally dropped the sample, prompting a radiation breach alert. There goes their 107 day safety record. Hazmat crews are prepping to enter the lab and assess the situation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good news from the science labs is the sample was not damaged & no breach occurred, which means Deuce mission is still a Go for today but the sample now won't be ready in time for this day cycle so wheels up is now scheduled for after 3rd sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mystery goo sample has been installed into the radial containment pod mounted underneath the Deuce. Jeb & Val are suiting up and heading off to be briefed in Flight Control while ground crews prep the aircraft for preflight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
wrapping up preflight, Jeb has command of the aircraft while Val requests taxi clearance out to Rwy27. winds are light enough out of the east to permit a westward departure
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good departure, Jeb has set course 225Ā° to head towards Umbarg as a visual waypoint before turning due west to make for the west shore desert, then loop back around over the mountains. Goo will remain exposed the whole flight, up to 6km ASL
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
heading out over the desert and almost out of comms range from Umbarg, Val is using the belly cam to keep an eye on the goo canister to make sure it stays attached and the sample stays within. They are just coming up on 6km ASL
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crossing over the mountains, winds remain out of the east but have picked up speed. Jeb is too high for a straight-in approach so is given clearance to enter downwind into the traffic pattern to land Rwy09
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
gradually making his way down Jeb kissed the runway at only 53m/s for a smooth rollout. Hopefully the goo had a good flight! Scientists will collect the sample after the aircraft taxis back in for analysis back in the labs
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bill & Bob lead a column of UTVs out towards bit.ly/Zone_MOI65, traveling much like in this photo, with the vehicles carrying the balloon, extra fuel and supplies in the rear so the lead "pathfinder" vehicle encounters any bad terrain first
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
airship coming on station to provide comm relay as UTVs enter Highlands & pass behind terrain. Why not use a Deuce? It could stay aloft as long as needed for this mission but if any inflight emergency came up after dark it would not be able to return and land safely at KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a new contract for bit.ly/GenesisProgram will send the Deuce out to perform an aerial survey of the source for the Kongo river, near a flat plain at the foot of some mountains where scientists want to place a research site for studies in the region
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/OpSummary5-21-ā¦ 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
prep work underway ahead of sunrise so Val & Jeb can depart as soon as it is light enough for bit.ly/Sector_SH-4D0W, which is far enough away they'll need to divert to KGA coming back to lay over for the night cycle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good flying weather today, at least over KSC, as Deuce gets ready to taxi out to Rwy27 for departure. Despite the the ~1200km trip distance the aircraft is only needing to carry half its fuel capacity - nowhere else to divert but KGA
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no issues on departure, Jeb took a shot out the window as they pass over the mountains at 4km ASL - Val is throttling back from climb (100%) to cruise power (80%), they will continue ascending but slowly, trading slightly worse fuel economy for faster overall speed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after sending the photo comms were lost due to the mountains, Deuce will not be traveling far enough to the north to get in touch with Kravass on its outbound leg so if we don't hear from them by sundown an airship at KGA is on standby to begin S&R operations
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val has just hailed Kravass as the Deuce clears the horizon. They report no troubles during the flight, fuel levels are good and they will take the standard approach
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
vectored around the nearby terrain there's still a low ridge line to pass over before short final, during which you can only see the threshold of the runway, as the rest is sloped down and not visible - so you better be lined up right!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has taxied in after landing, they will park the Deuce and hang out overnight to make the rest of the journey home next day cycle. We're also using this opportunity to ferry over some passengers...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a look at the contract survey area from 5.8km ASL. The Kongo river bubbles up above ground several kilometers from the base of the mountains but you can see the depression where it runs near the surface
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this location was one of the few considered for an industrial surface colony but was deemed just too remote for regular living, shipping and production needs. As a research outpost however, it could become a science hub for this region
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sun rises a bit later at KGA but Deuce is already prepped for flight, now carrying two extra bodies in the back - it's not their first flight but they aren't used to sitting back there
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has signed off as they pass over the horizon on a direct course to KSC, no weather in the way to cause them to take an alternate route. They didn't fuel up at KGA, so aircraft is light and they're going to try for a new altitude record
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is in sight of KSC & descending from 8.516km, which is indeed a new bit.ly/KSARecords. Doesn't beat the previous 8.447km record with as great a margin as the crew hoped for, but that was also set with a Deuce that weighed 567kg lighter
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has rolled out onto a 10km final for Rwy27 after a nice long descent. We could provide this tracking data live when available but with intermittent comms during missions & no real requests from anyone to do so, it's a low priority
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
welcome home, crew! Deuce is taxiing in after a flawless landing, our two mystery passengers enjoyed the flight getting to relax in the spacious rear cabin
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb & Val have just completed their final mission for the Genesis program! Tomorrow they will officially transfer over with Bob and Bill to Ascension and begin to focus solely on training for space flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everyone give a big welcome to our two newest crew members - Flight Officers Aldeny & Tedman!! Aldy & Ted come aboard to take the place of Val & Jeb in the Genesis program. Learn more about both via ops.kerbalspace.agency/?crew
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
both new crew come to us as experienced flight instructors for the Civvie and Deuce; you may recall them passing through KSC when completing their training almost 1 year ago. They are excited to work on developing and testing out the K-3X and future aircraft
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Head of Finances Mortimer is still happy with our meager income this month considering the size of our expense column and the failure to recover valuable science data from the last rocket flight. Full financial report: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/dā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
K-3X was the code designation for all prior aircraft projects, but names were chosen early on in development. The Civvie is K-108 while the Deuce is K-213. If anyone has ideas for what to call the latest K-3X, send them over!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the second Deuce was rolled out at SRG for delivery to the postal service, another this month will go to mail delivery as well followed by 2 more in July. Everyone can look forward to faster delivery times, altho until fleet grows that will be a bit more expensive
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB has begun to work on finishing the assembly of the Progeny Mk1-B that will be carried atop the Deuce while integration work continues on the two Mk6 Block II vehicles and parts are starting to arrive for the second Ascension Mk1 launching next month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
what a week! Lots to do now before we're ready to send up the second Mk1 next month, learn about that and more on what else transpired at KSC via bit.ly/OpSummary6-4-18
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ted & Aldy will begin their Genesis duties in full this week, working with Progenitor engineers to get the Deuce outfitted for captive carry of the Progeny Mk1-B and building the mission flight profile for release testing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final closeouts are underway for the Mk1-B being put together over in a corner of the VAB before it's sent over to the HAB for mounting. If all goes well the captive carry/release test could happen next week on 6/21
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today marked the end of our 6th trip around Kerbol since KSA operations began back in late 2016. āØš Kerzzah! šāØ Here's to yet another awesome Kerbolar year in space exploration! š„
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#OTD 1 year ago we had the first test flight of the Deuce, which was the first design to incorporate multi-crew, passenger room and twin engines. Check out the mission report here: kerbalspace.agency/?p=4295
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/OpSummary6-11-ā¦ has all the info you need to stay on top of all that is going on, with additional details that are too verbose for tweets during the week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have ignition of all 5 boosters and lift off! 140kN of thrust produces just over 6Gs of force - this plus the extra batteries near the nose should keep the rocket pointed downrange. Radial boosters will detach after just 5.5 seconds, burning fuel at 11kg/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although they stopped work to watch the launch, Genesis crew continued today to prep the Deuce for flight - unfortunately an accident occurred when mating the rocket to the aircraft. Both have been damaged but no one was hurt. Assessment still underway to determine how bad it is
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
damage report from Lead Engineer Simon is that both the aircraft and the rocket combined will require about 1.5 weeks for repairs, thankfully no damage was serious enough to require any rebuilding. Ted & Aldy both bummed to have their first mission delayed
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
Lead Engineer Simon confirms that repairs to the Deuce and Progeny Mk1-B are proceeding better than expected. They will have a solid idea by mid next week when they can make another attempt at flying the two together
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Head of Finances Mortimer is pleased to see we pulled off another month of profit, although he is still concerned it's mainly due to the large grant from the Interstellar Exploration Foundation docs.google.com/spreadsheets/dā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
work still being done to see about upgrading our runway here at KSC to handle night operations while also setting up controlled airspace to handle commercial aircraft traffic to serve as the airport for Umbarg
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all the parts are here for the second Ascension Mk1 Block I vehicle to finish assembly on schedule next week. VAB is also sending the Progeny MK1-B back over to the HAB to be mounted atop the Deuce, itself finishing repairs just yesterday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
successful mating of the Progeny Mk1-B and Deuce have set the stage for captive carry and release test to finally be carried out next week! Teams are aiming for wheels up after second sunrise on Monday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Aldeny & Tedman are getting suited up, excited for their first mission together that will be unlike any other flown so far - carrying & releasing a rocket from the top of the Deuce. Jeb & Val will give the aircraft a pre-flight inspection
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crews have the Deuce rolled out while Aldeny & Tedman finish up their briefing over in Flight Control. Rocket is very flush with aircraft - more luck than design but shows how mounting was difficult initially. Great weather for flying today!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
decoupler sits ahead of booster center of mass, so it will provide a nice kick up and back upon detach to ensure that it clears the tail of the aircraft, which will be flying level. The real test today is whether the rocket will flip over after release or not
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ted & Aldy have boarded after conferring with Jeb & Val on the readiness of the aircraft. Pre-flight now underway to get the engines fired up and the plane ready for departure. Progenitor & Genesis team member both here in Flight Control to monitor their respective missions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progenitor team have called a flight abort after seeing readings indicating the rocket mount was not holding the vehicle properly once the aircraft engines were brought to life. Ted & Aldy are shutting down and going on standby while this new problem is worked on
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
having stood down from flight readiness, Ted & Aldy remain eager for their mission. Extra bracing is already being installed to ensure the rocket is held down securely and crews should have the Deuce ready to fly again by 2nd sunrise tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
strutting the Progeny Mk1-B to the Deuce has been completed and operations remain on track for a second flight attempt once the sun rises. Attach points on the booster will decouple and leave its surface relatively clean
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce crew of Flght Officers Aldeny (flight commander) and Tedman are reviewing their flight plan once again in briefing prior to heading out for preflight. They will aim to reach 7km ASL & release the rocket just west of KSC, which will parachute back to the ground for recovery
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather has remained excellent through to this day cycle, with high cirrus clouds and otherwise clear skies. Strong winds out of the WSW are of minor concern but should mostly help the aircraft climb better
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce has engine start, Progenitor team confirms rocket is looking secure and permission to taxi out to Rwy27 has been granted. Eyes will continue to watch the telemetry data as the aircraft trundles along towards its takeoff hold point
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
holding on the runway, Flight reports rocket remains secure and has given Aldeny permission to takeoff. Aircraft is only carrying 10% fuel to be as light as possible
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce tail had no trouble leaving the ground during takeoff run and Aldy rotated to climb out after just 330m of roll, reports a solid positive climb rate and no noticeable control issues. He asked Ted to confirm the rocket is even still strapped atop the aircraft! š
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
climbing through 3.5km, leaving KSC behind as they head into the wind. Rocket remains secure and Deuce remains stable in flight. Both Genesis and Progenitor teams have already agreed to go for a release
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
passing through 6km and 72km downrange, Aldy has begun to turn back towards KSC to prepare for release, which will be initiated at at the command of Flight Control by Tedman, who is otherwise sitting back and enjoying the flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
trimmed level at 7km ASL the Deuce is approaching KSC at 122m/s, 39km downrange. Once inside of 10km Flight will take a final look at the data and either give permission to release or instruct Aldy to go around for another pass
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
"Release! Release! Release!" Tedman triggered the decoupler to fire and the Progeny Mk1-B was successfully detached above the aircraft, clearing the tail as it fell back towards the ground. Spotter atop the VAB caught the rocket landing under good chute in the hills west of KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
beginning his descent shortly after rocket release, Aldy has spiraled down from 7km to setup for a nice slow 15km approach to Rwy27 - flaps to full and gear down he's now on short final
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
perfect landing by Aldeny, who is now taxiing back to the HAB while recovery crews approach the rocket landing site to get it loaded up and trucked back to the VAB for analysis
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
great video off the Deuce dorsal camera of the rocket being released into what appears to be a stable firing position before it starts to drift off heading. Progenitor team will carefully study onboard data to confirm youtube.com/watch?v=o5-RZvā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
construction on the Dhumla kicks off today. Despite its size and taking up 443 square meters of floor space in the HAB, we have a total of 3,102m^2 to shuffle around our 1 Deuce (119m^2) and 3 Civvies (43m^2) - and those are all including the empty space between wings & tail
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progenitor and Genesis teams have reviewed yesterday's flight data and conclude the release went extremely well - the rocket was flying on its own after being pushed away from the aircraft and the engine exhaust would have cleared the Deuce's tail
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the rocket was pushed up to 36Ā° of pitch from an initial 4Ā° above horizontal. Since it can't steer upwards, a second carry and release test tomorrow will have the rocket decouple while the Deuce is climbing at an angle of 45Ā°
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crews have gotten quicker at getting the Mk1-B remounted to the Deuce, so it's ready to go but weather seems to be turning for the worse. Aldy and Ted are suited up and on standby in case conditions improve before 3rd sunset
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
clouds & wind made it seem like a storm was brewing but weather is improving and the Go has been given for the flight crew to head to briefing while the aircraft gets a final checkover out on the tarmac
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the 'stache gives away that Tedman has control of the aircraft for this mission as he and Aldy wrap up preflight to get the aircraft ready for departure. The sky is mostly clear - and dark thanks to Mun's shadow as a kerbolar eclipse recedes from maximum
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
departure clearance has been granted from Flight Control, giving Ted permission to taxi out and takeoff. Winds are still strong and coming from the south means they'll need to take the looong drive out to Rwy19
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tedman has powered the Deuce off the ground and is now passing through 800m ASL, cleaning up the wings and setting trim for a nice easy 10m/s climb up to 6km. This allows the aircraft to maintain momentum & remain ~120m/s - gaining speed at high altitudes is tough
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
passing through 6km Ted has begun to turn back towards KSC. 75km downrange, he'll use the distance to slowly climb the remaining 1km, level off and confirm the aircraft is stable in preparation for release of the rocket
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
20km out, approaching at 127m/s level @ 7km Ted is making one final minor course adjustment as instructed by Flight. Within 10km Flight will give the Go to dive down to 6.5km and climb back up holding a 45Ā° pitch to 7km - at which point Ted will command Aldy to release the rocket
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
"Abort! Abort! Abort!" Tedman instructed Aldeny to not release the rocket as he determined his speed was low and climb angle was off. He's getting the Deuce back under control from the near-stall and Flight will vector him around for another approach
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Deuce has come around for another attempt. Tedman says he will apply full power on his climb this time and also make sure to dive only 500m as he is supposed to rather than nearly 1km on the first attempt. Both admit tho they're happy to pull some Gs again!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
"Release! Release! Release!" this time Tedman felt more confident in his climb and Aldeny fired the decoupler as commanded to send the rocket up and away from the rear of the aircraft. Separation looked as clean as the first attempt!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket has landed safely under chute and recovery crews are on the way as Tedman continues his descent to land back on Rwy19. Sun is getting low, which will make the runway markers harder to see on approach but Aldy has a pair of binoculars to help guide Ted in
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taxiing back in after a smooth landing, the crew will debrief with the rest of the Genesis and Progenitor team members as data and footage is reviewed to determine whether the rocket did indeed perform nominally on this release closer to its ascent angle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
initial results from today's mission show the rocket pitched up to 77Ā° after being released at 44Ā° (great flying, Ted!). This is only 1Ā° more than expected based on data from the first test and shows an elevated release still won't kick the rocket over too much
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce performance data also shows its capable of a greater climb angle, so rocket will be remounted again for a final test tomorrow that will see it detached from ~52Ā° to reach its 85Ā° optimal ascent angle - still no engine fire, just a drop & recovery
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
storms are moving through the area bringing high winds and rain. Ted and Aldy will be on standby hoping for better weather, ground crews braved the elements to get the rocket remounted and ready for another release test
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket carry/release standing down until next day cycle. Weather has also so far prevented the astronaut crew from performing wet capsule exercises thanks to excessive waves heights, even in the bay, due to winds
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
3rd sunrise approaches and weather remains poor for both flight crew and astronaut crew. Don't think they're sitting around twiddling their toes though, everyone still has plenty of indoor work to keep them busy. Still continuing to hope for better weather later today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're calling it - all crews standing down for the weekend. Everyone will be back ready to go on Monday! Catch up on everything that happened this week via bit.ly/OpSummary7-9-18
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new approach lights have been installed at the ends of both turf runways to make them easier to spot when landing in low light conditions without the need for a co-pilot with binoculars, which you can't have when piloting a Civvie
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Aldeny came down sick over the weekend, having an averse reaction to the allergy medication. Doctors have changed up his prescription and he's getting better but still unfit to fly today. Jeb & Val are tied up with capsule testing so Deuce flight delayed to Wed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Officers Tedman & Aldeny spend all day on standby waiting for good flying conditions but will have to try again tomorrow. Weather also has to be conducive to a good release environment 7km up, which makes it tougher sometimes for the mission to get off the ground
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
2nd sunrise is coming, Tedman & Aldeny are getting suited up for flight. Today's mission will continue release testing of the Progeny Mk1-B off the rear of the Deuce, aiming to deploy the rocket into its nominal ascent pitch of ~85Ā°
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ted & Aldy are heading out from briefing at Flight Control to perform their walk around inspection prior to climbing aboard for preflight. Weather conditions are decent, mostly cloudy with light winds and no gusts
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
unfortunately it seems the right engine of the Deuce has developed an oil leak - Aldy noticed the tarmac stain on walkaround and the routine pre-flight inspection check of the dipstick confirmed low levels. It will have to be repaired and made ready to fly again on Monday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
thankfully the Deuce engine just has a cracked casing that is leaking out oil and won't need a new engine or major overhaul - though the engine manufacturer is going to have to take a better look at the quality of its parts & an inspection of the left engine is underway also
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are suspending all surface operations and pulling back all staff to Umbarg HQ due to temperatures increasing near 100Ā°F as a high-pressure system sits over our region. We just can't keep our facilities cool enough in this heat for a proper work environment
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this has happened before & after much investigation scientists still don't fully understand what's going on but say a mixture of ocean currents, jet stream bending and moisture levels in the air can apparently combine under the right conditions to form a very localized heat wave
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the last episode, back in 2016, lasted several days. Hopefully this one is shorter. Either way, both Progeny launches are now suspended and will be assigned new launch dates once we can comfortably resume surface activity twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
science team was back up on the surface earlier at mid-day to gather temperature data & took a photo as they headed back to Umbarg - rarely do we see perfectly clear skies at KSC. You can almost feel the heat coming off the photo. It was baking up there, reaching 102Ā°F!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
latest report from the surface is the high pressure system has collapsed and strong storms are now sweeping through the region. KSC is buttoned up and shouldn't have any issues with the weather although flooding is a minor concern
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC has weathered the storms and we'll be moving operations back to the campus today. We will have updates throughout the day on new dates for the various missions that were put on hold as staff get re-situated and back on track
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we were treated to a sunset eclipse a short while ago (Mun is moving "up" off the sun in this photo). Ground crews have finished inspecting and clearing debris from the grass runways so the Deuce rocket carry/release mission can attempt to continue its mission tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Officers Tedman & Aldeny are standing down from flight readiness after spending the day cycle waiting for a dense marine layer to clear - air temps have cooled but not as fast as the ocean water & remain higher than normal. The fog persists, endangering takeoff & landing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather remains unsuitable for flight so Deuce mission will have to try again on Monday. It was a slow week, but you can still check out our weekly Ops Summary in case you missed anything: kerbalspace.agency/?p=7811
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
low clouds are rolling through but the Deuce is parked & ready, as are Aldeny & Tedman. We expect weather to improve later this day cycle. Given how much trouble the mission has had, no one is willing to miss a chance at getting airborne
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
halfway through the day cycle, but weather is looking better and time remains for the mission, which is scheduled to last less than an hour and would see the aircraft back on the ground before sunset. Deuce is already fired up and taxiing out to Rwy09
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Aldy is in the pilot seat today and has clearance from Flight to begin his takeoff roll. He'll climb out to the east until 6km ASL before turning back towards KSC to level off at 7km and prep for release maneuver. Tedman will be in charge of release
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is on course for KSC flyover, leveled off and ready to dip down and fly back up to release the rocket while pitched up to ~52Ā° which should kick the rocket back and up into a pitch of ~85Ā°
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket has just landed ~7km from KSC after a clean release from the top rear of the aircraft. Ted hit the release within 0.5Ā° of target pitch while Aldy held the nose up, then dropped to recover the aircraft from its near stall. They are now spiraling down to land
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
smooth descent and landing on Rwy09, Deuce is taxiing back to the HAB while recovery crews have already reached the rocket to haul it back for post-flight inspection. Progenitor team will pull the onboard flight data for analysis, we should have results later today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
data from today's Progeny Mk1-B release shows the rocket only reached 74Ā°, slightly less than the previous release test. This is likely due to the increased aircraft pitch blocking more of the airstream that was pushing the rocket upright after release
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce flight data shows it can safely pitch higher, but release margin will be a lot tighter due to the aircraft being closer to stalling, so much so that the rocket's flight computer will need to monitor and engage the release if proper conditions are met
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the rocket will be re-mounted again for yet another test flight this week. We need to see if increasing aircraft pitch also affects the rocket further, or if pitching higher results in a similar result of only ~20Ā° change in rocket pitch after release
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk1-B has been remounted on the Deuce for another flight tomorrow. It has a rudimentary flight computer that can't control it in flight but does have enough capability to handle automatically detaching the rocket when conditions are right for release
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Officers Tedman & Aldeny remain on standby. Weather conditions so far today have been good for flying, but not for flying *and* releasing a rocket. They've grown used to waiting and the ready room certainly has comfy recliners
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final day cycle today has reached the point where Ted & Aldy need to stand down. They don't exactly see a day on standby as wasted since there are always training materials to study up on, ground exercises to perform and project/mission planning to undertake
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the ready room is occupied once again by Flight Officers Tedman & Aldeny as they await clearance for another rocket carry & release test today. Currently winds are not favorable, and we hear thunder in the distance. They will be set to go if conditions improve at any time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Head of Finances Mortimer has posted up our fiscal report for July. Thanks to launch delays and the failed Progenitor mission, this month went far deeper into the red than we planned. Here's hoping we can bounce back a bit in August docs.google.com/spreadsheets/dā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
stormy weather has passed and reports from the direction it came from say better conditions are following. Ted & Aldy are heading off to Flight Control for their briefing, Flight Director Lanalye has the launch team coming on console as well to ready the rocket
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the rocket will NOT be fired today, but ground controllers are tasked with some additional work this mission due to the rocket now being in control of its own release if the Deuce manages to hit a specific angle and speed when the time comes to let go
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everything is set for the pilots to head out to the Deuce, begin preflight and prepare for departure. There is some concern conditions at altitude will not be good for release, but we won't know for sure until the aircraft is up there
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
engines are running and clearance has been granted for Tedman to taxi out and takeoff from Rwy27, with winds coming out of the NW. Aldy will be running backup for ground control - should they lose signal he can locally ensure rocket's flight computer is running properly
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
much less room on this older flight computer model to store code so the script that will manage the release of the rocket is very crude. You can get the gist of it here: gist.github.com/KSAMissionCtrlā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
aircraft has departed, is climbing out due west for 6km before turning back towards KSC. With engines at full power the Deuce can maintain a climb rate of 10m/s with a speed of ~125m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
diverting south of west to hdg225 so they avoid the mountains, Ted reports things are bumpy as they head through the cloud layer but this is to be expected. We are hoping for smoother air above 5km. Aircraft is currently at 3.7km ASL, 36km downrange traveling 127m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
turning back for KSC, Ted reports smooth flying. He will finish the climb to 7km and level off in preparation for the deployment maneuver to occur once they are within 10km of KSC. They are 65km downrange traveling ~122m/s so ground control standing by for release in ~7-8min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
14km out we have a GO for deployment maneuver - once thru 10km Ted will dive to 6.5km then haul the nose up into a steep climb, pulling 4-5Gs. Aldy confirms flight computer is now running. It will release the rocket if pitch is >62Ā° passing thu 7km without stalling (speed >70m/s)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we had release! Rocket was let go at 65Ā° while traveling at 105m/s and nosed up to 81Ā° before falling over back towards the ground. Deuce stalled shortly afterwards and recovered successfully, is now descending to land. Recovery chute has deployed for the rocket
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ted & Aldy are back on the ground after a smooth landing on Rwy27, recovery team has reached the rocket & report it landed safely. Was this release good enough to finally fire off the rocket next time? Hopefully we will know by the end of the week
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
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
Genesis & Progenitor teams have concluded they can fire off the Progeny Mk1-B rocket but still want to do one final test as a rehearsal to ensure that release conditions can be replicated, gather additional flight data from the rocket & do everything else except ignite the engine
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk1-B rocket got a thorough checking out in the VAB since the last release mission before it was mounted back onto the Deuce today. All is ready for a final release test tomorrow before actually igniting the booster engine
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we were unable to get the Deuce off the ground this day cycle. Ted & Aldy remain on standby and will return to flight readiness as we approach 3rd sunrise. Flight Director Lanalye is running her team through some more drills in the meantime
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are GO for mission start! Weather has improved enough that we can feel confident conditions at release altitude are favorable as well. Flight crew is headed out to the aircraft while Mission Control team gets themselves organized to manage and monitor
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Officer Aldeny is in the pilot seat today while Tedman backs him up as co-pilot and also keeps an eye on the rocket operation. Aircraft is ready to go and Flight has given clearance to taxi out and takeoff from Rwy27
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce has left KSC behind as it climbs out to the west, following the same general flight pattern as the previous mission out towards the mountains then a bit SW before turning back for KSC when nearing 7km to setup for the release maneuver
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
Aldeny & Tedman were able to return safely to KSC and land after losing radio contact while climbing to their mission altitude shortly after departing - thankfully the aircraft runs on enough mechanical systems the EM field did not totally disable it on approach
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
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
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
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
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
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
although we pulled a net profit for mission expenses, the cost of buying up parts for 5 new Ascension Mk1 rockets, even minus the engines, has once again set us back in the red. August financial report is now available: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/dā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today work was begun on our dirt runway thru October. It will be broken down to ground level and rebuilt to handle heavier aircraft, leveled back at is previous height and then paved over. Edge lighting will also be installed so takeoffs and landings can be done at night
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
āØš happy birthday to us!! šāØ 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 š„ kerbalspace.agency/?p=8039
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Head of Finances Mortimer hasn't had much bookkeeping to do this past month but thanks to KerBalloon we have a small profit to post for September at least docs.google.com/spreadsheets/dā¦
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
bore hole measurements made yesterday show it continues to close at a rate that will see it healed up by mid-Nov. We still have to see whether the EM field drops or further reduces its size but if able to resume surface ops, would work towards Jan '19 Ascension & Progeny launches
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Dhumla components would also be returned to KSC for final assembly to be completed by the end of the year so we could begin flight testing in January as well. We may at least be able to air-launch a Progeny Mk1-B from a Deuce before the end of the year however
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taken earlier this day cycle from atop Building B in the Support Village, progress being made on the new runway - about half has been broken down & that half will begin to be rebuilt and paved while the other half is broken down
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/KSA_Finances_1ā¦ has been posted by Head of Finances Mortimer. We managed a small profit this month thanks to the science missions that were able to be carried out off campus
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
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
taken a little over an hour ago, the new runway has been completed since earlier this week and with the EM field down we can finally test the edge lighting! A slightly longer length extends from the opposite runway threshold as well. The middle has no lighting
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ockr and Sheltered Rock airports have had night lighting on their runways since they were built last year. Kravass' runway has recently had edge lighting installed as well. All 4 airports can now conduct night operations (in VFR conditions only)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no time off this weekend! Everyone is pitching in to begin getting the KSC buildings affected by the EM field back up to operational status by the end of the month, including the VAB and HAB so work can resume on Ascension, Progeny and Genesis projects in December
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
the fiscal roller coaster ride continues this year, as Head of Finances Mortimer has published bit.ly/FinanceReport_ā¦. We're glad though Genesis was able to afford to continue Dhumla production off-site so it could be ready for testing sooner rather than later
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Engineer Simon says the HAB and VAB are ready to get back to work, but Flight Director Lanalye is still waiting for Mission/Launch Control to be brought back online, as it contains the most electronic components. She says mid-next week should see them fully operational again
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye and her team are moving back into Mission/Launch Control today, will be spending the rest of the week running drills and tests to ensure all the systems are back to full operational status after the repairs
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have confirmation from Flight Director Lanalye that all systems are GO over at Mission/Launch Control! Monday will see more drills, flight prep and a Deuce flight for final system checks before repeating the release rehearsal that was interrupted back in August
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
both our operational aircraft have been rolled back out to the tarmac after having their electronic systems checked and repaired where necessary. Later today Ted & Aldy will take up the Deuce to ensure everything is in working order prior to its next mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sunset is approaching but we don't care anymore! With the new runway edge lighting and approach lights we can operate in full darkness when needed (VFR only still). Ted & Aldy are already out at the aircraft doing their preflight to depart in ~30 minutes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Deuce is turning about at the end of Rwy09 after taxiing out a few minutes ago. Once lined up, Tedman will receive the clearance from Flight Control to push forward the throttles and begin his takeoff run down the newly-rebuilt and paved runway surface
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Aldeny is co-pilot and runs comms to Flight, reports they have positive climb rate. He says Ted bounced off the runway because he didn't realize they were floating a few inches above it for a few seconds before touching down briefly again. So smooth of a roll!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce has reached departure altitude 800m ASL and turned off runway heading - gear up, flaps up, throttle pulled back to climb @ 80% power. Ted will bring them about to head direct west as they continue to ascend to cruise altitude of 7km ASL
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
climbing through 5km, Flight has vectored the Deuce a bit further south, heading 225, to ensure they steer well clear of the mountains. Terrain is a real danger at night. All systems on the ground and in the air are so far functioning nominally
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
target altitude achieved, Ted will trim out here and cruise to ensure cabin pressure remains stable. Aldy will run a check of the flight computer, which will play a big part in the automated release of the rocket. Flight will check comms through both KSC & the Umbarg aerial
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everything continues to look great. Flight has instructed Ted to come about & begin his descent to land back on Rwy09. Aldy will be on the controls as well to help ensure the approach is carried out safely - there are hills a few hundred meters high they'll have to pass low over
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
worst of the terrain avoided, Ted is about to turn from base leg onto final approach 12km out. It will be a steeper approach than normal because there's still a final ridge to clear but both pilots say they can see the runway clearly and will have no problems lining up
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is taxiing back to the HAB after a fine landing. It will be brought back inside for mounting operations in preparation for its next mission. Tomorrow, weather permitting, Aldy will do a similar checkout of our operational Civvie
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good report from the HAB, which is buzzing with activity as the Dhumla continues its structural assembly while the Progeny Mk1-B is also being mounted on the tail of the Deuce & today's Civvie begins its science instrument integration
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Progeny Mk1-B has been successfully mated to the Deuce and rolled out to the tarmac for tomorrow's launch rehearsal. Thankfully bad weather from earlier today has moved on, forecast has tomorrow looking almost ideal - winds may be an issue still however
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
while it's nice to see short-term forecasts improving, this also means we'll be standing down until later in the day for our Progeny Mk1-B release rehearsal. New departure time will be after the next sunrise at 20:00 UTC & hopefully forecast holds for more favorable conditions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Lymun has arrived offshore. We will be releasing the rocket out over the Kerblantic this time as that is where it will be coming down after its flight. Lymun will recover the rocket today as an exercise to ensure any issues are worked out before actual post-flight splashdown
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ted & Aldy are suited & booted, heading over to Mission Control for their briefing with Flight Director Lanalye and her team of controllers. Ground crews are making sure the Deuce is ready for the flight crew to arrive afterwards. Weather conditions are improving as expected
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the purpose of this final release test is to gather even more data on the rocket behavior right after separation. The rocket itself will also now confirm that it can detect when it flies free of the aircraft so we know it can safely ignite its engine under the right conditions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
briefing complete, crew is heading out to preflight the aircraft while controllers get on console to begin setting up the rocket and ensuring all systems are ready for departure
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Aldy has signaled Flight that they are ready for taxi. Surface winds are light and variable; clearance to taxi will be granted out to Rwy27, getting them off in the direction they'll need to go for their climb to release altitude of 7km ASL
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ted has the Deuce in position and holding, waiting for Flight to run some final checks on the rocket before clearing them for takeoff. Plan was for controllers to be done by now but events haven't quite synced up as expected
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all good on the rocket side, Deuce was cleared for takeoff and has departed to the west, seen here climbing out of KSC. Ted will keep the engines at full throttle and climb for release altitude while controllers monitor rocket telemetry to ensure its reporting good data
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
already through 4km, Flight has vectored them south of the mountains as usual. Passing through the main cloud layer soon, Aldy will report on winds as they approach release altitude to confirm we have good conditions for today's rehearsal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after leveling off at 7km we've had a chance to analyze the winds aloft and conditions are looking good. Flight has provided additional vectors and Ted is now setting up to pass over the drop zone heading into the wind
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is on course for the drop point, Ted holding her steady while Aldy works through final procedures with controllers on the ground to ensure the flight computers on the aircraft and the rocket are both ready for deployment. MSV Lymun confirms they are ready
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are GO for release! Flight has armed the rocket to detect its release conditions after Ted & Aldy dip the aircraft into a dive down to 6.5km and pulls up at ~4Gs to climb back to 7km with a pitch of ~65Ā°. It is up to the pilots to begin the maneuver when they are ready
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket has been released cleanly! It is still free-falling towards chute deployment altitude @ 2.5km. Aircraft has recovered without issue from its stall and will begin descent to land back on Rwy27
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Lymun reported good chute deployment shortly after our last tweet, and the rocket splashed down 23km to the west just under a minute ago. They are moving to recover it as Ted & Aldy continue their descent from 7km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is turning onto base leg to setup for final approach. Lymun crews have reached the splashdown location and confirm the rocket is still on the surface with no visible damage. Bring it all home now!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have successful recovery of the rocket, now on its way back to shore as the Deuce taxis back to the HAB after a smooth landing. Excellent work everyone! Data from today's mission will be reviewed today and tomorrow to make the final decision on whether to attempt launch on Fri
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
review of the aircraft flight data shows no issues. Ted had command while Aldy stood ready to back him up with his side in the event of any control failure but Ted flew a perfect maneuver, leveling back off at 7km after the release and stall out
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we hear from the Progenitor team that they are looking closely at a communications issue that occurred at the time of release. The remainder of the rocket telemetry will be analyzed in detail tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Engineer Simon reports that the Mk1-B checks out in good condition after its splashdown, has its chute repacked & nose cone reinstalled. It will be mounted back on the Deuce later today. Mounting vehicle is standing by & Civvie is rolled out for flight in the following hour
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Aldy is rolling out of a smooth landing on the runway, will taxi back to the HAB to park on the grass next to the Deuce, which now has the Mk1-B strapped back on. No word yet from the Progenitor team as to whether we will go ahead with the launch attempt tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a look at what final approach is like at night, although with a nearly full Mun in the sky above the terrain was easy to see. Still, you can appreciate how the approach lighting makes things more visible for the pilot
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
congratulations to the Genesis program for reaching the milestone of 100 missions! You can find links to all of them over the past 2.5 years in the vessel tabs on the program page. Kerzzah! bit.ly/GenesisProgram
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progenitor team has decided to go for tomorrow's launch attempt. They are still unsure what caused a momentary comms disruption on detach, which could affect ignition, but if that fails the rocket will simply fall & deploy its chute like it did during all previous drops
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye has just concluded the briefing for today's aerial launch attempt. Flight crew is heading out to the aircraft while controllers hop on to their consoles. Here is a look at what is in store and here you can review all the events since mid-2017 that led up to this mission www.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
while we would like to have a chase plane, a Civvie cannot fly that high and we were unable to borrow any of the few other Deuce aircraft in service elsewhere. We will have a camera on the ground at KSC try to capture what it can in addition to the onboard cameras
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight crew are aboard and working through preflight. (L to R) Tedman & Aldeny, Captain and First Officer respectively for this flight, will be putting all their practice runs to the test today at last. They posed by the aircraft earlier as the sun came up before climbing aboard
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is fired up and reports ready for taxi, controllers report the rocket is woke and sending through good telemetry with nominal power levels. It runs on the aircraft's batteries/alternator until it detaches much like being hooked up to a launch base on the ground
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we remain blessed with great weather, mostly sunny skies & calm winds - though once the aircraft gets higher up that could change but we will check that later. For now, Ted has begun the takeoff roll down Rwy27 as Aldy confirms his readouts for the rocket match Flight controllers
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
passing through 3.5km Aldy reports they're picking up some winds out of the southwest. Flight is vectoring them around the mountains to the northeast so they can approach the drop point into the wind. Deuce continues to climb steadily ~10m/s at full throttle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
coming up on 7km ASL, release altitude, Ted will level off and hold heading to allow Aldy to work with Flight to interpret wind data being collected by the aircraft and determine how they will approach the drop point
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce has come about and is setup on its approach to the drop point. Winds have been found to be within constraints and final checks are now underway, only ~5 minutes remain until the release maneuver
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all systems GO! Tedman and Aldeny have been cleared by FD Lanalye to proceed with release maneuver at their own discretion. Real-time rocket status can be viewed on our Ops Tracker. Standby! ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=progenā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have had a successful flight of the Mk1-B along with successful stall recovery of the Deuce! Rocket parachute has been pre-deployed at 5km to prevent it from nose-diving towards the ground as the booster remains attached with its angled fins. Rocket apokee was 16.399km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce has begun its descent to land via Rwy09, is well clear of the descending rocket. MSV Lymun has already gotten underway towards the projected splashdown location
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tad & Aldy have landed and Lymun is still fishing the rocket out of the water but reports that it landed without issue after fully deploying its parachute past 800m. Congratulations everyone!! š„āØš a fabulous way to cap off the operational year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
full review of today's launch will not come until after we return to operations next year but we won't leave you all with nothing š Here is a look at the release and ascent from the ground and onboard cameras. Fwoooosh!! š youtube.com/watch?v=oDpjA1ā¦
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
this week is administrative-focused, getting everything from this past year organized and filed away for review at the start of next year. We'll have a financial analysis in early Jan but for now the basic report including this month has been released bit.ly/Finances_12-18
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
given the financial struggle we had this year, ending up with a huge loss, Head of Finances Mortimer is going to be looking very carefully at whether it was our fault in over-reaching ambition or more a matter of unfortunate external circumstances (*cough*Monolith*cough*)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
time for a look at operations we carried out solely within the atmosphere this year, starting with an overview of the two types of operational aircraft we currently have in service - looking forward to making that three next year!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flights were far-ranging this year compared to last, with two new airports opening up at the beginning of the year to facilitate extended missions. You can make a map easily like this in the Ops Tracker, which lets you overlay as many flight tracks as you want
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
šš HAPPY NEW YEAR!! šš
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 š„āØ
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 š„āØ
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
our crew had the whole day to come back but all of them were here early to begin getting organized for their return to active duty. Astronauts have nailed down their training schedule while the Flight Officers have inspected & cleared both aircraft ready for service
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here is the full report on the preparation and execution of launching a Progeny Mk1-B rocket off the back of the Deuce: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8264
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tl;dr - concept proven feasible, but not a useful means of getting to space with our current availability in aircraft or rocket technology, not to mention lack of any commercial support. Is a model we will definitely be keeping in mind for all future missions however
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/2018FiscalSummā¦. We have also decided that we will begin accepting donations as a way for the public to lend support
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
our bit.ly/OpsSummary_1-4ā¦ 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
we didn't have nearly as many photos to sort through this past year as we did at the end of 2017 so we've already picked out our top 100 images from 2018: flickr.com/photos/kerbal_ā¦ overall favorite is the Ascension Mk1 going vertical for the 1st time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 Aerospace has just won a major legal/business battle with the airship companies to get approval for a runway to be built at the Kongo Research Base. It will still receive airships but now also pax/cargo via Deuce & in future hopefully Dhumla too
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the airstrip is planned to be completed in March or April. Meanwhile this victory signals that a shift towards more fixed-wing aviation is finally happening & the deal for KSC to become an aircraft hub for Umbarg seems more like a possibility
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
again mariners have reported signs of large sea creatures breaching in the distance but have found nothing on closer inspection. If they are still near the surface, hopefully an aircraft overflight will not spook them away. bit.ly/GenesisProgram has the contract to investigate
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still dark out here but dawn is fast approaching over bit.ly/Sector_JENH, and it will be daylight by the time Aldy & Ted travel the 444km to reach it as they taxi the Deuce out for departure to conduct their aerial survey mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
winds calm, aircraft has departed from Rwy09 to set them on course. Aldy is climbing now through 800m to 2.5km from which they will cruise and conduct their surveillance over the target area. Last time we hunted for sea beasts was in a Civvie: kerbalspace.agency/?p=5707
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've signed off with Tedman as the aircraft drops below the horizon 64km downrange. They are cruising at 85% throttle with a speed of ~153m/s so they should reach their target area in about 40-45 minutes from now
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce should be near the observation site now. Aldeny will begin a search pattern, working north towards the mouth of the river while Tedman monitors the belly camera as it rotates and snaps photos of the surrounding area beneath the aircraft
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
aerial survey should still be ongoing. We won't know details until they fly back in range. Having left with fuel tanks topped off (2t), at cruising speed the aircraft burns roughly 335kg/hr. They are now down only about 1/3 of their tank
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're getting reports of some severe weather whipping up out to sea that could be moving our way. We've sent notice via airships traveling to Sheltered Rock & Ockr to attempt to raise Tedman and suggest they divert to SRG instead of return to KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
airship & aircraft companies may not be friends, but pilots are pilots & airship captains are always happy to pass along radio messages. We aren't relying on them tho, flight protocols mandate Deuce has enough fuel remaining to divert if needed once they contact us directly again
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we just got patched through to the Deuce, now in range of Sheltered Rock. They got our message on their way back and have diverted, are now inbound to land at SRG. Aldeny flew quite the comprehensive search pattern!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
aircraft has arrived at SRG. Crew will stand by while we wait for this squall that did indeed move inland to blow over - it stirred up quick and storms like these don't usually stick around long. Ted & Aldy should be able to fly home later today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here's just one of nearly 15,000 photos that were taken during the overflight of the survey area. Scientists will be studying them all closely for any sign of large creatures near or breaking the surface. Ted & Aldy said they saw nothing but mainly had eyes on instruments
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather has cleared up here and we have word from Sheltered Rock that the Deuce has just departed. We're taking this opportunity to also ferry some USI employees from their HQ there that will be assisting with the upcoming Progeny launches this month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tedman has hailed us here at KSC as they pop over the horizon, reports a smooth flight. Aldy is prepping their descent to land from 3.5km at 60km out, Flight has cleared them for an approach to Rwy09
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've had arrival of the Deuce back at KSC along with its 4 passengers. Ted & Aldy have also officially ousted Jeb & Val as bit.ly/KSARecords holders for Longest Mission Distance, Longest Single Flight Distance and Longest Continuous Flight Time. Kerzzah!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
oh hey! We're still getting back into the habit of having to write up our weekly operations reports. Even if you don't think you missed anything this week, we also tend to elaborate on various things: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8305
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
another photo from yesterday's flight that Tedman just gave to us, taken with his personal camera from the cockpit as the aircraft flew towards the sunrise at 2.5km ASL
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! š„šāØ
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce has been in the HAB this week getting fitted with a suite of science instruments to conduct a flight over the Badlands, which will be another long mission for FOs Ted & Aldy - 1.2Mm just to get there! bit.ly/GenesisProgram has the contract details
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no sign was spotted in any of the photos the Deuce took of sea creatures at or near the surface of the water. Once again the hunt comes up empty. We are still aware of very few marine animals that have survived or evolved since the asteroid impact
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
that's not to say a whole lot didn't survive, but that research into sea life since returning to surface activities has been extremely low outside of commercial fishing. Hopefully more sightings by maritime services spur additional expeditions to explore the seas some more
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is rolled out & has been made ready for today's flight. Maritime Service however says stormy weather is currently moving along our flight path over the Kerblantic so we will stand by to see how that develops
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have reports of better conditions along the flight path now and are proceeding with the mission. Flight Officers Tedman & Aldeny were already suited up on standby and are now heading off to Flight Control for their briefing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today's flight out to bit.ly/Area Z3N4 will be another record-breaker for sure and also will be the first aircraft to cross the Prime Meridian - yep, to date all aircraft missions have taken place in the western hemisphere of the planet
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight crew have completed preflight & the aircraft is taxiing out to Rwy27 for departure. It once again carries a full load of fuel and they could make it back to KSC from the Badlands if they need to. It will be daylight by the time they arrive over the target
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after a good departure, Tedman in the left seat having command of the aircraft has come about to begin the long water crossing while climbing to initial cruise altitude of 3km ASL. After that the aircraft will gradually rise higher as it burns off fuel
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in the right seat, running navigation and comms, Aldeny has signed off with us here at KSC as they near the horizon. If flight goes as planned, either Sheltered Rock or Ockr will pick them up coming back unless they need to turn about due to weather and return to KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
given their last known course & speed, Ted & Aldy should be at or near the mission target. Ted will have to slow the aircraft down <100m/s then collect air samples from near ground level to as high as hopefully 6km AGL while Aldy monitors the various science instruments
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
once their overflight is complete, they will head to OKG, with SRG planned as alternate. The shorter trip to either one rather than returning all the way to KSC will help ensure fatigue doesn't become an issue. They will also switch roles
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a few mins ago Ted hailed Ockr to report they were successful in their mission. Saw some lightning to the north during the Kerblantic crossing but hit no adverse weather in front of them. Great to hear! They are 140km out and have been given vectors to land on Rwy09
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
entering the traffic pattern to land, Aldy is not ashamed to say he's glad it's still light out because he hasn't flown this approach in a while outside of the sim and staying clear of the terrain is tricky. Ted can always back him up of course
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a solid approach and landing by Aldeny, the aircraft is taxiing to the parking stand. Aldy will put them both up with his family at Ockr and they will return to KSC tomorrow. Here is a photo of sunrise earlier in the flight just as they began to see high terrain - great timing!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although this mission traveled 434km further than the last science flight, the fuel burn was nearly the same thanks to the aircraft cruising at a consistently higher altitude throughout the flight. With a pressurized cabin, the Deuce can do this comfortably
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we just got this photo from the flight crew up at Ockr as they prep for departure shortly to return back to KSC. There was some consideration to heading northwards over the polar regions but the Deuce is actually overdue for servicing and needs to get home
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after contacting Sheltered Rock Aldy was advised of severe weather in their path and has directed Tedman to fly north of the mountains. If the weather remains a problem heading back south they can divert around further west and even head to Kravass (KGA) if needed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ted has the aircraft back on course heading direct for KSC and Aldy just signed off as they lose sight of Sheltered Rock's aerial. Cruising at 6.5km, we'll pick them up direct from KSC in about 30 minutes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
hailed by Aldeny, Flight has confirmed they are ready for descent and have given them permission to approach and land on Rwy27. While we await their arrival, here's another photo from yesterday as they flew over the Badlands, a very dry & rocky place compared to the Grasslands
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is taxiing back to the HAB after touching down w/o issue. It has logged 29 flight hours since 4/23/18 over a distance of 13,664km & is now being taken out of service for a full inspection - which is just fine considering focus will be on Dhumla testing for the near future
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/KSARecords has also been updated for Longest Mission Distance, Longest Single Flight Distance, Longest Continuous Flight Time, Longest Distance from KSC and Heaviest Aircraft Flown. Only Jeb & Val's altitude, speed, & Gs records are still intact
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Head of Finances Mortimer has our books balanced for January. We expected a loss thanks to the Dhumla testing but the failure of the Progeny Mk6-I mission was a big blow. Not a strong fiscal start to 2019... docs.google.com/spreadsheets/dā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no donations are reported as nothing came in via Ko-Fi. Patreon donors will pay starting in Feb so that's when they will be reported. $1 per month can make a difference if enough people participate! patreon.com/KerbalSpaceAgeā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
report from the HAB is Dhumla repairs/modifications are finishing up and it will be ready for more flight trials early next week. Meanwhile the Deuce is also wrapping up its engines overhaul and general servicing to return to flight readiness the following week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
servicing for the Deuce is completed and it's being rolled back out to its parking spot on the tarmac. Genesis is working on closing a deal for its next contract mission this week after negotiations fell through on an earlier planned contract at the start of Feb
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
BREAKING: KNN has reported that the entire executive division of C7 Aerospace has been arrested and the government is launching a full scale investigation into the company. We are partners with them and have no idea what is going on - this is all news to us!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have learned all we know from the press conference just held: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8781 this will have an immediate impact on fixed-wing flight here at the Cape, however the long-term impact is still largely speculative since more details have yet to be released by authorities
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ops Director @DKerman_KSA has been mostly stone-walled in Sheltered Rock attempting to get some answers on the whole C7 debacle. Learn more along with what else went on this week in our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8798
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we once again bid farewell to Aldeny & Tedman, who will be returning to flight instructor duties while this whole C7 mess is sorted out. If Ascension can free up Val and/or Jeb every now and then, Genesis may still be able to fly missions with the Deuce & Civvie
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rumor is the C7 fiasco is related to their finances. Given our partnership, Head of Finances Mortimer is double-checking all our books, especially since we need to make a large purchase order to replace parts that have been lost/damaged over the past few months
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/FebFinances report posted. Last month we nearly recouped our losses from January, thanks in part to our bit.ly/KSA_Patreon subscribers. Become a Space Envoy today and help support the KSA!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 Aerospace continues to suffer from lack of executive management and the company remains effectively shut down. @DKerman_KSA has returned from Sheltered Rock with few answers. What the government is keeping a lid on, no one knows still but it's a tight lid
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
recap and learn more about the events from this past week via our Ops Summary, including the return of a Desk Note now that @DKerman_KSA is back from his trip to Sheltered Rock kerbalspace.agency/?p=8811
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there have been ongoing closed-door judicial sessions regarding the C7 Aerospace case. Executives remain "detained" in Sheltered Rock however furloughed employees have begun to recently receive pay again - so it's still completely & frustratingly unclear what's going on
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
one of Flight Director Lanalye's sim scenarios got a bit *too* realistic in shorting out part of the capsule console and actually damaged some of the instruments, necessitating repairs that will last at least two days
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
break time for the astronauts? Hardly! Bill will be helping to fix it, Bob will be helping to re-write the sim software while Jeb & Val plan a Deuce flight for tomorrow to take care of a contract that's been laying in wait since the C7 Aerospace fallout
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb & Val are reporting to briefing ahead of their flight today, trekking almost 900km south to the polar ice shelf to gather some air samples with the Atmospheric Fluid Spectro-Variometer currently mounted atop the Deuce. They will depart at sunset to arrive at sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce has departed under barely-VFR weather conditions but climbing out southeast over the water they don't have to worry about terrain obstruction. Jeb has command for this leg of the flight with Val navigating and managing comms from the right seat
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val has signed off as the aircraft nears the horizon. We expect to re-establish contact sometime in the next 4-5 hours and have wished them a safe flight. Flying over the water during darkness is relatively safe & they will have sunrise as they approach hazardous terrain
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has contacted us 100km out as they approach KSC, reporting they had to abort the mission due to poor weather along their route in multiple locations. Diverting around multiple times eventually led them to run too low on fuel to continue
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
60km out Flight has confirmed weather is good over KSC and cleared Val to begin descent to land on Rwy09. Here is a look at their flight data. First a storm at sea (visible at night by the lightning) then two cases of continuous severe turbulence. Just unfortunate luck
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rolling out of a smooth touchdown, Val will taxi the Deuce back to parking outside the HAB. Repairs to the capsule simulator are ongoing as expected so they will make another attempt tomorrow, departing again at 2nd sunset prior to the LES pad abort test the following day cycle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
poor weather today has scrubbed the Deuce mission, which will have to once again be put on indefinite hold until C7 gets their affairs back in order or Jeb & Val have some more free time from their training - capsule sim is nearly fixed & they will be back at it tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb realized he forgot to share with us this photo he took from the cockpit yesterday as dawn was approaching. It's a great look at the southern aurora & also shows why they planned the mission to arrive over land at this time to ensure hazardous terrain is avoided
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
another week behind us, catch up on all that happened with additional details via our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8899 have a relaxing weekend, everybody!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
BREAKING: new development in the C7 investigation as reported by KNN is that an operation in Umbarg just finished rounding up several of the prominent airship Barons and "detained" them in a similar manner to the C7 executive division. Craziness!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the report is a good sign because an attempt by the government to contain this would have been disastrous. Still, while it's being made known that this is happening there's still been no official word on *why*. We'll be sure to continue to share whatever info we can
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Head of Finances Mortimer confirms we had another profitable month in March, although just barely and only because Genesis is still largely on hold until C7 gets its affairs in order and spending on Dhumla testing is nonexistent. Full report: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/dā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
note that our profits for March would have been even more marginal if not for our Patreon donors, so thank you! Pledge your support of the KSA and help us continue to explore: patreon.com/KerbalSpaceAgeā¦ every little bit can make a difference!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
end of the week is here at last! Catch anything you may have missed in our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8916 we suggest all our rocketry crews get some rest this weekend - launch campaign for the next Ascension mission kicks off in earnest next week!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all C7 Aerospace employees have been given a 2-week notice... that they'll be returning to work! Still lots of gag orders going around and closed-door judicial sessions but Ops Dir @DKerman_KSA has been invited to Sheltered Rock next week. Hopefully for some answers at last
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a relatively mundane week here at the KSC but as always exciting things are on the horizon. Catch anything you may have missed or find more details on what transpired in our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8969
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Officers Ted & Aldy have returned to KSC this weekend and are raring to get back to work this week ahead of C7's return to operations the following week. They'll take another attempt at the flight Jeb & Val had to abort due to weather last month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today's Deuce mission has been delayed until tomorrow due to poor weather conditions reported out at sea by the merchant fleet and a science expedition that happened to just be returning from the southern ocean
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ted & Aldy standing down from flight readiness again today - weather is good now but forecast predicts poor conditions by the time they return. If tomorrow has the same problem, they will just plan from the beginning to divert to SRG or OKG
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there is still a ton of redacted information about the whole airship/C7 legal battle but apparently peace terms have been arranged and everyone can get back to business. Here's what we know and how things have been affected: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8988
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sliding backwards again, April financial report just published by Mortimer shows we should still have just enough money even if we continue to suffer losses to make to where we can launch commercial payloads later this year. Otherwise R&D will be shut down docs.google.com/spreadsheets/dā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with favorable weather today, FOs Ted & Aldy have just departed from Rwy09 for bit.ly/Area_ZN-223. They will fly overnight across the water and reach land by sunrise. Any guesses why they are flying at night other than having no hazardous terrain to worry about?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
aircraft has dropped below the horizon out of contact as they climbed through 6km - getting high to save fuel on the long journey with still just under 800km to go. They should be back in contact with us sometime after 22:00 UTC if all goes well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
question we get often is whether our aircraft have autopilots. Not completely. They can hold roll/pitch/yaw but cannot hold altitude or heading nor navigate to a location. So aircraft can be flown hands-off to minimize crew workload but still needs to be trimmed & told what to do
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
by now the Deuce should be circling its destination, deploying its suite of science instruments. They also should have passed through the elevated radiation region similar to the one found in the north polar regions. Levels will not be harmful during their brief exposure
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
arriving over the target >7km ASL they will make the initial return leg at just ~500 AGL to pass again through the hazardous radiation region under a thicker layer of the atmosphere to record the difference in levels before climbing back to a high cruise altitude
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tedman has just hailed us to request approach vectors, reports they had nothing but minor chop to contend with on their flight. Congrats to them both on being the first to explore the southern polar region by aircraft! Their flight path is also a hint for our previous question
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight controllers set up the aircraft for a pattern approach to Rwy09 (now on final) and we received this image from the belly camera of Mun and Minmus alongside a snowy mountain range as the Deuce hugged the deck on the way home over the ice caps
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the aircraft is parked back at the HAB after Aldy set her down easy on the runway. Lead Scientist Cheranne is eager to get the radiation readings to her researchers - being 99.999% sure the southern radiation region existed still doesn't beat having the data proving it does!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still no right answer to our question yesterday as to why the Deuce mission flew through the night over water. Here's a related question - why didn't the aircraft just fly straight back to KSC from the polar region like it did on the way there? twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ted & Aldy set a new record for longest continuous flight time of 4:59:07, beating their old record of 4:31:41. You can view all our records and achievements here: kerbalspace.agency/?page_id=72
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
how do you navigate over a featureless ocean in the dark when a simple compass heading isn't enough to arrive over a certain spot? The stars! That's why the Deuce flight flew at night. Once it was light enough, they had terrain features to guide them
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce and Civvie are both in the HAB today so the Atmospheric Fluid Spectro-Variometer can be swapped. Civvie is best for shorter-range missions that require the instrument since it can't easily go fast enough to damage it while it's collecting air
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with the radiation data from last week's flight compared with the mission over the north polar region a year ago scientists have been able to confirm a suspected linear increase in radiation dosage as one gets higher from the ground, ~0.0035rad/hr every kilometer
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flying 2km higher than the 2018 mission (ops.kerbalspace.agency/?body=Kerbin-Sā¦) only exposed the crew to a max of 0.085rad/h for 4min. It takes ~37rads to show signs of radiation sickness so the crew was never in any danger
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
one more photo from the recent Deuce flight looking south towards the flat ice caps as the sun rises almost as high as it ever gets over the horizon down there, seen just over the last snowy mountain range from 8km ASL. Isn't that cold clear air just stunning?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
despite our promise to stay committed to fixed-wing aircraft after the crash of the Dhumla, lack of funds may force us to cut back on our participation via the Genesis program. Regardless, C7 Aerospace has pledged to continue development even without us
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
CFO Mortimer is pleased with our gains in May, but we will still be struggling these next few months to afford the test launches needed to draw in more commercial partners and thus more money. it's a vicious balancing game. Full report: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/dā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today marks our 6th revolution around Kerbol since the founding of the Kerbal Space Agency! š„ 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_ā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final rocket sled and track design has been approved after Lead Engineer Simon worked to integrate the capsule into the sled. Dr. Murstap himself has volunteered to do the runs once the track is built (in July) and tested (in August)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the sled track will be built along the entire 2.2km length of the paved runway, closing it to flight operations. The Deuce & Civvie however can both land and depart from the turf runways if needed (dotted outline) - Also, new chart ASA-002-R2 has the main runway marked paved now
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
despite having only Jeb & Val to fly Genesis missions on limited availability, CFO Mortimer is still trying to land contracts. It's harder now tho as part of the C7/Airship agreement was we no longer hold an exclusive commercial license. The bidding wars have begun
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
swinging back into the red, June financial report leaves us without enough funds to launch an Ascension Mk2 unless we can put a kerbal in space this month. No pressure! Poor CFO Mortimer has quite a bit more gray hairs now... docs.google.com/spreadsheets/dā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
allow us to remind everyone that bit.ly/KSA_Patreon is a way to help directly fund operations - more money means more rockets means more launches means more exploration! Of course, responsibility still lies with us to also produce viable commercial launch vehicles
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
they make a good team - Cpt Jeb & Cdr Val are prepping to depart just after 3rd sunrise on their Deuce mission to bit.ly/Sector_IS-L031, where they'll be scouting out potential landing sites for a future expedition by MSV as well as any interesting inland features
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is idling on the tarmac as Val in the right seat handling comms and navigation requests taxi and takeoff clearance from flight controllers. Jeb is in command on the leg out to the target. On the way back they will switch roles to ensure fatigue is not an issue
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
aircraft is lining up on the turf runway 09 after crossing the paved runway ahead of the rocket sled test track, which is currently nearing 1km long and will span the entire 2km runway length by the end of the month. Winds calm - clear for takeoff!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good standard departure along runway heading to 800m then turning on course, gear up, wings clean, throttle reduced to cruise altho they are still climbing - no rush to level off at 4.5km. Passing through 1.5km now the crew gets an early sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
cruising SW along the coast @ 4.5km, peering through the morning haze you can barely see the still-visible scar of the asteroid impact in 2018 that so far has come the closest to directly affecting operations at KSC. You can read about it in this timeline: twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've lost the aircraft over the horizon, Val got final course heading from flight control before signing off. Minmus will set in a short while and then they will only have the sun to use for resetting their INS, so they won't be able to make a very direct flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
assuming all is well, by now the Deuce should be over its target - the most-remote largest island on Kerbin. They will have step-climbed to 5.5km & will do a high-alt pass over the island before dropping low for better images of these potential maritime expedition landing sites
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has hailed us as they come within sight of Umbarg. All is well, good flight there and back with no troubles other than some minor turbulence. Val will begin descent shortly. Coming back at night with plenty of stars for position fixes allowed a more direct route
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is entering the traffic pattern to land turf Rwy09 after Val hugged the coast similar to their route out in order to avoid having to deal with as much terrain as possible, although a nearly full Mun is out to help provide some extra illumination
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
famous for her tight pattern approaches, Val did not disappoint although Jeb says he was afraid she would run out of runway. Aircraft is taxiing back to the HAB. Here's one of their many photos taken, from ~6km on their initial fly over of the island (we said it was big!)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
another image from yesterday's flight, lower to the ground as the Deuce investigates one of the beaches on the west side of the island where the months-long future scientific expedition may land to begin exploring what has evolved here in isolation since the asteroid impact
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although they flew 11km farther along their route than Ted & Aldy on their last Deuce mission, which is the current record-holder for Longest Continuous Flight Time, Jeb & Val failed to set a new one. Whether or not they did this on purpose they refuse to say
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
check our Ops Summary for more details on what went down this week, including final mission preparations by Bob and his backup, Bill. Who is ready to witness history next week?? kerbalspace.agency/?p=9332
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
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
C7 Aerospace Division's manufacturing arm has finally satisfied the initial Civvie production demand from back in 2017 and has begun to convert some of its build space to Deuce and Dhumla production at both plants in Kravass and Sheltered Rock
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our gains in July are thanks solely to our success in putting a kerbal in space. Now we have to again stave off bankruptcy with a successful orbital insertion later this year, an endeavor the majority of our remaining funds are dedicated to. No pressure! docs.google.com/spreadsheets/dā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Genesis will not be taking on any new pilots for the foreseeable future. No longer holding our exclusive commercial contract has really thrown the market wide open & we are losing out to independent operators w/lower costs. Civvie & Duece will mostly fly our own missions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
many continued thanks to our bit.ly/KSA_Patreon donors for getting us into the green this past month! August financial report is available here: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/dā¦ we expect to see narrow margins for the remainder of the year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
šāØHappy Operational Birthday to us!āØš KERZZAH!
today is the start of our 4th year in operation š„ 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 š„ Send us a gift - tell us what you enjoy most about the Kerbal Space Agency.
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
it's now the high-altitude KerBalloon crew's turn to depart via airship to the Kongo River Research Facility, from where they will base their foray via same airship south to the Great Desert. Could have ferried crew in the Deuce for cheap but had to transport equipment anyways
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
September may have been a rough month financially, but we remain in decent standing with just enough funds to complete our planned operations for the year. Thanks as always to our bit.ly/KSA_Patreon supporters! docs.google.com/spreadsheets/dā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
while a lot of work remains in the investigation, all parties involved feel a point has been reached where we can release a statement not only on the events of this past week but the events of the past few years that led up to this brazen attack: kerbalspace.agency/?p=9965
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
TL;DR - a sect of violent Monolithic followers remains set against our space-bound ambitions even after being secretly banished to the other side of the planet by religious leaders, where they happened upon a large unknown population of kerbs receptive to "salvation"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
TL;DR (it is a lot to take in) - our current stance is to work to determine all the details of how this attack was carried out and put in place measures to prevent future attempts. We are not backing down nor is any action yet able to be taken against those responsible
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new external sensors from R&D were being installed under the wings of the Deuce last week. Lead Engineer Simon plans to finish up once KSC is re-opened and allow the Genesis program to pioneer new territory in weather analysis by flying through storm systems
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
ahead of the first aircraft mission tomorrow in months, the KSC groundskeep crew have performed needed maintenance on the turf runways, which not only need their grass regularly trimmed but making sure the soil is compact & tidal floods haven't left behind dangerous debris
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
thanks to increasing support from our bit.ly/KSA_Patreon donors, CFO Mortimer says all the unplanned expenses of Oct in addition to some new R&D didn't leave us as deep in the red as we could have been. Financial report is available here: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/dā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather has cooperated today for a Deuce flight with Cdr Val & Cpt Jeb, who will eventually seek out rough & stormy weather but for now prefer milder conditions to test the aircraft's performance with the new under-wing atmospheric sensor pods. Wheels up @ ~20:45 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a ground crew member atop the power unit that supplies the Deuce with electricity until the engines are started, which is coming up soon, takes a photo into the cabin as the flight crew work through preflight, still aiming for an on-time departure
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has requested taxi & takeoff clearance, which have been granted. The runway is still not completely clear of the rocket sled track so they will be departing from and returning to the turf runway. Winds are off the water so the aircraft is headed out to Rwy09 for departure
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
positive climb rate established, Jeb has raised the gear and notched flaps from takeoff (2) to climb (1) while Val holds a steady ascent at full power. Standard departure will have them fly runway heading to 800m ASL before turning on course for the mission & raising flaps
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
climbing through 5.5km the belly cam catches some stunning cloud rolls coming up towards the peaks of the mountains west of KSC, which have strong updrafts and winds which the new sensors will be put to the test monitoring along with temp, press, etc
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
done with the mountains and some of the grasslands, the crew are now on course for the desert on the western shore to sample some drier air, and will then make a pass over the southern volcano to see if any outgassing can be detected from 8km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Deuce is just starting to circle around and then pass over the volcano, seen here off in the distance earlier from over the desert. Keologists think it was extinct before the Sea Ring crater impact, which may have brought magma back to make it now dormant
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Scientist Cheranne has told Jeb they have collected enough data, Val has them back on course for KSC and given they are still at nearly 8km the crew will be preparing for descent shortly. Throttle is stuck, likely frozen control cables but should thaw out as they descend
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has declared an emergency - Val pulled back throttle once she felt it give but about 1/3 back from full power the levers fell back to idle however engines are still running at around 68% power. With control cables broken, landing will be tricky
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val is continuing her descent and approach for pattern entry over KSC while Jeb handles toggling the thrust reversers on her command to get a feel for how the aircraft responds since they are not usually engaged when traveling at flight speeds
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
emergency vehicles are on their way out to the runway as Val is coming around left-pattern onto crosswind leg, keeping her speed up so the aircraft doesn't surprise her but managing her approach rate well with the help of Jeb on the thrust reversers
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rolling out onto base leg, one more turn to line up with the runway for short final. Flight crew is calm & in control. Once Val touches down & uses reverse thrust to slow further, Jeb will shut down the engines so wheel brakes can bring the aircraft to a stop
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
full stop! Great landing by Val, a bit hard on the touchdown since the aircraft slowed too much and fell from a stall but it settled into the turf and rolled out fine. Crew is deplaning to hitch a ride back to KSC while a tug heads out to get the Deuce back into the HAB
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Engineer Simon has confirmed the engine throttle cables broke - likely they were already weakened from water corroding them inside the lines and the long flight at high altitude freezing them didn't help. Deuce will get a full cabling replacement & better sealing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we gave into some light speculation on the news about the Deuce aircraft and also have some more info on future Ascension plans now that the pad repair process can begin. That and more which transpired this week in our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10044
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Genesis program has heard back from meteorologists they passed data to from our last science flight - they are eager for more! We haven't worked out any contract deals yet but will continue to share data when we can in the hopes of creating even more interest
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ops Director @DKerman_KSA has signed off on all launch readiness reports from today's preparations and we are GO for launch attempt tomorrow! Pre-launch operations will commence @ 13:20 UTC ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=progenā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch for today has been scrubbed on account of reports from maritime vessels traveling from Sheltered Rock to Umbarg that a strong low-pressure system is sitting over our planned recovery zone & seas are too rough. We will try again tomorrow, targeting a 17:05 UTC lift off
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
knowing there's a storm out at sea, Jeb & Val will take the Deuce (which has been repaired) for another science flight later today after 3rd sunrise to gather more in-situ weather data from the low-pressure system in the eastern Kerblantic
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Deuce departed a few minutes ago and will be out of contact over the horizon soon. Jeb is in command with Val on nav & comms. They will do their best to track the storm system and hopefully do not encounter conditions that are too rough for the aircraft
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has vectors to KSC once Val got in touch with us on their way back. They've collected as much data as the aircraft could store and will setup for a direct approach to Rwy27. Val says the ride got rather bumpy but nothing the aircraft couldn't handle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is taxiing back to the HAB after a smooth landing. It will be pulled back inside to undergo a bit of a cabin upgrade and allow a passenger to monitor the weather data as it is gathered and direct the flight crew towards areas of interest
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with months or weeks of downtime in past crisis scenarios, we are happy to be back to "normal" operations so quickly this time. Our review of what went down this week at KSC can be found here: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10046
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
news has reached us of a Deuce aircraft operated by a private crew successfully making a single-engine emergency landing at Sheltered Rock earlier today. This is the first reported in-flight engine failure & we are proud to see the aircraft performed as well as in testing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
early end to the week, everyone is ready to kick back for the weekend after the successful end to the first Kerbal Sounding Project launch campaign. 2 more next month! Also the ASA report was released today & we have all the details in our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10060
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#OTD in 2018 we announced the completion of our newly-paved and lit runway. Campus admin is planning to add a N/S paved runway along with additional hangars & tarmac space in 2020 for an expansion that will allow commercial traffic to use KSC as a regional airport for Umbarg
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bill gets to backseat drive today as Jeb and Val prep the Deuce for departure. Although not a trained meteorologist, Bill will check out the operation of the new analysis console at his seat to monitor instrument data and instruct the flight crew where to go
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce has departed from Rwy27 & is climbing to cruise altitude. Weather reports already have them heading northwest for a low-pressure system on the other side of the mountains. From there it will be up to Bill and his interpretation of the data
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val has signed off as they duck behind the mountains, which Bill has already tried to make them fly into. Not on purpose - he can't see out the front and saying "hold at 2.5km" when a cliff face is looming ahead obviously isn't a command the flight crew will follow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
back in sight of KSC, Jeb has the aircraft descending for pattern entry. Looks like they went up and down and all around out there. Val says Bill was having a bit too much fun being in charge & once they had to head home with a full data store the flight crew cut the intercom
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb just called a go-around on final approach when strong winds out of the north blew him off course turning from base leg. He's going to come around from the south so he's turning into the wind with better sight of the runway from his side of the cockpit
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
aircraft is taxiing back to the HAB after Jeb had to crab in for landing. Seen in this photo done in a Civvie, the aircraft keeps its nose into the wind so it flies straight on approach. Once it touches down rudder is applied to line up the plane on the runway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Scientist Cheranne is eager to pass on new weather data to her colleagues in the meteorological field while Lead Engineer Simon will be expecting a report from Bill & the flight crew on how the console functioned so any tweaks can be made for future missions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
āØKERZZAH!āØ 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 š„
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
several things to detail this past week - overall ops are running smooth. Rocket builds are on schedule & so is launch pad repair. R&D is quiet but that's also good in its own way. Anything you feel you might have missed can be found in our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10089
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
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/dā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Genesis program & Kerbin Weather Service have hashed out the contract terms for weather analysis flights the Deuce can undertake. Console adjustments have been made based on Bill's feedback from the last mission & Lead Scientist Cheranne has a KWS meteorologist training to use it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather desk has been given notice of a storm over the eastern Kerblantic. Genesis is scrambling the Deuce for a weather flight mission, as per contract negotiations. Due to the understandably unplanned nature of storms, we are now ready to go 7 days a week as needed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight crew is reporting to the aircraft for preflight as ground crew finishes prepping it with fuel & power. Val & Jeb will be up front while Katgan, our new resident meteorologist from the Kerbin Weather Service, will be using her console in the cabin to direct the flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the night air is calm as second sunrise approaches & after Jeb radioed in for taxi/takeoff clearance from runway 09 Val took the aircraft out. Climbing out now, they will continue pretty much straight east as they head for the horizon
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb signed off a few mins ago and sent back this photo of the coming sunrise just before the aircraft fell below the horizon and out of contact. ~350km to the last reported location of the storm will see them there in ~50min. They should be back within 3hrs
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val has made contact as Jeb flies them back, switching roles to ensure fatigue is not an issue. Vectors to KSC have been provided for a pattern approach to Rwy09. Val says Katgan is most pleased with the performance of the aircraft and instruments
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no issues on approach, Deuce is rolling out down the runway after a smooth landing. After taxiing back in the weather data will be offloaded & sent to the KWS for further analysis. We'll also have Kat use the data to see if the storm poses a threat to this week's launch recovery
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
photo from the belly cam on today's flight as the aircraft flew over the low-pressure system @ 6km, just before the crew dove in to begin "slicing" it up and collecting data from various altitudes and flight angles from its edges through the center (did you spot Minmus?)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crews are prepping the Deuce to depart later today on a scheduled flight to Sheltered Rock with Jeb & Val in command. Katgan is also along for the ride since there happens to be a small storm north of SRG that could warrant some investigation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val has signed off with us temporarily as they cruise over the horizon, they'll be in range of Sheltered Rock's aerial in 15-20min. Jeb let the autopilot do its job and grabbed a photo out his window as they flew past Mt Kermon, tallest peak in the KSC/Umbarg region
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
from the Deuce belly cam looking north as they fly past SRG, seen nestled up against the mountain to the right of the propeller. Calm and clear skies on this side of the Sheltered Rock mountain range belies what is on the far side over the horizon
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
one final image, the sun setting behind the peaks as the aircraft works north around the mountains towards the stormier weather. The crew needs to now focus on flying - especially since it's going to be night soon, even if most of their flight path should be over lowlands
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Katgan has led the Deuce on several passes through the weak low pressure system and told the flight crew enough data has been gathered. They are now setting up for an instrument approach to SRG. With the amount of terrain that needs to be avoided, strict adherence is essential
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
approach to SRG at night is also possible with visual aids, beacons atop various peaks along the path towards the runway whose colors help keep pilots oriented. But this is nowadays considered a last-ditch backup option in the event of instrument failure & no range for alternate airport
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb gave the "yeehaw!" as he steered into "The Chute", where you have to drop nearly 2km of altitude in <2min with pitch angles of up to 15-20Ā° while pulling a hard left bank to line up with the runway at ~140m/s even at full reverse thrust - it's quite the ride!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
aircraft is rolling up the runway, which is sloped at 2.4Ā° to make it even easier to stop and not run into the mountain at the end. The crew will spend a week in Sheltered Rock training a Kerbin Weather Service team to carry out their own Deuce flights in this region
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
heading into the weekend with a good report from Lead Engineer Simon that the rocket has passed load checks and will undergo final closeouts at the start of next week. That and more that went down this past week in our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10164
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Aldeny set sail earlier today for the recovery zone 325km to the east and has contacted us through Sheltered Rock to report ships passing them headed for Umbarg say a storm is working westwards & could affect recovery or launch tomorrow (not actual sail route)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all launch readiness reviews have been approved by Ops Dir @DKerman_KSA but an eye is still on the weather. Seas are rougher now where MSV Aldeny is & we'll get more info on the storm when the Deuce flies home tomorrow instead of keeping its original schedule to arrive back today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ground crews are readying the Deuce for departure in the next hour. This photo gives you a better idea of The Chute they flew down last week and today they'll be climbing out over The Wall. SRG is no joke! Pilots that can fly in & out of here can fly anywhere
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is fired up & ready to go with Val in the left seat operating the aircraft and Jeb in the right seat handling navigation, comms and additional tasks Val can't do without releasing the yoke. Taxi/takeoff clearance has been granted
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after ramping off the end of the runway, using the slope to help accelerate, Val pulled a hard left and hauled back on the stick to climb hard over The Wall at 3km, holding positive rate at 15m/s. Jeb immediately cleaned up the aircraft, pulling in the gear & flaps to reduce drag
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
clearing The Wall in the dark is always a bit dicey, but the aircraft stuck to the instrument departure and had no problems with terrain. Heading south now, descending over the foothills on the other side, Val will level off for cruise at 2km ASL
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb signed off as they dipped below the horizon. It's dark, you can't see storm clouds. Flying at a constant altitude allows Katgan in the back to begin to guide them towards the lower pressure area out to sea where the storm resides
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb got back in touch with us a few mins ago & Val has vectors with clearance for a straight-in approach to Rwy27, looks like they got a good slice of the storm in one pass - Kat says the cabin windows need shades, she was very distracted by the lightning in the darkness
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after a smooth approach and landing the Deuce has taxied back to the HAB, here's a shot of it coming in from atop Launch Control. Weather data will be analyzed & we will have a conditions update when launch procedures are scheduled to begin later today @ 18:57 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
aircraft operations decreased significantly from 42 missions last year however flight duration and range both increased, plus Jeb & Val were mostly busy with Ascension then we lost two pilots as well which didn't help. Still, a decent accounting this year for Genesis
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
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!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bye bye 2019! KSA operations for the year have concluded. We will continue to note significant past events on weekends, ATN weekly updates & asteroid bulletins, or any other significant events. Regular ops will resume 1/6/202ļøā£0ļøā£! Final ops summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10213
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
welcome to 2020!! šš„ 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
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
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/dā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
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?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the science expedition that departed late last year has returned with data on over 250 new species of wildlife native to the island along with new potential crops that could be grown at the upcoming surface colony for food & medicine twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although the Kerbin Weather Service called us, hoping to have a storm over the plains north of KSC investigated, the Deuce is ironically grounded due to unfavorable weather over KSC as well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Kerbin Weather Service will soon be providing us with dropsondes that can be mounted to the wings of the Deuce. These will allow for much more detailed data recording of the various layers of storms as they descend, something the aircraft had to do itself in prior missions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
released from under the wing at 7km, the small probe can actually travel a fair distance as it falls, using its tail fins for stability. Alternately the fins can be removed and the chute immediately deployed for it to fall slowly & over a smaller area
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is taking it easy this weekend to recover from the strain of centrifuge training while Val has also come down with a head cold, meaning we have no active crew to answer the KWS call for a storm flight. They are starting to get a bit miffed at our "lack of cooperation". Srsly?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC is about to get a lot bigger! Here is the final plan for the commercial airport expansion project that will begin construction this month and finish up by August. Work on the new railway tunnel from Umbarg continues on schedule to be complete in early March
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
great question. We were wondering if anyone would ask why no parallel runways but this is another reason besides winds changing a lot near the water. Aircraft can still take off/land on Rwy 03/21 even during launch operations twitter.com/Bookz2232/statā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
great to get a space mission off the ground this month! A bit of Mk1 preliminary analysis along with additional details for other major events this past week await your attention in our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10336 have a relaxing weekend, everyone
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val is back from Kravass, where she spent the last three days training a second KWS air crew for weather flight operations in the area. We will now only investigate storms that build up out over the Kerblantic, a less common occurrence than the ones inland
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there was also discussion of renting out our Deuce to a third KWS aircrew for the Kerblantic flights but experienced pilots capable of flying in and around severe weather are still hard to come by, so it remains up to Val & Jeb when they are available
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ahead of the new commercial airport expansion, both turf runways have been decommissioned so work can begin to create the raised ground upon which will reside a new hangar tarmac, ATC tower, taxiways and a new runway. They have served us well!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
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/dā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
investigation into Val's crash has confirmed the suspected culprit - the throttle cable was damaged due to moisture & icing from previous flights and finally snapped when she decreased thrust from takeoff to climb. Unlike in the Deuce it wasn't frozen at high-altitude & closed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've already dismissed our lead mechanic, who was supposed to oversee cable replacement of the Civvie after the Deuce incident but he lost track of the work order and ultimately forgot to carry it out. Poor record keeping by his crew meant no one realized it hadn't been done
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ascension program planners are still working the updated drag and flight dynamics results from the Mk1 flight into the Mk2 ascent trajectory to make sure we still end up in an orbit so expect a launch date next week. What about this week? Catch up: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10393
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
repairs for the Civvie will take about a month, in the meantime the Deuce is also grounded until a full review of maintenance records and procedures is carried out by Lead Engineer Simon, who is currently working to appoint a new head mechanic
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
earning the orbital prize purse not only made Feb a profitable month but secured our financial future - at least through the remainder of this year. By that time we hope to be placing commercial payloads into orbit! Full financial report: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/dā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
repairs on the Civvie are wrapping up, Deuce has been cleared for flight once again and the Genesis program has been assigned a new lead mechanic. The team is also moving forward on their latest design - an update for the single-prop general aviation aircraft class
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb & Bob are both in quarantine, sequestered in the Astronaut Complex and visited only by the medical staff, who are collecting baseline readings and making sure both remain in good health and are getting enough rest. They haven't taken away any of Jeb's games yet tho
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
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...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
š« KERZZAH! ā - 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
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/dā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're finally able to take action on a call from the KWS to investigate a storm over the Kerblantic reported by the Maritime Service. Aircraft crew is being briefed and forming a flight plan for departure later today at 3rd sunset while HAB readies Deuce w/dropsondes for rollout
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight crew have the Deuce fired up, preflighted and ready for departure. Val has radioed Flight Control for clearance to taxi & takeoff, which was granted for runway 27. Jeb is pilot in command for the flight out to the storm's location & Kat will monitor the weather data
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no problems on departure, the extra 832kg carried under the wings is well-within the aircraft's limits with reduced fuel onboard (yet still enough for an alternate airport). Climbing through 800m Jeb has cleaned up the aircraft and begun to turn on course back towards the ocean
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
both the sun and the aircraft have set over opposite horizons. Here is a sunset photo from ~10min ago as the Deuce climbed through 4km for initial cruise altitude of 5km, which is the ideal altitude from which to deploy the dropsonde probes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight crew should be over the storm by now & deploying dropsondes. Burning fuel, aircraft would have risen higher, giving the probes time to freefall before their chutes are deployed for a ~15min descent to the water. Data is beamed back to the aircraft, they are not recovered
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after Jeb got back in touch with us 8mins ago Flight Control gave Val vectors to line up for a straight-in approach to Rwy27. All 4 dropsondes were deployed without issue - despite mass shift of dropping one at a time, aileron trim was able to hold wings level
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val is going around after calling a missed approach. When applying power to slow the aircraft on short final the blades were not reversed so with speed increasing she had no choice but to climb back out and give her and Jeb time to assess the problem
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
doing some quick troubleshooting on the downwind leg the crew discovered the lever needed to really be jammed open to get the reversers to engage. Val is now beginning her base leg turn for another landing attempt
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
smooth landing and roll out, Deuce is now taxiing back to the HAB. Kat is eager to get her data offloaded and further analyzed while mechanics are standing by to have a close look at the propeller governors
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
updates on the review progress for our rocketry programs as well as a recap of operations from the past two weeks can be found in the Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10886
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rather than repair the faulty prop governors that gave the Deuce issues last mission the engines are in the process of being overhauled completely - aircraft is due for servicing anyways after flying over 50 hours. Will end up saving mass with newer, lighter components
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
financial report for April is now available (docs.google.com/spreadsheets/dā¦) are we happy with this months earnings? Not really, because we want to be spending this money on space missions! We continue be thankful though for our bit.ly/KSA_Patreon contributors!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce engine overhaul and general 50+ flight hrs maintenance overhaul have both been completed, making it available once again for KWS missions, dependent on the availability of Jeb & Val. The new engines have shaved off a significant 137.5kg each
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Kerblantic remains unusually quiescent with no major storms forming. Figures, as the Deuce remains flight ready and the crew still has ample availability for missions. Right now we are just backup in case of issues with another KWS crew stationed in Kravass or Sheltered Rock
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
May finances have been published (docs.google.com/spreadsheets/dā¦). The centrifuge has been paid off and we have built up a bit more spending capital to hopefully finally put to use this month. We hope to lose money in June cause then we'd be exploring hard!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
potential severe storm is brewing out in the south Kerblantic according to marine vessels so the Kerbin Weather Service has called for the Deuce to scramble a flight over the area to check it out. Val & Jeb are getting suited up while meteorologist Katgan plans their route
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight plan is filed, aircraft is prepped, crew is briefed and heading out to preflight. Katgan will not be aboard this time, determining after the previous mission that her presence was not required as the aircraft is not flying into the storm itself at any time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in the right seat running nav/comm for the flight out, Cpt Jeb calls in to Flight Control to ask FD Lanalye for permission to taxi to the active runway. Rwy09/27 still closed for repairs but winds are light, choice departure to the southwest via Rwy21 is approved
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Cdr Val has received clearance to back-taxi, position & hold, pulling out from taxiway B1 as dusk settles over KSC. Air traffic is still light while the larger commercial tarmac remains under construction & only small private craft currently visit every so often
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye granted the aircraft takeoff clearance but Jeb reports their flight computer decided to reboot itself for some reason. Lanalye said she'd notify them of any inbound traffic, to continue holding & call back when ready for renewed clearance
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after reprogramming their waypoints & reconfiguring systems, Deuce was once again granted takeoff clearance. Departure was good, Val has the aircraft cleaned up and turned on course towards the storm area after passing thru 800m on runway heading (standard departure)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
loss of signal as the aircraft drops over the horizon, passing through 3.5km on their way to at least 5km for the dropsondes to get a good vertical slice as they descend towards the surface, transmitting their data back to the aircraft for storage
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've just been hailed by Val (crew switches roles during flight to prevent fatigue), who reports they had good drops from all 4 probes, couldn't see much due to lack of munlight but lots of lightning. Data will tell KWS scientists if this system poses a threat to shipping
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has been vectored in for a 20km final approach, coming back down to Rwy21. Flaps to full, gear down. Slight crosswind has picked up since they departed but well within aircraft's tolerances. Cleared to land!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Katgan eagerly awaits as the Deuce taxis back towards the HAB after a smooth landing. HAB techs also await to check over the electrical system to track down the short that caused the flight computer reboot. Crew just happy to be home. Jeb says he's hungry (Val says he always is)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Maritime Service has officially issued a severe storm alert for merchant vessels plying the waters between Umbarg and Sheltered Rock. We are glad to be able to help keep kerbs safe! In the future, we'll play an even more direct role with the launch of weather satellites
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a strong storm just blew over from off the water, but the Kerbin Weather Service gave us plenty of warning thx to a Deuce storm chaser flight out of Sheltered Rock. Hatches were battened down but only minor flooding occurred. We've seen various flood levels over the years...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
income is back in the red for June as expected but nearly as bad as CFO Mortimer feared, leaving us in good shape to push forward full-steam ahead for the remainder of the year. You can always review our latest monthly report on yearly finances here: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/dā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
high-altitude KB crew are loading up to fly out to the Kongo, with 2 Dhumlas to carry UTVs and supplies. Crew will fly out in Deuces. Though none are our own aircraft, this is still the first time using no airships for mission transport! Not always cheaper, but progressive
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
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/dā¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
farewell party in the HAB today for the Genesis team, as the program was officially shut down at the end of July. This past week was the final few days of clearing out offices/equipment. We're happy tho that those we couldn't shift to other programs have been picked up by C7
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kerbin Weather Service has sent a team here to fly weather missions in the Deuce and contract pilots will handle Civvie flights for regional pollen sampling. Both aircraft are now being operated by KSC and will not be tracked or included in KSA operations
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all 3 aircraft developed under the program will continue to be produced and flown of course, and we look forward to seeing what the teams at C7 come up with in the future! Wernher's R&D dept is still partnered with C7 Aerospace Division to work on jet technology
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Genesis ended as our 2nd-most successful and profitable program behind KerBalloon, giving us 33,413 funds in net income that will now go towards rocket development. Here are some more impressive stats from nearly 4 years of operation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today was the dedication & ground breaking ceremony for the 1st new surface colony in nearly 300 years! Narskeim (Nahr-sky-ehm) is derived from "open sky above" in kerbskrit. We are proud to have taken part in realizing this historic event, performing aerial surveys of the land
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we got in a few flights this year before the Genesis program was shuttered. Fixed-wing aircraft development remains alive with C7 Aerospace Division and missions like those previously flown by Cdr Val & Cpt Jeb are now handled by a growing pool of commercial aviators
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sad news out of Sheltered Rock - a Deuce commuter flight crashed on landing, killing all 6 crew and passengers. To date this is the deadliest fixed wing aviation accident. This is already the 3rd aircraft crash this year and Air Safety Administration is calling foul
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
against the ASA's advisement, during the C7/Airship Baron settlement in 2019 restrictions on pilot licensing were loosened. They are blaming Assembly for letting those gov't members with financial ties to the airship industry work to make fixed-wing flight less safe
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
while any new flare up between the airship and aircraft industries will no longer directly affect us, we stand with C7 and the ASA, will help fight for better safety regulations to be re-established. We are saddened to see such squabbling result in the loss of life š
