Doctor Murstap led the program that set new limits for the amount of G-forces a kerbal can endure, directly leading to safer cockpits and capsules. 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
.@LatrodectusDota although, it's worth noting no one has ever tried to see what the maximum short duration G-load limits are for Kerbals...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h] launch team has assembled for their final briefing from Flight Director Lanalye. Here's a comprehensive look at today's mission, which will be similar to the last flight except using the actual capsule instead of a test weight. Also some LES usage experimentation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
engine startup nominal, chamber pressures good, throttle-up to 1.2TWR successful and we have lift off!! Rocket will clear the tower before going full thrust, saving wear on the pad infrastructure, then enabling guidance control to begin pitching over as it heads downrange
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
✨🎉 KERZZAH! 🎉✨ we have word from MSV Tongjess that they located the capsule still afloat, altho it took extra time to find the heat shield, which detached moments before splashdown to reduce damage for post-flight inspection & clear the way for the float collar to deploy
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#ICYMI we had our latest rocket launch this week. Here is the Ascension Mk1 Block I lifter carrying the Mk1 capsule for a test ride into space (unkerbed) clearing the tower moments after liftoff. For more on the mission see our Ops Tracker: ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
re-entry data from last week's flight shows Greggery experienced a crushing 17G of peak force - survivable but not without some possible nasty side-effects. We're aiming for 10-12G and may need to shoot for a lower altitude next time or just go further for a flatter trajectory
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ongoing analysis of the last Ascension Mk1 flight still shows re-entry in excess of 16Gs. We either have to fly a lower arc or prove a kerbal can indeed withstand that force without serious effects. We're looking into the latter option, mainly because someone already wants to
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
medical doctor Murstap Kerman has been trying to get his research fully funded for a few years - he's been trying to convince the medical community that extreme G loads over short periods can be withstood but no one has really cared or not until now!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight analysis for the last Ascension Mk1 mission has been posted: kerbalspace.agency/?p=9214 - we continue to remain on track to launch a kerbal into space in July. Final major hurdle is the engine test towards the end of this month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
additional big news from the report is that we have agreed to fund Dr. Murstap's deceleration research in conjunction with C7 Aerospace Division to not only benefit space flight but also design safer aircraft in the event of accidents. Two words: ROCKET SLED!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
things are proceeding apace here at the Kerbal Space Center as we continue to gear up for a return to rocket flight at the end of the month. Learn more about this week's activities in our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=9236
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
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
Dr. Murstap's rocket sled has been completed in the HAB and awaits completion of the test track next week. Everything is on schedule to begin test runs at the start of August with kerbed runs by Murstap to begin in September if all goes well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the track for the rocket sled has been completed, running nearly the full length of the runway at just under 2km. The remaining few hundred meters at the end is a water trough which will rapidly decelerate the sled. Test runs will begin next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket sled is being placed on the track today - sans rocket. There's still a lot of basic testing that needs to be done before we send it screaming at high speeds down the track, even with a dummy aboard, since we don't want to damage the track or the sled if possible
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
test runs of the rocket sled began today after successful installation yesterday. A security patrol car is hooked on each side via cable to a shuttle that pulls the sled down the length of the track at varying speeds to ensure alignment and wheels are good
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the shuttle the cars are hooked to, which is itself hooked to the sled, is designed to keep the cable pull even from both sides, since the drivers wouldn't be in perfect sync, and ensures the sled is pulled straight down the track with no lateral force. Good runs today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after towing the sled for a few dozen runs down the track these past two days, some minor adjustments will be made to the rail alignment over the next week followed by more test runs that will hopefully certify the track ready for accel/decel testing w/test dummy Greggery
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the first solid booster for the rocket sled has arrived in the VAB today and will be checked out over the next week while track tesing continues. Still hoping to use it to push the sled later this month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
winds still strong off the water, Jeb has the Civvie fired up with taxi clearance down to turf Rwy09 for departure. During the taxi he will have to steer completely around the test track that now occupies the full length of the paved runway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a few bumps on the turf and jeb is back down, taxiing around the sled track again and back to the HAB. Researchers will be spending the rest of the year working on all the pollen data that's been collected since 2017 to help improve the health & safety of surface living
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after track re-alignment the sled is back to being towed by our patrol cars, the fastest vehicles on the campus. They can get up to ~40m/s while pulling the sled which is a small fraction of the speed it will actually travel, but good enough for basic testing purposes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a look into the VAB as the Ascension Mk1 for next week (center) prepares to go vertical to have the capsule mounted while the one for Sept (left) begins integration w/ its engine. To the right is the sled undergoing SRB integration for a test run later this week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today saw the 1st real test of the rocket sled, roaring down the runway at speeds of ~250m/s with test dummy Greggery aboard. It did not fly off the track and stopped properly in the water trap @ >15Gs. Back in the VAB now crew is assessing damage to the sled's undercarriage
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Engineer Simon reports the rocket sled will need some parts replaced and reinforced against the massive deceleration at the end of the track, but future runs should leave the sled in good shape. We should be able to get another test in before the end of Aug
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
going into the weekend with a good report from the VAB saying the rocket is ready to go next week. Astronauts got in some good water training the past few days & will partake in a survival expedition this weekend. Catch up on what else went down via kerbalspace.agency/?p=9588
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket sled has been repaired and mated with its second booster for another test run tomorrow. It will still be unkerbed and some changes to the water trap have also been done to reduce damage to the sled while still hopefully providing adequate stopping power
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our second rocket sled test was delayed yesterday due to technical issues but successfully ran the track earlier today. Initial post-run analysis shows everything to be within expected margins and Dr. Murstap is planning to be aboard the next run in September
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
full analysis of the test data from the rocket sled run last week has made Dr. Murstap confident he can take the next ride. There's still ongoing debate about where to draw the initial line for the force of deceleration he will endure - anywhere from 14-18Gs
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the rocket sled is heading out to the test track while Dr. Murstap gets ready to board it later this day cycle for the first kerbed test run. Wernher actually recommended another dummy test run but Murstap was adamant as only 2 boosters remain available for use after this one
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
allll aboard! Dr. Murstap has been sealed into the capsule, sled is tracked and the test team at launch control is working through checks on the booster engine. Current target for ignition is 17:40 UTC. Emergency response crews are also deploying near the track end
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
5min to ignition, all systems are GO! Once ignited, the booster will accelerate Murstap at up to 3.5Gs to speeds of ~260m/s over just 11 seconds and along 1.8km of track. The booster will flame out just before hitting the water trap and halt over the next 400m w/ ~18Gs of force
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
whooooosh!! We had a successful track run, seen here ending with the sled slamming to a stop in the water trap. Emergency response crews have moved in, but we already have Murstap assuring everyone over comms from the capsule that he is okay
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Murstap has been extricated from the capsule and carried away to the Support Village clinic for a full medical evaluation. The sled will be returned to the VAB for inspection and integration with the next SRB if it hasn't received any damage during the run
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
released from the medical clinic, Murstap says he will definitely take a break & deep dive the data before the next run later this month. He described the experience as "mildly uncomfortable" and gave a lot of credit to the Mk1 capsule design for helping him take the strain
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB is quite busy these days with this month's Ascension Mk1 center stage for final integration prep, next month's Ascension Mk2 is starting to get some attention and the Progeny Mk7-A for later this month is almost ready for staging. Guest appearance by the rocket sled
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Engineer Simon reports from the VAB that the rocket sled handled the quick stop much better and they won't need to replace any undercarriage parts before the next test. They will integrate a fresh SRB next week and be ready for the next test later this month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
learn more details on what went on this past week in our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=9624 Everyone have a relaxing weekend! We look forward as always to greeting all the visitors that will be stopping by - be sure to check out the new Ascension Mk1 static display!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the rocket sled has finished integration with the second to last SRB today and will be back out on the track this day cycle to stand ready for the next test run late this following week. Until then the water trap will be deepened to decelerate the sled faster & generate more Gs
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with the previous Ascension flight analysis wrapping up & data from the rocket sled testing, planners have made a late change to next week's mission w/ a higher trajectory from ensuring the rocket burns out w/in the atmosphere, nearing 300km apokee & slightly rougher on re-entry
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
Dr. Murstap once again felt the need for speed and was sent rocketing (literally!) down the track in his rocket sled, achieving similar speeds to his first run but this time coming to a halt over a much shorter distance, placing as much as 26Gs of force on his body
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Murstap did suffer some minor injuries including severe bruising from the straps and a broken wrist due to allowing his hand to slide off the rest during the boost and thus leaving it "unsecured" during deceleration. He says he's still upping the Gs for his final run though
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#OTD in 2017 Cpt Jeb unintentionally proved a kerbal could withstand 24Gs of momentary force without serious injury when the Deuce dove into the waters just offshore during an early test flight. We are a hardy folk! kerbalspace.agency/?p=5332
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this incident planted the seed of an idea that would grow for several years under the care of Dr. Murstap Kerman to become the rocket sled test program currently underway here at KSC to explore the limits of kerbal physiology
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the final solid rocket motor has been integrated with the rocket sled and brought out to the track today to prepare for a run next week. Murstap is planning to go all-out but has been dealing with push-back from the project's oversight committee in regards to safety
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Dr. Murstap has been loaded up into the capsule for his final run, which should see him sustain the highest amount of Gees so far. Final prep underway in Launch Control as FD Lanalye oversees the sled team controllers. Ignition set for 18:40 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all systems GO for SRB ignition in 5 minutes, Murstap will also be testing a new restraint harness design on this run and hopes to reach in excess of 34Gs
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
emergency vehicles have rushed to the track end after Murstap was unresponsive following the rapid deceleration - so much so that monitoring instruments actually failed to record just how extreme it was. FD Lanalye has ordered a full diagnostic
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Murstap has been extracted from the capsule, he is alive and responsive but seems disoriented, is having trouble breathing and claims he cannot see. He is being rushed over to the medical center in the Support Village for a full examination
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here's a look at Murstap's run from the middle of the track, at which point he was traveling nearly 200m/s. He remains in the medical center listed as stable but under observation with vision loss, 2 broken ribs, strained neck, minor head trauma and some internal bruising
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Murstap remains under medical observation, will not require surgery just plenty of rest to heal - although doctors remain unsure about his lack of eyesight, caused by retinal bleeding that could lead to retinal detachment. We wish him a speedy recovery!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
continuing investigation into the last rocket sled run has found several safety systems both on the track & the sled were disabled. When confronted with this discovery Dr. Murstap admitted he did it, saying he wasn't going to let the oversight committee curtail his experiment
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the future of the rocket sled program has been cast into doubt - Murstap has already been removed from the project (although he insists it would be such anyways due to his injuries & it's not permanent) & the team is reviewing data to see if more testing is warranted
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
wow that was a week already? Time flies when you're having fun, or are just excited like we are for another kerbed space mission next week! Get hype! Also get caught up on all that went down at KSC the past week: kerbalspace.agency/?p=9945
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
doctors report that Murstap's vision is improving and he will likely only require minor corrective surgery to restore his full sight. His other injuries continue to heal as well & he should be discharged next week. He remains committed to regaining leadership of the sled project
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the decision has been made to move the rocket sled testing out to the Kongo River Research Base so an even longer track can be built and also handle larger test vehicles. Murstap has undergone surgical procedures for his eyes and maintains he is still only on "medical leave"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Dr. Murstap was moved to the outpatient ward today & is expected to be discharged over the weekend. His vision has improved but he will require corrective optics. A formal inquiry into his actions will be convened next month to determine if he is to continue to lead the project
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Dr. Murstap has been allowed to resume control of the rocket sled project as long as he remains the sole living test subject. Review board unanimously agreed he couldn't be trusted with anyone else's life. We wish him the best of luck out in the Kongo
