The third of 4 launches carrying 2 experiments designed and built by students with mentoring from industry professionals to further study properties of the ionosphere, radiation belts, sun, zero-G, and more
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Kerbal Sounding Project has returned with a new initiative to help get the next generation of space explorers ready - student experiments will be launched on sub-orbital flights aboard the Progeny Mk6-I, using kits developed by Umbra Space Industries
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
submissions are already underway and dates for the launches will be announced in October. Depending on the response, the funding for the program can provide for up to 6 launches with 2 experiments on each. KSP's last activity was back in 2016-17: kerbalspace.agency/?p=1722
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
dates are scheduled for the Kerbal Sounding Project missions! There will be 4 launches, carrying 2 experiments each - all of which will have been built by students, our next gen space explorers. Dates:
#1 - 11/5
#2 - 11/14
#3 - 12/5
#4 - 12/17
More info on the Ops Tracker
#1 - 11/5
#2 - 11/14
#3 - 12/5
#4 - 12/17
More info on the Ops Tracker
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although the program was originally announced to have the budget to fly 6 missions, not enough submissions were eligible for actual deployment. Many were just plain not feasible or not possible within the constraints of the rocket. There certainly was not a lack of submissions!
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
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
the Kerbal Sounding Project launches have all been rescheduled due to the construction delay from evacuating KSC. The new launch dates are
#1 - 11/13
#2 - 11/22
#3 - 12/10
#4 - 12/18
Times are available on the Ops Tracker
#1 - 11/13
#2 - 11/22
#3 - 12/10
#4 - 12/18
Times are available on the Ops Tracker
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Engineer Simon reports from the Vertical Assembly Building that the Progeny integration is well on the way to being back on track to meet the updated launch schedule now that they've sidelined all Ascension work for the time being
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Progeny Mk6-I has completed final check outs and is being loaded up onto the carry vehicle now for roll out tomorrow. The non-reusable parts for the rockets scheduled to launch in December are already well on the way to being assembled into complete stages
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
between launch campaigns now, the Tracking Station is taking the time to perform some maintenance and calibrations on the three 7m dishes to ensure they continue to steer and point accurately for future missions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight analysis is up for last week's mission. Gives you a brief look at how adding a few kilos can really affect recovery chances - we almost didn't get this one back either! Final two should be good to go though. kerbalspace.agency/?p=10098
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the 4 KSP experiments that will ride aboard the next two Progeny Mk6-I launches next month have arrived for final processing in the VAB, which is basically attaching them to the payload truss and flight computer. All other testing is done offsite as they are built
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
we've re-opened registration for public weekend tours at KSC and tickets for viewing the next Progeny launches this month are also now available. Please pay careful attention during registration of the new security protocols. Thanks to everyone for their cooperation!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
topped off once again in the VAB, next week's Progeny Mk6-I rocket undergoes load checks to ensure all couplers are structurally sound. Lead Engineer Simon reports some VAB workers have been tasked back onto the Ascension parts to the rear to ready the Mk1 we hope to fly in Jan
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
another successful rocket build completed and loaded up onto the carry vehicle for rollout next week! The final rocket is in a similar stage of preparation to how the current rocket was when this photo was taken. Lead Engineer Simon reports assembly is on schedule
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
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
rocket carry vehicle, mounting vehicle, tanker and crew shuttle head for the launch site to get the rocket placed on the launch base. Site inspection was carried out at the end of last week to ensure the base remains level - it was moved a few meters to firmer ground
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our recovery vessel MSV Aldeny has left port in Umbarg to sail out to the recovery zone in the eastern Kerblantic ~325km downrange. It travels 32km/h at best speed, so it will be on station by tomorrow & hopefully storm from yesterday has fizzled out like Kat predicted
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket has been mounted, tanked and stands ready for the wet dress rehearsal to confirm all systems are ready for launch and allow us to perform a condensed countdown tomorrow. Tracking Station has confirmed its maintenance & calibration the past 2wks has been completed properly
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all launch readiness reports have been reviewed & approved by Operations Director @DKerman_KSA - we are GO for launch operations to begin tomorrow @ 14:40 UTC. All visitors viewing the launch should allow for 45min to get through security before boarding shuttle buses to KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/10
#2🌄08:33:24 🌅10:43:45 !!🚀!!
#3🌄14:34:15 🌅16:44:36
#4🌄20:35:06 🌅22:45:27
12/11
#1🌄02:35:57 🌅04:46:18
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/10
#2🌄08:33:24 🌅10:43:45 !!🚀!!
#3🌄14:34:15 🌅16:44:36
#4🌄20:35:06 🌅22:45:27
12/11
#1🌄02:35:57 🌅04:46:18
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h40m] launch countdown has begun! All launch teams have assembled on campus to begin setting up for pre-launch operations while the weather team in Launch Control begin to put together an updated forecast. Expect further updates at these milestones in the count:
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h10m] Flight Director Lanalye has gathered her team for pre-launch briefing. Since Ascension missions are on hold, the A team will fire these last two launches while B team is held in reserve. As usual, basic Mk6-I mission plan will be in use
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h45m] we are GO for preflight, launch controllers sending out power along the ground cables to wake up the rocket and re-initializing software. Launch forecast is 90% favorable. No new changes to bit.ly/AFCS_KSA flight code except L-0 update
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h55m] all systems looking good, fuel has remained stable @ proper tank levels since yesterday. Ground crews clearing the launch site so controllers can begin testing ignition systems for the 3 engines. A few mins ago 1st visitor shuttles began heading over the causeway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h30m] issues board remains empty as preflight closes out. Ground crews moving back in to secure the launch site & remove final hold downs. Sky Watch team at the Tracking Station working with Range Safety Officer to ensure airspace & waters are clear
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h20m] weather balloon has begun its ascent towards the upper atmosphere, timed to arrive just prior to L-5min final polls so weather desk can get the latest data for analyzing upper-level wind conditions that could pose a potential hazard to the flight of the Mk6-I
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-45m] final rehearsal underway in Launch Control to ensure all systems and team members are setup & ready to go. FD Lanalye also sometimes likes to throw in an issue or two as one last exercise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] launch controllers resetting after a good rehearsal, ground crew packing up and heading out from the launch site - weather kerbs confirm conditions remain green across the board and we are GO for final countdown!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] RSO has closed the range and launch site, Flight Termination System is ACTIVE and all rocket motors have been ARMED for ignition. All visitors must remain within assigned viewing locations
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
as with previous launches, all the student members and their mentors who participated in designing and building the two experiments being launched today are with us here in Launch Control. Outside, actually - the view from inside really isn't that great
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] Final readiness polls complete: Wx: GO; Range: GO; Flight: GO; Tracking: GO; Ops Director: Launch permission granted! 🚀 GO PROGENY 🚀 FTS transitioning to its own separate internal power source, rocket itself will come off ground power at terminal count
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-2m] ground cables have been pulled back from the launch base leaving the rocket on battery power and RF comms. Automated Flight Control System is now in command of the final launch procedures while battery drain rates are monitored and comm checks carried out
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-1m] all eyes in Launch Control glued to monitors as just the seconds tick down now. With only 30 left a final poll will be conducted and if all remains GO the Ops Tracker will set up for live telemetry: ops.kerbalspace.agency stand by!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good ignition and LIFT OFF! Rocket is zooming away under 67kN of thrust for initial ascent up to ~13km before the 1st stage drops away. 2nd stage will coast and light off when nose drops 1.5°. After it is expended 3rd stage will hot fire. All within the next minute!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
as just described, ascent continues nominally with the 3rd stage showing a good burn as it finishes the push out of the atmosphere, terminating just prior to reaching space. Was good to hear the shouts & claps of the crowds outside again
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket is coasting up to a 462km apokee over the next ~8min, amazing what a difference 20kg makes (payloads for these last two rockets are lighter than the first two). Onboard experiments have already begun to gather data
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
you can use this link to view where the rocket will be traveling. On page load you will see the current location but it will not automatically update after that. Trajectory is calculated and not exact but close enough for the scale shown kerbalspace.agency/Tracker/tracke…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket is through apokee and on its way back down for re-entry. Power remains steady, telemetry looking good, orientation on target for coming down engine-first, onboard data drives continue to fill up with sciency science. Also, here's a launch video 🚀 Whooosh!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the rocket has re-entered and by now should have deployed its chutes for splashdown. MSV Aldeny was stationed only about an hour away and should already be making best speed for the recovery location so we should have a report shortly
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
✨🎉KERZZAH!!🎊✨ Another successful mission - MSV Aldeny reports they had no trouble homing in on the rocket's beacon and fished it intact out of shallow waters ~3km offshore. They'll have it back to us early tomorrow. Congrats to all the rocketry teams!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post-launch ops finishing up. Without needing a MSV offshore to monitor the range anymore, has anyone wondered how we release or recover weather balloons out to sea? We've always had our own small boat that can handle this task when needed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
distress call was received from MSV Aldeny & we have word ships are responding to get it towed back into port after suffering an engine failure. No worries, it's an old hull we've had to fix up. Crew & rocket are fine, they just won't be back until Thursday now
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Aldeny was towed into port at Umbarg earlier today and the rocket has been returned to KSC. Telemetry data has been posted while the science data will be passed along to the students & their collaborators for analysis docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…
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
shortest flight analysis ever? Well there wasn't anything that wasn't routine about the last mission but if you would like a recap we have it here: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10192 - final mission coming up this week should be a solid close out to 2019 ops!
