It’s Captain Jebediahs’s turn to take the Civvie up into the wild blue yonder, we’re hoping to return to the runway intact this time!
Kerbal Space Agency
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C7 has released the final report on the Civvie crash investigation & announces where things will be going from here: bit.ly/C7-PR3
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tl;dr - both pilot & design errors contributed to crash, no mechanical issues. Civvie will be rebuilt for more test flights next month
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HAB getting ready to start repairs on the Civvie, it will have its right wing partially replaced & get a new, larger vertical stabilizer
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we will plan for another launch attempt tomorrow, despite the wknd, if the weather passes. Details & other ops news: bit.ly/OpsSummary11-2…
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and with the sun rising we can share the good news that the worst does look to be over, KSC dry. Bad news: water level still hasn't receded
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we have all support staff back to work at KSC as we continue to assess facilities and ensure that no serious wind damage was also incurred
Kerbal Space Agency
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VAB got back to work earlier this afternoon on finishing up the second Progeny Mk1.2 rocket, HAB also back to work on the Civvie rebuild
Kerbal Space Agency
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We have the full report on the "perfect storm" that hit us over the prev wknd - bit.ly/StormPR Hope it's a long time 'til next time
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we have good reports from Simon for both the HAB & VAB projects. Rockets should be ready by next week, will have a new launch date tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
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analysis of 1st Mk2.1 launch & more deets on upcoming 2nd & 3rd +more in weekly ops summary. Have a great weekend! bit.ly/OpsSummary12-5…
Kerbal Space Agency
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Civvie Prototype Mk2 went through its final checkouts today, we expect Cpt Jeb to take it out for a spin next Monday
Kerbal Space Agency
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the only big change is since the vertical stabilizer needed replacement anyways due to damage, a larger one was installed to reduce sideslip
Kerbal Space Agency
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all of us here are sooo ready for this weekend. Busy week! Everyone have a relaxing weekend! Catch up on everything: bit.ly/OpsSummary12-1…
Kerbal Space Agency
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Jeb says he is very excited to test his piloting mettle with the Civvie tomorrow. He was the youngest graduate from the ASA Flight Academy
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Civvie is being prepped in the HAB for getting tugged out to the tarmac, Jeb is suiting up in the ready room. Waiting on 2nd sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
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We're excited for all that's happening this week, as evidenced by our leader @DKerman_KSA - hopefully lots of civvie flights!
Kerbal Space Agency
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Wx report has been delivered and is showing mostly clear skies with little to no wind this day cycle - perfect conditions for flying!
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Captain Jeb is ready to climb aboard & take his turn behind the stick. We all wish him a safe flight! Launch control starting to come alive
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Jeb found no issues on his walk-around check and is already well into pre-flight w/ assistance from Val & C7 engineers in launch control
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engine start was good and taxi clearance has been granted - Jeb will take off from the same turf location Val used for her flight
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Jeb is in position & holding for takeoff alongside Rwy27. Final pre-takeoff checklist underway, no issues encountered during taxi out
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we don't think we mentioned the tail wheel on the Civvie has been lowered to slightly increase AOA of the wings for the takeoff roll
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a short hop similar to Val's takeoff & now Jeb has the Civvie in a positive rate of climb, as documented by Bill & Bob at the end of the rwy
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Jeb is working to maintain a 270 heading, says still wobbly around roll axis & likes to slip a bit. 500m ASL, continuing to climb @ ~7-10m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
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left-turn into a crosswind traffic pattern has begun. Flight is telling Jeb to ease up on the climb rate, some minor stalling has been noted
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Civvie is now flying north directly over KSC @ 1.2km. Flight Director Lanalye laid down the protocol of a 1km floor atop KSC for all flights
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overall Jeb is reporting good control & looking at the Tlm streaming to launch control Val agrees that the handling has definitely improved
Kerbal Space Agency
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Jeb is heading back west ("downwind") as Flight starts to guide him through descent, letting him know when it's time to turn base then final
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Jeb is on final approach to Rwy09 but Bill & Bob, still spotting out at the end of the runway, report that he's already looking too low
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Civvie has come down ~4km short of Rwy09 just behind the final hill. Jeb deployed chute as per protocol & hit hard but still upright he says
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recovery teams still working out a plan to get the Civvie towed back but Bill & Bob already have met up w/Jeb and all looks to be okay!
Kerbal Space Agency
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Simon reports the Civvie will need to undergo an extensive check-over of its undercarriage the rest of today. Hopefully another flight tmrw
Kerbal Space Agency
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Civvie has been towed back to the HAB and engineers have pulled the TDU to analyze data from the flight, which lasted 12m42s & traveled 46km
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altho little to no wind, this "crosswind" traffic pattern entry was used to realign Jeb for landing. Was vectored too long on downwind leg
Kerbal Space Agency
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good news from C7 engineers, who say the Civvie undercarriage took the landing well, have replaced a few minor items just to be on safe side
