Commander Val takes the Civvie for a spin on the ground to check out its systems prior to flight
As the first mission of a new vehicle, this dispatch includes all the design and development leading up to deployment. To skip to the mission, click here.
Kerbal Space Agency
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next month is going to be very exciting: C7 coming to KSC to develop fixed-wing aircraft. Learn more in this release bit.ly/C7-PR
Kerbal Space Agency
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the HAB is all a hustlin' and a bustlin' as workers and engineers work hard to prep for fixed-wing development later this month w/ C7
Kerbal Space Agency
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we're seeing a gathering of dark clouds off to the west - usually a sign the jet stream has dipped and is forcing moisture up over the mtns
Kerbal Space Agency
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western range isn't tall enough to shield us from rainfall, clouds will continue to build until they dump lots of rain on us today or tmrw
Kerbal Space Agency
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still no rain locally, but we hear rumbles to the west getting closer and streams in the area have been gradually increasing in volume
Kerbal Space Agency
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rocket launch isn't the only thing rain is affecting, C7 was expecting a large airship delivery of parts today. Too windy for that to happen
Kerbal Space Agency
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C7 received its parts shipment late yesterday and are working double time to get back on schedule to begin construction on 10/17
Kerbal Space Agency
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regarding that last tweet: constructing what? Well that's not been disclosed at this time. We await additional information...
Kerbal Space Agency
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building on the surface: "Sure!", they said. "No problem at all", they said
Kerbal Space Agency
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we don't stop kerbs from coming in to work on weekends. Many live here, so tough to step away sometimes. But we also don't always mandate it
Kerbal Space Agency
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in general most employees like to take advantage of the greater availability of various KSC facilities to work on personal projects
Kerbal Space Agency
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C7 is ready to begin work on their first aircraft today, although Simon says they are still working on the final design. Here's a sketch
Kerbal Space Agency
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we suspect the folding wing would be too complicated for starters, but that would def be cool for easy in/out from the ridiculous HAB doors
Kerbal Space Agency
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although we will always request blueprint designs from C7, whether they choose to release them or not is entirely up to them
Kerbal Space Agency
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Simon says he is enjoying working with the C7 engineers, is fascinated by the research into fixed wing flight that has been preserved
Kerbal Space Agency
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apparently one kerb even built a ramp into the side of a mountain to roll his plane off of for the longest glider flight record of 122km
Kerbal Space Agency
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Simon says he's definitely getting more exercise now that he's walking to and fro between the HAB and the VAB several times a day
Kerbal Space Agency
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another busy week here at KSC, let us recap & expand upon events. As always, everyone have a great weekend bit.ly/OpsSummary10-1…
Kerbal Space Agency
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despite their troubles, the C7 Aerospace Division has gotten work done on the airframe, now fully enclosed and ready for the tail section
Kerbal Space Agency
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HAB has been pressing onwards with the Civvie build, done with the entire fuselage & will be mounting the engine next followed by the wings
Kerbal Space Agency
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Weekly Ops Summary is posted, w/ some new info on the Progeny Mk2 launch anomaly & a review of KerBalloon ops + more bit.ly/OpsSummary10-2…
Kerbal Space Agency
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the KSC causeway bridges allow floodwaters to flow past the complex & to the ocean during periods of heavy rain from the western mountains
Kerbal Space Agency
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rains happen more often that you may think - we generally don't report that it's raining unless it directly affects our operations somehow
Kerbal Space Agency
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HAB crew gets second lunch session today at the mess hall, here's where they left off on the Civvie. Wings! It's only taken a few 100 yrs...
Kerbal Space Agency
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October was rough, the Mk2 failure def hurt us. We pledge to come back strong tho! Mortimer has posted our monthly bit.ly/FinanceReport_…
Kerbal Space Agency
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these finance reports cover our R&D/vessel operations budget only, so u won't see how much toilet paper we buy until we have craft w/toilets
Kerbal Space Agency
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Jeb & Val signed off on the instrumentation that will be going into the Civvie prototype cockpit. Very basic stuff, but functional
Kerbal Space Agency
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Bill is also spending time over in the HAB helping work crews get the Civvie put together, while Bob works numbers with the aero engineers
Kerbal Space Agency
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the Civvie's wings are half done, there were some issues in getting them assembled. HAB expects them to be rdy for flight surfaces tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
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Cpt Jeb was just released from the med center w/ a cast on his arm. He slipped & fell from the VAB scaffolding this morning. Will heal OK
Kerbal Space Agency
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now *that's* looking like an airplane! Simon reports that several days of extensive checks will now be performed on the entire airframe
Kerbal Space Agency
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closing out this week with several updates, and the full test video of the Mk1-B booster from earlier today as well bit.ly/OpsSummary10-3…
Kerbal Space Agency
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even with his arm still broken Jeb was able to partake in bailout exercises today from an airship in case he or Val need to ditch the Civvie
Kerbal Space Agency
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Jeb & Val are cramming their heads with physics & aerodynamics concepts related to fixed-wing flight to prep for their test pilot roles
Kerbal Space Agency
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although a lot of data was preserved from the few tests done before the asteroid strike, much of what they are learning is still conceptual
Kerbal Space Agency
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crews are out on the dirt runway this week getting it ready for ground trials & also to ensure it will be smoother, ready for flight trials
Kerbal Space Agency
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Simon has reported to Drew that the Civvie airframe check is complete, everything is properly assembled and aligned, C7 satisfied as well
Kerbal Space Agency
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next step for the Civvie is to have all its avionics, internal wiring, fuel tanks, control cables, seats, chute, lighting, etc installed
Kerbal Space Agency
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finally they will strap on the gear and begin ground trials to check the engine and undercarriage. Simon expects this around mid-next week
Kerbal Space Agency
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Flight Director Lanalye has been working closely with C7 these past weeks on the protocols for test flying the Civvie around KSC airspace
Kerbal Space Agency
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relatively slow week, but such is the pace of progress at times. Here's our ops summary. Have a great weekend! bit.ly/OpsSummary11-7…
Kerbal Space Agency
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lights & control surfaces added to the Civvie, now to just tidy up the interior work - also the abort chute arrives from RealChute tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
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don't forget our bit.ly/CrewRoster will always keep you up to date on the status of our astronauts. Jeb healing very well, Dr reports
Kerbal Space Agency
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Wx permitting, tomorrow will see the rollout of the complete Civvie prototype, according to C7. It will undergo ground trials thru the day
Kerbal Space Agency
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excitement! C7 ground crew are rolling up the HAB doors and getting the Civvie hooked up to the tug to be rolled out for ground trials today
Kerbal Space Agency
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Cdr Val in her signature pose in front of the Civvie before doing a walk-around check & climbing aboard to start preflight w/launch control
Kerbal Space Agency
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Val has her checklist with her & will confirm everything with launch control, overseen by FD Lanalye but directly managed by C7 personnel
Kerbal Space Agency
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Cpt Jeb is also in launch control following things closely - he'll be taking his turn in the cockpit after his cast comes off next week
Kerbal Space Agency
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preflight has been completed, all systems up and running including the engine as you can see. Run-up tests of the engine will now commence
Kerbal Space Agency
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engine checks out, everything nominal. Val has permission to taxi up and down the length of the runway, then out onto the turf and back
Kerbal Space Agency
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Val is back in front of the HAB, reports taxiing around was like "driving a car with horrible suspension" but the aircraft handled very well
Kerbal Space Agency
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C7 engineers will be studying data until next sunrise when there will be a 2nd ground trial that will run the plane up to takeoff speed
Kerbal Space Agency
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Civvie has been cleared for takeoff next week! That and more in our weekly ops review: bit.ly/OpsSummary11-1… Happy weekend to all!
