Requiring one more launch than planned to get the job done, after several failed attempts the Mk3 finally fulfills its promise and becomes the first rocket to breach the barrier to the upper atmosphere.
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
here is the ops review for this past week. Of note is our initial Mk3 analysis. Everyone have a relaxing weekend bit.ly/OpsSummary4-10…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Still no word from the Progenitor team on the booster analysis. Integration continues for the Mk1 booster stacks in prep for 4th Mk3 flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
cause of the fin shredding anomaly has been uncovered. Minor flaw, easy fix. Meeting set for tomorrow to choose next launch time for Mk3
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are aiming for a 4th & hopefully final launch of the Progeny Mk3 on 4/28 @ 15:30 UTC. Mk1-B boosters arriving on Friday, VAB is ready
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our day is still far from over but you can catch up on everything else from this past week in our ops summary - click the img below!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB has accepted delivery of the Mk3 payload, which will be carrying a meteorological survey package and aeronomy sensor array this flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon reports bit.ly/ProgenyMk3_4 is ready for its final closeout ops tomorrow & you can learn more about the rocket on its vessel page
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB is ready for final launch-readiness checks tomorrow on the 4th Mk3 prior to bringing it out to the pad so we can launch early on Friday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch readiness checks are underway today in the VAB, Tracking Station, Launch Control and Admin buildings for bit.ly/ProgenyMk3_4
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tracking Station reports ready to receive telemetry data during tomorrow's launch. Tracking cameras on roof have also been calibrated
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB reports the rocket is ready to go and triple-checked the control unit for the det-cord. Prepping now to roll out & mount @ 3rd sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket has been mounted ahead of the rain that we expected earlier today. Will monitor overnight - should not pose an issue, in theory
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with the rocket on the pad Mortimer & Drew have closed out launch readiness with approval on all reviews. We are 🚀GO FOR LAUNCH🚀 tomorrow!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-4)
4/28
#2🌄08:15:37 🌅10:56:00 !!🚀!!
#3🌄14:16:28 🌅16:56:51
#4🌄20:17:19 🌅22:57:42
4/29
#1🌄02:18:10 🌅04:58:33
@ KSC (UTC-4)
4/28
#2🌄08:15:37 🌅10:56:00 !!🚀!!
#3🌄14:16:28 🌅16:56:51
#4🌄20:17:19 🌅22:57:42
4/29
#1🌄02:18:10 🌅04:58:33
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
pad crew is giving the rocket a check-over to see how it fared since yesterday. We are expecting weather to remain this perfect all day!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye is assembling her team in Launch Control for pre-flight briefing, then we will roll right into the final countdown
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today's launch profile will be almost identical to the last launch, only difference being we will stage at Δ2° of pitch-over instead of Δ3°
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-2:28:00 = we have the all-clear from the launchpad and flight controllers have begun to wake up the rocket & check all systems & comms
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a decent crowd is outside in the viewing areas but as many as possible are crammed into Launch Ctrl to be together if we make it all the way
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-2:00:00 = pad workers are clearing out as flight controllers move into system checks for booster ignition, ensuring continuity to ignitors
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-1:24:00 = we have been hailed by the MSV Lymun as they approach their monitoring/recovery station. Maybe they'll *finally* get a payload today 😛
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:45:00 = final launch rehearsal is underway in Launch Control, no issues popped up during pre-flight, nominal is the word of the day
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:30:00 = Wx reports some high-level cirrus but otherwise clear skies with winds calm. We are GREEN and GO for continuing the countdown!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:20:00 = Lymun has deployed its recovery vessel off the stern ramp & yea, it's beautiful out right now, 72°F with winds perfectly calm
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:15:00 = rocket is ARMED & range safety protocol in effect, 300m pad radius, 6km downrange cone, 25km ceiling. Lymun reports waters clear
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:05:00 = Final checks: Wx GO, Range GO, Flight GO, Tracking Station GO, Lymun GO. Ops Dir Drew has authorized launch clearance GO PROGENY
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a small batch of low-level clouds are moving past but Wx has determined they will not hinder tracking cams, no hold called, winds still OK
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:02:00 = rocket is now on internal power. Close monitoring of all systems these next 2 minutes, at L-30s one last primary poll. Stand by!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
One minute to launch! Ascent will happen within ~1-2min, so be sure to watch bit.ly/ProgenyMk3_4 for real-time updates during this time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Good launch!!
1st stage decoupled +0:06
2nd stage ignition +0:22
2nd stage decoupled +0:26
3rd stage near end of coast phase, pitch @ Δ1.3°
1st stage decoupled +0:06
2nd stage ignition +0:22
2nd stage decoupled +0:26
3rd stage near end of coast phase, pitch @ Δ1.3°
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have nominal ascent!
3rd stage ignition +1:08
3rd stage decoupled +1:11
Fairings jettisoned +1:48 (apokee)
Awaiting chute predeploy @ 6km
3rd stage ignition +1:08
3rd stage decoupled +1:11
Fairings jettisoned +1:48 (apokee)
Awaiting chute predeploy @ 6km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good chute reported by Lymun!
Chute deployed +3:10
Payload currently descending @ 45m/s & slowing as air thickens
Full deployment is @ 600m
Chute deployed +3:10
Payload currently descending @ 45m/s & slowing as air thickens
Full deployment is @ 600m
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
recovery crew has the payload! Chute fully deployed @ +5:01 & landed by recovery ship @ +6:09, 9.2km downrange. Is now heading back to shore
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a final round of cheers, hugs, high-fours & fist pumps is going around Launch Ctrl as Tracking Station confirms final apokee: 22.772km!!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
WE MADE IT 1/3 OF THE WAY TO SPACE!! It may not seem like much, but consider: that first 1/3 is a *lot* of the thickest atmosphere behind us
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post-launch reports continuing to trickle in as recovery ops continue. Stage 1 booster fell a bit further than last time, 1.2km from the pad
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the 3rd stage booster was tracked to an estimated distance of 4km, well within our 6km downrange cone that makes up the eastern safety range
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Lymun is away, w/ many thx from us for a safe return of the payload. Here's what the launch looked like from their station 4km offshore
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this telemetry data has not yet been analyzed but we wanted to make it available as soon as possible: bit.ly/ProgenyMk3-4_T…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch video is up! 3rd stage fins did shred, but did so a few secs later to ensure it was well clear of the payload youtube.com/watch?v=Tk-Szr…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post-launch tasks are complete and now everyone at KSC is gathering in the VAB with food, drink & music to celebrate today's achievement
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Drew gave a short speech congratulating everyone & announcing KSA regular ops suspended for 3 days next week for a well-deserved holiday
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/OpsSummary4-24…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today Genesis & KerBalloon are prepping for their joint mission on Monday while Progenitor finishes review of Mk3 launch data from last week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
expect a full analysis later today with the weekly operations report but for now here's a look at all 4 Progeny Mk3 launch trajectories
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the final analysis on the Progeny Mk3 dominates the report for this short operational week. Good weekend, all! bit.ly/OpsSummary5-1-…
