Although it was one of our better ascents for the high-altitude KerBalloon unit, the onset of a strong storm & mechanical issues ultimately spelled doom for this mission to Area H2W37
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Wobbly Rockets has signed on for a hi-alt KerBalloon launch at bit.ly/Zone_5-L3DS, which we will collaborate on w/ the Maritime Service
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB is closing out work on 2 KerBalloons to deploy today from the MSV Tongjess, arriving @ 2nd sunrise, for hi-alt contracts south of KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've been hailed by Tongjess, holding station just offshore & sending a launch to pickup the KerBalloons. Bill, Bob & crew rdy on the beach
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all loaded up! Bill at least stuck around to bid Bob a safe journey, says he still prefers his feet on solid ground. We find that funny...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tongjess has set sail for bit.ly/Area_H2W37 73km to the south, hoping weather clears more by the time they get there in ~84min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have good skip today & Tongjess reports they are approaching station & rdying for launch. We expect AOS from the KB unit at only ~4km ASL
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
balloon is away! Wx conditions not optimal, but clear skies visible & crew is betting on clouds moving on before balloon climbs that high
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tracking Station reports AOS @ 3.9km, all telemetry data shows ascent nominal. Tongjess is tracking, balloon currently drifting west @ 3m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tongjess reports failure of one of her two engines, reduced to ~3m/s. KB currently outpacing it, swept up in westerly winds pushing it 9m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
speed reduction is from one screw running at only 70% to not overcome rudder authority + seas becoming rough w/2-3m waves. Hang on, Bob!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KB chutes have deployed after falling from 23.761km, great ascent considering conditions. Awaiting word from Tongjess on recovery results
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've commed Tongjess for an update, but looks like worsening weather is interfering. Everyone sitting tight hoping all is well out at sea
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
patchy signal just came thru, we think they are making for port in Umbarg. Have notified our offices there to be on the lookout for the ship
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Umbarg offices just called to report Tongjess has limped into port, all crew safe but could not reach KB before rough seas took it under
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
disappointed as we are with the loss of the KerBalloon unit, we're very happy no crew were lost in an attempt to recover it from stormy seas
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bob sent over this photo of launch under ominous skies, says it was perfectly clear if you turned around. Seas are already looking rough tho
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bob is hitching a ride back to KSC tomorrow & we will see how the weather holds for additional high-alt sea launches this week
