Although everyone was eager to see the new liquid fuel engine in action, unfortunately a failure occurred shortly after it ignited, causing to the rocket to break up during ascent.
As the first mission of a new vehicle, this dispatch includes all the design and development leading up to launch. To skip to the launch, click here.
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Head of R&D Wernher Von Kerman has his team of lead researchers working hard on the liquid fuel that will propel our future space rockets
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
despite recent issues w/Progenitor Program, we're still looking to the future. Kerbodyne & USI both bidding for contract on our 1st LF/O eng
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
R&D continues to work on refinement of LF for use with oxidizer. Haven't blown themselves up yet but haven't had a good reaction yet either
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
R&D labs had a violent reaction today testing out rocket fuel but Wernher says all protocols were followed, no one hurt. Promising progress!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
USI has beat out Kerbodyne and will be building our first Liquid Fuel rocket engine. They expect to have it ready for us by early next year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
they didn't beat out Kerbodyne by design alone though, they also have the facilities to test the engine & will be covering all dev costs
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
that's it! We're out! Everyone enjoy the holiday, see you next year! Before you go though, here's a 2017 preview: bit.ly/OpsSummary12-1…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
R&D labs is sending off the final formula to USI to begin production of our liquid rocket fuel. Engine could be tested as early as March!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've just got word from USI: the initial combustion testing of our liquid rocket fuel has been successful & they will test engine next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
thanks to the off-site development of this engine, it remaining on schedule means Progeny Mk4 could come quick after Mk3 flights are over
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
great news from Sheltered Rock, where USI today had a successful first 5sec test firing of its Liquid Fuel/Oxidizer (LF/O) rocket engine
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the engine test is a great milestone, but still a long ways from flight-ready. Lots more testing & data analysis to go, but very promising!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with good performance from the XL booster & progress on the LF/O engine we've put in our order for Mk4 rocket parts to construct 3 vehicles
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Mk4 will be the same as the Mk3, only exception being the Mk1-B booster being replaced w/ LF/O tank and engine: bit.ly/ProgenyMk4
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
USI has continued testing their LF/O engine since it first fired earlier this month & report they'll be ready for a full burn next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon reports the final Progeny Mk3 is ready for launch readiness checks next week. Here's your weekly recap - bit.ly/OpsSummary3-27…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
USI successfully conducted a full 31 second burn test of its LF/O engine earlier today. Major milestone. Engine could be delivered in May!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all the parts for our Progeny Mk4 rockets & also the radial decouplers for the Civvie payload carry have arrived for VAB to begin processing
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
everyone is excited to get back to work here at KSC, especially the Progenitor teams moving ahead full steam on the Progeny Mk4 launch plans
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Sounding Rocket Project has set the next milestone at 40km, we blew through both their 10 & 20km milestones last launch. Challenge accepted!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the bounty from both milestones has pushed the bit.ly/ProgenitorProg… back into the green says Mortimer, as he works on Apr report
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mortimer has posted our April bit.ly/FinanceReport_… and it's nice to see a full spread of green numbers again! Revenue growth is projected
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-…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
they have arrived!! Our first two Liquid Fuel/Oxidizer engines are awaiting integration in the VAB. USI eagerly awaiting feedback on these
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
while we test these new engines, USI says they will be iterating on their booster engine design to see if better performance can be had
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with the engines delivered & after preliminary inspection, Simon has told Drew he needs 5 days to complete integration. Launch NET 5/18
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Umbarg has just closed their surface doors, which means the storm is getting bad down there, still headed our way. KSC getting ready for it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
storm has arrived in force, horizontal rain included. We recommend everyone remain indoors & will keep employees posted on KSC ops status
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC remains closed due to extreme weather. We're hoping for an abatement later today but for now everyone please remain indoors & stay safe
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good news from Umbarg is they've got cloudy but sunny skies, so we should see some relief soon as well.
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC will open for afternoon operations to anyone that wants to come in and get some work done before the weekend. If not, enjoy the weekend!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon has also come in for some work & has verified his estimate for LF/O integration. bit.ly/ProgenyMk4_1 launch set: 5/18 @ 16:45 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
checking up on how the launch base fared the storm, still out on the pad. It will be able to launch Mk4s without needing any adjustments
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
OK that's enough! Everybody go home! We've had a busy week, here is our Ops Summary. Enjoy the weekend - bit.ly/OpsSummary5-8-…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB received the science payload earlier today & has completed integration of the final Progeny Mk4 stage for topping off the rocket tmrw
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB is gearing up for getting bit.ly/ProgenyMk4_1 topped off & checked for launch readiness 2day so it can be rolled out to the pad tmrw
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB is wrapping up readiness checks, rocket is topped off & horizontal for loading onto the carry vehicle tomorrow prior to rollout
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk4 is getting loaded up for rollout at second sunrise while the rest of KSC get busy proving they are launch ready for tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tracking Station has already confirmed to mngmt dishes & cameras are calibrated to receive telemetry & track the rocket on its ascent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye has been training her flight team hard & says they are ready to conduct the ascent tomorrow from Launch Control
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Progeny Mk4 is on its way out to the pad to be mounted to the launch base. Skies continue to clear, good news for KB missions today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Drew & Mortimer have all the launch paperwork & clearances in order, just awaiting word now from Simon after rocket is inspected post-mount
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon reports the mounting is good, rocket is ready to go. Drew has confirmed launch readiness & we are GO FOR LAUNCH tomorrow @ 16:45 UTC!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
on the pad the rocket stands 11.1m tall when attached to the launch base & weighs in at 1.7 tons minus the 109 kg of LF/O propellant
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC coming alive as launch prep begins. Here is our new timeline of major events for the Progeny Mk4, expect updates around these L times
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a total of 45min have been added to the preflight procedures - LF/O engine adds a whole new layer of complexity we need to deal with
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5h56m] Wx reports from Umbarg, marine vessels & airships are in. Expecting high-lvl clouds but should not pose issue. GO for pre-flight!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-4)
5/18
#2🌄09:23:37
#3🌅12:04:00 !!🚀!! 🌄15:24:28
#4🌅18:04:51 🌄21:25:19
5/19
#1🌅00:05:42 🌄03:26:10
#2🌅06:06:33
@ KSC (UTC-4)
5/18
#2🌄09:23:37
#3🌅12:04:00 !!🚀!! 🌄15:24:28
#4🌅18:04:51 🌄21:25:19
5/19
#1🌅00:05:42 🌄03:26:10
#2🌅06:06:33
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5h30m] Flight Director Lanalye has assembled her flight team for their final launch brief. Hot staging ascent is pretty routine though
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5h9m] briefing finished early so a bit of a jump on preflight - waking up the rocket, checking RF comms, systems & landline hookups
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h53m] rocket is looking good and we have given the GO to begin LF/O tanking of the 3rd stage, loading 109 kg of propellant
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
loading the fuel only takes about 3min for each tank. The whole process takes about 15min as we have to switch between two fueling trucks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h37m] tanking has been completed, pad crew removing fuel lines & standing by to assist w/any issues prior to engine/ignition checks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h34m] running a bit behind now thx to sensor issues in the LF/O tanks but they have been resolved. Jiggling wires works wonders
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
pad crew is now clearing out ahead of engine/ignitor systems testing to ensure no casualties in the event of an accidental ignition
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h5m] preflight continues w/o further issue & MSV Lymun has reported on station for range monitoring & recovery operations
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h27m] back ahead of schedule, rocket is flight-ready & launch team now performing one last full dress rehearsal for ascent profile
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h17m] launch rehearsal complete & we are now standing by, monitoring rocket for any issues before final countdown at L-30min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
eyes will especially be kept on the fuel system status, as we need to ensure propellants stay stable for this extended period of waiting
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
as before, outdoor viewing areas are open to KSC staff and families. We are still considering public access for future launches
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb wanted to take the Civvie up to get an aerial view of the launch. Lanalye said no, but she will consider it for launch #2 planning
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
getting ready to move into the final countdown as sunrise gives us a look at the weather. No rain, winds only 2-4kts but heavy cloud cover
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-29m] we have GO from Wx after assessing conditions outside & determining clouds are not thick enough to block visual monitoring
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lymun reports their radar is picking up a ship encroaching into our safety range, they are attempting to hail it & direct it clear
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-22m] Lymun is deploying recovery craft early to go check on approaching ship - it has failed to respond to hails on all general freq
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
countdown HOLD now in effect as we await word from Lymun. RSO cannot clear us for launch until the vessel in our debris corridor is gone
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
recovery craft reports that the ship appears to be abandoned & is simply drifting on the current running past Cape Kernaveral
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
what happened to the crew of the ship? Perhaps it was capsized & then righted during storm past weekend. Lots of water reported aboard
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
as a derelict craft poses no safety issue, RSO has cleared range & Lymun confirms no further radar contacts. We are GO! New L-0 16:54 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-12m] recovery craft has reported on station again after it left the abandoned boat to drift on its way, will notify maritime authorities
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] Final checks: Wx GO, Range GO, Flight GO, Tracking Station GO, Lymun GO. Ops Dir Drew authorizes launch clearance 🚀GO PROGENY!!🚀
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2m] rocket has disconnected from all ground lines & is now running on internal power. Battery level is draining at nominal rate
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1m] for real-time updates during ascent tune in to bit.ly/ProgenyMk4_1 - hot stage ascents are quick so will report here after chute
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've suffered an inflight anomaly leading to an explosive event at only 9s into the launch after sep of 2nd stage. Tracking debris
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight team working through ascent failure procedures to ensure all debris is contained. Recovery teams standing down, returning to Lymun
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have confirmation that all boosters & debris landed clear of spectator areas, everyone safe. Crews are out to collect what they can
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Lymun has departed, with thanks for their assistance. Launch crews continuing work on post-launch tasks for at least the next 2 hrs
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here is a look at what happened shortly after the 3rd stage ignited. We do have confirmation it lit off okay youtube.com/watch?v=12X9z6…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
many hypothesis already in the heads of engineers, foremost being pressure failure of the fuel tanks. Will analyze data today & tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post-launch operations are complete, full analysis of the launch will be included with tomorrow's weekly ops summary. Def a disappointment
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#ICYMI: bit.ly/ProgenyMk4_1 launch today suffered an explosive failure, but we'll learn from this & carry on. Liftoff was great though
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Engineer Simon & lead Progenitor engineers gathering in R&D to analyze all launch data from yesterday, hoping for a conclusion today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still waiting on Progenitor team to file our weekly ops summary. Only comment so far: "theoretical stress limits are no longer theoretical"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mk4 conclusions in at last! That and more via bit.ly/OpsSummary5-15… everyone definitely deserves a nice weekend of relaxation - get to it!
