Although it ultimately survived its trip into space, catastrophic events that unfolded during its ascent cast a heavy pall upon our achievement of breaking free of the atmosphere surrounding Kerbin at last
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
analysis of the LF/O engine static fire shows 0 issues. Mk4 integration continuing as planned & we confirmed order for 5 additional engines from USI
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
USI says they have the general parts rdy but will need 3wks to machine specific parts & build 1st engine now that they know design is final
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
they also have new boosters under construction for launch #3+, specs altered to produce less thrust & longer burn time to reduce ascent MaxQ
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Drew was able to talk w/Progenitor teams & lock down our future plans for the Mk4, read more here w/launch analysis: bit.ly/ProgenitorPR11
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new boosters have arrived from USI & VAB crews already getting to work stacking them so we're ready when LF/O engines arrive end of month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all these boosters (Mk3 & Mk1-A) have various thrust settings to let us experiment w/ how the Mk4 performs at lower TWR during all stages
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon has set a launch date of no earlier than 7/10 for the next Progeny Mk4 mission. Will have a firm date & time when LF/O engines arrive
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we realized no mention of fin angles was in the Mk4 report. They'll be tweaked higher as thrust decreases. Roll rate last launch was nominal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
time to close out the work week! As usual, review of this past week & extra details available in our Ops Summary: bit.ly/OpsSummary6-19…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
LF/O engine #1 has arrived from USI, we will get the others throughout July. Booster stacks have been coming together nicely this past 1.5wk
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
now that the final piece is here on sched for bit.ly/ProgenyMk4-3, we can confirm rollout is targeted for 7/10 & launch 7/11 @ 13:52 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
LF/O engine should be fully integrated into the Progeny Mk4 3rd stage today so the rocket can be topped off tomorrow, Simon reports
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon reports the 3rd Progeny Mk4 is topped off, will undergo final integration work tomorrow to be ready for rollout & readiness checks Mon
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny launch base has been inspected after its long period of sitting out on the pad. Workers report that it is ready to go next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/ProgenyMk4-3 final integration completed! Launch readiness checks & rollout to be performed on Monday. Launch on Tues! Get hype!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
closing out another great week, get caught up & learn more details via bit.ly/OpsSummary7-3-… - have a great weekend everyone!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today is our 300th day of operations! Tho, not much going on as everybody is taking a well-deserved rest prior to a mad crazy launch week 🙂
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch readiness checks will be carried out across the KSC today to ensure all is prepared for our 1st real attempt at reaching space tmrw!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tracking Station reports they are calibrated & tested out, ready to receive telemetry signal and track the ascent with their rooftop cameras
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Maritime Service has informed us that Tongjess will not be able to reach KSC by early tomorrow as planned although Lymun remains on schedule
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
due to Tongjess' tardiness we are forced to reschedule to the next daytime window, which opens at 19:38 UTC. Well, we've waited this long...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon reports the Mk4 is ready for rollout, which will occur at 3rd sunrise followed by mounting & tanking to check launch rail supports
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crews getting the rocket carry vehicle ready to go, VAB doors opening. Flight Director Lanalye has cleared her team ready for launch tmrw
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
earlier today the launch team also ran live tests of the new Automated Firing Control System (AFCS), ignition signals received at pad OK
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
light to the east heralds the arrival of the sun as the Progeny Mk4 heads out to launch pad at 2m/s, covering the 655m distance in ~5.5min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mounting operations in full swing as Spc Bill handles the rocket w/ care. Yes, his interest in vehicles of course extends to heavy machinery
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have a good mount, tankers moving in to onload 109kg of liquid propellant in order to bring the rocket up to full wet weight of 1.790t
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tanking completed, pad will remain closed the next 3hrs while launch rail supports are monitored to ensure they can handle weight increase
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ops Dir Drew & Head of Finance Mortimer have all the launch clearances & other paperwork drawn up, signed. Just waiting now on pad readiness
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
beautiful sunset, hopefully skies this cloudy will not be a problem tomorrow - we don't want to risk triboelectrification during ascent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket is being drained, launch rail shows no sign of extra stress. With that, are now officially 🚀 GO FOR LAUNCH 🚀 tomorrow! Much excite!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-4)
7/11
#2🌅09:06:45
#3🌄12:27:22 🌅15:07:36 !!🚀!!
#4🌄18:28:13 🌅21:08:27
7/12
#1🌄00:29:04 🌅03:09:18
#2🌄06:29:55
@ KSC (UTC-4)
7/11
#2🌅09:06:45
#3🌄12:27:22 🌅15:07:36 !!🚀!!
#4🌄18:28:13 🌅21:08:27
7/12
#1🌄00:29:04 🌅03:09:18
#2🌄06:29:55
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mun & Minmus at appulse overhead of the Mk4 at 2nd sunrise. Not launching this day cycle tho. Rocket remains ready for launch prep @ 1438Z
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-6hr] to have the best chance to be ready @ L-0 & only hold if bad Wx, starting prep now w/built-in buffer to handle any unforeseen issues
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather data gathered from our various regional sources shows no precipitation or storms in the area, so we are GO to begin launch prep
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5h38m] Launch Control starting to come alive as Flight Director Lanalye assembles her team for their final prelaunch briefing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ascent profile for today's launch similar to last, with a change to backup 3rd stage ignition parameters & LF/O engine initial thrust
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5h] moving on now into preflight: check of all local launch systems & remote launch base connections & rocket internal components
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h45m] GO for tanking, loading up the Mk4's 3rd stage w/109kg of liquid propellants - 9.9u (49kg) liqiuid fuel, 12.1u (60kg) oxidizer
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the bulk of the rocket's mass is the 915kg (122u) of solid fuel, mainly in the 0.625m first stage booster engine. Total wet mass: 1.790t
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h22m] a stubborn fuel hose connector has delayed completion of tanking but will not affect overall timeline. preflight continues apace
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch viewing areas are setup as normal. Please remain within these areas so we know exactly where everyone is during launch operations
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h45m] preflight proceeding well, no issues being worked, pad workers clearing out so launch ctrl can safely test engine & ignition sys
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ignition & engines check out. Mess hall is now catering lunch to launch control so team can remain assembled & ready in case of - whatever
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h] MSV Tongjess has reported on station 25km SSE to monitor the eastern range with its radar system & ensure no boat traffic comes near
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tongjess relays MSV Lymun is also in recovery position 150km due east, altho where payload comes down ultimately depends on how high it goes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h15m] no issues popped up during preflight, control team now working through a full dress rehearsal of the launch, ascent & recovery
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h] we are officially STANDING BY, ready to roll into the final 30m countdown @ 19:08 UTC, all systems nominal & will remain monitored
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have something new for bit.ly/ProgenyMk4-3 - you'll be able to see lat/lng/alt information for each event update on the dynamic map!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] Wx check still shows no precipitation nor reports of storms nearby. We are GO to proceed with final count! Launch ctrl coming alive
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
clouds will be our only potential issue this launch it looks like, but we hear from Umbarg to the SW that clear skies are heading our way
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-20m] MSV Lymun will not be deploying recovery ship until they know where the payload is coming down. If big move needed, Lymun is faster
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] Tongjess reports range is clear, RSO has closed range & pad, rocket is now ARMED for ignition and flight termination sys is active
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all launch stations now reviewing & assessing their individual status so they are prepared to call out readiness during L-5min final poll
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[HOLD] weather has halted the countdown, we still have heavy clouds transiting the launch site but we do see clear skies coming, stay tuned!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
seen out there on the pad from the flag pole, the extended Mk4 is 9.3m in length and reaches 11.7m tall when mounted to its launch base
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
yup, skies are clearing. Weather kerbs say to give it a few more minutes before releasing the hold, which will move us into the final poll
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] final all-stations poll: Wx GO, Range GO, Flight GO, Tracking Station GO, Tongjess GO. Launch clearance: authorized! 🚀GO PROGENY!!🚀
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
RT @DKerman_KSA: whose feeling it? You feeling it? Cause I'm definitely feeling it. Let's go to space todaaayyyy!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3m] prepping our 1st terminal count, where the new Automated Firing Control System will ignite the booster at L-0. Staging still manual
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-2m] AFCS active, rocket switching to internal power, EC draw being monitored, final RF checks underway, Wx says winds remain w/in limits
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-1m] final primary stations poll @ T-30s. Real-time updates for planned events during ascent & location/alt info: bit.ly/ProgenyMk4-3
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Launch! Rocket has left the launch base at 6.05Gs, 81% thrust = 106.31kN from its lower-stage 0.625m booster @ 144.542kg/s of propellant
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
S1 decouple @ L+6s
S2 ignition @ L+14s (52% thrust)
S2 decouple @ L+19s
S3 ignition @ L+29s
70km apokee @ L+61s, still increasing! TO SPACE!
S2 ignition @ L+14s (52% thrust)
S2 decouple @ L+19s
S3 ignition @ L+29s
70km apokee @ L+61s, still increasing! TO SPACE!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still here! Website now back online, tho ops services still need work. Will be posting a statement later today on Tuesday's biiig-badaboom
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
RT @DKerman_KSA: oh man, crazy past few days. Still exhausted, not much sleep to be had, but thankfully all turned out well in the end & recovery going good
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
nice 2 see there wasn't much panic during our absence. We're sry those watching the launch live got cut off suddenly. Thx for tuning in tho!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/KSA-Statement this is our Ops Summary for this week, because there's really not much else to talk about
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tl;dr - the Monolith electronically fried the entire KSC campus when the Mk4 passed 70km, also managed to knock out Umbarg & Kravass
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
also - YES WE MADE IT TO SPACE! Unfortunate though that our achievement is overshadowed by this event. Still, thankful for recovery of Mk4!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a staffer sent us this photo of the Mk4's initial ascent from the lawn viewing area near the Tracking Station. Awesome! Many thanks Nedmin
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch videos are safe, but no one has had time to do any serious Mk4 review of any data, so don't expect a video until at least next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
also check out bit.ly/ProgenyMk4-3 - it now includes data from all major events from the entire flight. Full telemetry to be posted l8r
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/ProgenyMk4-3_T… data has been made available. Hi-res data ran out of memory before splashdown, will be increased for Flight 4
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/KSARecords has also been updated with new data from the Mk4 flight: 134.5km highest altitude & 1.3km/s velocity in atmosphere
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
get the rundown on the current status of KSC, the next Mk4 launches and Monolith investigations - bit.ly/OpsSummary7-17…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk4 launch #3 video uploaded, covering ascent from liftoff to MECO. Full flight analysis posted tomorrow youtube.com/watch?v=_dGUkT…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk4 3rd flight has been fully analyzed, here is the full report: bit.ly/ProgenitorPR12 truly a wonderful flight up into space
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
major points:
• We made it to space
• Can probably get higher
• Re-entry plan worked great
• Still plan to slow down lower atmo ascent
• We made it to space
• Can probably get higher
• Re-entry plan worked great
• Still plan to slow down lower atmo ascent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
check out a comparison of the last 3 Mk4 launches for an idea of how TWR affects the rocket during initial ascent youtube.com/watch?v=SEvVtM…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
note how it's not just the speed that is affected but burn time as well, 6Gs burnt out in 6s, 4Gs in 9s & 2Gs took 17s - big diff from 4-2!
