Heading up into the central plains region, Specialists Bill and Bob lead a crew in 3 UTVs to camp out and await good weather for temperature readings over Sector PG-XF for Moving Parts Experts Group
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Kerbal Space Agency
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KerBalloon have accepted a 2nd hi-alt contract from Moving Parts Experts Group, 84km north. Bill & Bob will depart on Wed w/3 days supplies
Kerbal Space Agency
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Mk4 overall was a huge success in reaching space. We really didn't know if it could and had these alternate designs ready to try if needed
Kerbal Space Agency
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using one or both of these designs for the Mk5 to push for higher apokees is not out of the question, but for now not being planned
Kerbal Space Agency
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meeting adjourned. Later this afternoon staff will reconvene to introduce the Mk5. You can read the Mk4 report here: bit.ly/Mk4Review
Kerbal Space Agency
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altho we ordered the Mk5 solid boosters in July, we've just sent USI the thrust specifications so they can finish off production this month
Kerbal Space Agency
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Bob & Bill have everything packed up & ready, all 3 UTVs will head out tomorrow shortly before 2nd sunrise to begin their 84km traverse
Kerbal Space Agency
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Bill & Bob have set off with the KB crew in 3 UTVs, will traverse 84km north over this day cycle, covering ground at an avg of 12m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
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over an hour late, UTVs have finally arrived @ launch site after managing to tow one out of a small sinkhole that partially swallowed it
Kerbal Space Agency
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central plains are littered w/sinkholes. This is one of the bigger ones, actually forming a temporary lake after enough rain before draining
Kerbal Space Agency
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approaching sunrise, winds still haven't died down. Waiting also for a report from KB team to the north of Wx conditions for balloon launch
Kerbal Space Agency
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Bob reports that weather is currently overcast over their position, so both KB team and Jeb are standing by at launch/flight readiness
Kerbal Space Agency
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Jeb is standing down, but KB team has a larger window in which they can launch, not worried about payload landing at night up in that area
Kerbal Space Agency
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KB team standing down after Wx failed to improve. They have 3 days of supplies, will make another attempt starting at 1st sunrise early tmrw
Kerbal Space Agency
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rise & shine! KB team readying for launch, altho conditions are still not optimal so they will standby. Bill says he smells moisture in air
Kerbal Space Agency
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skies remained cloudy & rain has just arrived over KB team, so they are packing things away for this day cycle. Nice Wx down here though
Kerbal Space Agency
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KerBalloon team report they are still getting rained on, thankfully their shelter is keeping them dry so no need to cram into the UTVs
Kerbal Space Agency
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good news from the KB team is that it has stopped raining, bad news is that clouds still persist. We'll check on them again next sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
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time to give our KerBalloon team another shot at launching. They say clouds are more scattered but higher-level cirrus remain in abundance
Kerbal Space Agency
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fading light means sky conditions can no longer be monitored, KB team standing down 'til 1st sunrise after failing to get good weather again
Kerbal Space Agency
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back on console for the early team of controllers in the event the KB team is able to launch this day cycle. They *have* to launch today tho
Kerbal Space Agency
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not only will their supplies run out & no one wants to miss the weekend, cost of airship relay will exceed potential income past today
Kerbal Space Agency
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skies are finally clearing to the north, KB team has released their balloon & are breaking camp to track it for recovery. Awaiting AOS here
Kerbal Space Agency
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balloon cleared the horizon at 5.7km & we are tracking it upwards at 5m/s, aiming to reach max altitude of 24.9km before envelope failure
Kerbal Space Agency
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we've reached minimum contract height of 16.9km & balloon shows no signs of slowing down due to icing. Upper-level winds carrying it @ 13m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
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too little external pressure has caused envelope to rupture at 24.9km - perfect ascent! Chutes armed, UTVs still catching up but are nearby
Kerbal Space Agency
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recovery successful, tho nearly not so: a chute cable snapped causing partial deployment luckily that tilted it to land more on balloon case
Kerbal Space Agency
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case is severely damaged but is expendable anyways. By taking the brunt of impact payload truss was able to further protect MCU & instrument
Kerbal Space Agency
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UTVs are all loaded up and they will head back to KSC next sunrise. We've already notified Moving Parts Experts Group their data is intact
Kerbal Space Agency
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UTVs are rolling home - watch out for sinkholes! Unfortunately very few signs to tell where they are but sticking to higher ground helps
Kerbal Space Agency
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no troubles on the way back, UTVs are unloading now in the HAB. All will need a good wash & wax. Here is a launch photo from earlier today
Kerbal Space Agency
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weekly ops review - 3rd Ed! All hail the weekend - catch up on this past week's activities & w/additional info via bit.ly/KSAOpsSummary8…
