The Mk5 makes its maiden flight into space, sticking mainly to tried-and-true ascent procedures from the Mk4 while focusing on testing out new control and logging software onboard its automated computer core
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
it's time to fly higher! The Progeny Mk2 will take the Progenitor Program to its next successive step. Full details: bit.ly/ProgenitorPR4
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
computerized control systems remain mired in development, but R&D reports things are moving forward in conjunction w/ USI. No ETA given tho
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
Head of R&D Wernher Von Kerman has announced work has begun on our new general-purpose science instrument, a negative gravioli detector
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Scientist Cheranne also says work has begun on vacuum-rated versions of our pressure & temperature sensors for eventual space flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
USI has finalized the design for the Automated Master Control Unit casing, which will be a key component of the Progeny Mk5, coming Aug/Sep
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
they couldn't *quite* squeeze everything into the desired 0.35m form factor, so is a teeny bit wide at 0.375m but w/in Progeny design specs
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
R&D also reports vacuum-rated temp & pressure sensors are also nearing completion. Temp sensor to be tested tomorrow during a midday eclipse
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
one of the scientists drew the short straw to wake up early & setup the vacuum thermometer outside to begin logging temp data every minute
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
thankfully weather was good, mid-day eclipses are great, happening near zenith where you are looking through the least amount of atmosphere
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
eclipse is over, but the thermometer will remain outside for 2 full day cycles since it was setup (12h01m42s) to gather control measurements
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
scientists have gathered up the thermometer to analyze the collected data Mon & see how well it registered the drop in temp during eclipse
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
scientists analyzed the eclipse temperature data this morning, instrument works great. Yep, eclipses are cool both literally & figuratively!
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
[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
[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
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
bit.ly/ProgenitorProg… finances have been updated. Well into the green now to fund additional Mk4 launches & Mk5 development
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's going to take 3wks to get KSC back to full ops, but early Aug will see back-to-back Mk4 launches to clear the way for Mk5 later in Aug
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
as the LF/O engines require no changes, we have a new batch arriving today for the Mk5 rockets. More Mk5 parts are on their way also
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this is something we plan at some point hopefully by the end of the year during the upcoming Progeny Mk5 program twitter.com/DKerman_KSA/st…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5h] sticking to sched, launch briefing completed & preflight underway. Ascent will be the same as last launch, depicted via this graphic
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we may alter our ascent profile further with the Mk5 but for now we only want to see how changes to lower booster thrusts affects the flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Drew & Mortimer are working on submission guidelines for sub-orbital contracts we can accept with the upcoming Progeny Mk5 - exciting!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we won't have any more details on the Mk5 until the Mk4 program review is completed next week, but next launch def no sooner than early Sep
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Yikes! VAB just had a major lightning strike. Thankfully that was something the builders planned for & the structure has sustained no damage
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today is a big day! Mk4 program will officially wrap & we will be releasing tons of info on its successor the MK5, slated to debut in Sept
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Admin Bldg meeting room filling up again - time to reveal everything we currently have on the Progeny Mk5, our first automated rocket!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
first launch series of Mk5 will be 5 rockets, after which we should be able to accept contracts & build on-demand for clients w/in 2 weeks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon has begun the overview based on the blueprint. Straight up Mk4 design w/added inline control unit, extra battery replaces old MCU
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mass, cost, part count & Δv for the rocket are given assuming no payload instruments (previous blueprints did include arbitrary instruments)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Mk5 will launch at 4Gs, which raised the Mk4 nose only 1° at launch so we are tilting the launch base back to 3° to help heighten apokee
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
fin angles shown on the blueprint are from the MK4 Flight 3, which gave the least precession of the 3rd stage through ascent & re-entry
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
working in conjunction with Coatl Aerospace, R&D have finished our vacuum-rated barometer/thermometer instruments, 1st Mk5 payload science
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
moving on to the kOS control unit, which we revealed back in June, Simon is discussing how Mk5s will iteratively move toward full automation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
1st Mk5 will not be automated, but scripts will be in place to monitor flight & simulate actions. 5th flight should be fully automated
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here is a look at the boot system that will manage the onboard data runs, allowing us to push updates & make full use of limited file space
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
.@Three_Pounds according to Simon no active guidance, just staging, telemetry monitoring & throttle control - Progeny rockets cannot steer anyways
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
correction: by 3rd flight rocket should be fully automated. 5th flight should see final version of initial flight control software
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
and now the moment everyone has been waiting for - launch dates!! More info will be available soon on the website's program page
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch dates are of course subject to change based on weather, rocket issues, etc - but best case scenario is being planned for initially
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
meeting is over, everyone is pumped! You can check out even more details via the official press release - bit.ly/Progenitor-PR1
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
first shipment of Mk5 parts have arrived. 3rd stages will begin assembly, boosters for the lower stages will be delivered later this month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weekly ops review - 3rd Ed! All hail the weekend - catch up on this past week's activities & w/additional info via bit.ly/KSAOpsSummary8…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny launch base has been moved back into the VAB so it can be reconfigured to pitch only 3° from vertical instead of 5° for Mk5 launches
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bill & Bob prepping 2 KB payloads for tomorrow; VAB prepping for Mk5 booster arrival next wk; HAB readying Civvie on tarmac for flight today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk5 M-315 probe cores have arrived from Sheltered Rock & engineers are eager to get them setup this week to run code tests
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
1st sunrise w/3 dishes! 3rd tracking dish finished construction earlier today & will be fully commissioned over the next two months
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mk5 boosters have arrived & VAB can now begin building the 1st 2 rockets to launch in Sept, rest will follow once work progresses on 1 & 2
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
boosters are all built to same specs, we will mostly be playing around with coast times & 3rd stage throttle during the various Mk5 ascents
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today kOS code was run on Mk5 flight hardware for the first time. Numerous bugs & issues popped up but nothing serious. Engineers pleased
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
as we continue to test & refine our software, we will be pushing periodic updates to this repository: github.com/KSAMissionCtrl…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
since we will be wrapping all operations into one package, the Automated Firing Control System is now the Automated Flight Control System
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
so long, August! Another productive week here at the KSA, catch up on all the happenings + add'l details via bit.ly/OpsSummary8-28…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mortimer has posted our bit.ly/FinanceReport_…, Aug in the red thx to new comms dishes + more funds being funneled into Deuce & Mk5
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB humming along. Mk5 #1 rdy for final stacking tomorrow, #2 will begin stacking on Fri and #3 boosters are being finned, stacking next wk
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB is finishing up the Progeny MK5 launch base, to be redeployed onto the pad later today so it is ready for a full day of testing tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
great end to the day with the first fully-stacked Progeny Mk5 ready for final integration checkouts tomorrow - technician for scale
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final code review is underway for the Mk5's initial launch, updates to the bit.ly/AFCS_KSA repository will be made later today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye has been running her team on launch drills all wk & have their final review today to lock in procedures for next wk
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk5 launch base has completed checkouts, is rdy to receive the first rocket on Monday; rocket itself still undergoing its own checks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the first Progeny Mk5 is ready for launch! That & more via bit.ly/OpsSummary9-4-… - relax this weekend, all - next week be crazy! 🚀🚀!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
visitors to KSC this weekend finally get to see the launch pad occupied & get a sense of just how large the Progeny launch base really is
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's not raining, so the Mk5 will be out on the pad by sunset. It is being loaded onto the carry vehicle now, Bill rdy to assist w/mounting
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
great to have a rocket on the pad again! bit.ly/ProgenyMk5-1 is set for launch readiness review, as is the rest of KSC throughout today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tracking Station has completed testing & calibration of both main dishes. Third dish is still nowhere near ready for use during launch ops
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
FD Lanalye says her team has completed final review of all Mk5 launch procedures & are ready to give them their first real test tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ops Director Drew & Finance Head Mortimer have signed & filed all the launch paperwork & confirmed we are 🚀 GO FOR LAUNCH 🚀 late tomorrow!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket already mounted, launch late in the day so we will begin early preflight ops @ 17:23 UTC to use extra time for any issues that pop up
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-4)
9/12
#2🌄10:00:43
#3🌅12:37:33 🌄16:01:34
#4🌅18:38:24 !!🚀!! 🌄22:02:25
9/13
#1🌅00:39:15 🌄04:03:16
#2🌅06:40:06
@ KSC (UTC-4)
9/12
#2🌄10:00:43
#3🌅12:37:33 🌄16:01:34
#4🌅18:38:24 !!🚀!! 🌄22:02:25
9/13
#1🌅00:39:15 🌄04:03:16
#2🌅06:40:06
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
nearing the start of preflight, VAB is still busy with final integration of Progeny MK5 #2 while #3, #4 & #5 all continue to be assembled
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather reports are being gathered, as per our first item on the pre-launch ops timeline. Expect updates at these events as things progress
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tune in now to bit.ly/ProgenyMk5-1 for updates after fueling, final count, terminal count & liftoff. Also any launch hold updates
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
RT @DKerman_KSA: triumphant space return today? Hope so! We are *pretty sure* that launching only 3° from vertical will keep rocket from tipping over west
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch team gathering for final briefing. Regional weather good, no storms in the area but we do have heavy cloud cover from here to Kravass
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we will not be making any changes to our ascent profile this launch except to hold TWR of 2 during 3rd stage boost, otherwise same as Mk4
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5hr] moving into preflight, team is waking up the rocket and will perform the initial code load to setup the processor for ascent ops
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
vessel power-up successful, checks ensuing to ensure good RF comms although rocket is hooked to ground links for primary comms until T-2min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
code onload complete, bit.ly/initialize_ks has been run successfully, environment now setup for ascent ops load later in countdown
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h45m] fuel trucks are on the pad & we are GO for tanking, loading 49kg of liquid fuel & 60kg of oxidizer into the 3rd stage tanks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tanking operations have wrapped up, fuel systems now being initialized so we can begin monitoring for leaks & ensure fill lvl/press are good
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h45m] tank levels holding, fuel system checks out. Pad crew is now clearing out to 300m so we can initiate checks of all 3 engines
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h20m] we are now STANDING BY & monitoring systems. All is nominal, no issues. Sunset was a few mins ago, clouds remain a possible issue
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still keeping an eye on the control unit, which is idling as it waits for the clock to tick over into the terminal count at L-2min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've run the code through numerous simulations to help debug it but we could still have execution issues crop up during the actual ascent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're still a ways from sunrise so we've marked viewing areas with lights to ensure everyone stays within the safe areas in event of RUD
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h30m] things are starting to move again with MSV Tongjess checking in 14km SSE of us to monitor eastern range for any boat/air traffic
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tongjess reports they've only had contact w/ a single merchant vessel nearby who was aware of launch. Marine traffic near KSC not regular
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h] MSV Lymun has called in loud & clear, it is only stationed 100km downrange since we will be launching on a more vertical trajectory
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lymun reports sea conditions @ recovery zone within limits, waves barely cresting 1m & winds light/variable. Bob ashore prepping KB mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-45m] launch ctrl confirms final code load was good & rocket is now ready to move into terminal count. Full launch rehearsal now underway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good launch rehearsal, control unit continues to stand by properly, monitoring time & now running the following code bit.ly/ascent_ks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] we are GO from Wx to to continue countdown, no rain or storms nearby however cloud coverage still a tad heavy & will be monitored
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-20m] we have received confirmation from Lymun they are ready to move in & deploy recovery ship once return trajectory is plotted
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] rocket is ARMED, flight termination system active, anything w/in 300m of pad or under ascent trajectory at sea will halt count
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
automated system monitoring will be tested this flight w/EC usage - if for some reason it spikes over 2.61EC/s an abort will be signaled
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
normal EC usage is in range of 0.2-0.1EC/s however so we don't forsee this being an issue but it has happened before kerbalspace.agency/?p=2258
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] final general poll: Wx GO, Range GO, Flight GO, Tracking GO, Launch clearance granted! 🚀GO PROGENY!🚀 clouds barely cleared up in time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
more importantly than clouds, winds are mostly calm. This is vital as we're not sure how high the nose will lift on initial ascent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-2m] terminal count entered, control unit is now actively monitoring EC levels & will trigger first stage booster at 19:23:00.0 local time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
as always, real-time (planned) staging events can be monitored via our Flight Tracker: bit.ly/ProgenyMk5-1 - stand by!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
successful lift off! Mk5 has left the launch base at 4Gs, lower booster putting out 71.1kN of thrust burning 96.4kg of solid fuel per second
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L+1m] all systems nominal, trajectory good, rocket spun-up & holding prograde thru coasts. 3rd stage burning @ 54% throttle for TWR of 2
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L+2m] we've just had MECO @ L+1m55s, backing throttle down to 34% over 71s burn to maintain 2 TWR ascent. Ctrl monitoring remains nominal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L+3m] we are back in space! Heading for an apokee of just 94.6km. Fins shredded, rocket rdy for re-entry. It is now only 14.4km downrange
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L+5m] atmospheric interface is upon us, Lymun is already moving closer for recovery. Expecting comm blackout but could regain signal after
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L+7m] brief loss of signal but then we regained link just prior to chute deploy, can confirm payload is descending safely 42km downrange!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L+8m] just after our last update rooftop dish lost signal as payload dropped below horizon, but Lymun confirms visual of full chute deploy
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lymun has pulled the payload from the water intact & is on the way here to deliver. Everyone very happy with the Mk5's first launch!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no doubt engineers will crack open the TDU tonight but tomorrow is when the full analysis will be undertaken to prep for the 2nd launch Thur
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
as expected, TDU data briefly looked at, engineers couldn't help share a peek @ our fancy new ascent plotting system bit.ly/path_ks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
each segment of the path represents 1 second, so you can see how the rocket accelerates during boost and decelerates during coast phases
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's another long day ahead as the 2nd Mk5 gets mounted this day cycle, everyone resets for launch tomorrow & analyzes yesterday's data
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight review meeting/luncheon about to start, will have details this afternoon. Flight tlm data now posted: bit.ly/Mk5-1_Tlm
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk5 first flight review is posted, we know what we need to do tomorrow. Get the full details here: bit.ly/ProgenitorPR13
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk5 report is out covering what we've learned in comparison to the Mk4 & plans for program moving forward: bit.ly/Progenitor-PR2
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
biggest non-technical mumbo-jumbo takeaway: the new more powerful Mk5 Block I, with the even bigger Block II set to be finalized next week!!
