Captain Jebediah heads south in a Civvie to perform aerial observation of Zone J-7438 for Kerbal Aircraft Expansioneers Ltd, working with researchers hoping to study this extinct volcano
 |
 |
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
low clouds, hazy conditions - looks like this day cycle will be out for Civvie flight, which needs to be able to see high elevation terrain
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is suited up, briefed & heading out to the tarmac for his walk around inspection, then climbing aboard to pre-flight. Wx improved a bit
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
6min might be a new record for preflight as Jeb taxis out to Rwy27. Clouds higher, may still be too low. Can retry later this wk if needed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is heading to bit.ly/Zone_J-7438 over an extinct volcano to gather recon imgs for scientists looking to setup a research station
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good departure, Jeb is turning on course for Umbarg as his sole visual waypoint needed so he can then proceed direct to the survey zone
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
on course for the volcano trimmed out to 2.5km Jeb will drop below horizon, we expect to regain contact <1hr before dispatching S&R airship
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
picture from Jeb as he is about to fall below reception from Umbarg, turning to stay near the coast. Hopefully the haze clears up a bit
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Umbarg is once again receiving Jeb loud & clear, says he made quick work of the survey as viewing conditions were great - good to hear!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've got a direct link to Jeb now 38km distant, starting to setup descent from 2.5km, will try to remain power-off all way down to landing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
turning now for final, Jeb scraped over the KSC 1km airspace ceiling on his downwind leg, stuck his camera up against the window for a shot
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
emergency vehicles are heading out to the runway, but mainly as a precaution given Jeb is responsive & aircraft is not on fire or smoking
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
once Jeb is checked out over at the med center & debriefed we'll learn about the "how" but we can at least show you the "what" - lawn dart!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has been cleared of any serious injuries, assures everyone nothing is hurt but his pride. He'll be debriefed over the next hour or so
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
finishing up debrief, despite the landing mission looks successful, will get confirmation from KAX after img review. Skies cleared up well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb's accident was due to his stubbornness - he came in too shallow on final for a glide, instead of throttle up, still tried to pull it off
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
he stalled just over the runway, hit all 3 gear, bounced, nosed over, landed hard on just main gear, tipped forward & buried the propeller
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon reports the HAB has performed an initial inspection, will want to give air frame detailed check but looks like just engine to replace
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
FD Lanalye has given Jeb a warning & no disciplinary action - however he remains at the mercy of Val's teasing, which he says is bad enough!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've ordered a new engine for Civvie #3, thankfully these are mass-produced airship parts. Very cheap. Structural inspection still ongoing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KAX reports the scientists are satisfied with Jeb's imaging. Here's the backside, south slope, with what appears to be multiple calderas
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the volcano has been extinct for at least 2M yrs but recent seismic activity in the area has scientist curious if Sea Ring event affected it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 says Civvie #3 structural inspection turned up no issues, just needs a new engine, which arrives tomorrow. Should be back in service 9/20
