All operations and activities are reported on daily, and these highlights are a great way to catch up on the latest news for the Kerbal Space Agency as well as what’s going on around the Space Center and even events around Kerbin pertaining to the KSC and KSA. Alternately you can click the link below to reverse the order of the reports and start from the very beginning in 2016 to recap all the major events that have occurred since. Clicking on the bookmark icon will save your spot so you can return at any time to pick up where you left off.
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
one week until ops begin! First full meeting of department heads held onsite today. Simon doesn't like sitting down
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
great day for employee orientation! Here's the main KSC causeway kerbs will be arriving from. Welcome, everyone π
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the time has come at last - it is Day One of KSA operations; our staff are all pretty much settled in and ready to get going. Exciting!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
and we're going to kick things right off with our Progenitor Program announcement - bit.ly/ProgenitorPR1
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Progeny Mk1 final design review is unfortunately behind schedule but we expect approval by the end of the week according to Drew & Simon
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
who are Drew & Simon you ask? Find out and meet the rest of our talented staff leaders here at the KSA - bit.ly/KSA-Staff
Kerbal Space Agency
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it's sunset, and the last place light touches at KSC is the largest building on Kerbin: the VAB, standing 67m tall
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
you can learn more about the VAB and all the various other buildings at KSC in this section of our About page - bit.ly/KSC-Information
Kerbal Space Agency
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some wiring has shorted, plumbing is leaking - "ahead of time & under budget!" from the contractor may not have been in our best interest...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
nothing critical, but annoying. We understand there are a few factors that need to be better considered when building above ground vs. below
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sun's back up, here's the imposing VAB from the ground. What's the inside look like? Album: bit.ly/InsideTheVAB
Kerbal Space Agency
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all our crew (bit.ly/CrewRoster) have moved in to their new berths, are already messing up the common area
Kerbal Space Agency
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2nd sunrise is here, deliberations continue within the R&D building, seen here with the VAB & tracking station
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final design approval for the Progeny Mk1 craft are in! Looking forward to seeing these rockets take flight next wk
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket parts are all stacked from yesterday and ready to start assembly today! And all this is only the big stuff
Kerbal Space Agency
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what's the easiest way to test a parachute? Toss it off the top of the VAB, of course. Payload landed intact. Nice!
Kerbal Space Agency
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here's a look at our tracking station & the two 6m dishes that can receive HGT signals from as far as Minmus
Kerbal Space Agency
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being on the equator of a body in a perfectly circular orbit means weather is pretty constant. We have temps between 70-90Β°F all year long
Kerbal Space Agency
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when the jet stream dips low the mountains to the west do uplift moisture and cause bad storms to come through every now and again
Kerbal Space Agency
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meteorology isn't something kerbalkind has cared much about until recently, so a lot of our science studies will also look into weather
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a good days work! 1st Mk1-A assembly coming along nicely, will wrap up tomorrow and launch base is all ready to go
Kerbal Space Agency
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this time of year it's still dark when most staff are arriving for work. Minmus is visible above the VAB
Kerbal Space Agency
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the KSC community is small and the mess hall during lunch time is a very communal place where everyone gets to share their day so far
Kerbal Space Agency
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BLIP! The tracking station, still undergoing trials, just bounced a signal off Mun. Traveling 22,400,000m the signal echoed back in 0.0747s
Kerbal Space Agency
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here's our Horizontal Assembly Building. Don't let the door fool you, inside is huge - bit.ly/InsideTheHAB
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we could be firing off our first rocket next Thur! Will confirm next week after testing. Explode? Fly high? Either way it should be awesome!
Kerbal Space Agency
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everyone wants to work through the weekend, but time must be made for family and recreation - even tho many consider their job to be rec!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sky is enlightened with the coming sun, will breach the horizon soon to grace us with an eclipse this morning. A few staff gathering
Kerbal Space Agency
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here comes (most of) the sun, as seen from the top of launch control. Mun will center up in about 10min from now
Kerbal Space Agency
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eclipse fact: while they happen regularly, only on/near the equator sees the Ring of Fire of the full annular eclipse, else it's partial
Kerbal Space Agency
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eclipse fact: to get a total eclipse, you would need to be orbiting at least 1,003 km or Mun would need to be 1,603 km closer to Kerbin
Kerbal Space Agency
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we did do the math on that last tweet BTW - here is the proof: reddit.com/r/KerbalSpacePβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
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the Ring of Fire on full display as dusk falls over the land. Darkened sky reveals (bottom up) Moho, Sarnus & Duna
Kerbal Space Agency
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annular eclipse is over but we won't have to wait long for the next spectacle - a total Munar eclipse will take place on Monday night
Kerbal Space Agency
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will there ever be launches on weekends? Some missions will demand it (orbital intercepts mostly) but majority will be sched for weekdays
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
dawn from the tunnel access to Umbarg, the closest subterranean city to KSC, southwest under the plains
Kerbal Space Agency
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kerbalkind is concentrated in 4 underground cities, which you can see here on the Flight Tracker surface map bit.ly/KerbinCities
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lanalye is back from her ASA conference & getting launch control setup for this week's launch, meeting controllers
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the first media team from KNN was granted access to our campus today, expect a report w/staff & crew interviews on the evening news!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's looking like our first launch from KSC won't be a rocket. To test Progenitor payload instruments we've partnered up with KerBalloons
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Wernher & Cheranne have 2 payload instruments to test, don't want to wait for Progeny Mk2. More details here: bit.ly/KerBalloonPR
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch of our first rocket is currently set for 9/22 @ 15:30 UTC! More details on the launch & second rocket: bit.ly/ProgenitorPR2
Kerbal Space Agency
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campus road access is blocked while we deal with some malfunctioning road spikes - gatehouse will broadcast status on AM 117
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
if you missed our coverage of the Munar eclipse last night, here's a shot just after totality set in high above KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
main security checkpoint before the final causeway to KSC. Road spike humps caused trouble this morning, fixed now
Kerbal Space Agency
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all is quiet and calm around the R&D facilities. That's generally a good sign
Kerbal Space Agency
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2nd sunrise on its way as the KerBalloon probe sits out on the lawn in front of the VAB, rdy for the cmd to inflate
Kerbal Space Agency
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payload is at 5km - we will run experiments at 10km & 15km. Here it is just after launch from our crew atop the VAB
Kerbal Space Agency
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getting ready - 700kg launch base has been hauled out to the pad and is all set for tomorrow morning's rocket mount
Kerbal Space Agency
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our four astronauts were all in launch control until Lanalye kicked them out for arguing over who was going to get to push the launch button
Kerbal Space Agency
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she says none of them would have been given the opportunity anyway - she's keeping all launch protocol within her team of controllers
Kerbal Space Agency
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sun is up, here's the Progeny Mk1-A. Rocket is 4.1m high. Mounted, it stands 7.1m high. Pad crew clearing out now
Kerbal Space Agency
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astronauts have found a new place to hang out - right next to the launch pad of course! Bill took this photo as Val waves. L-15min!
Kerbal Space Agency
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launch was successful! Chute popped at 500m by launch control & payload is under controlled descent. It seems to be coming down a bit fast
Kerbal Space Agency
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our recovery team has reached the payload 607m from the pad near the runway and report it is in a small hole & mangled beyond recognition :/
Kerbal Space Agency
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launch still from the camera near the pad. Whoosh! Up into the clouds! Astronauts say the launch was "AWESOMAZING!"
Kerbal Space Agency
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Simon says they can't find anything wrong with the 2nd Mk1-A chute. 1st will undergo thorough study but 2nd launch is still on later 2day!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-2hrs for bit.ly/ProgenyMk1-A2 & it's a repeat of this morning's routine for launch controllers, engineers, pad crew & recovery team
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tracking camera view from the roof of the launch control building. Astronauts are stuck with some training duties & can't spectate this time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
another good launch and chute deploy! Payload is definitely coming down slower, hopefully it will survive landing. Recovery crew standing by
Kerbal Space Agency
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niiiice π Recovery crew reports payload has touched down intact and is bringing it back in now. Congrats everyone, full success at last!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
getting pestered by media to be allowed on campus for rocket launches, but we declined. It is a safety issue & we have enough to worry about
Kerbal Space Agency
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we spoke about regular weather before but it seems to be staying hotter throughout the night and into the day. A/C units are being taxed
Kerbal Space Agency
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shutting down non-essential systems across the campus to reduce power use so A/C systems can be cranked. Weird, unexpected weather this is
Kerbal Space Agency
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Cherrane has authorized OT & airship use for some field researchers to head out and take temp & pres readings within 150km in all directions
Kerbal Space Agency
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airship full of field researchers heading out from the R&D campus to get some atmospheric science done this weekend
Kerbal Space Agency
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good thing this heat wave is striking over the weekend - most of KSC shut down so power aplenty to direct to keeping things cool until Mon
Kerbal Space Agency
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researcher's airship had an engine malfunction and had to put into port at Umbarg, was on its way back to KSC anyways, data collection good
Kerbal Space Agency
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hopefully the heat breaks tomorrow, or we won't have enough power to run full ops at KSC during the daylight hours. That would be annoying!
Kerbal Space Agency
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today looks to be a slogfest. The earlier day cycle remained oppressively hot. Now w/ sun down we can get a few hrs work in - still hot
Kerbal Space Agency
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temps back on the rise - break time. Our power lines can't handle the amperage needed to keep all systems cool under these conditions
Kerbal Space Agency
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from several days ago, here's a look at our administration campus, which serves our exec staff & astronaut crew
Kerbal Space Agency
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temps seemed to stabilize back towards normal over the last kerbolar cycle. We'll see what sunrise brings in a few hours. Fingers crossed!
Kerbal Space Agency
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temps are back in their normal range for this time of day - *phew* that was a scorcher. Meteorologists still digging thru data from weekend
Kerbal Space Agency
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first Mk1-A flight gathered only basic data thru lo-gain downlink & is still useful to compare major points of performance during the ascent
Kerbal Space Agency
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engineers working thru Tlm data have noticed a weird signal noise detected in the Tlm beamed down to the tracking station. No theories yet
Kerbal Space Agency
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the building contractor assures us the creaking sounds we're hearing around campus are normal as the buildings settle onto their foundations
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mess hall has "Mystery Meat" on the menu today. Are we supposed to figure out what it is or are they saying they don't know?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KNN is airing another segment on us later today - they did a quick interview with Drew while he was in the area for other business
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
next month is going to be very exciting: C7 coming to KSC to develop fixed-wing aircraft. Learn more in this release bit.ly/C7-PR
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're still unsure what caused the signal noise detected in last week's launches, but we do plan to investigate further w/Mk1-B launches
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
alright, here's a better launch video of the Mk1-A, featuring the full payload flight from the second launch youtube.com/watch?v=QoUxxQβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
calm winds today - Bill and Bob had a contest to see who could glide a paper airplane the longest off the top of the VAB. Bill won w/421m
Kerbal Space Agency
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MK1-B integration testing wrapping up today. Why launch on Tue? Turns out Lanalye is a bit superstitous & doesn't like launching 1st workday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
great outdoorsy weather today - altho lack of rainfall lately has us worried we're due for a deluge or something. No jinx, just statistics
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a full morning of launch drills is underway as Flight Director Lanalye gets everyone ready for action tomorrow. To stations!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
warning horn just sounded. Only a drill for this morning's exercises. We don't anticipate any Mk1-Bs heading for KSC bldgs but u never know
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there's a bucket brigade out to the launchpad simulating a booster explosion fire. Beedo! Beedoo! Beedoo! Beedoo! Beedoo!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB is off shift this afternoon so we snagged a pic of the two Mk1-Bs sitting around ready to be carried out tomorrow. They look magnificent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have had a successful launch and chute deploy! Payload is descending slowly, currently 250m above the ground. Recovery crews heading out
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
success! Payload & booster are both intact, booster is damaged as expected. Both fell around 300m northeast of the pad
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
payload & booster are on their way back for analysis later this week & now we have a break for food & rest before launch #2 @ 21:45 UTC!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
an Assembly member who chairs the commitee for science and education has been allowed access to view this launch. Our first visitor!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
her visit is the first one paid to KSC by any branch of the kerbal government, and we are very gratified to have their attention already π
Kerbal Space Agency
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recovery crew is at the payload 203m east of the launch pad. Looks great! Thankfully didn't land on the slope & roll or worse, tumble down
Kerbal Space Agency
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here's a look at the booster, which actually *flew back* and landed 142m from the pad southwest, towards the tracking station! A bit scary
Kerbal Space Agency
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RT @justhereforksa: Booster wished to fly / Shot up into that blue sky / Thought it was a bird.
Kerbal Space Agency
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Assembly member says she will take her experience back to the govt, and be debriefed by the Presider himself. Wow! We are most pleased
Kerbal Space Agency
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launch photo of Progeny Mk1-B1 from yesterday, barely past 1s after ignition. Video of Mk1-B2 flight will be posted sometime tomorrow or Fri
Kerbal Space Agency
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we hear the KSC grounds keepers are grumbling about the mess we're making of the lawn around the launchpad - mainly the boosters "landing"
Kerbal Space Agency
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we believe the term "kerbonaut" is too limiting a label for our space explorers. To the stars, not the star, we say
Kerbal Space Agency
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tracking station reports that initial analysis shows they did indeed intercept some sort of signal interference during the Mk1-B launches
Kerbal Space Agency
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studies of the signal are ongoing, helped now by greater frequency range data collected during these last two launches
Kerbal Space Agency
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Cheranne is excited to head out for fieldwork next week, as scientists collect more temp data in the area for comparison to the heat wave
Kerbal Space Agency
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this time however the team will be part of an expedition lead by meteorological company Kerbin Motion that contracted us for the research
Kerbal Space Agency
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here's a look at the Mk1-B2 launch from Tues. You can see how the booster veered off after impacting the payload youtube.com/watch?v=dyVtY2β¦
Kerbal Space Agency
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make sure to view in HD & look at the sun after cam pans out - you will see the booster fly back and impact to the right of the launch pad!
Kerbal Space Agency
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also no, we do not plan to release all videos with sound at this time. But some will have sound. Maybe one day all will. Can't say right now
Kerbal Space Agency
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the HAB is all a hustlin' and a bustlin' as workers and engineers work hard to prep for fixed-wing development later this month w/ C7
Kerbal Space Agency
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it's time for a little perspective - here's a look at major milestones that have occurred in just a single Kerbol year on Moho
Kerbal Space Agency
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(that last tweet is to the minute that Moho completed its 1st orbit) Later today we will also reach inferior conjunction with Moho
Kerbal Space Agency
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3rd sunset arrives, viewed from outside the admin building. We're still waiting to hear the story about that flag pole. Anyone hear rumors?
Kerbal Space Agency
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outside the R&D building right now the airship is moored, ready to take Lead Scientist Cheranne & her research team field tripping
Kerbal Space Agency
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they will need to hit these two bit.ly/WxResearchSites but will also gather additional temperature data throughout the region along the way
Kerbal Space Agency
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we're seeing a gathering of dark clouds off to the west - usually a sign the jet stream has dipped and is forcing moisture up over the mtns
Kerbal Space Agency
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western range isn't tall enough to shield us from rainfall, clouds will continue to build until they dump lots of rain on us today or tmrw
Kerbal Space Agency
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Cheranne and her team have safely made port in Umbarg and are on their way back to the KSC. Research excursion was a full success she says
Kerbal Space Agency
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still no rain locally, but we hear rumbles to the west getting closer and streams in the area have been gradually increasing in volume
Kerbal Space Agency
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we've lost a bit of reputation with our contractors, some of the temperature data was collected incorrectly but we have renegotiated
Kerbal Space Agency
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the instrument itself did work flawlessly, it seems though some fine print was missed regarding the altitude at which to take readings
Kerbal Space Agency
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what is the Monolith up to? Scientists release new report on the mysterious object based on tracking station data - bit.ly/MonolithPR
Kerbal Space Agency
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Wernher's response to the idea it may be trying to communicate with us is: "absurd". He admits tho if you rule out all other possibilites...
Kerbal Space Agency
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it finally stopped raining, looking clear to both horizons. bit.ly/ProgenyMk1-B3 launch prospects are looking good again. Cya tomorrow!
Kerbal Space Agency
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Flight Director Lanalye's launch control team is assembled for final briefing, mounting ops for the 198kg rocket proceeding well on the pad
Kerbal Space Agency
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astronauts promised they'd sit in the back and be quiet, so have been allowed into launch control by Flt Dir Lanalye to witness operations
Kerbal Space Agency
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workers prepping to clear the pad. Check that fin angle. Lead Eng Simon: "5Β° may be overkill but valuable data will be collected either way"
Kerbal Space Agency
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when mounted, the Mk1-B rocket stands 6.7m tall. Alone it is 3.1m high, roughly four times taller than the average kerbal
Kerbal Space Agency
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range safety protocols now in effect. Anyone approaching the launch pad will be shot. Hahaha no, ok j/k. But srsly - stay away from the pad
Kerbal Space Agency
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chute deployment command sent by launch control was good & we have a chute! We also have a booster sitting next to our tracking station 0_0
Kerbal Space Agency
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booster flyback was way worse this time for some reason. Thankfully it just missed one of our communications dishes. That would've been bad
Kerbal Space Agency
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waaay too close for comfort. Hopefully not a problem when this is higher up and further downrange as a second stage on the Progeny Mk2
Kerbal Space Agency
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RT @justhereforksa: Rocket didn't spin / "Angle the fins" Simon said / Now we're all dizzy.
Kerbal Space Agency
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building on the surface: "Sure!", they said. "No problem at all", they said
Kerbal Space Agency
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unofficial break time - kerbolar eclipse soon. Most kerbs don't bother but a lot still find the spectacle worth a look. Also, break time
Kerbal Space Agency
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The shadow of Mun travels across the land. Fact: we are only ever in Mun's antumbra. The darker umbra falls short of Kerbin by 1,603,300m
Kerbal Space Agency
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this afternoon's fire drill went perfectly, good job everyone. Safety is priority! We are now 30 days without incident. Here's to 30 more!
Kerbal Space Agency
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did we seriously forget to share a launch photo earlier this week? Shame on us! Here's bit.ly/ProgenyMk1-B3 just before booster burnout
Kerbal Space Agency
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It takes 6 kerbals to rotate the tracking station dishes. Thankfully this is not needed often. They're mostly pointed west to talk to Umbarg
Kerbal Space Agency
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we don't stop kerbs from coming in to work on weekends. Many live here, so tough to step away sometimes. But we also don't always mandate it
Kerbal Space Agency
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in general most employees like to take advantage of the greater availability of various KSC facilities to work on personal projects
Kerbal Space Agency
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when hunger strikes, the KSC mess hall is the place to be. Open 24/7. Support Village has one too. Which is better depends on who you ask
Kerbal Space Agency
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despite the number of X's signed on the anonymous petition to construct a slide inside the VAB, we must be spoil-sports and say "no, sorry"
Kerbal Space Agency
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here's the best night time view of Eve and Jool near appulse we're going to get from KSC. Next Val is going to scope in close on them both
Kerbal Space Agency
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it seems a popular game is to see who can get closest to the Monolith before getting sick from the ultrasonic vibrations it puts out
Kerbal Space Agency
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C7 is ready to begin work on their first aircraft today, although Simon says they are still working on the final design. Here's a sketch
Kerbal Space Agency
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VAB's project to start this week off is construction of a spin table which can be used to ensure that rocket payloads are properly balanced
Kerbal Space Agency
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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
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Simon says he is enjoying working with the C7 engineers, is fascinated by the research into fixed wing flight that has been preserved
Kerbal Space Agency
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apparently one kerb even built a ramp into the side of a mountain to roll his plane off of for the longest glider flight record of 122km
Kerbal Space Agency
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still unloading the cargo ship that came in earlier today (photo from earlier too). Lots of supplies, and our new KerBalloon parts!
Kerbal Space Agency
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Lead Scientist Cheranne is especially looking forward to getting out of the office to oversee the KerBalloon launches over the next few days
Kerbal Space Agency
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a minor & good-natured food fight erupted in the mess hall, much to the dismay of the cooks. Hey! They work hard making that food you know
Kerbal Space Agency
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the janitors however were very pleased that all the participants cleaned up after themselves. What a great work community we have here!
Kerbal Space Agency
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the Kraken Nebula is a magnificent fixture of the southern sky. Many filaments (arms) & bright stars (eyes) likens it to the beast of lore
Kerbal Space Agency
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Bill had to rewire the crew quarters so microwave use in the common area wouldn't blow a fuse when someone was watching TV in their bunk
Kerbal Space Agency
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also finishing assembly today are two KerBalloon payloads for launch tmrw. Pretty much same design as our test flight, here's a closer look
Kerbal Space Agency
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Simon says he's definitely getting more exercise now that he's walking to and fro between the HAB and the VAB several times a day
Kerbal Space Agency
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crews will be getting ready over this night cycle to launch today's first KerBalloon probe at third sunrise. Inflation set for 16:20 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
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launch was good, steady ascent at 5m/s. Launch crew photo shows the balloon rising up as the sun works its way down the face of the VAB
Kerbal Space Agency
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we've successfully recovered & returned the first probe. The second is on its way to the MSV Tongjess so it can be on station by nightfall
Kerbal Space Agency
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MSV Tongjess has just cleared horizon & made contact, on its way back to KSC w/intact payload. Great job teams! Let's do it again tomorrow!
Kerbal Space Agency
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launch crews have an adventure ahead of them these next few KerBalloon launches, taking our off-road rovers (we have 5) out into the wild
Kerbal Space Agency
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happy to report a successful return of our 3 rovers w/all crew & payload. Scientists are buying them all drinks at the mess hall later
Kerbal Space Agency
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Progeny launch base has been picked up and moved out north of the runway. The Mk2 will be launching west to ensure recovery over land
Kerbal Space Agency
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holy moley @DKerman_KSA just got a phone call from the Presider himself, saying he was impressed by what his Sci/Ed chairkerb told him
Kerbal Space Agency
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he wished us luck on our next rocket launch tomorrow and has promised he'll make it here someday to see one himself. We're ecstatic!
Kerbal Space Agency
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Progeny Mk2 was fully integrated first thing this morning and Simon reports integration testing is proceeding well. Looks great!
Kerbal Space Agency
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we're doing another test of the emergency siren system. This is just a test. After the last Mk1-B booster flyback, we're taking no chances
Kerbal Space Agency
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recovery crew returned to Umbarg victorious, with a fully intact payload. They tracked it very well this time, as this recovery photo shows
Kerbal Space Agency
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π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
10/26
#2π09:51:52
#3π 12:32:06 !!π!! π15:52:43
#4π 18:32:57 π21:53:34
10/27
#1π 00:33:48 π03:54:25
#2π 06:34:39
@ KSC (UTC-4)
10/26
#2π09:51:52
#3π 12:32:06 !!π!! π15:52:43
#4π 18:32:57 π21:53:34
10/27
#1π 00:33:48 π03:54:25
#2π 06:34:39
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
pretty much all staff gathering atop the VAB & astronaut complex to watch the launch. Everyone wants to check out the dual stages in action
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
kerbs on the roof of the astronaut complex are having a cheering match with those atop the VAB to see who can be the loudest, apparently?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
oh that explains it, Jeb is outside launch ctrl acting as MC for the launch today it seems. Couldn't hear the speakers inside, pointed away
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
*OONTZ OONTZ OONTZ OONTZ*
wow Jeb is really working the crowd out there. Lanalye went outside to tell him (nicely) to turn down the beats
wow Jeb is really working the crowd out there. Lanalye went outside to tell him (nicely) to turn down the beats
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-2min, which is about the same that we expect for flight time after launch. Launch controllers poised and ready to hit the Big Red Button
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
debris remains contained to within launch range, all observers safe. Launch ctrl performing post-abort. More info as we gather up the pieces
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we will release full video footage after we have a chance to extensively review everything to determine what's happening here twitter.com/DKerman_KSA/stβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everyone's shuffled dejectedly back inside. General consensus: explosion was really cool, but total loss of the rocket is very tough to bear
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
RT @justhereforksa: A two-stage rocket / Sounds like a great idea, right? / Still needs some work, though.
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's cheesy sci-fi night here at the KSC, good stress relief. Movie pick is "They Came from Sol" starring these giant pink aliens. Hilarious
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the KSC causeway bridges allow floodwaters to flow past the complex & to the ocean during periods of heavy rain from the western mountains
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rains happen more often that you may think - we generally don't report that it's raining unless it directly affects our operations somehow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this abandoned base on an island east of KSC was C7 Aerospace's attempt at their own surface facilities before deciding to lease space @ KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
.@BrainOfVulcan Lanalye told C7 if they weren't going to demolish it they had to maintain a beacon on a structure that tall near our runway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
scientists report no change in the Monolith signal from launching closer to it with the Progeny Mk2. Radio wave emanation remains a mystery
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HAB crew gets second lunch session today at the mess hall, here's where they left off on the Civvie. Wings! It's only taken a few 100 yrs...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the support village isn't far, just under 1km by road, but for those who prefer it we provide regular shuttle buses for employees
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk2 anomaly investigation has developed a theory that they plan to test when we receive our new KerBalloon shipment on Friday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
beautiful sunset outside right now. Val hates those mtns because they block celestial objects low to the horizon but they do enhance sunsets
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB crew spent the last 2 days putting this test booster together. Yes, the fins are on backwards. Yes, that is an explosive device attached
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
successful test! We will have full video and analysis later today w/ops summary. For now, here's a nice BOOMframe from the camera footage
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC will be completely shut down this weekend for some much-needed interior renovations after we badgered the contractor these past few wks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
changes over the weekend were minor but much-needed. Additional work still to come when we finish IDing the next larger issues that remain
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crews are out on the dirt runway this week getting it ready for ground trials & also to ensure it will be smoother, ready for flight trials
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
scientists have confirmed based on observations that last month's heat wave was localized to our region of Kerbin. Still unsure as to why
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mk2 investigation team reports the material stress testing has confirmed the cause of launch failure. Next steps: bit.ly/ProgenitorPR6
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Monolith cultists have moved on, so science studies can now resume. A strange group of kerbs, believing worship will grant them an afterlife
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we apologize for our previous tweet, it is not our place to judge. We certainly do beleive all kerbs should follow their own faith
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye has been working closely with C7 these past weeks on the protocols for test flying the Civvie around KSC airspace
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
some of our camera-shy launch crew caught in the act readying a balloon for launch. VAB off in the distance. Lanalye happy for line of sight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
heavy fog advisory in effect - should burn off in an hour or so but anyone coming into work early take caution on the roadways to KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Cdr Val in her signature pose in front of the Civvie before doing a walk-around check & climbing aboard to start preflight w/launch control
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val is back in front of the HAB, reports taxiing around was like "driving a car with horrible suspension" but the aircraft handled very well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
would you believe Eve has just now completed an orbit around Kerbol since the start of the KSA? Let's take a moment to look back...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val is back in the cockpit getting ready to start up the engine for today's second phase of ground trials. Data so far pleases C7 engineers
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val is taxiing back in after another successful takeoff run, says it was "exhilarating" to be traveling so fast along the ground
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 will be spending the rest of the week going over data & checking over the Civvie closely in the HAB before authorizing a flight test
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the support village warehouse holds supplies for the entire base, and is resupplied every other week with cargo airships from all 4 cities
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crews gathering in the pre-dawn light to tug the Civvie out of the HAB so Val can do her walk around inspection and begin pre-flight checks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
fewer safety issues has allowed us to admit a small KNN media crew on the base to cover the flight, live. History in the making on your TV!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
She's up!! After a small hop Civvie is now aloft w/ positive rate of climb to the west! Everyone cheering as Val shrinks into the distance
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Civvie on final approach to Rwy09. Val has cut throttle, trying to shed spd. Flight suggests chute deployment. Val: "Negative, I got this"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
emergency vehicles rushing to the side of runway. ~10m AGL Civvie slewed ~180Β°, pitched under & hit upper nose-first then landed on its back
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
emergency crews have deemed the Civvie safe to approach, so engineers can move in to assess the damage. It was built tough just for this!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 Aerospace Division has just released the following statement on this morning's crash of the Civvie prototype: bit.ly/C7-PR2
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
RT @justhereforksa: Wings, did you call them? / And no rockets on this thing? / I guess it'll work.
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here's a look at the new decoupler that will support the 2nd stage booster on the Progeny Mk2.1. Remains attached to 1st stage upon decouple
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've decided to send up a KerBalloon later today from here at KSC @ 21:30 UTC equipped with cameras for the sole purpose of cool pictures
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
very basic cameras, fragile, narrow FOV. Not the kind we would strap to the sides of rockets, so still not able to do that yet unfortunately
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
getting ready to launch outside the VAB. Cameras tilted down 15Β° - a 2nd one is behind the avionics package on the other side of the truss
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all those "hollow/flat Kerbin" theorists are a bunch of wack jobs. How do you even... ?? We fear for the sake of civilization sometimes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
yesterday's balloon flight was a success. We won't be posting a full data dump, just our favorites. Here they are: bit.ly/CoolBalloonPics
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Scientist Cheranne has approved a paper about the temp anomalies we experienced back in Sept: concludes heat was local, source unknown
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
of course, speculation is not included in the paper but a lot of scientists she says are betting it was something to do with the Monolith
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Cheranne says she personally is reticent to blame the Monolith, as kerbs tend to want it to be a reason to explain just about anything
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
fog advisory in effect for all traffic out on the roads. We expect it to remain for ~15-20min before second sunrise burns it all away
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
looks like we still have building issues. Scientists had experiment under a new roof leak & water caused a... big reaction. A foamy reaction
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
.@8070alejandro astronomers will be looking into that no doubt if it ends up being captured as predicted
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
hard to see the very thin crescent of Minmus, but note it's aligned with the sun. Transit tomorrow, partially visible from KSC this time!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
at 1st sunrise earlier today Minmus transit was visible over KSC, some managed to get out of bed to witness the event, last one of 2016
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
high-surf advisory is in effect for kerbs & small vessels - there seems to be a strong storm out to sea and waves are currently over 1m
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KerBalloon, with help from our R&D labs, has worked up a new light, highly-flexible material that will allow us to send balloons higher
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
these new high-altitude units, which will come with the parachute attachments, are expected to be delivered at the beginning of January
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
high-surf advisory is now a warning. Maritime Service reports storm at sea getting stronger, but seems to be staying offshore for us
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the VAB casts a long shadow at sunrise when no mountains are in the way. It can stretch nearly 4km west to the edge of the Grasslands
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon has reported to Drew & Lanalye that bit.ly/ProgenyMK2_1-1 is checked out & ready to go for launch tomorrow! Everyone very excited ππ
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
storm to the east still visible on the horizon, getting larger waves at the cape. We may not get rain but a storm surge is possible
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
meteorologists: high-level clouds show winds racing west, even tho pretty calm at ground lvl. Wx forecast for tomorrow is officially "iffy"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/2
#2π 08:37:03 π11:57:31
#3π 14:37:54 !!π!! π17:58:22
#4π 20:38:45 π23:59:13
12/3
#1π 02:39:36 π06:00:04
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/2
#2π 08:37:03 π11:57:31
#3π 14:37:54 !!π!! π17:58:22
#4π 20:38:45 π23:59:13
12/3
#1π 02:39:36 π06:00:04
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
waves have continued to remain at around 1-2m out to sea and we have experienced a slight surge, but water staying below flood levels still
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we certainly hope someday to be able to offer up a better weather picture, but for now we can mostly only observe what can be seen outside
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/ProgenyMK2_1-1 is all loaded up on the truck and waiting patiently to roll out to the north launch site, 1.2km from the launch pad
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mess hall is serving up an early lunch, some kerbs just taking food back to their workstations. Energy ramping up. Launch prep begins soon!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crowds starting to gather on various rooftops again, no big Jeb-run event this time tho, astronauts are off on a 3-day wilderness excursion
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch count hold! Switch over to internal power has shown a rapid drop in electric charge levels. Launch controllers are working the issue
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
okay, decision made to safe the rocket, open the payload and replace the defective battery (hoping that this the one and only problem!)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new L-0 is 22:15 UTC, end of day. This is a *VERY* tight turn around time but Simon says if anyone can do it his team can. Lanalye says same
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
aaand it's just started raining. Hard. Everyone still on the roofs rushing back inside. Despite all efforts, we must scrub launch for today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mess hall is brewing up some hot drinks for the launch crew, still out in the pouring rain getting the rocket unmounted & hauled back to VAB
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/3
#2π 08:40:27 π12:00:55
#3π 14:41:18 ??π?? π18:01:46
#4π 20:42:09
12/4
#1π00:02:37 π 02:43:00
#2π06:03:28
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/3
#2π 08:40:27 π12:00:55
#3π 14:41:18 ??π?? π18:01:46
#4π 20:42:09
12/4
#1π00:02:37 π 02:43:00
#2π06:03:28
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/ProgenyMK2_1-1 launch postponed indefinitely. Weather has not gotten better. It has, in fact, gotten worse. Storm surge increasing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all non-essential staff are being told to evacuate KSC, possibility that the tunnel access to Umbarg could become flooded later in the day
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
evacuation has been completed in an orderly fashion. Storm surge has pushed waters up but still not high enough to inundate KSC grounds
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flood waters rising, no doubt thanks to whatever rain is falling over the mountains to the west making its way eventually down here
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still raining. Still windy. Still huge waves and water lapping at the edge of the raised ground upon which KSC sits. Will it spill over?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the worst is past? Hard to say but winds and rain have both come nearly to a stop and water hasn't gotten any higher since our last update
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we will report if anything happens over the next day cycle, otherwise will take full assessment of conditions tomorrow. Stay safe everyone!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
and with the sun rising we can share the good news that the worst does look to be over, KSC dry. Bad news: water level still hasn't receded
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it seems we suffered a "perfect storm" - meteorologists still working out the details of how it all came together. Will share when they do
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flood waters have receded enough to begin assessing damage to the support village, which was inundated a little bit on its ground floors
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flood waters have fully receded, plains around KSC still soggy and mucky but crews are slogging out to check over the Progeny launch base
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have all support staff back to work at KSC as we continue to assess facilities and ensure that no serious wind damage was also incurred
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
awesome news: Astronomers say they have spotted NHM-375(C) almost exactly where they expected it to be! We have a (veryteenytiny) new moon!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
nice - FD Lanalye reports LC & TS are both in great shape, ready for launch ops. bit.ly/ProgenyMK2_1-1 L-0 now set to 12/6 @ 20:30 UTC!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
some great weather outside right now, a little breezy. Hopefully things will stay niiiice and calm this next week or so for launches
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
how about you all tell us what's going on with you for a change? We don't expect 2,500+ replies but are willing to be pleasantly surprised
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/6
#2π 08:50:39
#3π12:11:07 π 14:51:30 !!π!!
#4π18:11:58 π 20:52:21
12/7
#1π00:12:49 π 02:53:12
#2π06:13:40
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/6
#2π 08:50:39
#3π12:11:07 π 14:51:30 !!π!!
#4π18:11:58 π 20:52:21
12/7
#1π00:12:49 π 02:53:12
#2π06:13:40
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mess hall crowded, serving another early lunch as everyone gets ready to roll into pre-launch ops once we confirm weather is looking good
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:15 = RSO locked down safety zone: 200m radius w/ 2km downrange cone. All personell clear. Astronauts bummed there's no bunker close by
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
cheers & high-fives here at launch ctrl! We had an excellent launch, flight - chute deployment confirmed at +0:48. Descent rate nominal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've completed post-launch ops. Expect a video Thurs morning & full report with our weekly ops summary on Friday. For now, a still frame
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our Ops Dir @DKerman_KSA won a bet w/ a business friend and now we have a new investment for our Progenitor Program! bit.ly/ProgenitorPR7
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val snapped this about an hour ago: half of Mun entering its 3rd quarter phase makes a perfect match for the top of the VAB roof
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch video for bit.ly/ProgenyMK2_1-1 is now available. We'll discuss the staging timing in tomorrow's report youtube.com/watch?v=8CQKNRβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
We have the full report on the "perfect storm" that hit us over the prev wknd - bit.ly/StormPR Hope it's a long time 'til next time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Our moonlet has been dubbed Meeny by the Kerbin Astronomical Society and we have added it to our Flight Tracker - bit.ly/-Meeny
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
maybe we'll use these someday? We like the idea of landing on the VAB but currently getting to the roof entails a lot of climbing...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
What a beautiful day out. It would seem most are working on the weekend (no surprise), or just not taking advantage of the great weather...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we must extend condolences to the family & friends of two of our staff scientists who were lost in an airship accident this afternoon :'(
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
please know the work of Yonnie and Markob Kerman will continue here at KSC. Crash suffered 15 fatalities we're very sry to hear. Tragic news
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/13
#2π 09:14:27 !!π!!
#3π12:34:55 π 15:15:18
#4π18:35:46 π 21:16:09
12/14
#1π00:36:37 π 03:17:00
#2π06:37:28
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/13
#2π 09:14:27 !!π!!
#3π12:34:55 π 15:15:18
#4π18:35:46 π 21:16:09
12/14
#1π00:36:37 π 03:17:00
#2π06:37:28
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
staff already showing up for work, early launches this week! Will give us more time to work through any issues - hopefully we have none π
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronauts had considered digging a bunker 15m from the launch site but Drew wouldn't approve it. Crazy astronauts: 0, sensible kerbs: 3
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-1:30 = mounting ops completed, pre-flight getting underway. bit.ly/ProgenyMK2_1-2 has the full details on the rocket's status
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
chute deployment confirmed at +1:24, payload is now seconds away from landing, descent rate within limits. Recovery crews enroute \[0o]/
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
hoping to post the launch video later today, but in case we can't here's a booster burnout still from the static cam to tide you all over
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch video online. We have a surprise ready for flight 3's video later this week too π Great work today everyone! youtube.com/watch?v=VeRvaRβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
is there life beyond the Kerbol system? We don't know, but we definitely plan to look as much as we can for life within on future missions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
time to run through the routine one last time in 2016 for the third launch of the Progeny Mk2.1 - updates will come at these milestones
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
employees were allowed to bring family members to see the launch, and already spots have been staked out on rooftops & lawns around the KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:05 = final general polling complete: RSO = GO; Wx = GO; Tracking Station = GO; Launch Ctrl = GO; Flight = GO; Progeny = GO; All nominal!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good launch! Apokee reached @ +0:45, chute deployment any sec now. TS says we broke 5km!! Will get exact altitude from TDU after recovery
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
recovery crews report payload is intact 2.4km downrange, being hauled into the rover's rear storage bay. Passed both boosters on the way out
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
employee families are being given KSC tours by our 4 astronauts. This was our most public launch to date & it went great for spectators
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are happily submitting an official altitude from the TDU of 5.901km to the Kerbal Sounding Project for our latest bounty. Ker-ching!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
if you missed the hints, we have onboard video! Progeny Mk2.1 payload camera shows the view from 6km @ 120RPM youtube.com/watch?v=wjCLtMβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we didn't tell Wernher that a payload science instrument was removed, so he's rather annoyed we traded "sickening views" for science data
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we took that crazy spin footage from yesterday & extracted some nice still images for you all to enjoy: bit.ly/SpinStills
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Civvie Prototype Mk2 went through its final checkouts today, we expect Cpt Jeb to take it out for a spin next Monday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Captain Jeb is ready to climb aboard & take his turn behind the stick. We all wish him a safe flight! Launch control starting to come alive
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a short hop similar to Val's takeoff & now Jeb has the Civvie in a positive rate of climb, as documented by Bill & Bob at the end of the rwy
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Civvie is now flying north directly over KSC @ 1.2km. Flight Director Lanalye laid down the protocol of a 1km floor atop KSC for all flights
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is on final approach to Rwy09 but Bill & Bob, still spotting out at the end of the runway, report that he's already looking too low
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Civvie has come down ~4km short of Rwy09 just behind the final hill. Jeb deployed chute as per protocol & hit hard but still upright he says
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
recovery teams still working out a plan to get the Civvie towed back but Bill & Bob already have met up w/Jeb and all looks to be okay!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Scientist Cheranne is buried in papers to get peer reviewed this wk before holiday break. R&D also closing out project work for the yr
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good news from C7 engineers, who say the Civvie undercarriage took the landing well, have replaced a few minor items just to be on safe side
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ops Dir @DKerman_KSA sent out a memo wishing everyone a great day because today is our 100th day of operations since the KSA began. kerzzah!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val is climbing back aboard the Civvie for another flight, this time she's gotten approval to land without the chute! For reals! Good luck!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Emergency crews are... NOT rushing to the runway π Val touched down ~4m short of the dirt but still on the apron, 2 bounces then settled
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
scientists are setting up new monitoring instruments around the Monolith so we can better detect & filter out its signal interference
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there has yet been no report or paper released that explains the strange emanations we've been detecting since launching our first rocket
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Cpt Jeb is getting suited up in the ready room while HAB workers unchock the Civvie & get her ready. Another windy day. Waiting on Wx report
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
since the Civvie is grounded Bill & Bob are taking the opportunity to see if they can attach some external cameras to it for inflight photos
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is awaiting taxi clearance, Flight deciding if it's light enough to allow a takeoff. Note cam attached to tail. 2nd under left wing also
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
on his way at last, Jeb will climb to 2.5km & perform a series of steep turns, dives and high-G maneuvers on the Civvie for this flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
WHOOOAAA Jeb pulled out of one dive so hard he actually managed to loop over the top! Flight has instructed him *not* to do that again
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a look at Jeb's maneuvers out over the Grasslands, including his loop the loop! Engineers weren't sure that was even possible to pull off
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Civvie flights are officially concluded for 2016. Not enough daylight to install batts & head back out. Jeb & Val did great, 716km flown!
Kerbal Space Agency
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a big thank you to the Maritime Service for their support today. We look forward to extending our partnership in 2017 with rocket recoveries
Kerbal Space Agency
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our final day of operations in 2016 has finally arrived & altho no launches or flights everyone still busy as ever getting ready for holiday
Kerbal Space Agency
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Bob & Bill have looked thru the footage from the Civvie outboard cams and have a few sweet screenshots to share - imgur.com/a/nDoFe
Kerbal Space Agency
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while we're away on vacation to celebrate the new calendar yr, a new Kerbol yr will begin for Kerbin on 12/28! We'll have an infographic Jan
Kerbal Space Agency
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humble beginnings. 9 launch attempts, 8 successful launches, 7 successful recoveries, 45km total distance traveled, 5.901km highest apokee
Kerbal Space Agency
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yep, if we stacked all our launches atop each other we *still* wouldn't reach space π Hopefully though all that changes next year!
Kerbal Space Agency
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happy Kerbol new year! So close to coinciding with the new calendar year π Hope everyone is enjoying their holidays off!
Kerbal Space Agency
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we're back! KSA gradually returning to full operations this week. We expect this to be an exciting calendar year & a full one at that!
Kerbal Space Agency
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Over the vacation break Kerbin completed its first revolution around Kerbol since the start of the KSA. Here's a look at major milestones
Kerbal Space Agency
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to see what happened during the period of Eve's orbit, check out the infographic for In One Year of Eve... flic.kr/p/MQSGXr
Kerbal Space Agency
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everyone has been spending all day getting back up to speed from where they left off at the end of Dec, rdy to hit ground running tomorrow!
Kerbal Space Agency
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earlier before second sunset we had a Kerbolar eclipse pass over KSC, here's a new take on the event - that's Mun's antumbra you see here!
Kerbal Space Agency
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the size of the antumbra is smaller than if the darker umbra were to fall on Kerbin but that's not possible (proof: redd.it/32s140)
Kerbal Space Agency
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hahahah, our Operations Director & Founder @DKerman_KSA is reminded once again that no one messes up R&D Head Wernher's tight schedule
Kerbal Space Agency
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today's flight by Val will include the first contract for the Genesis Program, signed yesterday. Details here: bit.ly/GenesisPR1
Kerbal Space Agency
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Val is heading west to Valentina's Flux location after a perfect takeoff & steep turn to the north to stay over land & out of KSC airspace
Kerbal Space Agency
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approaching 2.5km over the Highlands Val has successfully xmitted back science data! Has also logged her contracted observational report
Kerbal Space Agency
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"hot shot pilots", grumbles Flight Director Lanalye as Val flies just 50m over 1km KSC airspace floor before continuing her descent to land
Kerbal Space Agency
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Val is struggling to line up on short final, Bill & Bob say she scraped just a dozen meters or so over that last hill that caught Jeb
Kerbal Space Agency
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Lanalye says Flight came *this close* to ordering a go-around, Val floated more than halfway down the runway before finally touching down
Kerbal Space Agency
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Civvie has been parked, Val heading to debrief. Total flight time 1:16:51 & distance 322km, breaking both her past bit.ly/KSARecords
Kerbal Space Agency
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in addition, bit.ly/CrewRoster-Val also has a new distance record ribbon for traveling >100km overland from KSC. 133.75km to be exact
Kerbal Space Agency
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Bill & Bob were both busy earlier but finally one of them had a chance to get some imgs off the Civvie external cams imgur.com/a/Mm1gL
Kerbal Space Agency
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Specialists Bill & Bob have been seeking more work so they've been attached to the KerBalloon program to assist w/science & engineering
Kerbal Space Agency
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bad news from Kravass where a storm is sweeping thru, all airships grounded, no parts delivery today. Looks to be heading towards us next
Kerbal Space Agency
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KSA ops will be suspended from 1/11-1/16 while various work on our facilities is undertaken to repair some more building issues we've found
Kerbal Space Agency
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contractor says this is the earliest they can get the work done. Wish it could have been over Dec break but that's a holiday for *everyone*
Kerbal Space Agency
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storm from Kravass is definitely headed for us, high winds and heavy rain expected. All employees should take caution outside after 11am
Kerbal Space Agency
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Urlum visible w/Sarnus at dawn. Technically Mun is in that photo too but it's almost new & not really visible behind all the clouds
Kerbal Space Agency
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all those clouds in the last tweet are indeed preceding the storm front, visible now over the Western Mountains. Hunker down, kerbs!
Kerbal Space Agency
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Lead Scientist Cheranne just approved peer review of our 100th research paper, a new milestone for the department. Kerzzah!
Kerbal Space Agency
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storm broke up earlier than expected so VAB crews were able to complete setup of the clamps for testing our new booster later this month
Kerbal Space Agency
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a look down the main thoroughfare of the Support Village, showing Building A on the left w/Warehouse and Building B on the right
Kerbal Space Agency
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our supply airship arrived and has been moored outside the Support Village warehouse. Will be unloading rest of the day. New parts, yay!
Kerbal Space Agency
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among the parts included are all the bits to assemble our next aircraft, the official Civvie Production model - bit.ly/Genesis-PR2
Kerbal Space Agency
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KSA operations are now suspended through 1/15, will return 1/16 - however we will not be offline, will continue to respond & report events
Kerbal Space Agency
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looking forward to ops resuming tomorrow! Weather has been perfect this whole time, because of course it has. Hopefully stays so this week
Kerbal Space Agency
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KSA is back up and operational - work done over the past half week will be assessed throughout this one to see if everything got patched up
Kerbal Space Agency
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an airship is being redirected along its route from Kravass to Umbarg for a medical emergency extraction - our KerBalloon rover crews are in trouble
Kerbal Space Agency
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airship is evacuating them to KSC, where they will be stabilized in the Support Village MedCenter & shipped on to Umbarg for intensive care
Kerbal Space Agency
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we've received the airship at the Support Village & while Bob is still listed in serious condition our other injured launch crew member has died π
Kerbal Space Agency
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we've finished debriefing Bill & 3 surviving launch crew members to learn what happened. Full report now available bit.ly/KerBalloonPR4
Kerbal Space Agency
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we'd like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Luftkor Charters, whose airship diverted to rescue our crew. They have refused payment
Kerbal Space Agency
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a look from inside the Civvie's bare-bones cockpit as Val finishes up her pre-engine start checklist and makes ready to fire up the Civvie
Kerbal Space Agency
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taxi clearance granted to Rwy27 - winds out of the northwest at 5-8kts. Val will have some extra work taking off & landing w/ crosswind
Kerbal Space Agency
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Val notes the ride is definitely a bit bumpy today with the winds. Civvie is pretty heavy though, so not getting tossed around too much
Kerbal Space Agency
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check that crab angle as Val comes in to land, flying long over the runway way past Bill before Civvie finally settled. Val taxiing in now
Kerbal Space Agency
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Simon reports that VAB is on track to deliver the Progeny Mk3 booster to the launch pad for static testing this Thursday. Should be awesome!
Kerbal Space Agency
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memorial service was held earlier for KerBalloon launch crew member Thomeny Kerman. He will be sent home to family in Sheltered Rock. RIPπ π π
Kerbal Space Agency
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FWWOOOOSHHHH!!! Ignition & burn out were successful. Engineers will be reviewing data this afternoon. Check that huge exhaust tail!
Kerbal Space Agency
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*koff koff* pad workers still waiting for the smoke to clear out and the booster to cool down before approaching to begin dismantling things
Kerbal Space Agency
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skies weren't getting dark a short time ago just from sunset π Ancient kerbs were probably terrified by such an event. Now we just enjoy it
Kerbal Space Agency
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initial review of the static fire data shows results in range with performance expectations, we're passing things on to USI to make sure
Kerbal Space Agency
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our first high-altitude KerBalloon is rdy for its maiden voyage to the upper atmosphere today @ 18:21 UTC - details: bit.ly/KerBalloonPR3
Kerbal Space Agency
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we had a good launch of the probe, seen here shortly after leaving the ground and rising up past the VAB at ~5m/s. ETA to 25km is 1h23m
Kerbal Space Agency
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we've just passed 16.531km and from this point on each meter is a new record for altitude over Kerbin. Ascent so far going just as planned
Kerbal Space Agency
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Simon has just informed Drew that KSC facility repairs were done very well - we shouldn't have any more leaks, creaks, shorted wires, etc
Kerbal Space Agency
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of course this doesn't mean we're not still planning to completely upgrade our buildings at some point in the future. Good for now though
Kerbal Space Agency
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KerBalloon probe data analysis confirms new bit.ly/KSARecords - altitude 24.990km & speed 335.298m/s (freefall descent) - almost as fast as the Mk2.1!
Kerbal Space Agency
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photos from the cameras on the first high-alt balloon flight have been reviewed and selected, here are the ones that came out best - imgur.com/a/7Ws1w
Kerbal Space Agency
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Val's been thinking of hanging plants from the skylight ceiling of the HAB & starting up a floating greenhouse. C7 is not taken by the idea
Kerbal Space Agency
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R&D team beat out admin, crew, HAB, science and VAB teams to clinch the win for the KSA table tennis championship this afternoon. Congrats!
Kerbal Space Agency
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ready for taxi clearance, the ground marshal directs Jeb out of the hangar and onto the taxiway. He'll be heading out to Rwy27 for takeoff
Kerbal Space Agency
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rounding the end of the range to the north, Jeb has collected good science data & has cut throttle to begin his descent from 2.7km for Rwy27
Kerbal Space Agency
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everyone is picking their jaws up from the floor as Jeb rolls smoothly out of his landing, which kissed the runway ever so gently @ <50m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
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Civvie is taxiied back to the hangar and shut down. Jeb certainly set the new standard for landings! We have cams outboard again, pics later
Kerbal Space Agency
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looks like Jeb got a bit reckless again while flying - C7 isn't too pleased. A few more photos from the flight: imgur.com/a/DJnAr
Kerbal Space Agency
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the two UTVs caught in the landslide have both been scrapped, leaving us with 3 - just enough for medium-range overland KerBalloon missions
Kerbal Space Agency
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Mortimer is reticent to free up funds for new UTVs - wants to first try an air deployment from Civvie. Jeb & Val are all for it. Drew agrees
Kerbal Space Agency
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minor vehicle accident on the causeway being cleaned up, no injuries beyond mechanical. Those speed humps are there for a reason. Slow down!
Kerbal Space Agency
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Bob continues to progress well on his road to recovery, is in good spirits. Val has spent most of her free time keeping him company
Kerbal Space Agency
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Progeny MK3 is expected to get us well into the upper atmosphere (>18km) & set stage for reaching space - Details: bit.ly/ProgenitorPR9
Kerbal Space Agency
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that was quite a wind storm yesterday, thankfully not much rain. Still, some of the HAB roof tiles were blown off, will need repairs
Kerbal Space Agency
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now that the storm has moved on we're hoping for a couple of days of nice clear weather. Looks like we're off to a good start!
Kerbal Space Agency
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Civvie build continues well. Wings are on as is final fuel tank at nose. Rear stabilizers going on next then more wiring before the engine
Kerbal Space Agency
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what happens in the Astronaut Complex, stays in the Astronaut Complex
Kerbal Space Agency
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taken at 1st sunrise today, we can see how ancient kerbals could fall to their knees to pray away the impending doom. (Jool & Moho above)
Kerbal Space Agency
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did you know Cdr Val survived a shipwreck & spent 2 years on a small island? Learn more about our crew here: bit.ly/CrewRoster
Kerbal Space Agency
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Cpt Jeb, aided by a flashlight, is doing his walkaround inspection post briefing. He will fly north to bit.ly/Area_HH1-K 131km distant
Kerbal Space Agency
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Jeb has completed his observations at the foot of Mount Kermon, is backtracking his course along Hdg210 & descending @ 33% power from 4.1km
Kerbal Space Agency
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almost home, Jeb is 18km north of KSC descending nice & easy thru 1.5km. Flight has cleared him to enter the pattern on base leg for Rwy09
Kerbal Space Agency
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Jeb is turning from base to final & his approach is looking as nice as the last one so far but faster since glideslope is steeper for Rwy09
Kerbal Space Agency
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emergency vehicles are heading out - Jeb caught that same hill that took him out last time but this crash looks worse from what we can see
Kerbal Space Agency
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wreckage has been cleared & 1st impression is it doesn't look much worse than what Val did to it on the return of its maiden flight last yr
Kerbal Space Agency
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Jeb has been released from the med center with his noggin wrapped up. No other injuries. Civvie is being brought back to HAB for inspection
Kerbal Space Agency
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lots of sneezing going around lately - Simon says he has kerbs taking another look at materials used for the recent facilities repair work
Kerbal Space Agency
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these are all the asteroids that visited us this past month. ATN says they suspect we only saw ~35% of the rocks that passed us. Yikes!
Kerbal Space Agency
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astronaut complex mess hall is closed for dinner due to an oven catching fire. Support Village mess will stay open late to handle everyone
Kerbal Space Agency
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we have a 2nd moonlet! Check out the cool story of how bit.ly/DGU-266_B was discovered totally by accident - bit.ly/ATN-PR3
Kerbal Space Agency
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the Presider mentioned us & the importance of space exploration in his recent address to Assembly - this is great news, we don't lobby much
Kerbal Space Agency
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while they're not going to throw funds our way anytime soon their support should help to galvanize other companies & agencies to work w/ us
Kerbal Space Agency
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work is wrapping up today on repairs to the HAB roof from wind damage thanks to the storm last weekend. Thankfully no water leaked in
Kerbal Space Agency
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if anyone comes across a red stapler can you please return it to the admin offices? It is precious to them. Thank you.
Kerbal Space Agency
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there's been a rather large uptick in admissions to the MedCenter this past wk. Please follow proper hygiene protocols in public work spaces
Kerbal Space Agency
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weekly Asteroid Tracking Network database update brings our total count of known asteroids up to 279 bit.ly/ATN-DB_2-6-17 this is what that looks like
Kerbal Space Agency
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Bob's been released from medical care & will begin full regimen of light rehab work this month with plans to return to active duty in March
Kerbal Space Agency
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doctors are posting notices around campus: please report to the MedCenter immediately if you feel lightheaded/dizzy and/or short of breath
Kerbal Space Agency
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don't let engineers trick you into thinking they've been there all day when you see them working at 7pm. They probably got here around 1
Kerbal Space Agency
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likewise if you happen to see any here at 8am, it's probably because they were here all night. But hey, they do great work either way!
Kerbal Space Agency
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we now have 1/4 of our staff out sick, including Cheranne, who was already stressing about all the papers she still has left to review
Kerbal Space Agency
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the MedCenter is becoming quite crowded and many patients have been transported to Umbarg. Medical staff is starting to become concerned
Kerbal Space Agency
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VAB is running a bit short-staffed at the moment but still has all payload bays ready, hopes to finish Mk1 booster assembly by mid-next week
Kerbal Space Agency
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officials from the Disease Management Organization have arrived - it looks like the situation has become more serious. Meeting w/Drew now
Kerbal Space Agency
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DMO agents are working through the campus, taking random surface swabs and air samples. All employees please cooperate with them as needed
Kerbal Space Agency
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we will comply w/ DMO officials request to shut down KSC tmrw so all employees can be screened to see if any carriers exist among unaffected
Kerbal Space Agency
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KSA/C7 operations are mostly suspended today while KSC is shut down to allow screening of all employees on campus for any disease carriers
Kerbal Space Agency
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KSC is also under quarantine so after screening all employees must return to their berths in either the astronaut complex or support village
Kerbal Space Agency
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several of the DMO agents have fallen ill, some of whom had no prior contact to any KSC employee. They've now gone to full HAZMAT protocols
Kerbal Space Agency
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for now, things proceeding as planned, with employee screening continuing throughout the afternoon before any additional decisions are made
Kerbal Space Agency
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there has been one change to protocol, which is that no one is allowed to travel outdoors w/o a HAZMAT suit & the company of a DMO agent
Kerbal Space Agency
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employee screening has wrapped & only a few new cases have been admitted to the MedCenter. Good news is no one has come close to dying yet
Kerbal Space Agency
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KSC remains closed & under quarantine while the DMO continues w/ its investigation. We will share any news we receive from them immediately
Kerbal Space Agency
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it seems the number of sick have tapered off, but those that have been sick since last week are still having trouble, some on respirators
Kerbal Space Agency
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all the symptoms have been pointing towards something airborne, not from kerbal to kerbal but from the environment around KSC they think
Kerbal Space Agency
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Wernher's been among the sick for a few days, is under light sedation because he kept trying to tell the medical staff how to do their jobs
Kerbal Space Agency
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Day 3 of quarantine and not everyone is going stir-crazy. Flight Director Lanalye is still feeling fine & outlining tons of launch protocols
Kerbal Space Agency
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additionally the DMO has setup a temp airtight corridor between the astronaut complex & mess hall so no need to suit up & decon for food!
Kerbal Space Agency
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unfortunately while R&D labs have been cleared to operate due to their climate control, the VAB & HAB cannot be sealed & remain closed down
Kerbal Space Agency
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DMO agents continue to assure us they are working as fast as they can & say they are already through more than half of the blood samples
Kerbal Space Agency
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BREAKING NEWS! Just in: a 3rd moonlet of Kerbin has been discovered. The twist: Mun was not involved in its capture bit.ly/ATN-PR4
Kerbal Space Agency
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no new cases of sickness reported, seems staying indoors has helped. HVAC can't filter viruses so spores/pollen of some sort are to blame
Kerbal Space Agency
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unfortunately, one of our sick workers passed away in her sleep last night. She was getting on in years - unknown yet if natural or disease
Kerbal Space Agency
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oh yes, the DMO is most certainly working on things over the weekend - everyone wants this to be over with as soon as possible, rest assured
Kerbal Space Agency
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Disease Management Organization agents have informed Drew that they expect to finish all blood sample analysis today, have report tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
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the Disease Management Organization reports that KSC needs to be shut down & fully decontaminated. We're not happy, but health is important
Kerbal Space Agency
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we hope to be back at KSC again by 2/27, in the meantime KSA ops will move to Umbarg. Full report available here: bit.ly/KSCShutdown
Kerbal Space Agency
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everyone spent the day getting packed up - as in just the stuff we need out of the way of the decon teams when we're not here next week
Kerbal Space Agency
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by Thurs all staff will finish this up & pack personal belongings to move out to Umbarg over the following weekend. Decon ops will begin Mon
Kerbal Space Agency
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good news to start off the day is that most of our staff that got sick first are finally showing improvement with continued treatment *phew*
Kerbal Space Agency
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Flight Director Lanalye doesn't waste any opportunity - she has been studying the DMO HAZMAT agents for protocols to use on surface EVAs
Kerbal Space Agency
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another day of packing went well. DMO agents have been helpful, although they mostly continue their own experiments, swabbing & air sampling
Kerbal Space Agency
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packing up KSC is now complete, everything will certainly be neat & organized when we get back. Personal items now being packed up for move
Kerbal Space Agency
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everyone is ready to begin heading out tomorrow to our temporary homes in Umbarg, where a quarantine zone has been setup for all KSC staff
Kerbal Space Agency
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the temporary facility is already occupied by a good number of staff who have fully recovered, they say they'll make sure all is rdy for us
Kerbal Space Agency
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busing schedules have been posted to all buildings & emailed to all employees. Please be at your debarkation stations at least 15min early
Kerbal Space Agency
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KSC evacuation proceeding well. More DMO agents arriving as KSC staff leave, getting their decontamination program up & running for next wk
Kerbal Space Agency
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Eve & Moho at appulse from the support village as Val waits to board her bus with the other astronauts. Duna also visible high above
Kerbal Space Agency
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a nice orderly day of transport for our staff & crew, everyone who departed today made the trip to Umbarg w/o incident. Remainder leave tmrw
Kerbal Space Agency
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sunset from the tunnel access to Umbarg City, along which the remainder if KSC staff will be traveling today. So long for now, KSC!
Kerbal Space Agency
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KSC evacuation completed, no one there now but the DMO decontamination teams. We'll keep everyone posted on their progress over the next wk
Kerbal Space Agency
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we'd like to stress that KSC is shut down, not the KSA. We have moved offsite & operational capacity is limited but still doing what we can
Kerbal Space Agency
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KSC decontamination begins today. They will start with the support village before tackling the KSC campus so we can move back in sooner
Kerbal Space Agency
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over half of our sick employees have made full recoveries so far, and the same is expected for the remainder over these next few days, yay!
Kerbal Space Agency
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KSC decontamination is proceeding on schedule according to the latest report Drew has received from the DMO. All our staff are healthy again
Kerbal Space Agency
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everyone will be spending the next few days getting tested & cleared out of quarantine, can visit anywhere before returning to KSC next wk
Kerbal Space Agency
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astronomers announced that the Eve transit has begun at precisely 23:52:47 UTC - will again be taking photos every hour during the transit
Kerbal Space Agency
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the Kerman Observatory atop Kravass City just sent out this true-color photo, as the sun is up over our hemisphere one hour into the transit
Kerbal Space Agency
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as with the Moho transit, the tilt of the cross hair indicates the angle along which the planet is moving as it crosses the kerbolar disk
Kerbal Space Agency
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WOW - what a treat we have on this Eve transit, as Mun performs its own transit across Kerbol. Minmus is also visible off to the lower right
Kerbal Space Agency
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a new image released as the transit nears its end, astronomers expect Eve to move completely off the kerbolar disk within the next hour
Kerbal Space Agency
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astronomers have announced the Eve transit ended @ precisely 07:51:24 UTC for a total transit time of 7:58:37. Expect composite img l8r 2day
Kerbal Space Agency
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a new transit composite has been released showing the motion of Eve in addition to the motion of Moho from last month's transit
Kerbal Space Agency
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the next transit of Eve will be a much shorter one that will occur at the beginning of August... in 2024! Eve transits are quite rare events
Kerbal Space Agency
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DMO says they have fallen behind schedule thanks to a major equipment malfunction. Looks like they won't have KSC cleaned up until Feb 28th
Kerbal Space Agency
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the support village however was finished earlier this wk & we can still start moving staff back on Monday & be rdy for ops to resume 3/1
Kerbal Space Agency
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using updated models from the recent DGU flybys, astronomers have taken another look at Meeny & find it's likely getting kicked out next month
Kerbal Space Agency
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thx @Geolu_Henge for suggesting DGU-266(B) bear the name of its discoverer. So it is! Kerbal Astro Society approves bit.ly/-Remises
Kerbal Space Agency
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staff & crew cleared out of quarantine are using this "vacation time" to visit with friends & family. Everyone will be recharged next week!
Kerbal Space Agency
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today we start moving kerbs back to KSC, starting with any staff living in the support village, while DMO gets back to decontamination ops
Kerbal Space Agency
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DMO reports pollen levels have fallen drastically in the last few days, is unsure however if the "mating season" for trees is over or not
Kerbal Space Agency
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Lead Scientist Cheranne tells us she has a team ready to study the tree's pollen cycle over the next two years so we can predict high levels
Kerbal Space Agency
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we have almost all of our support village staff moved back in, the rest will return tomorrow along with astronaut complex crew & tenants
Kerbal Space Agency
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although the Umbarg site will be cleared out today, we do plan to move some staff back here to setup a satellite office for business affairs
Kerbal Space Agency
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KSC as seen from the top of Building B in the support village on a lovely day, great to be back! Final staff/crew arriving this afternoon
Kerbal Space Agency
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DMO agents have given KSC the all-clear! We're set to resume operations tomorrow as well as enact our new environmental monitoring protocols
Kerbal Space Agency
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busy day for everyone to start getting caught up on work that was unable to be done while offsite, which wasn't as much as we feared
Kerbal Space Agency
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kerbs are saying they actually notice the difference in the air with our new filters installed, which can catch much smaller particles
Kerbal Space Agency
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today bit.ly/BobKerman returns to active duty after the grievous injuries he suffered in early Jan. Happy to have him back full-time!
Kerbal Space Agency
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KSA would like to wish our very own Commander Valentina (bit.ly/ValKerman) a very happy birthday! She's 37 yrs young today. Kerzzah!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
whoops, typo alert - Val is only turning 36 π However she is certainly none the less for it!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after double & triple checking, astronomers confirm that Meeny is on an escape trajectory from Kerbin. More details: bit.ly/-Meeny
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
storms passing through on the heels of a perfect day. Val says she enjoys listening to the rumble of thunder, the drum of rain. Soothing.
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
so long, Meeny - we hardly knew ye! ATN will now spend the next few days tracking its new orbit around the sun to see if it visits us again
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
incoming! ATN says we should expect a minor impact later this month on the 23rd from bit.ly/BTS-121_D - a risk to scientists in area
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a fully-stacked Progeny Mk3 is indeed an awe-inspiring sight. Payload integration of science instruments is completing today to top it off
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're well into our full day of launch readiness checks in the VAB, launch control and admin building. Long list of things still to do!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
you know that feeling before a trip or major event that you forgot something? This is basically a whole day dedicated to eradicating that
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Civvie Production model is looking sleek & ready to fly. Almost! C7 says two more days of final closeout work remains before ground trials
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Operations Director Drew & Head of Finances Mortimer have finished reviewing & signing all the paperwork - we are πGO FOR LAUNCHπ tomorrow!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
3/15
#2π 08:26:24 π11:46:52
#3π 14:27:15 !!π!! π17:47:43
#4π 20:28:06 π23:48:34
3/16
#1π 02:28:57 π05:49:25
@ KSC (UTC-4)
3/15
#2π 08:26:24 π11:46:52
#3π 14:27:15 !!π!! π17:47:43
#4π 20:28:06 π23:48:34
3/16
#1π 02:28:57 π05:49:25
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC campus is already starting to come alive as we get ready for the launch of our πππππππππ[[π]]<-10th rocket today. Double digits! Whoo!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
off she goes! Even though we upgraded our rocket lorry it is still near max carry capacity with the Mk3 on board. Rear suspension be like πͺπ¬
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
.@BrainOfVulcan so you're saying our carry vehicle should be traveling faster? Well maybe we should let Jeb drive next time then. Wait, no
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch team is waiting for rocket mounting to complete, running behind schedule as they are having difficulty with securing lower booster
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon reports they'll need to slap together something to better secure the lower booster to the launch rail. They have time, but not much
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
kerbs already staking out lawn spots for later. We have the following areas open for viewing the launch, please stay within roped areas!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon reports the lower booster has been secured. Drew says "are you sure?" Simon says "yes". Drew says "ARE YOU SURE??" Simon says "yes"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mount hookups good, pad cleared now to begin tests of all onboard systems. Rocket stands 11.1m tall mounted, weighs 1.715t (57% solid fuel)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
lots of flashlights outside as kerbs find their spots. No sign of the astronauts anywhere, but we have a good idea where they'll turn up...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have a hold from Weather due to heavy cloud cover moving through. No reports of rain from the west, so we will wait for skies to clear
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
yup our crew is right where we expected them to be π using the hold time to grab & send us a photo, taken by Val. Be rdy to duck out there!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have a GO from all stations in launch control to pickup the count at L-5min. Tracking station is GO, Lymun is GO, Range is Go, Wx is GO!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have ignition of the XL booster w/131.6kN of thrust pushing the Mk3 off the pad at 8Gs. We are hot staging, flight time will be <1min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
yikes, we have some debris landing towards the observation areas. Not good. UTVs have been dispatched to asses & recover. Everyone is safe
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crews have successfully recovered the payload just 356m north of the launch pad. Sorry Lymun crew! We really did mean to send it your way!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch cleanup/after-action items still ongoing, like digging 1st stage out of where it drilled itself into the ground by the launch pad rd
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
well, that was a long day. Flight didn't go as planned, but was still great to launch a rocket again!! Here's a launch photo. More tomorrow!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the new booster sounds so awesome, we just had to hook up the mic for this launch video footage. Hot staging action! youtube.com/watch?v=OWAzxPβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the launch base will be moved back into the VAB after 3rd sunrise so its angle can be adjusted from 3Β° to 6Β° - we can't have debris landing like this
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we officially have a new bit.ly/KSARecords for a vessel under acceleration: the Mk3 almost dbled the Mk2.1's 374.189m/s w/ 732.280m/s!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we also added a record field for maximum dynamic pressure during ascent, which also goes to the Mk3 for 190.237kPa (Mk2.1 was 72.297kPa)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sneaking in a final ground roll check w/new suspension settings as the sun dips low over the western mountains. Val says handling is "Aces"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
some staff are preparing to move back to Umbarg this weekend & our new corporate offices (former quarantine location) will open next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this will make it easier for us to host meetings & deal w/offsite matters w/o need for all the security clearances to access the KSC campus
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC mostly empty & quiet, no weekend personal projects as everyone likes to take some time well away from work after a stressful launch week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today ground crews will be patching up the runway, which has fallen slightly into disrepair thx to weather since the last flights occurred
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
R&D staff are gathering to celebrate 100 days safety record. Don't party too hard! It would be ironic if... no, we're not going to say it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in case you were wondering, R&D labs today start day 101 of their safety record and all were drunk, merry - and safe late yesterday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Wx is looking good for the maiden flight of the Civvie Production model after 2nd sunrise, Umbarg & Kravass report mostly clear, little wind
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
positive climb rate confirmed, Jeb is up & away! He's cleaned up the wings, reports neutral stick w/vertical speed of +7-9m/s @ ~60m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has rolled to a stop on the runway after a slow but still rough landing as he was barely able to hold his nose up to put 3 wheels down
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Civvie is parked & shut down in front of the HAB. Jeb will be debriefed shortly, but Bill says we already have an official "two thumbs up!"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/BTS-121_D-upda⦠shows both the old & new atmo impact points, with the new one 47.8km northwest. Not too bad of a prediction!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
scientists in the area have cleared out and will report from a distance of 500km if anything strikes the surface via seismic equipment
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our new corporate HQ in Umbarg City opened today. Drew says he'll miss being around KSC campus all the time but will still work both sites
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB pulled a little OT thx to some issues during integration testing but everything was sorted & Progeny Mk3 launch readiness checks tmrw!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Probodobodyne Inc is spearheading the development of a vast, networked supercomputer infrastructure. This can only end well right?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have reports from the asteroid watchers that BTS-121(D) broke up in the upper atmosphere & rained down smaller pieces over a 250km swath
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
3/24
#2π 08:57:00
#3π12:17:28 π 14:57:51 !!π!!
#4π18:18:19 π 20:58:42
3/25
#1π00:19:10 π 02:59:33
#2π06:20:21
@ KSC (UTC-4)
3/24
#2π 08:57:00
#3π12:17:28 π 14:57:51 !!π!!
#4π18:18:19 π 20:58:42
3/25
#1π00:19:10 π 02:59:33
#2π06:20:21
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bob is setting up his camera atop the VAB, which is where the astronauts plan to hang out for this launch. Rocket is rolling out to the pad
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we don't expect this launch to reach the upper atmosphere but we do expect it to break the 10km milestone set by the Kerbal Sounding Project
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket is mounted, no issues securing the lower booster using new clamps. Launch ctrl now checking everything hooked up right, no damage
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're confident the new launch angle will send things out over water, but just to be sure this launch has no outdoor viewing locations setup
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
up on the roof of the VAB, our astronauts are ready to head back inside the moment they hear any emergency sirens signaling incoming debris
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ignition & liftoff successful w/1st stage burnout/decouple @ L+4s, 2nd stage ignition @ L+41s, rocket tipping over much more than expected
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
unfortunately during 3rd stage burn the rocket flew too far south out of the ascent corridor and the RSO was forced to detonate the booster
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
UTV teams out on patrol along the beach report that the 1st stage booster fell just meters short of the water, 1.6km east of the launch pad
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we do not have a splashdown location for the 2nd stage booster but it was well over the water upon decoupling. 3rd stage & payload detonated
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sure, today's launch ended in disappointment but we expect there's still much to learn from it. Great setup for the launch photo Bob!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've yet to fully review all launch footage but have a video for you all to better see what happened yesterday youtube.com/watch?v=1OoBdlβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
unfortunately we did fall short of 10km by less than 1km but no big deal as the 3rd launch will definitely break thru & also hit upper atmo
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ground crews are out today giving the turf runway some maintenance to trim the grass evenly, fill in/pack down soft areas & remove any rocks
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
C7 crash investigation team has released their final report on the incident that occurred at the end of January - bit.ly/Genesis-PR5
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
hopefully the new approach markers they recommend will allow for safer landings for Rwy09 without the need for a steeper glide slope
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
reports from the Kongo River says compression wave from asteroid airburst was far greater than anyone would have guessed for one that size
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
scientists are very happy they got to witness this event, say it will provide years of research data for both asteroid air & ground impacts
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
minor accident on the causeway involving a shuttle bus and a bicycle, thankfully no one was seriously injured. Share the road please!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
cameras work this time! Val had *just* enough battery power left to send this image as she is now passing KSC @ ~100m/s. Civvie pitch is -5Β° in lvl flight thx to fixed wing AoA
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a very happy birthday to Specialist Bill Kerman (bit.ly/Bill_Kerman), who turns 38 yrs old today. No hair dye used, he swears. Kerzzah!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
television shows that are looking to book our astronauts or employees should contact our PR department, not try to harass them directly!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
is anybody out there? This dish isn't listening for extra-kerrestrial communications but by next year there will exist one that will
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
late start to the day at KSC after power was restored from an outage; our main power conduit from Umbarg was cut. Fried animal found, dead
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're getting better cabling installed with a semi-conductive sheath to hopefully prevent tunneling animals from chewing through it again
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today is the start of our 200th day of operations since launching our program back in Sept 2016! The next 200 look to be just as awesome
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kerbal Astronomical Society has announced that bit.ly/ICX-922_A is now called Chikelu, ancient kerbskrit for "brought into existence"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
time for another retrospective look at KSA milestones as Duna completes its first orbit around Kerbol since our space program began last yr
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
yes, this outbuilding on the R&D campus SW corner does store hazardous materials, but none of them are explosive. A main road runs right by!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
4/4
#2π 09:34:24
#3π12:54:52 π 15:35:15 !!π!!
#4π18:55:43 π 21:36:06
4/5
#1π00:56:34 π 03:36:57
#2π06:57:25
@ KSC (UTC-4)
4/4
#2π 09:34:24
#3π12:54:52 π 15:35:15 !!π!!
#4π18:55:43 π 21:36:06
4/5
#1π00:56:34 π 03:36:57
#2π06:57:25
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket is leaving the VAB for the launch pad and it looks like Jeb managed to convince *someone* that he should be the one to drive it??
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today's launch should reach the upper atmosphere if all goes well. Booster ignition will occur after nose drops >3Β° during coast period
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch has been scrubbed! Drew got word earlier that some kerbs taking a stroll along the beach found Mk3 Stage 2 debris 6km south of KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have a brief press release online to explain further why this has caused us to cancel the launch today bit.ly/ProgenitorPR10
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket unmounting completed and given that Jeb didn't crash on the way out he's been allowed to drive the rocket back to the VAB as well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
second sunrise from the KSC causeway. Most staffers already here, especially Progenitor teams to continue debate on rocket debris mitigation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
(waxing) π π π π π π π π (waning) - the phase cycle we see for Mun takes 1d, 14h36m24s to complete. For Minmus it takes 12d, 11h15m11s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new launch time for bit.ly/ProgenyMk3_3 set at 20:20 UTC on 4/11 to give engineers time to implement some changes to the rocket
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
fins will be unmounted & low-yield det-cord will be inserted into drilled holes. Fins will be then be shredded upon stage separation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
approach guides have been completed and Cdr Val will take the Civvie Prototype up for a quick test of them later today after 3rd sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
2nd Thursday of every month is KSC Movie Night where we hang up a huge screen on the HAB wall & everyone can gather to watch the flick
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
lovely day right now, ~80Β°F outside with a view of the KSC campus from the roof of Launch Control. Did you see Mun the 1st time you looked?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
R&D Head Wernher and Lead Engineer Simon held a grandmaster-level chess match over lunch. It was a stalemate. Bettors were disappointed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tracking Station had some technical issues these past few days that were finally resolved. The break room microwave has been replaced
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
4/11
#2π07:17:49 π 09:58:12
#3π13:18:40 π 15:59:03 !!π!!
#4π19:19:31 π 21:59:54
4/12
#1π01:20:22 π 04:00:45
@ KSC (UTC-4)
4/11
#2π07:17:49 π 09:58:12
#3π13:18:40 π 15:59:03 !!π!!
#4π19:19:31 π 21:59:54
4/12
#1π01:20:22 π 04:00:45
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket rollout is on hold. We have reports of clear skies following the mass of precipitation but not sure how long it will take to pass
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rain, rain - go away; We really want to launch today π We can start launch prep as late as 18:34 UTC. After that, have to scrub for the day
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we saw sunset on the Western Mtns, still overcast here. Rain has stopped. Launch prep will begin, we'll hope skies clear. L-0 = 21:30 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mounting operations going well. We've re-opened the staff & family outdoor viewing areas for this launch, setup the same way as launch #1
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather remains RED for clouds. We can still see clear skies to the west but it seems low pressure system has died & front is stalled
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
scrubbing for the day :/ we've run out of time to complete countdown & launch with enough daylight remaining for good tracking & recovery
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
4/12
#2π07:21:13 π 10:01:36 !!π!!
#3π13:22:04 π 16:02:27
#4π19:22:55 π 22:03:18
4/13
#1π01:23:46 π 04:04:09
@ KSC (UTC-4)
4/12
#2π07:21:13 π 10:01:36 !!π!!
#3π13:22:04 π 16:02:27
#4π19:22:55 π 22:03:18
4/13
#1π01:23:46 π 04:04:09
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taken earlier when pad crews went out to check on the rocket after its lengthy stay on the pad. They report everything still looks good
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronauts are here in Launch Control to observe. Tried to ask again to push the launch button but Lanalye once more denied their request
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
thinner crowds than usual gathering outside, mainly staff only as most families couldn't adjust sched in time after scrub, plus early in day
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb just got kicked out of the building for standing near the flight ops desk, maintains he "wasn't going to do anything but watch closely"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Final checks complete: Wx is GO, Range is GO, Flight is GO, Tracking Station is GO, Tongjess is GO. Drew gives his nod. We are GO FOR LAUNCH
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
inflight anomaly occurred at T+5s when XL booster decoupled & both its fins and fins on 2nd stage were shredded. Payload now coasting to Ap
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
UTVs on patrol have reported the XL booster is only 804m almost directly due east of the launch pad. Taking out the fins worked as intended!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
of course, obviously we did not intend to destabilize the rocket by taking out the 2nd stage fins at the same time, but still some good news
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
just 335m short of the water (1.4km from the launchpad) the payload has landed safely & is being recovered by our UTV teams. Sry Tongjess π¬
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post-launch & recovery operations are ongoing, but more unfortunate news is that besides not reaching upper atmo we even missed our 10km goal, apokee was ~9.5km. So close!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Atmospheric Fluid Spectro-Variometer has officially been completed & will be mounted to the Civvie for a test flight this Friday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all flight recordings & data still under review & will be for rest of the week but here's where things went wrong youtube.com/watch?v=sUT7v8β¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
pretty much everyone called it an early day since ops started before 9am. Lots still to learn from this launch! Here's a liftoff photo
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
say hello to the new member of the Genesis family! The Deuce will be our 1st multi-crew, multi-engine passenger-capable fixed-wing aircraft
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there is a lot to talk about regarding this new aircraft & C7 lays out all the juicy details in this press release: bit.ly/Genesis-PR7
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather conditions are looking good for a Civvie flight after 2nd sunrise to test the new Atmospheric Fluid Spectro-Variometer instrument
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has been briefed and is getting ready for his walk around inspection. While the new instrument isn't heavy (0.005t), it is very bulky
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
27km WNW of KSC Jeb has reached his analysis area & has opened the atmosphere instrument's intakes to begin collecting air samples
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
passing 5km north of KSC, Flight is telling Jeb to stop sending us pictures and focus on getting the aircraft configured for landing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb reported touchdown spd at ~50m/s, faster than normal thx to the extra bulk on the belly of the aircraft. Is taxiing back to the HAB now
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
so ends another day of operations here @ KSC but this one was special: today we've orbited Kerbol twice since the start of the KSA. Kerzzah!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC seen earlier from the closest tallest ridge west of campus, 450m ASL & ~9km away. Bill said he felt restless & needed a walk. Nice hike!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mun works its way off the sun as an annular eclipse draws to an end while the sun sets. Tracking Station and R&D buildings in the foreground
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 reports that flight data from Civvie's last outing carrying the atmo analyzer looks good & HAB is mounting the KerBalloon later today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after an extended check-out to ensure the KerBalloon unit was attached properly & communicating well, Val has her taxi clearance to Rwy09
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good drop! Pitching down to prevent a possible tail wheel strike, KerBalloon has flown free & deployed chutes. Val has recovered w/o issue
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val is abeam the start of Rwy09 7km to the south 1km ASL on downwind leg, KerBalloon still a few hundred meters up, falling at nominal rate
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KerBalloon teams have agreed to proceed with the mission to drop a balloon for envelope deployment in conjunction with Genesis Program
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this mission is a big deal both in terms of scope & collaboration so here is a press release with all the details: bit.ly/KB_Gen-PR
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
UTVs have departed to begin their long trek out to the drop zone. Will travel all day cycle, stop overnight & continue after 3rd sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HAB has the high-altitude KerBalloon from yesterday re-mounted to the Civvie and have rolled it out to the tarmac for its flight later today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Cpt Jeb is out for his walkaround inspection, making sure the mount mechanisms are holding up well since the Civvie was deployed earlier
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val got a photo of Jeb's departure, which was without issue. He's currently climbing slowly but steadily & trimming out his sideslip
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
recovery team is underway again towards the drop zone, they do not have to be in position @ time of drop, will travel w/balloon after deploy
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after making it through 3km Jeb has come about & is passing over the mountains. We've marked the location of our relay airship on this photo
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good drop! Jeb followed same procedure as Val and is also pumping fuel forward again to account for the loss of mass under the nose tank
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bill has radioed in and says they have the KerBalloon unit intact! Wonderful success of this most complex mission to date has everyone very pleased
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has just left by car for Umbarg then hopping an airship to Kravass so he can begin to train the handpicked ASA captains for Civvie ops
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb will return in 2 wks to fly some more Civvie missions for C7 while Val then takes 2wks at Kravass. They'll swap 3x to complete training
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're expecting thick fog on the cape come 2nd sunrise, all vehicles traveling around campus take extra caution. Lights on! Safety first!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HAB is done modifying the Civvie Production model & we're keeping it in the VAB to further prep it for next month's KerBalloon joint mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
watching the sunset, it's natural to look towards the west where the sun is. But we would recommend turning around every once in a while too
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
over the next month these parts will be assembled into our 1st bit.ly/-Deuce aircraft! Flight trials expected at the start of June
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taken earlier when she had a better view, Val is back to cruising level & xmitted this to us now, on her 4th pass, having reached 4.5km ASL
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket has been mounted ahead of the rain that we expected earlier today. Will monitor overnight - should not pose an issue, in theory
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
4/28
#2π08:15:37 π 10:56:00 !!π!!
#3π14:16:28 π 16:56:51
#4π20:17:19 π 22:57:42
4/29
#1π02:18:10 π 04:58:33
@ KSC (UTC-4)
4/28
#2π08:15:37 π 10:56:00 !!π!!
#3π14:16:28 π 16:56:51
#4π20:17:19 π 22:57:42
4/29
#1π02:18:10 π 04:58:33
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a decent crowd is outside in the viewing areas but as many as possible are crammed into Launch Ctrl to be together if we make it all the way
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-1:24:00 = we have been hailed by the MSV Lymun as they approach their monitoring/recovery station. Maybe they'll *finally* get a payload today π
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
recovery crew has the payload! Chute fully deployed @ +5:01 & landed by recovery ship @ +6:09, 9.2km downrange. Is now heading back to shore
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a final round of cheers, hugs, high-fours & fist pumps is going around Launch Ctrl as Tracking Station confirms final apokee: 22.772km!!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
WE MADE IT 1/3 OF THE WAY TO SPACE!! It may not seem like much, but consider: that first 1/3 is a *lot* of the thickest atmosphere behind us
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Lymun is away, w/ many thx from us for a safe return of the payload. Here's what the launch looked like from their station 4km offshore
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch video is up! 3rd stage fins did shred, but did so a few secs later to ensure it was well clear of the payload youtube.com/watch?v=Tk-Szrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post-launch tasks are complete and now everyone at KSC is gathering in the VAB with food, drink & music to celebrate today's achievement
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Drew gave a short speech congratulating everyone & announcing KSA regular ops suspended for 3 days next week for a well-deserved holiday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
from 1st sunrise earlier today, a look at the Kerbolar latitudes of the visible celestial objects & their relation to the ecliptic
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although Sarnus & Eve share similar latitudes on opposite sides of the ecliptic, the greater distance of Sarnus = greater apparent offset
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a dawn eclipse graced the skies for 2nd sunrise today, seen from Building C of the Support Village, looking out over the quiet KSC campus
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this time we are looking to the west as the sun rises in the east, burnishing the Western Mountains & lighting the top of the VAB
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
Kravass General Airport held its official opening ceremony earlier today, Jeb gave a nice short speech. Congrats to C7 & Kravass Muni Dept
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
expect a full analysis later today with the weekly operations report but for now here's a look at all 4 Progeny Mk3 launch trajectories
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC footrace, running roughly 5km, went great today. Everyone who participated got a ribbon, medals to top finishers. Congrats to all!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
random fact: it's impossible to circumnavigate kerbin in a boat only, thanks to the polar ice caps
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in addition, if the polar ice caps were to all melt, you probably wouldn't have to sail near the poles to circumnavigate due to sea lvl rise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
UTVs are set to roll out at 1st sunrise tomorrow to officially begin the second joint Genesis/KerBalloon mission. Get some rest crew!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bob, Bill and the other 4 recovery crew members have departed KSC for their ~220km journey to the deployment area, bit.ly/Zone_6-VZLB
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HAB has the Civvie prepped & ready for Jeb to taxi out in come 3rd sunrise. Payload mount slightly adjusted for better CoM/Sideslip balance
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has departed from Rwy27, winds light & variable from the WSW, he was hoping for more headwind to help lift him over the mountain pass
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb reports clean release of the payload, is recovering attitude, re-balancing his fuel tanks & coming about to check on balloon ascent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have confirmed visual on the balloon inflated & ascending from ~700m below the drop point. Jeb is vectoring around the mtns on Hdg180
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
due to low cieling, airship has to move between two stations to remain in comms w/ Civvie or UTVs. Currently talking to just Jeb now
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after a 5km final Jeb kissed the ground with a 40m/s touchdown and a smooth roll out - well, relatively. The runway itself is a bit bumpy
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bill has radioed in to report they have recovered the KB unit, altho Bob & another crew member had to climb a tree to get it down. hdg home!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a small fire in one of the R&D labs has ended their 140-day safety record but thankfully no one was hurt & equipment was only damaged
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC Ho!!! Bob just sent this photo from the lead UTV in the column now that they can see KSC again. He estimates they are 30-45mins out
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're happy to welcome back all 3 UTVs safe & sound from their long journey, everyone happy with today's mission & rdy for debrief tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all participants of yesterday's mission are gathering in Launch Control for debrief. Will compare this mission to last, plan for future one
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb suggested he roll the plane upside-down to let the envelope inflate prior to release & it can go straight up. Lanalye was like "Uh, no"
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
VAB is closing out work on 2 KerBalloons to deploy today from the MSV Tongjess, arriving @ 2nd sunrise, for hi-alt contracts south of KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
exciting news! Full details on the new ATN/KAS observatories & our Deep Space Network coming over the next 3-4 yrs: bit.ly/DSN-PR
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all loaded up! Bill at least stuck around to bid Bob a safe journey, says he still prefers his feet on solid ground. We find that funny...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb says he has wrapped up all planning w/C7 & is rdy for the 1st X-country Civvie flight tomorrow. From one airport to another. Exciting!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're hearing of more ships pulling into Umbarg Port w/ news of stormy Wx working up from the south. Mtg in progress: can Jeb fly mission?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
decision made to go ahead w/flight but winds already too strong out of south for crosswind component, so we're compacting a new N/S runway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
lights on the field NW of KSC as heavy tractors move up/down the length of the rwy to ensure ground is firm. Crews checking for obstacles
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ready to board, the diff Civvies are together for the last time. Fitting the Prototype will break a few records on its way to retirement
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
staff have gathered around the Support Village to watch as the Civvie Prototype departs KSC for the last time. Fare thee well! Safe flight!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
second approach was better & Jeb has succeeded in his X-country flight! He has broken all flight distance/duration bit.ly/KSARecords
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
parked next to the hangar where it will be disassembled for transport Val joins Jeb to wish the Civvie Prototype farewell. New Civvie behind
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
with HWX-180(C) we are now tracking 5 asteroids currently working their way through the system. This one will pass no closer than 0.39 MD
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there are probably ~5-10 more asteroids out there right now that we don't see for various reasons. Sunward, not enough sky coverage, etc
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb will be departing Kravass at sunrise with our new Civvie aircraft, says he can't wait to play with all the cool new instruments
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb departed KGA 5min ago & Val took this photo as he took off from Rwy19, handling the upslope no problem. We wish him a safe flight home!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taxiing into the HAB after a smooth landing, we're happy to welcome home our new Civvie! It will receive a KerBalloon for mission tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
thx to familiar terrain & a nearly-full Mun helping to light the way UTVs are getting an early start out to bit.ly/Lisnnes_Crater
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with plenty of sunlight left, UTV crew rolling into the target area & getting setup to track & follow the payload once it is deployed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mun is even more full now, low to the west & Jeb has his taxi/takeoff clearance from Rwy27 prior to full sunrise thx to the extra light
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good release of the KerBalloon unit, confirmed ascent from the ground and the air. Bill & crew are off tracking while Jeb heads for home
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a bit fast on touchdown at 43m/s with a bouncy rollout but Jeb made a picture-perfect approach & is currently taxiing back to the HAB
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bill has radioed in to say they have recovered the payload, happy they didn't have to look for it at night. They are starting back to KSC
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
making good time, the UTV column has rolled back into KSC after 300km of travel. Payload headed to R&D for data delivery tmrw to Bloeting
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ATN ALERT! 2 C-asteroids w/ Pe low in atmo. Will know more upon SOI entry 5/23 & 6/20. Early predictions show atmo entry opp side of Kerbin
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sneaking in before sunset, Bob is on his way to shore. Thx as always to the Maritime Service for safe return of payloads & crew. Sail safe!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
5/18
#2π09:23:37
#3π 12:04:00 !!π!! π15:24:28
#4π 18:04:51 π21:25:19
5/19
#1π 00:05:42 π03:26:10
#2π 06:06:33
@ KSC (UTC-4)
5/18
#2π09:23:37
#3π 12:04:00 !!π!! π15:24:28
#4π 18:04:51 π21:25:19
5/19
#1π 00:05:42 π03:26:10
#2π 06:06:33
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
[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
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
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
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
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
we've notified the Maritime Service of the derelict boat, now drifting south past the cape. They will tow it to port @ Umbarg & investigate
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=12X9z6β¦
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
the Civvie prototype is heading off to its final resting place underground in the Kravass Air History Museum. Exhibit sched to open in July
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KerBalloon teams have settled on 2 new contracts, one of which will be another joint KB/Genesis mission for sometime after the one on 5/25
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has left for Umbarg to hop an airship to Kravass to relieve Val & continue training the new Civvie flight instructors over the next 2wk
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val will be coming back on Wednesday after accepting delivery of our second new Civvie, following Jeb's route but at 4km instead of 2km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everyone join us wishing Specialist Bob a happy 35th birthday! You can learn more here about his KSA exploits so far bit.ly/BobKerman
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
"stellar therapy" is a new thing kerbs are doing, with trips to the surface to lay out under the night sky & relax, w/guided meditation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
clamps installed on the pad for tomorrow's static test fire of the LF/O engine in the Mk4's bid to return to flight. The Progeny launch base has been moved back into the VAB
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
successful ignition & good burn - we will run it at various throttle settings so entire burn will last nearly 1min instead of only 31s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
inhalation of harmful vapors has sent two R&D scientists to the med center. Safety record taking a beating, but they are pushing boundaries
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have confirmation from ATN that astronomers have FZX-816(C) in sight as Kerbin rotates around to face it, making observations (obsv) now
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
results of obsv: higher Pe than expected, dive thru atmo on opp side of Kerbin. Most likely will break up & burn up before hitting ground
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
again, NO IMMEDIATE DANGER TO KERBALS! latest scam: No, you do not need air filters when visiting the surface after the event occurs
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
those would be Bill's legs as he does what he loves: wrenching. UTVs are getting final checkouts for their overland trek of at least 226km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
welcome home, Val - and our 2nd new Civvie! Bob ran out to the runway from the HAB to grab a pic of her landing, touching down at only 36m/s
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
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
Bill & Bob report UTVs & KerBalloon crews ready for rollout at 2nd sunrise tomorrow. Val says Civvie will be rdy for flight at 3rd sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
kerbs have been showing up to pray at the Monolith to ask for deliverance & that the oncoming asteroids be diverted away from Kerbin
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we should note these kerbs come by their own means & camp nearby, we do not host pilgrims @ KSC or Support Village for security reasons
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bob & Bill lead out the other UTV, only 2 needed for this trek. We're hoping cloud conditions are better later today for Civvie to fly
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
UTVs have reached bit.ly/Area_C8FN9 after 119km of trekking, setting up camp for this night cycle. Val is finishing breakfast then suiting up
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HAB will be spending the rest of the wk finalizing the installation of the twin engines on the Deuce & also prep for ctrl surfaces next wk
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
security has been dispatched to secure turf runway & ensure no Monolith pilgrims, for whatever reason, wander out there during Civvie ops
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val is in position & holding for takeoff clearance. Waiting for a bit more sunlight and also for security to confirm that runway is clear
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
on course to Area C8FN9 after a good departure, Val will continue to climb to 3.5km. Bob, Bill & crew report they are breaking camp
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
clean drop reported by Val, who is regaining control after the CoM change before circling around to get a visual on the balloon's ascent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bad news: negative on visual. Val made two circles before Flight ordered her home. UTVs are 15km away & will move in to investigate
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
1km ASL & turning downwind to enter the traffic pattern Val snapped a quick shot of KSC cloaked by cloud shadows before focusing on landing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
unfortunate news came in during Val's landing: KerBalloon team found the probe in several peices - compressed gas canister burst on impact
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
happy to report UTVs have both made it back to KSC safe, thanks again to Luftkor Charters for their airship helping us remain in contact
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
more fallout from yesterday's mission as KerBalloon says they will go alone for now until investigation into air drop mishap is resolved
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we know Minmus is made of ice cream but who took a bite out of it? No one, don't worry. Lowlands you see lit up top are in shadow at bottom
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
construction at Arekibo resuming after 2 days constant rainfall, an odd weather pattern for the region that has left meteorologists puzzled
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
both the Deuce & 2nd Progeny Mk4 have their final main integration work today, VAB & HAB so busy they are closed to non-essential workers
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
main build phase completed, the first Deuce is getting examined carefully in & out by technicians before the final build phase is approved
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/Progeny_Mk4-2 has been fully stacked & will next be laid horizontal for final readiness checks. We certainly have room to grow π
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the VAB can currently handle rockets as tall as 50m, assuming a carry vehicle no higher than 5m. Not just door clearance - ceiling lights!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everyone say hello again to our newest captured asteroid, this time by its proper name - bit.ly/Pilirani or "persevere, endure"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronomers doubt Classe E asteroids could have satellites, but def think there are larger objects still to be found between Duna & Jool
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
lunch, served from 12-2, is a great communal time as kerbs gather in the KSC or Support Village cafeterias & discuss their day so far
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val reminded Lanalye of Jeb's request to take up a Civvie for aerial photos of the launch - she said should have reminded her sooner. Drat!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
view from the Astronaut Complex is foreboding - most of the Lagoo Nebula covered by clouds moving in from the west. We also hear thunder
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rain has begun, thunder still distant but definitely getting louder. We called Jeb at Kravass who reports weather still bad too - that's 340km away!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
storm is not severe, occasional thunder & cloud lightning w/ moderate rainfall - but it seems unusually persistent, over Kravass/Umbarg too
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
5/31
#2π10:07:49
#3π 12:48:12 ?π? π16:08:40
#4π 18:49:03 ?π? π22:09:31
6/1
#1π 00:49:54 π04:10:22
#2π 06:50:45
@ KSC (UTC-4)
5/31
#2π10:07:49
#3π 12:48:12 ?π? π16:08:40
#4π 18:49:03 ?π? π22:09:31
6/1
#1π 00:49:54 π04:10:22
#2π 06:50:45
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this is *not* where the rocket needs to be right now :/ Launch HOLD now official. Launch window closes at 1909Z & 5h25m launch prep needed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather conditions are safe for shuttle buses to operate & non-launch staff are expected to be at work today. Flood watch is in effect
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
daytime launch windows currently are 45min post-sunrise to 1hr pre-sunset. We can no longer prep launch before window closes. L-0 scrubbed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rainfall has remained steady & moderate, no heavy rains or flash flooding - water from the mountains draining without issue into the ocean
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
pretty wet out there on the north field by Monolith. We setup the Support Village parking structure as shelter but pilgrims remain in tents
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
well we tried our best but the weather continues to not cooperate. Launch is scrubbed for today :/ New L-0 time set for 17:37 UTC tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rain is finally over it seems. Pad crew will perform an inspection tomorrow & if no problems with launch base, rollout will be at 12:12 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
6/1
#2π10:11:13
#3π 12:51:36 !!π!! π16:12:04
#4π 18:52:27 π22:12:55
6/2
#1π 00:53:18 π04:13:46
#2π 06:54:09
@ KSC (UTC-4)
6/1
#2π10:11:13
#3π 12:51:36 !!π!! π16:12:04
#4π 18:52:27 π22:12:55
6/2
#1π 00:53:18 π04:13:46
#2π 06:54:09
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
pad inspection is underway as a beautiful sunrise breaks over the horizon, with clouds heading off to the east - and good riddance!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today's ascent profile will coast the rocket between stages to ease up on dynamic pressure. 3rd stage will be at full throttle, full burn
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Monolith pilgrims have not been allowed on KSC grounds for the launch, but they'll still get a pretty good view from out on the north field
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
lots of flashlights out in the viewing areas as KSC staff & families claim their spots ahead of launch. Handy-dandy viewing location guide:
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! πGO PROGENY!!π
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ascent breakup! Tlm signal lost @ +1:09, then something went poof @ +1:15 followed a few secs after by kablooie! & flaming trails of debris
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
breakup happened 11km downrange at around 30km ASL so no danger from debris, both boosters have already landed w/in the safety corridor
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a disappointing launch day, to be sure, but making mistakes means we're going to be learning new things so we can be even better next time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still a bit of bad footage we couldn't scrub completely but here is yesterday's launch all the way through break up youtube.com/watch?v=DUqMUxβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all 3 UTVs have made it back safely to KSC, wrapping up another busy week. Here are all the highlights: bit.ly/Ops_Summary5-2β¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're getting reports of a minor groundquake in Kravass & airship captains report seeing a streak of fire & bright flash north over horizon
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're waiting for the Asteroid Tracking Network to confirm 1) this was an asteroid and 2) this was *not* Pilirani. Kravass reports 0 deaths
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after a rushed but careful investigation ATN has announced that temblor characteristics/ eyewitness reports indicate a minor asteroid impact
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
given the amount of clouds forming to the north they suspect it either impacted & vaporized lots of ocean or exploded w/ similar effect
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
also they can confirm that this could not be Pilirani as the trajectory is completely different. Still expecting Pilirani atmo entry today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we still can't believe, an actual asteroid strike on a day when kerbs were already semi-freaking out over one that wasn't going to impact
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
please, no one run the odds on this - it's already bad enough out there right now w/all the Monolith worshippers & conspiracy theorists
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
speaking of the worshippers, actually way less here than expected. Jeb says most @ Kravass trying to convince airships to fly to Sea Ring
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
apparently word now is Pilirani is really "the mothership" making repeated passes through the atmosphere to collect the "true believers"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
spotted! bit.ly/Pilirani has new orbital data, will be coming back around today. It knocked its apokee from 73,809km to just 3,315km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
can it survive another pass? As in, even if it stays intact can it climb back out of atmo once more? Unfortunately we may never find out
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here we go again in 5min! Too soon to setup new science stations & too much water anyways. Not sure if we'll ever know what happens
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
and now... what? No one knows. Even if it made it out, wouldn't be visible in sky day/nite anywhere we have scopes before it came back!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
BREAKING! Mariners headed to Umbarg reporting flaming trail low in the skies to the west. Bob grabbing his telephoto lens & rushing outside
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
NO WAY, IT'S PASSING THRU JUST WEST OF US!! Bob managed to spot it w/Val's help just in time to grab this photo as it zipped across the sky
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
news moved quick & some kerbs were fast enough to get topside & spot it from Sheltered Rock & Ockr as well. Rough plot of trajectory:
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
unfortunately the fact that Ockr saw it vanish below horizon means Pilirani's ultimate fate remains a mystery. Most likely: water impact
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
scientific community still abuzz, however reminders have gone out - wacky weather could be developing over these next several days. Noted!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
large storm was seen forming out at sea over the last day cycle, thankfully continued off east. Could still be storms coming from west tho
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val is off to Umbarg for an airship to Kravass to replace Jeb, expects a rough time getting there tho, flight schedules already backing up
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
definitely have some poor weather heading our way, so here's a nice look at the nite sky before it gets completely hidden by cloud cover
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Monolith worshippers mostly gone, for now. Scientists relieved they can go back to studies of it without being harrassed in the process
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is back at KSC, says he passed Val in the terminal still waiting for her departure. Ironic she can't just fly there herself
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val finally made it to Kravass late yesterday, giving up her original seat for another traveler. 2wks left for flight instructor training
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
light trees are out on the runway to let crews check for any damage from the rain, water erosion a serious concern when dealing w/dirt
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
runway checks out, just muddy, so Jeb is off to preflight, original Civvie production now fitted w/new avionics & atmosphere sensor awaits
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
east over the Grasslands Jeb has opened the Atmospheric Fluid Spectro-Variometer intakes to begin gathering data, which is streaming to us
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after receiving 498.88Mb of data Civvie's EC levels are too low & Jeb is heading back in for some new batteries, circling down from 4.5km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
battery swap will take about 30min - there are 6 & they are very bulky. You have to remove the pilot seat to get them out thru cabin doors
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
1st battery is out & Jeb is standing next to it for some scale. Big heavy batteries not good for spaceflight. R&D is of course working on it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good departure, Jeb has climbed to 1km & is starting to gather some more data out over the Grasslands, data stream coming thru @ 511Kb/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
792Mb of data collected & Jeb is once more low on EC, coming around to land on Rwy27 after passing over KSC again at 1.5km a few mins ago
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
landing photo taken after the second flight - Mun is trying to hide up there in the clouds, nearing its new phase just a sliver is visible
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no Mk4 analysis today - Drew was called to Umbarg HQ for an emergency meeting & has not been able to discuss future plans w/Progenitor team
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather is back to rainy & windy - we hear thunder but don't see any lightning, must be high up in the clouds. Meteor particle friction?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crummy weather still here & all thruout the region thx to asteroid passage. Airship travel taking another major hit to its schedule, delaying some of our shipments
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've heard of one airship traveling from Sheltered Rock to Kravass that got blown so far off course it had to turn back or run out of fuel!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have temporarily cancelled shuttle bus service as winds are too high for them to safely cross the causeway. Service will resume ASAP
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
because astronauts are certifiable, Bill, Bob & Jeb all had a contest to see who could jump and be blown furthest by the wind. Bob won w/6m
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
shuttle bus service has resumed, thankfully only one kerb checked into the med center for getting knocked down by windborne-objects
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
where is the sun? You're looking at it. At least it's been dry for a while, but seas are still rough & high winds are still a worry today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tragic news as weather continues to wreak havoc around the region - large updraft near mtns lifted airship too high, crashed down on slopes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
luckily airship was only carrying cargo but two crew members are in critical condition & one was killed. Here's hoping this all passes soon
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon has tasked a crew to check on the VAB after yesterday's rather severe windstorm - workers inside claim they heard a lot of creaking
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
hey now, this is more like it. Hopefully seas calm tomorrow as well so both KB missions can be launched & recovered together as planned
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ops Director Drew has returned from Umbarg after dealing w/lawyers representing KSC workers filing suit over no pay increase for longer hrs
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we greatly care for the quality of life of all team members here at KSA and will be working to resolve this dispute in a fair manner
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the fact that no one saw Pilirani impact has only emboldened Monolith conspiracy theorists telling everyone that it was really a spaceship
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
they assert that kerbals were taken when it passed close to Umbarg, Sheltered Rock & Ockr - despite the fact no one can find anyone missing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
!(/!^/!/#/%/_/(/!(/_/#/!%/!%/!@/_/@#/!/!$/!$/!/_/&/!%/_/@)/*/%/!*/%/_/@#/*/%/!$/_/(/_/&/!*/!%/@#/_/@!/!^ - can you decode this message?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
coded message was sent to us by a kerbling w/ a dream we're starting to help realize for many of today's youths via educational outreach
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
if anyone wants hints, will occasionally update this page throughout the rest of the day. Answer will be posted tmrw kerbalspace.agency/codehints.htm
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
second coded message hint is up, confirming there were two hints in the first hint kerbalspace.agency/codehints.htm
Still no correct responses π
Still no correct responses π
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Still no correct deciphering π We're sure the kerbling will be tickled if we tell her no one solves it. New hint: kerbalspace.agency/codehints.htm
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
some additional deductive reasoning can tease out a 4th hint when you take into account all three given hints so far
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
hint page now makes you click on hints to view them in case any late-comers want more of a challenge
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new hint! We have 1 more that will be posted late tonight but seriously someone should be able to get it from #4 π kerbalspace.agency/codehints.htm
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Minmus and Mun at appulse seen from outside the Tracking Station looking towards the R&D campus w/VAB & Astronaut Complex visible as well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
finally posted the final hint. Tho if you're hoping to still be 1st then sorry, that honor goes to @Cyclosteak kerbalspace.agency/codehints.htm
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has suited up and is headed over to the HAB to get briefed on today's trials, testing engines, controls, systems, brakes, etc etc
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with a final customary kick of the tires to finalize his walkaround inspection Jeb is ready to climb aboard the Deuce & begin his preflight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
engine #1 fired up! Jeb will perform idle checks, run-up checks, EC checks, taxi checks - lots of checks to ensure it is operating normally
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we think Jeb is having a bit too much fun taxiing on 1 engine. He says he's not trying to do donuts but "test the main gear's lateral grip"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the team checking out the VAB after last week's windstorm has submitted their report to Simon - seems that everything is structurally sound
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 says overall Deuce performance yesterday was excellent, but have found a potential issue in the fuel system they are still investigating
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is playing host to Tedman & Helta, 2 of the 4 Civvie instructor trainees staying at KSC waiting for their final test: Xcountry KSC->KGA
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tomorrow, weather permitting, one of the other 2 trainees will fly out to KSC with a Civvie from KGA for one of the 2 here to then fly back
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
great approach & landing by Aldeny who is taxiing in. Helta is ready on the tarmac to hop in, turn around and head back out to take her turn
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val has reported in from Kravass that Helta arrived a few mins ago w/o issue. Congrats to both pilots & of course their awesome instructors!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce has been cleared for flight tests! Issue noted yesterday still a minor concern & will continue to be monitored under flight conditions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb will see how she handles tomorrow after 3rd sunrise & is of course super stoked to be first pilot of a multi-engine aircraft. History!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
"apoapsis" is highest point in an orbit, "apokee" is the same but specifically in an orbit around Kerbin. Here are the other shorthand names
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no offense to Jeb, but rescue crews ran practice exercises earlier in the day & are now debriefing & prepping for Deuce test flight later
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce has been rolled out to the tarmac in front of the HAB as the sun rises w/Mun just finishing its transit across, ending an eclipse
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
he's up! He's away! Jeb reports slideslip on the takeoff roll, which was countered. Deuce was airborne ~500m down the runway at ~50m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
30km downrange to the west Jeb has made a slow, careful turn back towards KSC to setup for landing. Says keeping in control is very tiring
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
down < 500m & 60m/s rolling out into base leg Jeb says he's fighting to stay a step ahead of what the plane is trying to do he doesn't want
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has called runway in sight & is back on good approach for landing, flaps full & Flight reminded him to check that his gear is down π
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
"Mayday! Mayday!" Jeb lost control shortly after our last tweet & crashed into the water 6km short of the runway. Rescue boat already onsite
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is visible, responsive, talking over short-range emergency radio as nose cone damaged. Engines stripped off as designed. Deuce is afloat
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mungee has departed KGA for his final flight test, we wish him a safe 350km journey & expect to receive him shortly bfore sunset @ 20:59 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb suffered through a full medical examination & has been released with some muscle relaxants but otherwise a clean bill of health
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with the darkness fast approaching thx to early sunset behind the mountains, Mungee has successfully landed here at KSC. Welcome & congrats!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
FYI there are three pilots in the canteen, two are drinking & one of them is on meds. We have a feeling things will be getting loud
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather is extremely favorable this day cycle & Tedman has just departed KSC to complete his Xcountry test flight north to KGA. Safe flight!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
fighting headwinds brought Tedman in a bit behind schedule & then it took him 2 approaches to land but he's down & training is now complete!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KGA received its 4th Civvie yesterday. All 5 will serve as training vehicles for new private pilots awaiting delivery of their own aircraft
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is off to Kravass via Umbarg to join Val & pin wings on the new flight instructors. Original plan: fly Deuce there then back w/ Val :/
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
by far our favorite variety of eclipse, lights stay on a bit later this sunrise as Mun completes its transit in front of Kerbol
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all 4 astronauts have set out via airship for a 1.5 day journey to the Badlands, where they will spend 3 days surviving w/minimal supplies
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
where are the Badlands? They exist in several areas of the main landmass, are mostly low & hot places deprived of moisture by nearby mtns
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Scientist Cheranne is on KNN again to discuss the facts on 2nd upcoming asteroid encounter, has been moved to prime time now. Progress!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
QEF-511(C) observations are in. It will pass near Sea Ring crater as it dips 18km into the upper atmosphere late on the 23rd, local time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a science team is already prepping to depart from Kravass to lay out ground stations for seismic & audio recording along the trajectory
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
starting to see tents popping up around the Monolith again as worshippers/cultists/whathaveyou prep for what we hear is the "second coming"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Kerbal Astronomical Society is holding their annual space symposium in Ockr this weekend - asteroids are a hot topic, no surprise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Eve is approaching greatest eastern elongation, which means it's still high enough to be seen from KSC when all the stars & nebulae are out
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronauts are doing well & heading back to KSC from Ockr, except Bob who is staying to catch the last day of the KAS space symposium
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
QEF-511(C) has been spotted & observed with a noticeable but small change (red) to its original trajectory (green). It has not been captured
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
QEF-511(C) has left the system & will not be returning anytime in the next 28yrs. Same result if projecting based on original trajectory
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
not that anyone's asked, but how do we transport a KerBalloon? Balloon casing goes on UTV roof the rest is packed into the storage container
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're looking into getting a dish installed atop the VAB for KerBalloon payloads to prevent occlusion & just cause it's higher off the grnd
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
now that Bob is back, astronauts are gathering with upper-level staff to review Badlands excursion and ID lessons, hazards, issues, etc
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all these exercises & the things we learn from them will eventually be applied to our kerbed orbital flight program in 2019 (maybe late '18)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
admin bldg meeting room packed w/senior staff members to inaugurate our newest program: Extremis! Once everyone is briefed we will have a PR
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there is still a lot of work to be done, but the groundwork for Extremis has been laid. Find out all the details: bit.ly/Extremis-PR1
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC is active today, but not for missions. We have opened up the campus to staff families with numerous educational & fun activities setup
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this is another closed exercise in public outreach, will be used to assess whether to open KSC to visits from general population on weekends
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
direct campus access is closed to non-staff. Please park @ the Support Village garage & wait for a shuttle bus to take you over the causeway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
be sure to stop by the Horizontal Assembly Building, where you can sit in the cockpits of the Deuce and Civvie, also talk to Jeb & Val
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather has finally improved & all outdoor activities can commence! Kerblings can pump up & launch small water rockets outside the VAB w/Bob
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bill has started taking passengers up and down the runway in one of our Utility Task Vehicles. No racing! But still a fun ride
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everyone had a great time today, thanks to all the families that came out! We will let the public know ASAP when we are open for visitors
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
next to the R&D campus are garages that store vehicles used for various tasks around KSC, from mounting rockets to moving heavy parts
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
debriefed after lunch, Val happy to have regained her bit.ly/KSARecords for longest continuous flt distance (680km) & time (2:06:28)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
she also shared another image from the outboard cameras, looking north from the southern half, showing the expanse of the desert from 4.5km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
earlier today after 1st sunset Bob & val were stargazing together & finally caught their Sarnus dbl-shadow transit of Slate & Eeloo!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch! Dawn breaks w/ clear skies & no wind. Clouds in distance show upper-level winds favorable. We have no idea why Bill is waving g'bye
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
yep those are cameras on the payload truss, one pointing out, another down. We will post photos from them later today after payload recovery
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here's a gallery of photos taken from the camera - imgur.com/a/6dwlD. Not many because we have lots more here flickr.com/photos/kerbal_β¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
fire alarm heard from the KSC mess hall was just due to smoke from the cooks failing to fully open the stove hood vents. Stay calm & eat on!
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
the lingerers finally pulled up stakes & left - no one was "transported" via the Monolith since the passage of QEF-511(C) late last month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in fact the Monolith has been rather inactive in general as of late - scientists report approaching it no longer triggers subsonic defenses
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 π
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
in further science news, researchers are using this strangely quiescent period to begin a closer and more detailed study of the Monolith
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
so far the only other anomalous behavior they have noted is that it seems to be radiating more heat than normal at a slowly increasing rate
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
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
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
7/11
#2π 09:06:45
#3π12:27:22 π 15:07:36 !!π!!
#4π18:28:13 π 21:08:27
7/12
#1π00:29:04 π 03:09:18
#2π06:29:55
@ KSC (UTC-4)
7/11
#2π 09:06:45
#3π12:27:22 π 15:07:36 !!π!!
#4π18:28:13 π 21:08:27
7/12
#1π00:29:04 π 03:09:18
#2π06:29:55
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
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
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-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
[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
[L-5m] final all-stations poll: Wx GO, Range GO, Flight GO, Tracking Station GO, Tongjess GO. Launch clearance: authorized! πGO PROGENY!!π
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
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
no one has even been allowed to walk on the burnt ground yet but hopefully we can get close to it again for much more intense research, yes twitter.com/immabed/statusβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC full damage assessment is still underway, most staff pulling OT this weekend to inventory everything that needs to be fixed or replaced
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Very scientifically. Lots of math. Numbers. We totally didn't make someone stand outside to note when the stars were & were not visible
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
So ok we did make someone stand outside. Once. *Then* we mathed. Each sunrise/sunset occurs every 21,651 seconds (sidereal day is 21,600s)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
What this means is the sun comes around to a slightly different point in the sky each rotation & day/nite times shift as the days progress
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
scientists still wary of the Monolith, no one has yet been allowed to approach. This is what the scorched ground looks like. Yikes!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still assessing KSC damage. Scientists have begun probing the burnt ground around the Monolith to see if it is safe to cross & approach
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC damage assessment complete, tomorrow senior staff will meet to lay out the recovery plan & scientists will begin detailed Monolith study
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
recovery plan meeting underway while comm techs are busy finishing up repairs allowing us to speak directly to Umbarg & other cities again
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
we finally have data-link restored to Umbarg, which is also back in touch with Kravass which in turn has re-linked w/Sheltered Rock & Ockr
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC recovery plan underway. Scientists have setup equipment around the Monolith, which has remained totally inactive, including thermally
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
shortly after sunset, Eve still visible along w/ Sarnus, Urlum & Neidon. Mun is about to occult Urlum. KSC looking great - from the outside
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC recovery still focused on primary systems & data recovery. Scientists have been able to examine the Monolith surface for the first time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no initial report has been released, but the fact that you can now walk up beside it has them wondering if it has become completely inert
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce replacement parts are all here, now HAB just needs to get back into gear so the rebuild can begin. It will take around 1.5-2wks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sadly, one of our more seriously-injured launch controllers, Leselle Kerman, died in surgery today due to complications during the operation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Leselle was originally from Ockr, so now all cities have been directly affected in some way except Sheltered Rock by the Monolith Incident
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
KSC Admin complex primary systems are back up. Scientists working on Monolith have continued their investigations, not saying much yet
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a somber day as numerous funeral services begin in Kravass & Umbarg. 47 dead total. Small % of total pop. but any # like this is too large
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tracking Station primary systems back online, Flight Tracker/Crew Roster available again soon. No new report from the Monolith investigation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Tracker back online w/new dynamic system models, something we've wanted to implement for a long time! kerbalspace.agency/Tracker/body.aβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
keologists have been studying the points in Kravass & Umbarg cavern walls where rock exploded (majority of injuries) & electricity arced out
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
strange crystal formations are located at each spot, but they are not like anything scientists have ever seen form underground before
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronauts are all back and ready to continue with their duties next week, more focused than ever. "Can't stop won't stop space or bust!"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSA will be offline tomorrow while our sysadmins perform a full diagnostic on our servers after this past week of replacing hardware
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
senior staff & crew gathering in the Admin bldg for 1st daily ops meeting in 2wks! Been a struggle but we are gradually returning to normal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Scientist Cheranne & Head of R&D Wernher Von Kerman report the scientists will be resuming experiments & development next week earliest
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
further investigation into the Monolith is being continued. It remains inactive. Additional scientists are being brought onto the project
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
on top of everything else being done, work has also begun to prep the Tracking Station to receive its 3rd radio dish late next month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
once 3rd dish is installed, the roof dish will be placed on the ground as well. More details in this earlier report bit.ly/DSN-PR
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val has been tracking Eve's phases, here it is now just past half full. We're actually looking "up" underneath its southern hemisphere a bit
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=_dGUkTβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
apparently kerbs have been reporting UFO sightings around KSC. You'd think *we* would see them too -_- Move along kerbs, move along...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Civvie flight today looks iffy, low clouds blot out the sky and we're hearing rumbling to the west. Note to all staff: bring your rain gear!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
happy 43rd b-day to Old Man bit.ly/CrewRoster-Jeb! He might end up not having to work today, tho he admits he'd love to be in the cockpit
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
also happy 17th birthday to our founder & Operations Director Drew Kerman, enjoying his 5th year of adulthood. Jeb wisdom: it gets old quick
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:
β’ We made it to space
β’ Can probably get higher
β’ Re-entry plan worked great
β’ Still plan to slow down lower atmo ascent
β’ We made it to space
β’ Can probably get higher
β’ Re-entry plan worked great
β’ Still plan to slow down lower atmo ascent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb debriefed after lunch, both contractors satisfied with data. Also a look from 1km ASL down at the Monolith scar during his downwind leg
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the mount for the new short-range tracking dish atop the VAB has been installed, the dish itself will be lifted up next week for integration
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today marks our 3rd trip around the sun since the KSA's first day of operations. Kerzzah!! (We missed announcing our 2nd trip on April 15th)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
"if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail" - Benjamin Kerman. A quote that sits above the entryway to the engineering department
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everyone is well rested after our first full weekend off since the Monolith Incident, ready to push forward into a launch week tomorrow!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
"answering scientific questions are like fixing bugs in code - solve one and several more will appear" - Head of R&D Wernher Von Kerman
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon reports both Mk4 rockets have been topped off, they look great next to one another! Yes, a simultaneous launch would be cool but, no
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
big news out of the gov't seat in Sheltered Rock - Presider has enacted an order prohibiting general public from approaching the Monolith
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
religious kerbs who see the Monolith as a centerpiece of their beliefs are of course holding numerous demonstrations - none here thankfully
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather clearing nicely both here & at KB launch site, will try again next day cycle. Note our new tracking dish on the VAB roof is complete
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after installing temp/press instruments yesterday, HAB crew prepping to deploy Civvie #3 to the tarmac for Val to command at 2nd sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
spiraling down past KSC, seen from 2.2km. Winds have whipped the ocean up to waves as high as 2m but are still w/in limits & not increasing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bob knew this approach would be difficult & was ready with his camera. Val crabbed in great but still almost nosed down into the ground
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taxiing back in, a little shaken, Val admits she's not quite sure what happened but Civvie definitely almost flipped over forwards on her
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after lunch & a longer than normal debrief, we've worked out that Val forgot to reset pitch trim prior to landing, nose couldn't rise fully
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a nearly disastrous mistake, chalked up to managing her approach in heavy winds. Something we hope multi-crew aircraft will help avoid
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all KSC facilities report ready to support launch ops tomorrow & paperwork has been signed off - we are π GO FOR LAUNCH π back into space!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're starting to return to unknown territory with these last two launches. Can rocket stay upright @ launch with lower TWR? We'll find out!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
8/4
#2π07:48:07 π 10:24:57 !!π!!
#3π13:48:58 π 16:25:48
#4π19:49:49 π 22:26:39
8/5
#1π01:50:40 π 04:27:30
@ KSC (UTC-4)
8/4
#2π07:48:07 π 10:24:57 !!π!!
#3π13:48:58 π 16:25:48
#4π19:49:49 π 22:26:39
8/5
#1π01:50:40 π 04:27:30
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
is this getting old yet? Everyone knows where they can go right? We've placed temp ground lighting to make sure areas are clearly marked
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB and HAB rooftops are indeed open for anyone that wants to climb up there, but we do not recommend this as access is not easy or safe
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronauts are split btween Tracking Stn & Launch Ctrl. Bob & Bill like watching Tlm data while Val & Jeb enjoy seeing controllers in action
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] still no storms or rain, but hard to see lots of stars, sky mostly overcast. Wx gives GO for count to continue, will revisit at L-5
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB rooftop cam gives us a great look at the coming dawn and yea, lots of clouds, both low (visual tracking) & high (triboelectrification)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[HOLD] Wx has halted the countdown @ L-5min due to clouds. We will wait it out. Launch window open until 45min prior to sunset - 17:04 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we will post weather updates every 25 minutes unless conditions improve before then. Rocket remains healthy & on ground power. Stand by!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are in for an early break again - clouds are looking sparse off to the northwest from which they are coming. We expect hold release soon
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] hold has been cleared, final poll complete: Wx GO, Range GO, Flight GO, Tracking GO, Launch clearance: authorized! πGO PROGENY!!π
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
LAUNCH!! With the 1st stage booster down to 53.5% thrust the rocket has left the pad @ 4Gs pushing 70kN & burning 95.47kg of fuel per second
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are back in SPACE and passing thru apokee, everything still looking great. Next major event is re-entry, for which rocket will orient itself tail-first
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
recovery successful!! Tongjess has managed to get in contact with us & is finishing up to head back with the payload. Claps & handshakes!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post-launch activities winding down, here is a launch photo from VAB. We won't be posting video, same ascent as last youtube.com/watch?v=_dGUkTβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rumors that the burnt ground surrounding the Monolith is slowly growing are FALSE. Nor is it shrinking. It's just regular scorched land
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
earlier at 3rd sunset, Val took another look at Eve, slimming up as it approaches inferior conjunction with us over the next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with the first hint of dawn on a moonless night, the KerBalloon UTVs depart w/Bill in the lead. They will be covering familiar terrain in the low light
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
also being done this day cycle is the roll-out & mounting of bit.ly/ProgenyMk4-5 to the launch base, Bill bummed he can't take part
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
other areas of the KSC have also been ensuring they are rdy for launch ops tomorrow, including Tracking Stn which now has our new dish setup
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tomorrow the VAB dish will also gather launch telemetry, though not as primary receiver, to fully test out its signal reception & tracking
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
8/8
#2π08:01:43 π 10:38:33
#3π14:02:34 π 16:39:24 !!π!!
#4π20:03:25 π 22:40:15
8/9
#1π02:04:16 π 04:41:06
@ KSC (UTC-4)
8/8
#2π08:01:43 π 10:38:33
#3π14:02:34 π 16:39:24 !!π!!
#4π20:03:25 π 22:40:15
8/9
#1π02:04:16 π 04:41:06
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are going to say that a Kerbolar eclipse on launch day is good luck. Top-bottom Moho, Sarnus & Eve are also visible in the darkened sky
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
sun is setting, Mun not far behind. VAB dish is oriented & ready for testing. Hopefully this great weather continues into the next day cycle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h] successful check-in with MSV Lymun 150km downrange, skip comms working great today. Bob & Jeb both tagged along w/recovery crew
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-45m] with no issues still on the board & both MSVs in place Flight Director Lanalye can run her team thru a full launch dress rehearsal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Cdr Val is taking the place of a launch controller who fell ill yesterday. Only a minor monitoring role. Still, she's excited to take part
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
to those in the viewing areas remember: 1st stage is only boosting @ 2Gs so nobody panic when you don't see the rocket fly fast off the pad
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Scattered clouds, but clearing well - we're looking at an on-time launch! Coming up on final all-stations poll, issues board remains clear
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] Wx GO, Range GO, Flight GO, Tracking GO, Launch clearance: authorized! πGO PROGENY!!π Barring tech issues we are committed to launch!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Liftoff!! How slow can we go? The rocket has left the launch base at only 2Gs. As with our last launch, lift at the nose could be an issue
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the RSO was forced to activate the Flight Termination System at L+17s as the rocket was climbing westward over the KSC shortly after launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we had some lighter pieces of debris drifting down towards spectator areas, but warning sirens went off & everyone pulled back past the VAB
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSVs Lymun & Tongjess are moving off station w/our thx. Bob & Jeb are bummed they don't get to take part in a payload recovery operation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch photo from the HAB roof. We should have more details on the launch failure later this week, after a full data review is completed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
many thanks to @Three_Pounds for giving us an SVG version of our logo. At last - nice & crisp embiggen!! We have re-branded all the things!
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=SEvVtMβ¦
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!
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
storms are abating, we could get a Civvie airborne next sunrise if not for the fact that the dirt runway will have to be regraded over wknd
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
while it is of course cooler if you can, you don't actually need to see the sun to know an eclipse is going on - it still gets really dark!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it was a lot of rain these past few day cycles, still dealing with some minor flooding out on the plain. Monolith is on slightly higher grnd
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this month astronomers wrap up observations on bit.ly/-Remises before predictions say it is sent off on an escape trajectory 8/27
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
runway has been repaired after erosion from last week's heavy rainfall (also regular use), ready to support Genesis operations tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a small underwater landslide along the continental shelf just offshore of KSC triggered a 3.2 on the Riktor scale - doubtful anyone felt it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the risk of groundquakes is a minor concern as we have very little data from past surface construction - VAB may be susceptible to a 5.0+
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
however it is also worth noting that the chance of anything near to or exceeding a 5.0 around KSC is very small... so far as we know
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 reports the Deuce is once again ready to conduct flight trials. Cpt Jeb is more than eager to take it up again tomorrow after 2nd sunrise
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
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
Jeb is off to briefing. Like the first trial he will takeoff, get a feel for handling, then come back down. Just looking for major issues
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
winds are remaining light & variable, so Jeb is finishing up his walkaround inspection. Val will be documenting takeoff/landing from the rwy
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
having no sideslip issues on his takeoff roll this time, Jeb has the Deuce in a steady climb but still reports a leftwards-roll tendency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
reporting that his arms are starting to get tired again holding attitude Jeb is turning for home. Rescue boat already deployed & standing by
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
floating about 1/2 down the runway, a big bounce initially but then a solid touchdown & short rollout as props reversed to slow the plane
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have a GO from Wx to continue flight trials, clouds still low Jeb can't climb past 3km but he doesn't need to go higher than 2.5km to have plenty of recovery room
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
climbing aboard for preflight Jeb comments on how cavernous the aircraft feels when he is the only one aboard. Can seat up to 4 passengers
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after some more meandering about Jeb says the dampened pitch control really lets him feel how it's the aircraft itself that is unstable
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
BUMP BA DUMP... BUMP, BUMP - several bounces that time, touching down initially around 50m/s as planned. Gear may need adjustments as well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
back in the HAB, we don't expect another Deuce flight today or soon. C7 already saying they may need to do another aerodynamic redesign pass
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
beautiful weather out at KSC today as we host another Open House, with activities similar to the one last month: www.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this is the final test event, KSC/KSA/C7 admins will meet later this month to decide how to manage public weekends in Sept - it's happening!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
is Minmus looking lumpy today? Trick question - Minmus looks lumpy every day (photo credit Commander Valentina)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the base for our new tracking dish was finished earlier today, we expect the dish to be mounted early next wk. Commissioning will take ~2mo
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
direct study of the Monolith surface has yielded no seams or openings, trying to scrape off samples has been unsuccessful. Material unknown
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC will be evacuated Saturday & scientists will make several remote attempts w/various methods to cut an opening so a probe can be inserted
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce redesign completed based on Jeb's test flights, will take ~4 weeks to rebuild as engines need to be moved & tail also will be altered
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the long time is mainly due to having to order up new wing parts, which takes 2wks+ to manufacture. Full details: bit.ly/Genesis-PR9
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
skies already looking nicer. Here is a photo showing how things look to normal kerbal eyes. All of our other night photos use long exposures
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
setup for tomorrow's Monolith cut attempt are completing today. Standard cutting tools, high-powered lasers & more are being readied for use
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after KSC was evacuated, various attempts were made this past day cycle to create an opening in the Monolith to insert a probe. All failed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no further activity from the edifice has been reported during these attempts. Scientists are now considering excavating around the base
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
observations from Ockr after bit.ly/-Remises passed overhead at Pe confirm it is on an escape trajectory to exit the system on 9/1
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
while this is a triumphant proof of astronomer's predictions at last, sad to see the largest moonlet of Kerbin leave - forever? We will see
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
meeting earlier w/heads of KSC, KSA & C7 have agreed on a plan to open KSC to the public starting this weekend with guided bus tours
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tours will depart from the Support Village. For now, launches will remain closed to the public but that's the next thing to be discussed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
since the Monolith cannot be penetrated (as of yet) project scientists have decided to begin carefully excavating closely around its base
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC ops will continue - either something will happen or something won't but we can't waste time waiting around to see. Life on the edge!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we would like to add all Monolith ops will cease on weekends, and tours will NOT approach the object. Still closed to all public access
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
R&D failed to inform KSC emergency services they would be venting smoke from an experiment. Well, let's just call it a drill then, right?
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/KSAMissionCtrlβ¦
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, bit.ly/-Remises - asteroid is now back in sun orbit & obsv taken in its way out show it won't be back in the next 28 years
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are excited to welcome the public to KSC later today! Daylight only tours will run from 3rd sunrise to sunset & 4th sunrise to sunset
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tickets have been selling out fast, we are booked solid the next two months already. Funds help maintain KSC & go to non-profits as well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the first tour buses crossing the causeway. 45min guided tours let you see the entire space center & learn about all our exciting projects
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
last tour of the day cycle is wrapping up, guests have been great - especially the kerblings! Our tour guides are loving all the questions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
well, that took longer than we expected - a group of kerbs broke away from the tour & made a run for the Monolith, were quickly apprehended
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
PSA: IF YOU LEAVE A TOUR GROUP YOU WILL BE ESCORTED OFF THE GROUNDS W/O REFUND. IT'S A SMALL BACK SEAT YOU DON'T WANT TO BE CRAMMED IN THERE
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
thanks to everyone who came out to experience the Kerbal Space Center! We look forward to educating more tomorrow & the following weekends
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a collage of various Minmus daytime shots showing off its variety of surface features and hues. Not to say Mun is boring but...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
looks like word spread fast, a lot of empty seats on the sold out tours today. Sad that would be the only reason some want to come to KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
scientists are moving forward on Monolith excavation, a dome is now starting construction over it for security & water damage prevention
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in two weeks the dome should be complete & digging can begin. Slow, careful digging. Not many here think it is a destructive device tho
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've seen a drop in KSC ticket sales & increasing refund requests. More seats for kerbs actually interested in science, so no complaints!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today's flight (bit.ly/CivFlt21) was the 50th mission for bit.ly/GenesisProgram! Congrats to them on this milestone and here is to many more to come!
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
we have recieved a generous donation! Soon a replica of the Progeny Mk4, 1st rocket to reach space, will grace the KSC lawn outside the VAB
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
if you've left something behind during your visit to KSC you can return to claim it at Lost & Found, Building B lvl1 of the Support Village
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
question asked often on tours - why does Mun move east-west in sky but its shadow moves west-east across ground? Because Kerbin rotates!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mun does actually move west-east over Kerbin but it does so at a slower rate than Kerbin spins, so we see it moving east-west in the sky
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
if Mun were closer than keostationary orbit (2,863.33km) it would also move west-east in the sky, and it would look something like this π
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
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
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
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'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
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
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
9/12
#2π10:00:43
#3π 12:37:33 π16:01:34
#4π 18:38:24 !!π!! π22:02:25
9/13
#1π 00:39:15 π04:03:16
#2π 06:40:06
@ KSC (UTC-4)
9/12
#2π10:00:43
#3π 12:37:33 π16:01:34
#4π 18:38:24 !!π!! π22:02:25
9/13
#1π 00:39:15 π04:03:16
#2π 06:40:06
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
[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
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-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
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-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-5m] final general poll: Wx GO, Range GO, Flight GO, Tracking GO, Launch clearance granted! πGO PROGENY!π 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
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+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
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
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
Happy bday to us! Send cake! It really has been a yr of operations here at KSA! Founder @DKerman_KSA has a few words kerbalspace.agency/?p=5167
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're not going to do any year-long wrap up of stats or milestones or anything - we'll get in the habit of doing that every calendar year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
9/14
#2π10:07:31
#3π 12:44:21 !!π!! π16:08:22
#4π 18:45:12 π22:09:13
9/15
#1π 00:46:03 π04:10:04
#2π 06:46:54
@ KSC (UTC-4)
9/14
#2π10:07:31
#3π 12:44:21 !!π!! π16:08:22
#4π 18:45:12 π22:09:13
9/15
#1π 00:46:03 π04:10:04
#2π 06:46:54
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h] regional Wx data being gathered via Kravass, Umbarg & airships to kick off pre-launch ops. Conditions have been great since yesterday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new automation this launch: booster decouple after engine flame out, 60km fin shred & monitoring pitch levels (engine ignition still manual)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final code upload has been completed, rocket now fully configured for the terminal count at L-2min. All systems nominal, no issues posted
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-45m] everything looking good, moving on to launch rehearsal. If you haven't picked out your spot on the lawn, things are filling up fast!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] Wx HOLD: low heavy clouds are now moving through. We have no visual on clear skies to the southwest & Umbarg is clouded over as well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] back to the final countdown and we are GO! Skies are mostly clear & winds remain within limits. No additional issues being worked
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
last 10min leading up to 5min poll are eerie - launch control is dead silent (under nominal conditions) as everyone preps for status check
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have good solid booster ignition & lift off!! Rocket is pitched 89.4Β° from 87Β° after clearing the launch base & spinning up to head east
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L+4m] flight remains nominal, AFCS continues to perform perfectly & we are hands-off the remainder of this flight. Awaiting atmo re-entry
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Tongjess is wrapping up recovery operations, has payload out of the water. Time to clean up, reset & prep for another launch on Monday!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is closing out work today to be all rdy for ground trials this coming Monday ahead of return to flight as soon as the next day 9/19
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Maritime Service has issued a severe storm warning along the coast, including Cape Kernaveral. KSC is prepping for storm surge & heavy rain
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no mandatory evacuation is in effect, but Civvies all hangared, launch base tied down, tracking dishes locked & grnd lvl floors sandbagged
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
as of right now, all tours this Saturday are cancelled, but we will update tomorrow with news of the storm's severity & could re-open
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're experiencing heavy rain but winds are not that extreme, tidal flooding still a danger tho & KSC will remain closed to the public today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tour tickets will be refunded or you can book a new date for free. Everyone will be on a wait list as well to fill any early cancellations
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rain bands have been passing over on/off all day, so local flooding no problem but storm surge + high tide starting to encroach on KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC sits on a natural flood plain and is built up 3m to prevent inundation. Usually keeps us dry but when tides & surges come together...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this is where Mun is *right now*, and the tidal bulge is not far behind. You can check it yourself here: kerbalspace.agency/Tracker/body.aβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
thankfully waters did not rise over to flood KSC, worst of the storm is now past & we will get things cleaned up tomorrow for re-opening
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
minor water damage to VAB roof thanks to a plugged drainage pipe but rockets are all dry & secure. No launch delay for Progeny Mk5 #3 on Mon
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the weather is clearing up beautifully today, Bob was out w/ his camera & caught a nearly full Mun rising, zoomed in on a Tracking Stn dish
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
full launch pad tours this day cycle will be suspended while rocket mounting ops are underway, but buses will come close enough for photos
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
9/18
#2π10:21:07
#3π 12:57:57 π16:21:58
#4π 18:58:48 !!π!! π22:22:49
9/19
#1π 00:59:39 π04:23:40
@ KSC (UTC-4)
9/18
#2π10:21:07
#3π 12:57:57 π16:21:58
#4π 18:58:48 !!π!! π22:22:49
9/19
#1π 00:59:39 π04:23:40
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
last time we had an eclipse the same day as launch (kerbalspace.agency/?p=4786) things didn't go well. We will see how it turns out this time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce has been cleared for flight, tomorrow after 2nd sunrise Cpt Jeb will start what will hopefully be a full day of flight testing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this launch, everything will be automated except the 3rd stage throttle. We will see how code test performs before allowing it on 4th launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
payload science code will also be run for 1st time, but this is not flight-critical code so if anything fails we just try again next time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h45m] with the rocket configured, time to fuel up. We are GO for tanking, trucks already left for the pad a few mins ago, hooking up now
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are now STANDING BY. One "minor" issue being worked w/a memory address error on the M-315 control unit, have USI tech support on the line
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
memory issue has been resolved, no further issues being worked. All spectators please take note of viewing area closure for VAB roof repair
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
RSO reports Tongjess has been trying & failing to contact a vessel on radar heading straight down our launch corridor with obvious intent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tongjess is moving off station to intercept, but it's not outfitted w/any means to actually stop the incoming ship if it does not turn away
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] HOLD COUNT - Tongjess reports the ship swung around them and is continuing uprange towards KSC, ID'd as a KerVoyant merchant vessel
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ship continues to ignore hails, but we have a pretty good idea what is about to happen. KerVoyant is run by a deeply Monolithic family
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KerVoyant ship has pulled up 2km offshore directly east of the launch pad and dropped anchor. Comm channels just lit up w/recorded speech
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
they're blanketing all channels & if they continue to do so we'll be unable to communicate w/Tongjess or Lymun. Standby on speech transcript
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
recording is looping. We've put the call out to Umbarg authorities but this whole event is rather unprecedented & will take time to resolve
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this is, of course, exactly what KerVoyant intended. Launch is scrubbed today >:( here is what we're getting over all our comms channels
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
right now, the only entity in the wrong is KerVoyant. We will not add ourselves to that list by doing anything rash
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've dispatched our rescue craft to relay orders to Tongjess, who will run them out to Lymun, for both crafts to standby for launch tmrw
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
assuming we can get this ship out of here by then (working on it!), we will aim for the end of our 1st daytime window @ 13:40 UTC w/4h count
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket is unfueled & powered down, still working on "range issue". Problem: there's no real law or regulation against what they are doing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's been on nothing but good faith ships (that rarely come by anyways) have stayed clear while new regulations are being pushed thru govt
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have word from Sheltered Rock the gov't has taken notice, which means this could actually get at least partially resolved today?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
FINALLY - emergency Assembly session ratified new maritime regs, salvage hauler from Umbarg coming to cut anchor & tow KerVoyant ship away
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
9/19
#2π 07:00:30 !!π!! π10:24:31
#3π 13:01:21 π16:25:22
#4π 19:02:12 π22:26:13
9/20
#1π 01:03:03 π04:27:04
@ KSC (UTC-4)
9/19
#2π 07:00:30 !!π!! π10:24:31
#3π 13:01:21 π16:25:22
#4π 19:02:12 π22:26:13
9/20
#1π 01:03:03 π04:27:04
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sunrise from outside Launch Control shows we may have clouds *and* wind to deal with this day cycle. Wind could pickup w/sun rising too
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mk5 launch raises nose to within 1Β° of vertical, any wind >5kts will push it over and it will ascend west over KSC instead of out to sea
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
winds remain above launch commit criteria but they have been variable & could die down - we only need just a few seconds of <5kts!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] final general poll: Wx GO, Range GO, Flight GO, Tracking GO, Launch clearance granted! πGO PROGENY!π Everyone blow hard west plz
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HOLD HOLD HOLD! Winds remain red. Countdown has been terminated, rocket being safed & we are working to recycle the count to L-30m w/new L-0
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new L-0 time is start of next daylight window @ 17:35 UTC, rocket will remain fueled all systems in standby to pickup count again @ L-30min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce flight trials have once again been pushed back, this time until tmrw since right after Mk5 flight, #4 needs to be rolled out & prepped
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have released a brief statement about the events of yesterday's launch delay, which you can read on our website: kerbalspace.agency/?p=5253
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] controllers all back on console, control unit being re-initialized with new L-0 time. Skies clear, air dry & winds are calm
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket control is reset & ready for terminal count, fuel continues to maintain levels & all rocket systems remained nominal over hold
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] range is clear, we are GO for rocket arming. Weather continues to look very favorable tho winds could pick up again w/ sun now risen
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] back once again to final general poll: Wx GO, Range GO, Flight GO, Tracking GO, Launch clearance authorized! πGO PROGENY!π for reals?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-1m] we have a light 1-2kts breeze out of the east, Wx is monitoring. Manual abort works up to L-0, can be flipped w/o FD okay past T-10s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
booster ignition & liftoff of the 3rd Progeny Mk5 making for space & our highest Mk5 apokee yet! Flight reports nominal ascent off pad
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L+2m] MECO & we are headed up to an apokee of 104km. Controllers are completely hands-off now, just monitoring rdy to jump in if needed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
that's a successful recovery! Payload landed just 31km downrange & we'll find out why when engineers review TDU. Expecting report late today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Monolith dome is completed, made of large pre-fab pieces it's 46m tall - we still can't believe they managed to raise it in only 2wks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have a short video of the Mk5 "standing up" when coming off the launch base, which is why E winds are a hazard youtube.com/watch?v=p6N0Lcβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
despite praying, sitting in his flt suit & praying while sitting in his flt suit Jeb has admitted defeat. Rain still falls, flt is scrubbed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we won't be able to free up resources needed to get a flight off the grnd 2nd day cycle so next Deuce flight trial attempt after Mk5 #4 launches
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
9/20
#2π 07:03:54 π10:27:55
#3π 13:04:45 !!π!! π16:28:46
#4π 19:05:36 π22:29:37
9/21
#1π 01:06:27 π04:30:28
@ KSC (UTC-4)
9/20
#2π 07:03:54 π10:27:55
#3π 13:04:45 !!π!! π16:28:46
#4π 19:05:36 π22:29:37
9/21
#1π 01:06:27 π04:30:28
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather outside this day cycle is looking great, no trace of the clouds & rain that came thru late yesterday. Here's hoping conditions hold
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h40m] launch team is assembling. This flight will be the first to run completely automated from T-2min & follow the normal ascent path
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
just becuase this flight is automated doesn't mean controllers get to relax! Must monitor to ensure code running properly, jump in if needed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h40m] wrapping up fueling we have added 109kg of mass to the rocket, now 1.841t, a new bit.ly/KSARecords (will update post launch)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all viewing locations are open again, are currently lit. These areas all provide quick sheltering in the event of RUD so please stay within
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h55m] fuel levels holding, pad cleaned up & now clearing for engine checks. A small quick-response team shelters in the nearby bunker
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] we are GO for final countdown sequence. Winds out of the WNW pose no problems, clouds are scattered & could be a potential issue
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-2m] AFCS has taken over control for these final minutes, controllers monitoring closely what it is doing to ensure proper execution
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
liftoff!! Skies are again just barely within limits for launch. 1st stage booster pushing the rocket off the pad at 4Gs for initial ascent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've suffered an inflight anomaly. Signal loss occurred at L+1m4s & visual tracking reported an explosion and break up of the rocket
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are not speculating on any reasons, launch ctrl currently working through ascent failure procedures to collect all the data for review
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HAB has rolled out the Deuce for Jeb, who is feeling better, to take up after 3rd sunrise. They shut the door like "keep it in the air!" π
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb's main goal for this flight is making sure that pitch stability is improved. Assuming it is, he will do some performance envelope tests
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
assuming launch readiness checks complete w/o issue today we are GO for launch tomorrow! Final anomaly report: bit.ly/ProgenitorPR16
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tl;dr - we will launch a high-alt KerBalloon from the range monitoring vessel or KSC prior to launch to check for any wind shear conditions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after a 2km roll w/speed approaching 80m/s Jeb was able to gradually haul back on the yoke, take to the air & hold positive rate of climb
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight ctrl says C7 has seen enough & instructed Jeb to come about for his landing appr to Rwy27. So close to perfect flight performance :/
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
on final approach, Jeb just recovered from what was almost a repeat of his 1st landing attempt where he stalled out off his final leg turn
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
spoke too soon. As soon as he dropped gear the Deuce rolled over & plunged straight into the water. Rescue boat was pacing & is moving in
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rescue boat is onsite & crew just entering the water. No response via shortwave emergency radio from the cockpit, no visual reported on Jeb
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rescuers had to blow the emergency hatch to access the cockpit & extract Jeb, who is unconscious & being rushed ashore, med team standing by
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good news, Jeb thankfully only suffered a minor concussion from the impact & Deuce didn't sink, will be ashore shortly then back in the HAB
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#2π
07:10:42 π10:34:43
#3π 13:11:33 !!π!! π16:35:34
#4π 19:12:24 π22:36:25
9/23
#1π 01:13:15 π04:37:16
#3π 13:11:33 !!π!! π16:35:34
#4π 19:12:24 π22:36:25
9/23
#1π 01:13:15 π04:37:16
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bill & Bob are helping close out the KerBalloon for today's launch. Thx to KB ops defer, enough parts available to construct on short notice
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progenitor have ordered their own set of KB units but enough surplus also available that KB program is letting Progenitor use one of theirs
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#OTD in 2016 we launched our 1st ever rocket (bit.ly/Progeny_Mk1-A1) and today we plan to launch our 1st fully automated rocket!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we hear lots of family & friends got out of work early today to see the launch so get your spots marked out early it's going to be crowded!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bob & Bill have headed out with 2 UTVs a few km to the northwest to prep for balloon launch, wind will carry it thru Mk5's ascent corridor
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h20m] balloon released, headed up for 24.9km. Full Mun at zenith gave the team out in the Grasslands plenty of natural light to work by
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] final count is a GO! Balloon data coming back favorable, surface winds good & skies clearing. Jool & Moho near appulse, Eve above
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] waters, airspace & pad clear, we are GO to arm the rocket & Flight Termination System (which is still a manually-controlled system)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
LAUNCH! Mk5 has left the pad w/nominal pitch, now spinning up thru 1st stage boost & will reach upwards of 330m/s by the time stage expires
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L+2m] MECO w/disappointing 87km apokee, we expected more this launch. Well, at least the rocket didn't blow up? Standing by for re-entry
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L+6m] we have successful chute deploy! Payload descending 36km downrange WSW of KSC almost on top of the abandoned C7 Aerospace base
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post-launch ops well underway after everyone done congratulating each other. Our 1st fully-automated rocket flight was a complete success!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
while Tongjess recovered the rocket payload, Lymun was also recovering the balloon payload shortly after launch, both headed back to KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Cdr Val to fly a Civvie science mission on Monday to see just how sensitive our gravioli sensor really is flying over varied crust thickness
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
anyone notice that bit.ly/ProgenitorProg⦠has achieved all its original Primary & Secondary goals last week? We added one more
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/ATN-DB_9-25-17 has been posted with a total of 1,004 asteroids, 14 updated with new orbital information & 0 new alerts issued
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val wasted no time getting airborne, rolling about 500m & hardly reaching Bob before climbing out @ 12m/s vertical speed, already thru 200m
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val has informed Flight that she is unable to fully raise her flaps. Quick check w/C7 engineers says she is ok to proceed at 1 notch flaps
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
engineers warned her not to do any extreme maneuvers, exceed 135m/s & also to not attempt to move them until she is ready to land later
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have a direct link to Val 44km out & Wx update has winds back up to 8-10kts but shifted out of NNE so she has been cleared to land Rwy09
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
if Val is unable to move flaps at all to lower them, she will simply have to approach slightly faster, no prob - headwind + plenty of runway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flaps are notched 3, Val is on final approach - yes, she's actually flying straight towards the runway, counteracting the sideways wind push
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
nice smooth landing & Val is taxiing back into the HAB so technicians can have a look at the flaps while scientists grab the gravity data
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
dump trucks full of excavated material from the Monolith are escorted by security vehicles due to some attempts to grab "holy dirt" en-route
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the trucks drop their contents at a secure site in Umbarg, the dirt itself is most definitely being analyzed, especially the scorched dirt
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
to clarify a bit on yesterday's Monolith update, only 2 dirt trips made so far - excavation is more like an archeological dig, veeery slowly
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val just finished processing this img of Sarnus taken just before dawn - that smudge pointed to is the shadow of highly inclined Tekto!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
if anything, 280 chars per tweet simply means we can use less acronyms & abbreviations. Have never felt we needed more room to communicate
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
scientists monitoring pollen have recorded an increase over past several days back to levels that caused health issues earlier this year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
kerbs are recommended to stay indoors & use filtration masks outside. KB team up north have been notified, unsure of levels in that area
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
results of gravity data analysis from Monday Civvie flight confirm instrument is only sensitive enough to be used at high-alt or space
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a full-scale replica of the 3rd Progeny Mk4, 1st rocket to reach space, now graces our lawn thx to gracious donors from the Duvant family
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this display is dedicated to Raymal Duvant Kerman, who died in Kravass during the Monolith Incident. We will continue to explore for him!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
field researchers have booked a Civvie flight tomorrow to gather atmospheric samples to see how high & widespread the tree pollen is
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Cpt Jeb is a big PC gamer but also organizes regular late-day board game sessions for fellow crew & staff. Today's selection: Katan!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
great work on the fire drill, everyone. Safety record is now 129 days and still going strong, let's all work together to keep it that way!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the storm's leading edge is here, doesn't look to be severe but scientists say the rain should still help lower the pollen levels at least
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rain has passed & scientists say air quality has improved but still caution kerbs should continue to wear filtration masks for time being
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 Aerospace says plans are finalized to break ground in Oct for surface airports @ Sheltered Rock & Ockr, due to be completed in 3 months
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's great to see the fixed-wing aviation industry growing so fast. Like Kravass General Airport, these will be small with room to grow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've resolved worker pay & hours issues brought up back in June, everyone happy with the new flex hours scheme we've been transitioning to
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
originally we planned set hours of operation but that soon became unfeasible due to growing demands of our various missions. Learn & adapt!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
earlier today before 2nd sunrise Val caught a look at Eve approaching Jool for a very rare event today - it will transit the gas giant!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with both planets on inclined orbits seeing a transit as significant as this one (>50% of Eve will cover Jool) is a once-in-a-lifetime event
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we didn't make a big deal of it cause no one can see it w/o traveling to the Great Desert, which some astronomers did. Will return tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tours this weekend will provide filtration masks for all visitors until scientists determine pollen levels, still elevated, are low enough
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
happy anniversary to the Asteroid Tracking Network, which has found over 1,000 asteroids in its first year of operation! The big picture:
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here is just looking at the inner kerbolar system from just outside Jool's orbit (thick black lines are planets, where you can see them! :P)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronomers have returned to Kravass after packing up their temporary observatory & WOW! Img of Jool/Laythe/Vall shown is during mid-transit
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there's an even rarer chance that Duna can transit Jool. Whereas at least Eve can move up & down a bit to hit Jool, Duna has no inclination
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
so Duna transits are even less common 'cause Jool has to be crossing the ecliptic (once every 2.7yrs) at a time we're aligned with it & Duna
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye has said she's willing to revisit the idea of aerial launch footage from a Civvie for the next Mk5 mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
scientists say pollen counts have lowered, but want a Civvie flight tmrw to check up north over central plains region for more regional data
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Grasslands to the west are closer but they suspect some of wind-borne spores are also coming from up north, how much tho still a question
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
photo from over the central plains from 2km, hopefully researchers can use collected data to determine how much these trees affect us @ KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
additional equipment seen brought to the Monolith site this wk is for pumping out water, excavation having to deal with a high water table
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a look at Cpt Jeb's masterful circular step-climb around bit.ly/Area_KP-879 yesterday. He & Val are taking Civvie nav to new lengths!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Maritime Service has begun operations to lay the first run of sea communications cable from Arekibo, nearly 1,000km, over the next 2 months
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!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
WFY-338(E) may have dropped in the ocean by now w/ a big enough splash to eventually cause some big waves along the south shore of the Cape
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've already coordinated w/Maritime Service to deploy a ship to the south to detect any large waves heading our way. Umbarg in the path too
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronauts have all headed out to Sheltered Rock, will spend the wknd in the higher elevations northeast of the city for survival exercises
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no big waves reported here at KSC or Umbarg. Which isn't to say WFY-338(E) didn't impact, it just maybe didn't create that big of a splash
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a clear Munless night over KSC is a perfect excuse to lay back with a wide-angle lens & capture the heavens spread out above
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronauts all made it back to KSC safely, tho all also suffered mild frostbite when an unexpected storm moved in Sat night, a true test!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here is a photo of the high plateaus looking to the northeast, standing at just over 3km ASL as the clouds began to close in yesterday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our 3rd tracking dish has finished its trial period & is rdy to monitor the launch Friday as tertiary backup, still some final checks to do
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
once 3rd dish is fully commissioned later this month we will take down the one on the roof, re-locate it on the ground to form a triangle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no issues during preflight, Val is taxiing past Jeb on her way to Rwy27. This will be the 50th mission for the Civvie! Safe flight Cdr Val!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
passing 39km west of KSC heading north, still @ 3km to clear the Western Mtns, Val is on course for next waypoint bit.ly/Sector_IBL0TR
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
"I really gotta pee!" preceded the request for non-standard appr over the bay, which Flight granted. Val will turn straight off base to final
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tho her rushed landing made Val miss breaking her prev bit.ly/KSARecords for flt time by 1m49s she did set new distance record @ 721km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket getting stacked today. It's assembled in launch configuration for initial checkouts. Easy test: if it falls over something is wrong
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Extremis team remains focused on phase one trajectory computations for 2018-2021. Here is a sample of trajectories constrained to 2018-19
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
customer has reviewed images from yesterday's flight so we are able to release just a few of our favorites: imgur.com/a/GpbbL
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
4th sunrise has brought with it an interesting surprise: a large cluster of tents has appeared just north of the Monolith dome, est 50 kerbs
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
security has been deployed to check it out, they must have made the move onto KSC property over the last night cycle but from where? No idea
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no surprise, campers are all religious pilgrims, arriving overland on foot from Umbarg after gathering there from other cities via airship
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this is not really our problem to handle as Monolith is under gov't control now & we have no means to forcibly remove that many kerbs anyway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
pilgrims say they are content to sit outside their tents & pray w/o approaching the dome. We'll have to just wait & see how gov't reacts
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progenitor introduces the Progeny Mk5 Block II, our most powerful & capable rocket to date! Get all the info here: bit.ly/Progenitor-PR3
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tl;dr this rocket should be able to take payloads past Low-Kerbin Orbit (LKO), >250km. How far? We look forward to finding out on 11/15!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
gov't response so far to pilgrims has been to inform them they are illegally located & will be removed if they do not pack up on their own
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with both Tracking Stn & Launch Ctrl now rdy for launch, Jeb will take up a Civvie next sunrise to see about working in some aerial coverage
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Genesis & C7 have released the Deuce crash report along with future plans for reassembly & an updated blueprint: bit.ly/Genesis-PR10
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
security team getting organized to ensure runway stays clear of any pilgrims that for whatever reason decide to wander that way if Jeb flies
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
winds are still up, so far 2 tents have broken loose & went tumbling across the north field being chased by kerbs. Swear we aren't laughing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight is looking like a no-go as storm has moved on from Umbarg but is only a few km west of us & moving slowly. Jeb prepping just in case
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're calling it. No Civvie coverage of this launch, but Lanalye is open to giving preparation for it another go at the start of next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
10/13
#2π 08:10:29 π12:00:59
#3π 14:11:20 !!π!! π18:01:50
#4π 20:12:11
10/14
#1π00:02:41 π 02:13:02
#2π06:03:32
@ KSC (UTC-4)
10/13
#2π 08:10:29 π12:00:59
#3π 14:11:20 !!π!! π18:01:50
#4π 20:12:11
10/14
#1π00:02:41 π 02:13:02
#2π06:03:32
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket mounting is done, low-press storm system pulling winds out of the SW but is moving along & should leave better weather next day cycle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC security has been dispatched to keep an eye on the pilgrims & inform launch ctrl if any make attempts to approach the launch pad
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
if any try, they are 2.5km from the pad - we would have plenty of time to hold count & safe the rocket. They don't seem opposed to us tho
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h30m] MSV Tongjess has pulled up on station offshore, working with Range Safety Officer to setup monitoring of the eastern range
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
for the record yes, there are northern & southern ranges already defined for highly-inclined launches we just have no reason to use them yet
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all viewing areas are open, as usual for a Friday launch things are already pretty crowded out there so hurry up & claim your spot(s)!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are not sure what planned ascent changes will do for downrange travel - could be anywhere from 50-130km so we just split down the middle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] GO for final countdown! Skies clear enough we were able to see Mun & Minmus set together just a few mins ago, winds light from west
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
LIFTOFF! 1st stage booster has ignited sending the Mk5 roaring off the pad @ 4Gs toward space! Shorter coast times will make events go quick
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are back in space once again, coasting to an apokee of 107km. Science team is keeping careful watch on payload instruments, now active
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
25s comm loss & signal regained for chute deploy confirmation 66km downrange *just* before horizon cut off signal. Lymun is already moving
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
payload will be floating around a while, but this is also part of the reason the empty fuel tank stays attached & fairings remain airtight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ok *now* we can celebrate! Lymun recovery crew just pulled payload from the water. Mission success! Bring that sweet science on home! \[0o]/
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no attempts were made to interfere with this launch & it's nice that not all religious kerbs are opposed to our actions (actively at least)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
trucks from Umbarg came today to transport the pilgrims back, they left without resistance, seemed satisfied even with their short stay
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
word is they will not be formally charged with any offense - Presider is said to be considering loosening restrictions on Monolith visits
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
special activities for today's public tours include UTV rides, sitting in the Civvie & Deuce cockpits and a rare look inside Tracking Stn!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is airborne & has already come about north to head west - no turning south & crossing east of KSC when a rocket is pointing that way!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with a direct pass over KSC @ 1km wing cam was unable to see the pad, so Jeb is coming around again, this time to pass over west end of rwy
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
success! On 3rd pass Jeb was 2.5km west from the pad traveling 51-53m/s & had a Time on Target of ~40s, a nice margin of error. Banking west, he can look upwards
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is taxiing over to the HAB after a nice no-bounce landing. Lanalye will be working this into the launch schedule over the next few days
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
kicking off our 400th day of operations! Tracking Stn team on console waiting for word from KerBalloon team on how the weather looks today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mariners passing a bay south of Umbarg have reported seeing water spouts from large sea animals, perhaps seeking shallows for mating?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this was a few days ago. Val will make an extended overflight of the area & if she spots something a research airship will move on station
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good exterior checkout from Jeb, giving Val the thumbs up to climb on aboard & begin her preflight - which she did after stealing his shades
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
climbing out at runway heading to 800m Val will clean up flaps & turn direct to bit.ly/Area_BNX-4 a little over 100km distant
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still flying around keeping her eyes peeled but so far Val has seen nothing but calm blue water. Signal is patchy but we managed to get this
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
short on daylight & fuel Val has made her last pass, is coming home. If anything was there it seems to have moved on already unfortunately
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val is taxiing in & this time did beat both her longest flight time & continuous distance bit.ly/KSARecords with 2h18m58s @ 802km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val also beat the sunset, but not by much! She says she's glad she took the shades from Jeb, although she did it just for fun at the time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here is the complete composite image of all 5 of this years transits! Accounting for slight parallax Moho transit was clocked in @ 4h17m56s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
great double-appulse at dawn just now over KSC as Eve & Moho pass by below while Minmus & Jool pass by above, w/ Tracking Stn in foreground
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today marks 100 days since the Monolith Incident & gov't confirms there have still been no detectable signs of activity from the structure
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
research into the events of that day still continue under wraps. No one impatient yet but we all hope gov't keeps promise to release report
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye is drilling the Progenitor launch team today for the Block I launch & also working in the Civvie aerial footage
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronauts have dispersed to all 4 cities to visit schools tomorrow. Val & Bob tossed a coin to see who got to go home to Kravass. Bob won
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lanalye is happy with the new launch operations schedule and Jeb has a GO - we look forward to seeing a launch from a new angle on Friday!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
what did you do today? Specialist Bill made a whole class of kerblings laugh when he caught his mustache on fire doing a science experiment
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
altho the original Deuce cabin will not be used again for flight it will still be used, integrated into a training simulator for our pilots
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mk5 rocket final integration going well so far, crew on break for lunch. Will close up the payload & run final overall checks this afternoon
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
word out of gov't seat in Sheltered Rock is they will begin next month to allow visitation by Monolithic followers to their holy site again
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there will be a controlled program in place to allow kerbs to register & get transport there & back. They will not be allowed inside dome
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are working with the gov't to ensure the safety of pilgrims during launch/flight ops. KSC public tours will still not include Monolith
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
who's traveled the furthest on missions? That would be bit.ly/ValKerman w/ 7,743km under her belt. Use our Crew Roster to learn more!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
10/20
#2π 08:34:17 π12:24:47
#3π 14:35:08 !!π!! π18:25:38
#4π 20:35:59
10/21
#1π00:26:29 π 02:36:50
#2π06:27:20
@ KSC (UTC-4)
10/20
#2π 08:34:17 π12:24:47
#3π 14:35:08 !!π!! π18:25:38
#4π 20:35:59
10/21
#1π00:26:29 π 02:36:50
#2π06:27:20
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h40m] team assembled in Launch Ctrl for flight briefing. You can see details for our ascent today in this report kerbalspace.agency/?p=5725#ascent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the new 1st stage SRB will burn over 2x longer than normal, for 20s. The 2nd stage booster will burn longer as well, for 10s instead of 7s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the longer-burning 1st stage booster is significant as the 2nd & 3rd boosters will have greater thrust at the higher altitude they start in
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h10m] GO for preflight! Cloud cover has increased & we are concerned about a storm reported out to sea. Pic a few mins ago before sunset
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h55m] fueling ops wrapping up, the rocket now weighs 1.713t, which is lighter than older Mk5s thanks to new fins massing 0.5x as much
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
almost time to get firmly situated if you want a good spot to view the launch outside, big crowds of friends & family on Friday launches
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] rehearsal complete, no issues reported but weather has put a HOLD on the countdown due to cloud coverage currently being above 80%
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[HOLD] Wx remains red. Conditions are not deteriorating but neither are they improving. Our daytime window closes @ 17:25 UTC, 1hr to sunset
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch has been scrubbed. New L-0 time is 01:21 UTC and hopefully the weather will be better then. We will resume the count at L-1h30min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket has been reconfigured after launch team sent over this set of instructions. Very nice to no longer have to do a full system reboot!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h30m] winds have died down & shifted from the SE, looks like the storm is moving off. MSV Lymun is reporting better conditions also
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-45m] another launch rehearsal underway, this time mainly to confirm that all systems have been properly recycled after the earlier scrub
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-20m] Tongjess reports recovery craft has been inspected & is rdy for its duties. Sun is up, skies are mostly clear & surface winds calm
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-10m] Jeb has takeoff clearance to depart & setup for his flyby, passing 2.5km west of KSC @ 1km ASL to capture the launch from wing cam
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] final poll - Wx: GO, Range: GO, Flight: GO, Tracking: GO, Civvie: GO, Ops Director: Launch permission granted! πGO PROGENYπ
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are assessing a launch anomaly - still not entirely sure what just happened but the rocket ascended on 2nd stage booster then splashed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has landed, unfortunately he did not time his pass well & when he went to turn to bring nose cam around he had already flown past pad
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
1st stage booster remains inert, crew approaching for inspection. Flight team still reviewing logs, code & video to determine what happened
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
report on yesterday's launch failure is posted: bit.ly/ProgenitorPR17
and here's the video that goes with it: youtube.com/watch?v=TTrfzeβ¦
and here's the video that goes with it: youtube.com/watch?v=TTrfzeβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bill, Bob & crew w/3 UTVs are setting out for their longest overland trek to date, nearly 500km round trip not counting balloon tracking
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
3 UTVs, 2 w/spare fuel tanks, can travel 604km so this trip is near their max range. They will check-in with airships flying UMB<->KRA
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ATN celebrates 1st predicted asteroid return w/ PSS-107(D) passing thru a 2nd time, originally discovered 3/29/17 twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
over the next week & change PSS-107(D) will pass by no closer than 2.19 Munar Distance, a little over 2x as far as it swung by last time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
why don't we have photos from space yet? It's complicated, we asked @DKerman_KSA to write a post about it sometime this wk when he has time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although no space photos, we are looking into placing a camera on the 2nd-stage booster, which might get higher than a KerBalloon w/Block I
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Extremis still churning out flyby trajectory combinations, by November they will have all 800+ to begin Phase 2 of choosing the best routes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
glad to have Bill, Bob & crew back safe @ KSC after their longest trek to date: 572km round trip. Flooyd also happy data made it back intact
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
one day we will have a rocket out here on the launch pad that is actually going to Mun, followed by rockets going well beyond!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in which our Operations Director @DKerman_KSA explains why it'll be a while before we get photos from space: kerbalspace.agency/?p=5890
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#OTD one year ago we suffered our first major in-flight rocket failure w/ the Progeny Mk2: kerbalspace.agency/?p=1563 twitter.com/DKerman_KSA/stβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tracking Stn has declared our 3rd dish to be fully commissioned & operational. Work now begun to take roof dish offline for removal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
roof dish will be re-installed on the grnd during Nov to form a triangle of dishes to use as an array to capture data far beyond Kerbin SOI
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC trivia: each Tracking Station dish stands 8m tall w/ a diameter of 7m. They can slew fast enough to track objects in low-kerbin orbit
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
two visitors managed sneak up & BASE jump off the VAB, were quickly apprehended upon landing. We do not tolerate such use of our facilities
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val just took off to run some laps in the Civvie to practice setting up for capturing tomorrow's launch. Jeb is advising from Flight Ctrl
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
smooth approach & landing, Val is taxiing in, says she feels comfortable with the procedure & is ready to catch a rocket launch tomorrow!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tracking Stn reports roof dish is now offline, 2 grnd dishes rdy for data reception tomorrow, w/ VAB roof dish also set as tertiary backup
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mk5 is loaded up & being marshaled into place for rollout tomorrow, work already being started on the boosters for bit.ly/ProgenyMk5B1-3
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
β
Tracking Stn β
Launch Ctrl β
VAB β
Operations
everything has checked out & @DKerman_KSA says we are now πGO FOR LAUNCHπ tomorrow!
everything has checked out & @DKerman_KSA says we are now πGO FOR LAUNCHπ tomorrow!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
10/31
#2π07:01:20 π 09:11:41
#3π13:02:11 π 15:12:32 !!π!!
#4π19:03:02 π 21:13:23
11/1
#1π01:03:53 π 03:14:14
@ KSC (UTC-4)
10/31
#2π07:01:20 π 09:11:41
#3π13:02:11 π 15:12:32 !!π!!
#4π19:03:02 π 21:13:23
11/1
#1π01:03:53 π 03:14:14
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the weather over KSC right now is mostly cloudy w/low clouds @ 2.4km, surface winds light & variable. Currently Wx is RED for cloud coverage
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mounting all wrapped up - cutting it close to preflight as an umbilical needed replacement after a small animal tried to make it into a nest
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
lots of lawn areas already staked out. If you're looking to catch the launch these locations are all that are available for safe (external) viewing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] rehearsal complete, rocket is GO, launch team is GO, assets are GO but unfortunately weather remains red for cloud coverage
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
decision has been made & we are scrubbing for this day cycle - will resume the countdown from L-30m @ 01:28 UTC for a 01:58 UTC launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30] we currently have heavy clouds overhead but clear skies are following! Wx has given the GO to proceed into final countdown !!π!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-20] still no word from Lymun, but at least we know they are out there! Val has already begun to taxi out to Rwy27 to prepare for takeoff
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-10m] Val has received take off clearance & will depart west, swing north then back around south to pass the pad & set up her timed appr
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] final general poll - Wx: GO, Range: GO, Flight: GO, Tracking: GO, Civvie: GO, Ops Director: Launch permission granted! πGO PROGENYπ
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-1m] tune in to bit.ly/ProgenyMk5B1-2 for live ascent updates. Val has throttled back & pitched up hard to slow down. May overshoot
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
(first stage!) booster ignition & lift off! 67.2kN of thrust push the Mk5 off the pad at 4Gs - but things will speed up quick. Too quick?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
AFCS crashed during 3rd stage boost but as designed it returned manual control & Lanalye says launch team is following procedure perfectly
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket is in a flat spin after BECO-3 but still holding together & ascending to an insane apokee of 493km!! WHAT?! We had no idea... [0_0]
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val is on final approach to land & her maneuver kept her on-target to get some great footage! We will have a launch video to share tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
apokee reached at last, rocket is now falling, still in a flat spin. We have no idea how it will handle broadsiding the atmosphere @ >2km/s!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket just exceeded 2km/s velocity & is slamming sideways into the atmosphere as you read these very words. Moment of truth is upon us...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
cheers from launch ctrl as we regained signal after 20s of comm blackout - it survived! Manual chute deploy cmd sent @ 2.5km but then LOS π
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tongjess is working its way around behind the island where the payload should have splashed down, we expect confirmation in about 15-20min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
WE HAVE AN INTACT PAYLOAD!! Recovery team says it is well-roasted & we may have to write off some of the reusable parts - hopefully data OK!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post-launch ops closed out, payload is home & a tired but super-happy Progenitor team retires. What a day! Our expectations were blown away
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb briefed, will be sampling air in a wide area around bit.ly/Sector_SW64 from 1-3km. Val is finishing up Civvie external inspection
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
air samples will gather pollen data to compare to Sept when we experienced a higher than normal count that could have caused health issues
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has departed & will continue on rwy hdg after initial climb to 1km before turning towards objective on hdg225 to begin his sampling pass
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
1st pass underway, comms/data relayed thru Umbarg. New sensors on the Atmospheric Fluid Spectro-Variometer are now being put to the test
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb aced the approach & is taxiing in to park outside the HAB. Atmo sampler data will be pulled & analyzed to see how new sensors performed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in addition to altitude (493km), yesterday's flight also set new bit.ly/KSARecords for speed (1.8km/s) and distance traveled (993km)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch video up! You can see how soon second stage lit off & rocket's bad spin by end of 3rd stage + civvie footage! youtube.com/watch?v=iaRcGIβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all day spent working to get science & telemetry data from rocket has been a total success! Now, all the bad news: bit.ly/ProgenitorPR18
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tl;dr: 11/7 launch pushed to NET 11/22; Block II pushed to NET Dec; lots of re-thinking & re-designing needs to be done after data analysis
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
check out Jeb's flight path from earlier today - flower pattern will be the new technique rather than step-circling. Interactive version: bit.ly/Civvie_11-1-17 elevation plot shown here in this image
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taken almost an hr ago from the observatory in Ockr, newly-released img of Jool shows the shadows of Tylo & Pol, biggest & smallest moons!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taken this past day cycle, a timelapse of one of our tracking dishes being put to work - tracking what? Nothing, yet - just running sims
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tents once again popping up near the Monolith but no worries, this time they're expected. Gov't program to allow visitors has sent 1st batch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we were not going to allow this until later but w/ temp suspension of Mk5 program we moved timetable up as there is a good deal of backlog
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
for now we only need to provide runway security for Civvie missions but while we are ready we do not anticipate any antagonistic actions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronomers watched KUH-563(C) pass thru Mun's SOI back on Wed but have spent this time dbl-checking to make sure - we have a new moonlet!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
moonlet orbit (red) is shown in relation to Mun (green). It was discovered thanks to astronomers keeping a close watch on Mun for passing asteroids. Its orbit shows it has likely been around for a while. Naming process already underway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
another reason so many KSC staff off this weekend - Kerbin Science Festival annual event! Each city hosts its own science fair this weekend
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ATN has eyes on JZL-411(C), which is the closest to being a threat we've had so far. At worst, could affect Sheltered Rock water access
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
living caverns in both cities should be safe even if there is a ground strike, which for this size asteroid is ~50/50 chance of happening
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
science team studying the data from last Progeny flight report over the top of rocket's arc radiation lvls were recorded up to 10x normal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
future spaceflt implications of this data are serious. Lead Scientist Cheranne says she'll be sure explanation is in flight analysis report
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Presider has released a statement confirming the government is committed to a full report on Monolith investigations sometime this year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
say hello to bit.ly/_Alaba in our Flight Tracker, ancient Kerbskrit for "second child", the new name KAS assigned to KUH-563(C)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
technically Alaba is the 5th captured moonlet of Kerbin but it is 2nd in relation to our only other current moonlet, bit.ly/Chikelu
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progenitor team have released full report on last week's launch. It's a deep read. Lots to do before the next one! bit.ly/Progenitor-PR19 tl;dr: most successful flight w/most problems too! Solutions for everything, but time tight. Block I launch NET 12/12, Block II NET Jan 2018
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Sheltered Rock has a team of engineers reinforcing the river access tunnel to withstand any groundquakes triggered by JZL-411(C) impact. Although the chance of one is low better safe than sorry
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
JZL-411(C) has entered our SOI & new observations move the point of impact just 6.727km to the east - great job by ATN on 1st prediction!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crescent Mun rises out of - err, *over* the Vertical Assembly Building, in front of which sits our Progeny Mk4 replica. Credit: Commander Valentina
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
at this minute we are opposite the sun from Duna at conjunction (44.67Β°/224.67Β°E), 35,133,460.64km away. Here's how it looks now vs. opposition, when we are closest
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
thanks to all who came to our first amateur rocket festival! Great turnout - 23 rockets launched, 5 failed, highest reached 1.78km :]
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
did you know Tylo, a moon of Jool, is the exact same size as Kerbin? What would it look like if we were there instead? Wonder no more! The atmospheres of Jool and Laythe bend the sunlight around to make them visible
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ZLC-062(C) is passing through the neighborhood @ 5.36 Munar Distance. It joins the six other (known) asteroids also currently in our system. ATN estimates we're now seeing about 40% of how many are actually out there at any given time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Air Safety Administration has grounded all airship traffic between Sheltered Rock and Ockr in advance of JZL-411(C)'s arrival. Everybody hunker down and stay safe over there!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
news coming in from Sheltered Rock & Ockr is that JZL-411(C) did strike the ground. They expect some minor debris fallout but no groundquakes have been reported. Scientists will explore the impact area next week to allow any fires to burn out
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today marked the 4th time we have traveled around Kerbol since the day the KSA was founded, a distance of 341,458,902.962km. Impressive? Well, despite its smaller orbit, its faster speed means during this same time Moho has traveled 544,970,972.899km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val just finished processing this photo taken earlier, showing the elusive shadow of Bop transiting across Jool - not a sight often seen due to the small moon's 15Β° inclination. Ironically, it's too small to actually see at this resolution
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crashing in the simulator is not a failure, it's just another lesson learned - thankfully without any serious injury, loss of life or huge cost of damages. Simulators FTW!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Asteroid Tracking Network astronomers have released a report with more details on how Alaba will be interacting with Mun over the next 4 years. We've published it on our site as well: bit.ly/AlabaReport
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tracking Station roof is looking pretty empty now as the dish once atop it has been removed for its ground placement later this month. Also weather fails to cooperate for Genesis mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no, we are not going to inform all KSC staff about scheduled fire drills. The point is that you're not supposed to know it is a drill
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a Monolith pilgrim that came down with Surface Sickness (reaction to airborne tree pollen) was treated successfully at our Med Center. We are glad to be able to help any and all kerbals in need
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bob went about 2km north to setup this shot of Sarnus, Urlum and Eve forming a triangle around the Skyspire peak. What an amazing alignment! Neidon sits up to the right
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is being briefed while Val checks over the Civvie outfitted for this mission with a new camera system from CactEye Optics that should offer better aerial imaging. Mun is 3/4 full, providing some background illumination
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Control has a live feed of the camera and guides Jeb onto target to capture what we want. Here is a look from 1km ASL at a distance of 3.9km without zoom. This camera has a 2x wider field of view than our current mounted cams
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
zoomed in on KSC from the same point a few seconds later, covering a field of just 5Β°. Jeb will continue to circle & climb while Flight Control performs more imaging tests
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
almost 9km away (over ground, not angular) at 3km ASL, full zoom on KSC still shows great detail. This is looking like a solid purchase once CactEye addresses some issues we have with camera control. Jeb is spiraling down to land on Runway 09
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the equatorial region around us has been thoroughly troved for data, now agencies are looking towards both higher and lower latitudes for new measurements, like this contract for bit.ly/KerBalloonProg⦠MSV Tongjess has already set sail
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there is still a lot of work to be done before our first launch next year, but we can at last reveal the details of our upcoming orbital rocket program, dubbed Ascension! Get all the details here: bit.ly/AscensionPR1
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
3rd stage construction for the next Mk5 Block I is expected to be completed this week in the VAB, including payload instruments, using the new parts that will help to provide better radiation protection
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#OTD one year ago history was made when Commander Valentina took to the skies and flew in the first fixed-wing aircraft in over 200 years. Relive the mission via this report: bit.ly/KSA1stFlt
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
teams are out hunting down debris & inspecting the 25m-wide crater left by the largest chunk of JZL-411(C) to make it to the ground between Sheltered Rock & Ockr last week. Samples of the asteroid can provide clues to how our early planetary system existed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bob & Bill have departed Umbarg by airship to head to Kravass for their mission tomorrow. Bob will manage the release from MSV Tongjess while Bill provides tech support for the comms relay through Kravass to KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/KerBalloonProg⦠had good success working through Kravass, so next they'll be taking some high-latitude high-altitude atmospheric readings while we test data relay through Ockr, which will be the future hub of DSN comms
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
unmentioned in our original Ascension program report is the fact that we will need a new system of getting the rocket out to the pad and setup for launch, which is indeed also under development
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
photos taken from yesterday's balloon mission can be perused in this gallery - imgur.com/a/oF7WT - by far our favorite is this glimpse of aurora spotted on the northern horizon
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
at their furthest from the sun, the pair of Plock and Karen lie 675,150,469.668km distant. We don't really know what they look like from the surface but here is what the sun would look like from Kerbin if it were out that far. So tiny!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
discovered yesterday, additional observations have confirmed that LPL-416(E) will be making a low pass through our atmosphere, reaching only 24.6km above the surface. It will enter our SOI on 12/4 - a capture is possible, orbit is not hyperbolic
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
oh, nothing - just a lovely sunset over KSC with a gibbous Mun off to the east from atop Building B of the Support Village as another excellent day cycle of public tours draws to a close
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
On her latest mission Val managed to just beat out Jeb's previous bit.ly/KSARecords of 343.82km for distance flown from KSC over land with 345.078km. She now holds all the aircraft flight records except fastest velocity
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bill & Bob have already left via airship from Umbarg to arrive at Ockr by the end of today. Bob will ship out early tomorrow to attempt release at 2nd sunrise while Bill once again provides any tech support needed for data & comm routing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our dish array placement is complete, now to just get the 3rd dish back to operational status and fully calibrated in its new location - then work can begin to see about linking them all together to someday receive faint deep space signals
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we hear reports of a large bolide that turned night to day has been reported by mariners, seen this past weekend just northeast of KSC. Lead Scientist Cheranne says she wants cameras installed to watch the sky every night from now on
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bill reports comm systems at Ockr check out. Its radio tower sits at 4.7km allowing it to receive direct signals from up to 75.8km along the horizon - although the mountainous terrain surrounding the area shortens this distance considerably to the east & south
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our new booster has arrived! VAB crews are jumping on the task of getting it unpacked and ready for tomorrow's test - it needs to be hooked up to the VAB test clamps, receive power & send/receive data signals. Test clamps also being installed on the launch pad
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
AET-732(D) may only cause a big splash if it makes it down intact, but we've seen evidence that it could still have a noticeable weather effect as far away as here with all the moisture that could be tossed up into the atmosphere mixing with dust from the entry trail
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
booster is hooked up to the test clamps, controllers are on console making sure all hookups are good and the control unit integrated with the booster for this test is booted up and operating nominally. Still on schedule for 17:30 UTC firing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have had successful ignition, good run and burn out just shy of 31 seconds. Bunker crew will go out to inspect the booster shortly to clear the rest of the crew back in to begin dismounting operations
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
booster has been unmounted, clamps are being removed and data from the test is being sent off to USI for full analysis although initial reports from engineers here say the results were good
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new contract for bit.ly/GenesisProgram will have Jeb fly out to the West Shore Desert to put the Atmospheric Fluid Spectro-Variometer's new sensors to work measuring sand particles aloft to help improve forecast models
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bob is back at Ockr with the payloads, here is a launch image from earlier today as both balloons begin their ascent off the rear deck. Recovery ship is berthed on the water ramp
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Umbarg keothermal plant is undergoing emergency maintenance this weekend starting ~30min from now, still recovering from extensive damage due to the Monolith Incident. All efforts to avoid a major outage have prevailed until now. We hope to receive power again by Monday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have power restored to KSA HQ here in Umbarg, but full utilities are still coming back online slowly to ensure repairs are holding. Due to its transmission distance, KSC won't have power sent to it until later today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
power has been restored to KSC, what could be done today by daylight & temporary lighting has still been significant across the campus. We expect no delays in Mk5 assembly as long as Umbarg power repairs remain permanent as planned
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there wasn't much we could do to clean this up due to software limitations, so some trajectories are not clipped properly. There were a whopping 33 known SOI entries this past month, with 4 known impacts. Normal? Only time and more data will tell
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/ATN-DB_12-5-17 has been posted with a total of 1,309 asteroids, 29 of which are updated with new orbital information. They have also begun to include the bit.ly/KSPTOT Matlab file so you can lookup more detailed orbital data for every asteroid
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Umbarg keothermal plant is back to 100% output after this past weekend's final round of intensive repairs, although it will be a few months still before everyone relaxes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
debrief complete, mission successful - scientists will be applying this data of sand in the atmosphere to their weather forecast models. This region could play a more important role in our local weather than previously realized (picture looking south)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
right this minute LPL-416(E) should be hitting 24km ASL as it screams through our atmosphere at 3.3km/s. Ockr Observatory will be the first to look for it after 2nd sunset, if not found we'll hear of any news from observation crew when they return to Umbarg tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
LPL-416(E) has been spotted in orbit! Ockr got a clear observation shortly after sunset of its movement as sun angle is very favorable for lighting the asteroid. They will continue to observe over this night cycle, followed by Kravass. ATN to issue update later today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
holy wow, the northern lights are being reported visible by surface visitors near Kravass, Sheltered Rock and Ockr - this is a rather rare event that has only been witnessed a few dozen times before the Sea Ring impact & this is the first time since! (photo from Sheltered Rock)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we still don't know what causes the lights to migrate this far south - one recorded event almost 1,000 years ago had them visible at night near the equator. We can't see anything here from KSC though - at least not this time.
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ATN update on LPL-416(E) has it passing just south of KSC starting @ 23:23 UTC. Kravass reports they observed debris in the wake of the asteroid, so it may already be starting to break up, or just shedding a weaker outer layer? We'll find out later today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val is atop the VAB looking south hoping to catch some glimpse of LPL-416(E)'s re-entry trail just above the horizon - may not be bright enough before it falls out of sight thanks to the sun being up
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
LPL-416(E) should have by now exited the atmosphere, Val says she saw nothing. No reports from Umbarg either. Its new projected (green) orbit based on previous observations is now so small it will actually make another pass before Ockr can even try to look for it later today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#OTD one year ago we launched our first successful multi-stage rocket, the Progeny Mk2.1! Recap the mission via this report: kerbalspace.agency/?p=2258
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no sign of LPL-416(E) - both observatories adamant they couldn't have missed it before it came around for its 5th pass (of 7 total predicted). Looks like another watery grave but astronomers say they will keep looking just in case
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ATN gave up the search for LPL-416(E) earlier today, it broke up on either the 3rd or 4th pass through our atmosphere. Too bad no one really lives in the southern hemisphere - likely to be some pretty awesome meteor showers over the next day or so
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everyone is familiar with the vehicle doors used to roll rockets out to the pad but the cargo doors to the rear are where all the parts come in, like our new 0.625m booster due to arrive shortly
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final re-calibration & testing will be completed today for the 3rd Tracking Station dish, re-commissioning it for active duty. It will still be a while before we can work on linking them though
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Maritime Service announces that the first run of sea cable has been laid to connect Arekibo to the mainland. While a team works to connect overland, the second run of sea cable will be laid over the next 1.5 months
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this week's launch will be the first to be open to the public, but availability will be limited. We look forward to welcoming new spectators to the KSC this Thursday!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
scientists have just released this stunning report of impacts noted by a seismic sensor network that has been established over the past year. We've discovered less than 50% of the asteroids that have hit us since late 2016. More details: kerbalspace.agency/?p=6213
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Civvie #1 completed its hardware control modifications today to allow the onboard computer to manipulate the control surfaces. Tomorrow the software will be tested on the ground, with airborne tests the next step if all goes okay
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today the cafeteria is serving The Special for lunch. That's all the menu says. Maybe it's a marketing thing. Mystery!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
reports are that The Special was pretty tasty. No one could really say what it was. Maybe that's why it's just called The Special?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Progeny Mk5 Block I has been fully stacked, VAB crews now in meeting to go over the horizontal laydown for integration of fairings & final closeouts. At 1.707t, the rocket will weigh only 6kg more than the previous one w/extra shielding & more powerful stage 1 decoupler
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb is headed out to preflight, he will cruise around KSC while at times giving control over to the flight assistance software to see how it performs under various conditions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
making a pass over KSC as Jeb cruises around, we hear tests are so far going well, ensuring computer can fully actuate all control surfaces and properly read all flight sensors
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taxiing in after an uneventful landing, Jeb will park on the tarmac as no hardware/control issues need addressing. Software has a few issues to work out but C7 hopes to have a basic PID controller ready for more advanced testing on Friday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
FD Lanalye has concluded drilling her team of flight controllers and says everyone is ready for the real thing tomorrow and whatever problems the rocket might throw at them. She admits it could still surprise them though. Rockets are sneaky like that
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mounted to the launch rail, the Progeny Mk5 Block I stands 12m tall. It currently weighs 1.596t while empty of any fuel in the 3rd stage tanks. Launch Control now proceeding with final readiness checks. Eve, Dres and Moho visible in the clear dusk sky
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tickets for public access to view the launch sold out yesterday. We had quite a few complaints about the short notice for those that need to travel, but don't worry, all launches will be open for viewing going forward!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have launch readiness approval!! KSC is π GO FOR LAUNCH π attempt tomorrow @ 17:30 UTC. We're all hoping to end 2017 with a bang - but not literally!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/14
#2π09:27:32 π 11:44:37 !!π!!
#3π15:28:23 π 17:45:28
#4π21:29:14 π 23:46:19
12/15
#1π03:30:05 π 05:47:10
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/14
#2π09:27:32 π 11:44:37 !!π!!
#3π15:28:23 π 17:45:28
#4π21:29:14 π 23:46:19
12/15
#1π03:30:05 π 05:47:10
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h10m] we are GO for preflight operations! Meteorologists see signs for good weather during our first daytime launch window, but things may deteriorate afterwards so might only have one shot today. Launch team waking up the rocket for command software load
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bob & Bill lead a team of UTVs out to setup for a high-altitude balloon release so we can get measurements of upper-level wind conditions to check for shear & excessive wind speeds prior to terminal countdown. 2 more balloons can support additional launch attempts if needed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h20m] we have balloon release for its 1h ascent to the upper atmosphere (>18km). Data gathered for winds aloft will be factored into our Go/No Go decision for final all-station polls prior to terminal countdown
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
viewing areas are all packed with the additional members of the public - we will be looking to open up additional viewing areas for the next launch. Please remain within these designated areas for your safety & obey all KSC staff instructions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] Weather: GO, upper-level winds within limits, no shear detected; Range: GO; Flight: GO; Tracking: GO; Ops Director: Launch permission granted! π GO PROGENY π
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
booster ignition and LIFT OFF of the 3rd Progeny Mk5 Block I for our last trip into space for 2017!! Initial TWR of 4 as planned has pushed the rocket away from the launch base and on course to the east, trajectory nominal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
now prepping for balloon recovery, we have booster splashdown confirmations from MSV Lymun, which tracked the 1st stage to 11.4km downrange @ L+3:14 & the 2nd stage to 29.8km downrange @ L+4:38. The rocket is currently 65km downrange, angling south with a 4.8Β° inclination
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post-launch ops underway - even if we don't have an intact payload everyone still *extremely* satisfied with this flight! Other than the 2nd stage decoupling & LF/O throttle to look into, all went as well as we could have hoped to deal with all the issues identified last launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
cheers from Launch Control as MSV Tongjess finally managed to get in touch with us to confirm it is cruising back to KSC with a payload aboard!! \[0_o]/ congratulations to the entire Progenitor team for a successful wrap up of their 2017 flight operations!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 says it won't have their updated flight assistance software utilizing basic PID routines ready in time for flight testing today, so Jeb and Val are both done with flight operations for the year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
work on the new Deuce prototype has been going well and is on track to be finished by mid-Jan 2018 for flight testing to resume. It has been meticulously built to a standard never before seen to attempt to alleviate weird control issues that plagued the original prototype
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC operations for 2017 are wrapped! Find out why via bit.ly/OpsSummary12-1β¦ and catch up on this past week's activites. KSA operations are set to wrap next week - stay tuned for many year-in-review stats π
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC operations ended for us this past week but the space center is still open for public tours this weekend before closing off all access until 2018
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
surprise!! Latest observations of Alaba show it to be on a Mun SOI intercept later today. This is just a tad bit sooner than the "late Jan 2018" prediction made by astronomers and once again calls into question their long-term orbital propagation abilities
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
2017 Year in Review: Rocket Flight. We had some great missions this past year, you can review them all via the bit.ly/ProgenitorProg⦠home page and we can't wait to get started with bit.ly/AscensionProgr⦠next year!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
2017 Year in Review: Atmospheric Flight. You can review any of these missions via the bit.ly/GenesisProgram and bit.ly/KerBalloonProgβ¦ home pages. Everyone is excited to see the Deuce take to the skies once again next year! (full res: flickr.com/gp/kerbal_spacβ¦)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KNN reports that the Monolith Permit Office here in Umbarg was violently attacked and defaced just moments ago by a group of masked kerbs shouting Monolithic verses. 5 employees and 3 visitors were sent to the hospital with minor injuries, no deaths reported
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
developing news in the attack earlier states the attackers carried large blunt weapons to smash up the place, injuries were mainly from broken glass/knocked over objects. Office has been closed indefinitely by the government pending full investigation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no group has yet claimed responsibility for today's attack but all known Monolithic groups have by now denounced the act, which means one or more are lying or an as-yet-unknown group was behind it. Either way, the attack itself is a troubling development
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today's news not getting better - KSC tells us a large explosion was heard with a glow visible to the NE several min ago. Attempts to contact any ships have so far failed, we can only assume an asteroid. Emergency evacuation currently underway ahead of potential large sea waves
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC evacuation did not take long thanks to operations ceasing last week but thankfully was unnecessary, no large waves have been spotted that should have reached shore by now. That was definitely a close one, thankfully appears to have exploded high up
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
"what's an astronaut do in their free time? Trick question, they don't have any!" is Bob's favorite joke but certainly true. Think it's late and our crew is enjoying time off? Think again! This sleep cycle docs are conducting baseline sleep studies on them. Oh, the adventure...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's not just the buildings getting attention at KSC, we are refurbishing both the turf & dirt runways 09/27 as well as bringing back turf Rwy01/19 compacted once earlier this year for permanent use moving forward
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
government reaction to yesterday's attack was swift - pilgrims currently around the Monolith have been rounded up and taken back to Umbarg then released. The site is once again off limits to all but research team members
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronauts are finally done being test subjects for the year, had their final day of poking and prodding by the doctors and are shipping out to spend time off at home. Here's what they've all accomplished this past year (ribbon details can be found via bit.ly/CrewRoster)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
an interesting thing we never shared about the Progeny Mk5 Block I 2nd launch was its trajectory in reference to Kerbin - it went so high and got so slow the rotation of the planet caught up to it, which is why it came down so close to KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in the wake of the violence earlier this week (still an ongoing investigation) the government has kept its promise & released what information they have on the Monolith study, which is also ongoing: kerbalspace.agency/?p=6250
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progenitor team had a final meeting today and decided that, due mainly to the visible design changes, once the Mk5 Block I design is locked in they will retire it and the Block I and Block II designs will go on to become the Progeny Mk6
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we posted 900+ photos this year & after much debate the top 100 have been chosen! Some are simply our favorites but many are key events that happened this past year. Do you remember a favorite of yours that didn't make the cut? Our #1 photo is attached flickr.com/photos/kerbal_β¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
for their last act of 2017 the Air Safety Administration finalized the first draft for aircraft marking guidelines & regulations, which means hopefully early next year we can give our planes custom liveries at last!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronomers have once again tried to predict the future orbits of bit.ly/_Alaba, this time just out to the next three encounters. We'll see whether updated calculations based on prior observational errors will help improve long-term accuracy
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#ICYMI we also went back earlier this week & picked out our top 25 photos from 2016 out of the 293 that were taken that year. Our top pick is attached, you can see them all here: flickr.com/photos/kerbal_β¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
πβ¨ HAPPY NEW YEAR!! β¨π
We hope everyone rang in 2018 safely with much joy and look forward to returning to KSC tomorrow to begin ramping up operations for the coming year!
\[0o]/
We hope everyone rang in 2018 safely with much joy and look forward to returning to KSC tomorrow to begin ramping up operations for the coming year!
\[0o]/
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSA HQ in Umbarg is once again a hive of activity as all staff return from holiday break to get everything in order to return to KSC this week. Full regular ops will begin next week as building surveyors need more time to finish their inspections started last month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
first spotted back at the end of November last year, AET-732(C) has entered our SOI on schedule & is confirmed to impact in the southern ocean. We doubt any adverse weather will make its way north to us but are prepared to monitor for unusual conditions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
great work getting things organized at HQ so far this week, R&D and science labs getting back to work at KSC today while HAB and VAB are still completing their inspections - we expect to get the "all clear" tomorrow so we can finally kick off 2018 operations full swing next week!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB & HAB both passed their inspection today, clearing the way for crews to get things setup over the weekend so operations on the Deuce and Progeny Mk5 can get started full swing on Monday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're back to full operational status here at KSC! We have a lot to look forward to in 2018 and over the past week at KSA HQ many meetings were had to finalize our general timeline for the year. Here's what to expect:
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there have still been no arrests in the case of the attack against the Monolith Permit Office last month. Gov't says as long as case remains open site will be closed to visitors, obviously hoping for leads from Monolithic followers
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we updated our banner photo on our site and media accounts to reflect the subtle changes made to KSC over the past year, such as our VAB roof dish and new Tracking Center dish arrangement. Here is the full photo
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our Admin building has served us well, but with Ascension & Extremis set to move ops onsite this year it's going to get a bit cramped. A 780,000F expansion project will begin this month & conclude in March. In the meantime all programs will be run from KSA HQ in Umbarg
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Asteroid Tracking Network has compiled their yearly census, and the increased effort at locating NKOs has certainly paid off - frighteningly so. It's a bit unnerving to see the majority of asteroids are the ones likely to hit us...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
you've heard us mention Phase One mission planning for our Extremis program & the 100s of trajectory plottings being done over the last several months - now read all the details for Phase One and what's involved in Phase Two: kerbalspace.agency/?p=6365
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the rebuilt Deuce is undergoing final checkouts this week, which will culminate in a ground test early this Friday followed by a flight test later that day if all goes well. Both Jeb & Val will be at the controls this time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
piloting the Deuce earlier today Jeb and Val successfully landed after one of their engines shredded itself and a piece of propeller tore off part of their right rear stabilizer....... in the simulator π Yep, they are being trained hard!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are proud to announce the Ascension Mk1 lifter engine contract being awarded to NovaPunch! We look forward to seeing it light off next month - read the details on the next steps for the Ascension program: kerbalspace.agency/?p=6373
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
2nd Thursday of every month is KSC Movie Night where we hang up a huge screen on the HAB wall & everyone can gather to watch the flick
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all three stages for next week's bit.ly/ProgenyMk5B1-4 launch have been assembled and will be stacked and integrated to kick off next week. Payload is also undergoing final prep over at the R&D campus
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
happy to welcome our first group of KSC visitors for 2018 public access weekends, looking forward to continuing to engage the public in our space endeavors and inspire the next generation of explorers!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
looking southeast past the main R&D building and science labs to the empty campus lawn where we will begin construction of the Ascension K2-X lifter engine test stand later this month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rain held off and skies have cleared with a ceiling of around 4km, C7 found earlier ground trials satisfactory and have cleared Jeb & Val to perform flight trials! They are heading out now to preflight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in position and holding, takeoff clearance has been granted, the crew are running through the final takeoff checklist - Flaps: Set, Brakes: Check, Trim: Set, Strobes: On, Control Movement: Free, Tail Wheel: Locked...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
textbook departure from KSC as the Deuce climbed out at 75m/s with a slight sideslip as the wind gusted. Gear raised, wings cleaned up by 800m - now passing through 1.2km for 2.5km ASL approaching 10km to the west of KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Commander Val shares her view from the cockpit looking towards KSC, 36km off into the distance, from 1.7km AGL as they cruise northeast. Jeb has his hands on the controls but giving no input, aircraft is happily flying itself straight and level
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have touchdown and full stop! Jeb made a tight pattern, dropping gear on base leg & rolling out of a short 5km final, bringing the aircraft down gently at 57m/s. Everyone in Flight Control has big stupid grins on their faces - a great return to flight for the Deuce!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Sheltered Rock General Airport (SRG) was officially opened today. Civvies meant for customers there will begin to get ferried over from KGA as early as this weekend. The last new airport, at Ockr, is preparing for its own opening ceremony next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
that was pretty awesome! A very weird sight to see, as photographed from Flight Control. No issues on the approach or landing - proving this engine redundancy is a big win over the Civvie for flights across large stretches of open water
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with a successful end to initial flight trials C7 will spend weeks pouring over reams of test data, but results are so promising they've already scheduled it for a Public Relations tour starting next week to also gather additional data
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deep Space Thoughts: Plock was at perikelion in 2016 - did we miss our best shot to get there? No. Distance in space less important than position! Where Plock lies relative to other planets could mean a shorter trip w/gravity assists vs direct
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VWU-324(E) will be coming down away from any surface ops, scientists are logging it for future research trips - hopefully soon we'll have satellites to help us check these sites out
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tracking Station reports they have uncovered a serious ground wiring issue affecting their control consoles when linking to the external feed that runs out to the pad. Technicians are working the problem
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
decent flying conditions have arrived at last & the Deuce is ready to head out - with all our crew! We can't think of a better way to display our confidence to the public than loading up all our eggs into one basket
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is taxiing out to Rwy27 for takeoff, Bob has his camera along and sent us this photo from inside the cabin. Commander Val at last gets to sit in the left seat for her first flight as Pilot in Command
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good departure, Val is turning on course to KGA while climbing to 6km. Bob said it was really fun on the takeoff roll being in something so big traveling so fast. Bill just kind of clung to the seat really tight & shut his eyes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
touchdown and full stop! Barely enough runway but Val is sure she'll have more room with additional practice. Bill commented that it's a pretty rough way to return to the ground. We expect a lot of aircraft vs. airship comparisons these next several days
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everyone is deplaned and a small crowd of aviation enthusiasts has gathered to admire the new aircraft. Here's a shot of mun rising from out Bob's window as they approached Kravass. He says he enjoyed the flight a lot. Bill is still a bit unsure
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tracking Station needs to call in additional tech support from Umbarg - looks like inspection crews last month were very careless with the wiring when taking a look at the core structural elements of the building. Launch is officially delayed to 1/24 @ 13:45 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KNN reports a concerted effort by the Monolithic community has turned up no leads to help authorities track down who attacked the permit office last year, leading many to speculate an entirely unknown rogue faction of zealots may be responsible. Not a comfortable thought...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Mk5 stands ready out on the pad as an early sunset arrives thanks to Mun. Tracking Station repairs remain ongoing but we're still looking to launch early tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
technicians are still repairing wires and running cable - we admit this is partly our fault as well for failing to properly label or tag everything when it was first installed. Launch has been pushed back to 1/24 @ 19:46 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-5)
1/24
#2π 07:59:53 π11:50:23
#3π 14:00:44 !!π!! π17:51:14
#4π 20:01:35 π23:52:05
1/25
#1π 02:02:26 π05:52:56
@ KSC (UTC-5)
1/24
#2π 07:59:53 π11:50:23
#3π 14:00:44 !!π!! π17:51:14
#4π 20:01:35 π23:52:05
1/25
#1π 02:02:26 π05:52:56
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather kerbs have put a halt on the countdown & issued severe weather notices for the campus - looks like a strong line of storms is heading our way from the southwest, likely fallout from VWU-324(E)'s impact earlier this wk. We'd hoped it wouldn't get here this fast, or at all
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
leading edge of the storm has arrived. There is a good chance it will pass and allow us to attempt a launch later today so we will continue to hold the countdown at L-4h10m
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ockr General Airport (OKG) had its opening ceremony today. It is the same overall design as SRG and is the highest airport to be constructed. The Deuce will make a visit next week after it stops over at SRG for this weekend
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
one hour remains in our daylight launch window, storm rages on. Causeway has been shut down due to high winds - any shuttle buses crossing it could be blown over! Rocket remains healthy on the pad, Lanalye reports testing has gone well and repairs are good
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
decision made to scrub the launch, storm is abating but operators have been working since early today - best to get them some rest & we will continue our launch attempt early again tomorrow. New L-0 time set for 14:48 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-5)
1/25
#2π 08:03:17 !!π!! π11:53:47
#3π 14:04:08 π17:54:38
#4π 20:04:59 π23:55:29
1/26
#1π 02:05:50 π05:56:20
@ KSC (UTC-5)
1/25
#2π 08:03:17 !!π!! π11:53:47
#3π 14:04:08 π17:54:38
#4π 20:04:59 π23:55:29
1/26
#1π 02:05:50 π05:56:20
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've been too busy to setup additional viewing areas as planned so ticket sales were limited again and sold out fast. Please stay within the designated areas for your safety and follow all instructions by KSC staff
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] launch rehearsal concluded, Wx reports conditions are YELLOW for surface winds, so they will be monitored closely but we are otherwise cleared to proceed into the final countdown. Pad is secure, rocket remains nominal, range is clear
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HOLD called by Wx as a band of thick clouds passes overhead. Tongjess reports that we have clearer skies on the way and a new L-0 time has been loaded onto the rocket for 15:00 UTC, so not a long wait - keep thinking calm thoughts tho for winds. No gusts allowed!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] skies look great, final polling is in - Wx: GO (will continue to monitor surface winds up to T-0); Range: GO; Flight: GO; Tracking: GO; Ops Director: Launch permission granted! π GO PROGENY π
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-1m] we're still bumping up against the wind limit but as long as no gusts pass through... Flight Director Lanalye has not allowed any leeway, if speeds tick over into the red even for a second a hold will be called
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
booster ignition and lift-off!! Progeny Mk5 has cleared the launch base and is on its way, making the first trip up into space for 2018! Pitch over is nominal and the rocket is tracking east, will be over the horizon shortly for Lymun to spot
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
BECO and the Mk5 is heading far uphill to an apokee of 546.46km!! This is going to be just one of several shattered records. Time to apokee is just under 9 minutes. Battery consumption is a concern but we should have more than enough to last until splashdown
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
almost halfway back down - we are concerned about our chances for recovery given that traveling just shy of 500km led to a near-total loss of the payload and for that we (inadvertently) came in broadside instead of straight up and down
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
comm signal lost passing through 50km, rocket will be below the horizon when it deploys its chute so all we can do now is proceed with post-flight operations and wait for Lymun to report in, they have about 50km to travel, a little over an hour away
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
news at last! Lymun is on her way back with a mangled rocket found engine-up bobbing in the ocean - not how it is supposed to land. They could also find no trace of the chute, which indicates deployment likely did not go well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progenitor engineers will be giving this flight a close look over the next several days, we'll have an overview of the flight in tomorrow's ops report but besides the bad landing we broke several bit.ly/KSARecords:
Heaviest Rocket Launched: 1.707t
Highest Altitude over Kerbin: 546.460km
Fastest Velocity in Atmosphere: 1,912.7m/s
Longest Mission Distance: 1,116.200km
Heaviest Rocket Launched: 1.707t
Highest Altitude over Kerbin: 546.460km
Fastest Velocity in Atmosphere: 1,912.7m/s
Longest Mission Distance: 1,116.200km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
several VIPs were given flights in the Deuce today and the comments were... okay. Everyone enjoyed the experience but lamented the thought of extended trips with loud engine noise, poor views out the windows and little room to get up and move around
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
yesterday was our 28th rocket launch in 500 days of operation. Here's a look back at the cadence for the Progeny rockets. We expect the next 100 days to be somewhere in between the last 200
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
past the Lonely Mountain, Val has signed off with Kravass as they fall below the horizon. Current altitude is 8.2km and they are going to try to get up to 8.5km. Climb rate is <1m/s and throttles are at full to burn off fuel as fast as possible
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has cut throttle to begin their descent just under 100km from SRG - they came close but only reached 8.447km ASL, still nearly halfway to the upper atmosphere and a new flying record
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Touchdown and rollout! Thankfully Jeb was able to stop without running off the runway given that this one literally ends in a mountainside. They only traveled 13km less than their flight from KSC-KGA but they burned 24% less fuel by flying higher. They'll head to Ockr on Monday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
more VIPs given rides in the Deuce out of Sheltered Rock, pretty much the same reaction as Kravass - airships still preferential for passenger flights. A few cargo and delivery companies from both cities have approached with interest however
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Deuce has climbed out okay from between the mountains surrounding SRG and is on course for Ockr. Val will trim out at 3.5km ASL and cruise at full thrust to go for a level flight speed record
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after only 8min of comm blackout due to terrain the Deuce has clear line of sight and Jeb made contact with Ockr's comm tower. They are 85km out and he reports their speed has been around 135m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb sent this photo with the transmission "come find us if we don't make it out" as they head for what should be a good approach corridor (literally) to land on Rwy09 once they can find the airport. Val says she will probably do a fly-by then come around to land
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is parked amidst a larger than normal crowd of kerbs as they welcome Jeb home in addition to coming out to view the aircraft. After one last round of VIP flights and meetings Jeb and Val will head back to KSC on Wednesday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
lots of Mk5 analysis ongoing. This recent flight will be compared closely to the second flight, which was the first successful Block I launch and made it almost 500km up following a much different ascent profile
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
previous plots were from tracking data, here's a closer look at the ascents from the onboard telemetry. The 2nd flight was more aggressive while the 4th flight was more efficient
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in a surprise ceremony Captain Jebediah was awarded the Citizen Service Medal by the Ockr Government Council for his time spent with the KSA furthering new technologies that will benefit kerbal civilization. Congrats, Jeb!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
work began later than planned due to taking longer to move things over to Umbarg HQ than we thought but Admin Building has at last been razed and we'll have our new Admin Center fully operational by the end of March
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the final run of sea cable for the Arekibo Radio Observatory is complete and while the junction station is being built at that point the land cable is on schedule to finish late next month so comms testing can begin
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in additional KSC campus news the test stand for the Ascension K2-X engine has broken ground. NovaPunch is on schedule to deliver the prototype engine next month for us to test into March
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 organized a final publicity event that had Jeb & Val fly two daredevils up to 4.5km from which they jumped and skydived down, making it the highest such stunt to be performed (airships generally do not fly higher than 2-3km)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
and they're away! The westward roll allowed spectators an up-close view as the Deuce roared off the end of the runway at just 74m/s but Jeb, in the pilot seat, reports they have positive rate of climb
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've just been hailed by Val as the Deuce clears the horizon to the northeast, they're up at 7.5km ASL and got there at a much less aggressive pace that sees them still traveling at ~120m/s full thrust (they were doing only ~85m/s @ 7.5km flying KGA-SRG last week)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
winds are strong out of the southeast, Deuce is on its downwind leg at 4km ASL to land Rwy09. Jeb, who has flown since takeoff, has retired and handed control over to Val for landing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
welcome home, crew! With only just under half their fuel burned, Val brought the Deuce in for a smooth landing and is taxiing to the HAB where crews are ready to swarm it and spend the remainder of this week seeing how it handled these past two weeks of heavy flying
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a look at the tip of a small peninsula (bit.ly/Area_WP-VK) that is being considered as the location for the establishment of the first surface colony in over 200 years. If approved, construction could begin sometime in the 2020s. Other sites are being looked at as well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's official, the Progeny Mk5 is now the Mk6! Find out all the details, including what is now in store for the Block II since the Block I has proven capable of making past low-Kerbin space as well as a possible Mk7 kerbalspace.agency/?p=6681
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although they didn't end up breaking the continuous flight distance bit.ly/KSARecords, Jeb & Val did drop the Deuce to the deck yesterday and telemetry data confirms that at 500m full throttle they managed to maintain 145m/s in level flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a look at the approaches/departure made for SRG on top and OKG on the bottom - Val & Jeb used to think landing at Kravass was challenging! Each airport offers unique challenges, while KSC is just a cakewalk in comparison
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
first sunset earlier today saw Mun rising with Minmus clearing its eastern rim after being occulted by the larger moon up until this point after they both cleared the horizon
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
being the most-accessible of the four 160m radio towers on Kerbin, Umbarg has seen an uptick in visitors looking to climb and jump off of it - a practice they officially discourage and yet security around the tower is virtually nonexistent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the government has continued to refuse to re-open the permit office for Monolithic followers to apply for visitation to the edifice, saying the area will remain off limits until after further attempts to penetrate the surface are carried out this month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a chemical spill in the R&D labs have ruined their 262 day safety streak. Some admissions to the med center for fumes inhalation but no deaths have been reported. Reset the count!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
current Deuce cleared for flights, new Deuce ordered with some improvements planned and the K-3X project has been approved to design a new cargo aircraft. Details: kerbalspace.agency/?p=6741
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although public access to the campus itself is weekends only the Lost & Found is open in the Support Village 7 days a week. You must describe the item you are coming to claim. How does someone leave one shoe behind? Why are kerbs taking off their shoes??
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crews have the Deuce rolled out and ready for Val & Jeb to come over for inspection and preflight. They are currently in their briefing at Flight Control off in the background
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have contact with the Deuce as Jeb & Val clear the mountains to the west, data download looks like their flight went according to plan. Val will begin her descent shortly to setup for a straight-in approach to Rwy09, winds still mostly calm & skies clearer
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val called a Go-around on final approach as only one green light lit up in the cockpit after the gear lever was dropped. Visual inspection out her window confirmed the left-side gear did not deploy. They are climbing out as per abort procedure & then will work the problem
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after climbing out to reset her approach Val has shut down, feathered & locked the left engine so the prop will remain clear of the ground. She will land with one engine and hope the gear holds on touchdown. Emergency crews are rushing out to stand by near the runway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb & Val are being inspected by the medics. Gear did collapse, but Val used the ailerons & rudder to keep the aircraft banked onto the good gear until about 20m/s when the left wing finally dropped into the dirt and dug in, spinning the aircraft around and off to the side
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HAB crew want to buy Val a round at the canteen, say aircraft damage is minor and they hope to have her fixed up in a few days. Hydraulic leak has been found and will be repaired. ASA says it will not open a formal crash investigation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tickets are on sale for this week's launch but if you can't afford one or are too slow to grab one then we will have open access first-come first-serve viewing areas behind the ticket holder areas, which will now house grandstand seating
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mk6 SRBs are in the VAB ready for fins and structural elements to be installed. Have a look at the Ascension Mk1 main fuel tank! It is 1.25m in diameter, 6.6m long and holds 3.150t of liquid fuel with 3.850t of oxidizer. It weighs 875kg dry
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's a cookoff! Village Cafeteria in Building A vs. KSC Mess Hall behind the Astronaut Complex. Chefs have prepared their culinary masterpieces for lunch and kerbs will be rating the dishes. Highest total wins
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
congrats to the chefs at Village Cafeteria! Everyone agrees that this is how food should be prepared *all* the time π if only we could afford the treat every day, but it's back to mass-served food for dinner
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce in position and holding. Our runways do not comply with Air Safety Administration regulations to permit operations under low light situations so waiting for the sun to clear the horizon for takeoff clearance
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Control has given Jeb his clearance to takeoff. They will need all the daylight possible on this trip, which will cover at least 1,300km! This will also be the first exploration of a polar region in nearly half a millennium
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
photo taken a few mins ago, Deuce is now crossing The Wall, the northern-most mountain range in our region (of which Kravass is at the left-end), running roughly 123km east to west. This was the source of earlier weather concern & further north than any aircraft has flown before
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Sheltered Rock has patched us through to the Deuce. Jeb & Val report they had to abort their mission due to radiation hazard. Enough daylight remained as they neared SRG to allow them to visually setup their approach towards the mountains
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val is now in command and has begun their descent from 6.9km through a gap in the clouds. Weather has already been deemed favorable or they would have diverted back to Kravass. Conditions are important - nighttime approach through mountainous terrain is a serious hazard
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
using colored beacons to steer clear of the tallest peaks and keep track of their location, coming up now on final approach which is just one long turn onto short final with a steep 10Β° descent to the runway at up to 140m/s - it's quite a ride!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is parked and shut down. Flight instructor Aldeny caught their landing. Jeb & Val will stay through the weekend to help Aldeny & Helta setup an advanced flight training school. We'll get more info on their mission abort during debrief
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye reports her team has procedures drilled and locked in for tomorrow's launch, which will be mostly the same as the last one except for full thrust on stage 3 booster, launching further south & fairing deployment after re-entry
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce mission debrief reveals Jeb & Val got increased radiation warnings from the onboard instrument. They did not receive dangerous dosages but possibly only because they didn't stick around long. Scientists will be studying data further the remainder of this week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although the flight was unable to reach the contract area on the Northern Ice Shelf, many megabytes of science data were still gathered from over the Tundra and Ice Caps. That and the discovery of polar radiation are all still big wins for this mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-5)
2/15
#2π07:04:20 π 09:14:40
#3π13:05:11 π 15:15:31 !!π!!
#4π19:05:02 π 21:16:22
2/16
#1π01:06:53 π 03:17:13
@ KSC (UTC-5)
2/15
#2π07:04:20 π 09:14:40
#3π13:05:11 π 15:15:31 !!π!!
#4π19:05:02 π 21:16:22
2/16
#1π01:06:53 π 03:17:13
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the rocket is on the way out to the pad, workers are already out there re-orienting the launch base to point 105Β° ESE. Weather is looking beautiful today with partly cloudy skies and a light wind out of the west
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h40m] Flight Director Lanalye has her launch team assembling for briefing. Today's ascent profile will have 2 tweaks from last launch: 3rd stage booster will kick off at full thrust instead of 2.5 TWR and chute will open 1km lower
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
lowering the chute opening altitude will give the rocket a bit more time to slow down but the chute also requires time to fully open & decelerate the rocket before splashdown - it remains to be seen whether we strike a good enough balance on this flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ticketed viewing areas are full up but there is still plenty of room in the open access areas - be sure to remain within designated areas for your safety and comply with all instructions given by KSC staff
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] still pretty dark out but we're seeing mostly clear skies and no sign of rain or storms reported in the region. Surface winds remain out of the south but within limits and steady. Upper-level winds check will come at L-5m readiness poll. Final countdown is GO!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
successful ignition of the 0.625m lower booster and the Progeny Mk6 Block I has left the pad at 4Gs! Burn will last approx 33s and carry the rocket almost all the way to the upper atmosphere with a MaxQ between 70-80kPa
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
BECO-3 just after entering space and full thrust at ignition has pushed the rocket up to a new record height of 581km! We will be coasting to apokee over the next ~9min while keeping a close eye on power levels and radiation readings
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've exited the high radiation zone and the data sent back shows we entered later than last flight and falloff on descent was also quicker. A picture is starting to be painted...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
by now the rocket is either floating on the surface or sunk to the bottom of the sea. We will have to wait for MSV Tongjess to travel there and back with news - it is a ~5h trip one way so we won't know for some time. Pad cleanup and post-launch ops are underway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Tongjess contacted us around 0900 UTC, on its way back after spending a few hours searching the estimated splashdown area when no locator beacon was detected. Unfortunately no sign of the rocket was found
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Ascension Mk1 main lift engine, the NovaPunch K2-X, has arrived today for its initial checkouts prior to being mounted to the fuel tank on Wednesday. We can't wait to test it out!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight analysis from the last launch is up! kerbalspace.agency/?p=6879 VAB has already begun completing the next Mk6, scheduled for now to liftoff next Tues @ 21:45 UTC, launching 120Β° southeast
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC Operations Cease Indefinitely Due to Legal Injunction: kerbalspace.agency/?p=6892
Don't panic! Sadly our operational capacity has been drastically reduced but the KSA is not being shut down
Don't panic! Sadly our operational capacity has been drastically reduced but the KSA is not being shut down
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are in the process of "winding down" operations at KSC and in doing so managed to put the provisional finishing touches on the K2-X engine test stand, so it will be ready when we return!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sunset from the Umbarg access tunnel as we end our last day of operations at KSC for at least the next 2-3 weeks. The last of onsite staff will be departing tomorrow after final equipment shutdowns are complete
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the R-3350-26W Duplex-Cyclone ("Dee Psych") engine will be what powers the Deuce moving forward, as well as the K-3X. It is the 1st engine designed specifically for fixed-wing flight and is 1.5x more powerful than the current PT6 in use, with three 4m propeller blades and nine cylinders. Image is to scale
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
AXX-667(E) is the more hazardous of two Class-E asteroids found so far to be impacting next month - thankfully neither are anywhere near the kiloton range possible for this class of asteroid. May still cause some waves though
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
if you have still not yet received a refund for your KSC visitor pass, you can contact KSA HQ in Umbarg. Passes cannot be held until KSC re-opens, you must purchase them again once they are available
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
before pulling out, scientists working on the Monolith project confirmed the burn scar will remain around the research site as the ground has fused together to practically form rock up to 30m below the surface
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronauts have begun planning another Badlands expedition for survival training. Lead Scientist Cheranne, short on budget, is begging for instruments to be taken along but alas such equipment is not necessary for survival
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
CEZ-877(C), 20th asteroid flyby this month, is almost out of the system after having passed by yesterday at 2.69 Munar Distance, one of the almost unseen. ATN suspects we're still only catching sight of around 30-40% of all the rocks passing through
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today we completed our 5th orbit 'round the sun since the KSA began operations back in late 2016. Happy Kerbol anniversary! Jeb & Val also returned to Umbarg via airship after spending more time with the advanced training unit
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the 50th Civvie rolled off the assembly line today at C7's Kravass plant, which will be ending Civvie production by May and setting up for K-3X builds - Civvies and Deuces will be assembled at the new Sheltered Rock facility
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
RST-650(B) kicks off March straight away, passing no closer than 3.75 Munar Distance. We are expecting a greater number of asteroids already this month at 24 with 3 impacts, one which could affect KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
wishing the astronauts all a safe journey out east to the Badlands over the weekend, where they will be dropped off with minimal supplies to enact a worst-case capsule landing scenario. Capsule is single-occupant so they will all be separate from each other
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
AXX-667(E) is in-system and thankfully new observations put it much further east, with land between us and the impact site to help deflect any large waves that may result from impact or atmospheric explosion
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crew are all back at KSA HQ in Umbarg safe & sound - no starvation, dehydration, hypothermia, sunburn, venomous insect bites or bodily injuries to report, but they still have a few days before being cleared of disease. Astronaut training! Fun times!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
party time at KSA HQ as we gather to celebrate Commander Valentina turning 37 ππ Happy birthday Val! β¨ check out her exploits to date with us via her crew roster page: ops.kerbalspace.agency/?crew=val
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the C7 assembly facility at Sheltered Rock have received the Deuce parts we shipped out of KSC so construction can continue while the HAB is not operational. We still plan to have the new Deuce completed by next month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a crew returned to KSC to enact emergency flood prevention measures and Umbarg's port access tunnel has also prepped its surface doors for rapid closure if needed, as AXX-667(E) is expect to impact in just over 2 hours
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
reports coming in from a merchant vessel nearing Umbarg traveling from Sheltered Rock that a bright glow was visible over the southern horizon even in the dawn sky. Either another asteroid has hit or the original impact point was correct
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Umbarg is closing its surface doors, advising the approaching ship to stay out in deep water. KSC is of course already evacuated so everyone is just hunkering down to see what will happen
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
while an increase in sea levels was recorded at the Umbarg doors, nothing catastrophic has come out of the event. Alert level is still high however against the chance that this was a dual-strike & second set of waves are still incoming from further away
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Umbarg is officially standing down from large wave alert. Sea rise should not have been enough to inundate KSC but a team will check out the campus after second sunrise later today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC stayed high and dry, no damage reported to the coastline either. Asteroid Tracking Network is sure AXX-667(E) is what hit south of Umbarg, not another unknown asteroid, and is investigating why their updated impact position was off by 388km further east
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the High Court has ruled that the injunction against surface operations is legal, which means our team of lawyers now has to get to work writing up amendments to the current laws that will have to be cleared through Assembly. This could take months!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
fortunately we expect to have majority support in the Assembly as well as the backing of the Presider so hopes are high we can get all this ratified in a matter of weeks instead. Still - well played, Monolithic followers. Well played.
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ATN has found the newer entry point for AXX-667(E) was calculated with data lacking the precision needed for accurate placement. Internal review will ensure all data sets are recorded with high-precision numbers & checked prior to use in calculations
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Ascension Mk1 Block I & Block II lifters have been finalized. Barring any serious trouble w/ K2-X engine tests we should still be able to hold to our original Apr/May target for first flight of the Block I, now aiming for the end of May
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it is important to note that Lift Capacity is how much mass it can push off the ground. Payload Capacity (LKO/UKO/KEO), still unknown, is how much mass it can put into a given orbit.
Block I full res: flickr.com/gp/kerbal_spacβ¦
Block II full res: flickr.com/gp/kerbal_spacβ¦
Block I full res: flickr.com/gp/kerbal_spacβ¦
Block II full res: flickr.com/gp/kerbal_spacβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our legal team isn't just *our* legal team, unfortunately, so while we'd like them to get these laws rewritten and put through for review by the Assembly posthaste they do have to deal with the needs of their other clients as well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
remote sensors remain active around the Monolith to alert scientists if any changes occur in its inertness, although some researchers are still wary and prefer to say it is dormant
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we can't occupy permanent structures above ground but we can continue to build them! Our new Administration Complex is complete on schedule. Original bldg rebuilt w/new & better materials, second bldg is 3rd story, with 2 levels sprawling underground (high water table)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the new offices still have to be setup with equipment and everything wired up but it should be all set for our return. Although the underground areas could be used before then, pointless to do so without any ongoing operations at KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb & Val have returned to Sheltered Rock to resume their Deuce flight instruction & training to prep for the new aircraft next month while Bob & Bill are embedding themselves with a research team heading south to see if radiation exists over that pole too
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
as of this minute it's been just 1 Kerbol year on Dres since the KSA was founded back in late 2016 - here's some major events that have transpired during that time. To look at events in Duna's orbit and further back, start here: flic.kr/p/S6ZqxU
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Eve & Urlum pass by, their differing apparent brightness evident - they are 235,671Mm apart. Neidon is above to the left as a bit of munlight exposes the otherwise darkened and silent Kerbal Space Center
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#OTD one year ago our Umbarg Headquarters opened for operations and what a great decision that was because had we consolidated all our business at KSC we would be in quite the bind right now!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Timelapse of a few photos taken during the Minmus transit earlier today, as seen from atop the Umbarg aerial. Was also a beautiful sunrise!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
these are all the instruments we will attempt to cram into the Extremis probes. Design will not be finalized until later this year after we've had more experience with orbital probes, starting with Kerbin I (instruments not to scale)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we kept quiet because it wasn't assured but the Arekibo dish overcame numerous design & construction hurdles to exceed its original planned size and reach 200m diameter! Things remain on track to complete construction by Sept of this year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
airship expedition to the south pole region has returned with confirmation of the same radiation exposure discovered by Jeb & Val to the north. Scientists say it's no coincidence this is detected right where the aurora occur
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
happy 39th birthday to Specialist Bill Kerman! He's back at home here in Umbarg after the research mission celebrating with friends & family. Check out all his KSA exploits here: ops.kerbalspace.agency/?crew=bill
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the amended laws have been submitted to the Assembly, which should get around to reviewing them sometime next week. We did our best to speed up the legislative process but there's only so much that can be done...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
what a mess! Hard to really pick out much from this jumble of trajectories but March was a record-setter for most known asteroids in a month (35) along with the largest percentage of Class-E asteroids (26%)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC will re-open for operations this week! We will endeavor to show the Presider that his potential "sacrifice" will not be in vain and we thank him immensely for his support. Read more on the operations restart here: kerbalspace.agency/?p=7024
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
shortly after sunrise and KSC stands ready to resume operations as we complete our initial move back onto campus today. Will take another week or so to complete the transition but activities will pick up & a rocket will be back on the pad soon!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MQD-009(E) is the closest known visitor this month and will be briefly visible to the naked eye as it makes its pass just under 300km above our atmosphere
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
earlier today installation of the K2-X engine and its Etoh-1400 fuel tank into the test stand was completed. Final checkouts will be conducted on Monday with the first hotfire testing to begin on Tuesday of next week!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final readiness reviews from Lanalye and Simon have been filed and approved by Operations Director @DKerman_KSA - we are GO for ignition tomorrow! first test between 13:00-13:30 UTC with second between 19:00-19:30 UTC assuming first goes well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
3.150t of liquid fuel with 3.850t of oxidizer have been loaded & tanks are at flight pressure. Test site has been secured, engine confirmed safed and shutters have been lowered at the R&D building to prevent glass shattering in event of an explosion. Causeway is shut down
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
warning horn has sounded to alert KSC staff of ignition in 5 minutes. Test area confirmed clear, engine ignition system is ARMED. Computer control has been initiated for final purge sequence and valve checks, followed by ignition sequence & throttle control
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
1 minute to ignition! Test will last only 30 seconds starting at minimal 10% power throttling up to 50% before cutoff valves terminate the burn. At least, that's the plan...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
short but sweet! Quite the rumble for only half power, no doubt we'll hear from Wernher despite all the warnings we managed to foul up *some* ongoing experiment of his. Waiting for things to clear up & cool down before verifying safe conditions to conduct post-ignition inspection
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
test schedule continues on track and weather continues to remain favorable as tankers approach the test stand to reload propellants. Following similar procedures to earlier today minus the extensive leak check should have us ready to fire within the hour
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
hot hot hot! But still not full power, which will come later this week if tests continue to go as well as this one just did. Post-test inspections will be conducted for the remainder of the day with detailed data analysis throughout tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all operations have remained on track so we are GO for ignition at the start of our planned window in 5 minutes. Warning horn has sounded across campus, all roadways within 200m are shut down. preparing to hand over control to the engine management system
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
and cutoff! Firing went as planned, all systems and pressures registered nominal throughout. Propellant offload followed by post-burn inspection will be carried out to confirm all components look good for a second max thrust test later today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π¨π’ HAAAAAWWWWRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! π’π¨
5 minutes to ignition for our second hot fire test! We will run the engine for 120 seconds (practically a full burn) while throttling straight from minimum to full power and then below minimum power at the end to induce flameout
5 minutes to ignition for our second hot fire test! We will run the engine for 120 seconds (practically a full burn) while throttling straight from minimum to full power and then below minimum power at the end to induce flameout
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
FWWWOOOOOOSSSHH!!!! Check out that burn at full rated thrust of 172kN (@ sea lvl)! Important to note that the "smoke" you see is really just steam as the hot exhaust gases boil off the water deluge used to keep down temperature and noise during the testing youtube.com/watch?v=F4iRXVβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb & Val report from Sheltered Rock that the new Deuce with the new engines will complete its final ground check outs today at SRG. They plan to begin test flights on Monday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
second engine hot fire of today was another success, igniting at 15% thrust with only 5% of fuel remaining in the tanks. Next week will begin with more comprehensive reviews of test data before two final tests to close out the run by the end of the week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
fun fact: if you swap the orbits of Mun and Minmus they would appear to be the same size in the sky when viewed from Kerbin
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tickets are on sale for all three upcoming launches - if previous launches are any indication better move fast of you want one. Non-ticketed areas will be available as well - you may not see the rocket light off on the pad but will still get a great view of ascent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb & Val have completed inspection and preflight, Deuce is fired up and ready to taxi out for flight testing to begin. Weather much more favorable this day cycle with clouds up at 5km, winds 3-6kts out of the SW. Up north there at 1km ASL temp is 61Β°F (closer to 80 down here)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
passing through 5km ASL, data relayed shows performance of both engines is nominal. Here's a look at the climb profile from relayed data compared to the last flight that went for an altitude record (started at KGA)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with everything going so well Val was given permission to shut down one of her engines. 60% throttle w/full rudder trim allowed level flight, anything higher needed aileron compensation as well but full thrust single-engine was flyable. Both now running again
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
engineers will be reviewing and validating the data collected from today's flight - if all looks good tomorrow Jeb & Val will be back up in the air to put the aircraft through some high-G maneuvers that the old engines couldn't handle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
data review will be underway shortly for today's test flight but unless serious problems are found there or with the airframe inspection Jeb & Val will be cleared to fly back to KSC this week for the Deuce's first cross-country flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
having been out on the pad mostly the entire time since it was last used back in February, the launch base has already been checked out for flight worthiness. Today pad crews are orienting it 120Β° for the next launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Launch Readiness: β
TS β
LC β
VAB β
Ops
Ops Director @DKerman_KSA has signed off on all readiness reports and we are πGO FOR LAUNCHπ tomorrow!! Pre-launch ops will begin @ 13:48 UTC. Who else is excited to be heading back up into space?
Ops Director @DKerman_KSA has signed off on all readiness reports and we are πGO FOR LAUNCHπ tomorrow!! Pre-launch ops will begin @ 13:48 UTC. Who else is excited to be heading back up into space?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
4/26
#2π 07:11:47 π11:02:16
#3π 13:12:38 !!π!! π17:03:07
#4π 19:13:29 π23:03:58
4/27
#1π 01:14:20 π05:04:49
@ KSC (UTC-4)
4/26
#2π 07:11:47 π11:02:16
#3π 13:12:38 !!π!! π17:03:07
#4π 19:13:29 π23:03:58
4/27
#1π 01:14:20 π05:04:49
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket is being marshaled out of the VAB so it can head down the road to the launch pad ~700m distant. Attached to the third stage fuel tank you can see the new airbrakes that will be deployed prior to the parachute after re-entry
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h40m] gathering in Launch Control, the team is being briefed by Flight Director Lanalye on today's ascent, which will be the same as last launch but coming back will see us attempt to use the airbrakes and the chute will deploy 300m sooner as well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h10m] no reports of adverse weather in the region, surface winds are still gusting out of the southwest and are currently RED. Launch control is GO to begin pre-flight operations, waking up the rocket and loading on the flight software
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
as expected tickets sold out to this launch and the open access viewing areas are almost full as well. Shuttle bus service across the causeway will cease once capacity is reached. Views are still great from the Support Village
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h20m] Bob reports good balloon release, it will rise up over the launch corridor to a height of nearly 25km by L-0 and keep us informed of conditions in the upper atmosphere so we can monitor for dangerous wind shear
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] GO for final count! Rocket remains healthy & launch rehearsal came up clean. Recent check of weather has upgraded surface winds to GREEN, upper-level winds check will come during final polling. RSO is preparing to lock things down, pad workers are clearing back to 300m
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] final polls! Wx: GO, upper-level winds nominal; Range: GO; Flight: GO; Tracking: GO; Ops Director: Launch permission granted! π GO PROGENY π this will be the new record for heaviest rocket launch (1.710t minus payload weight) thanks to the airbrakes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have liftoff! Lower 0.625m booster ignited to push the rocket off the pad with 4Gs of acceleration thrusting at 67kN and climbing. The first stage burn will last ~33s before stage separation occurs around 15km ASL. Rocket is tracking ESE as planned
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are through apokee and on the way back down to Kerbin, radiation readings are falling as we pass through apokee! However we will have to see how the readings turn out on the way back down to see if we've just punched through or also completely exited the field
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
radiation readings continued to fall back to normal space levels, which means we may have clipped an *edge* of the hazardous region. Won't know until more flights. Everyone now prepping for re-entry phase, where the airbrakes will be tested
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
loss of signal mere seconds after receiving confirmation of atmospheric interface breach. If all goes well, rocket will deploy airbrakes & chute to slow for landing once through 6km ASL. MSV Tongjess will capture any telemetry from this point on
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ascension teams report the K2-X has passed all primary testing and want to run one more test tomorrow to really push the limits by kicking off the engine at full thrust for a 60s burn
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
elevator parts have been replaced on the Deuce and it will be flown back tomorrow, taking an aerial survey along the way. Original prototype will be flown over to Kravass for retirement in the Air History Museum alongside the original Civvie
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
β¨πKERZZAH!!!πβ¨ We have just received word from MSV Tongjess that they are on their way back with an INTACT PAYLOAD!! It will be back at KSC later today for full analysis to begin tomorrow. It was recovered 299.8km downrange, a new bit.ly/KSARecords
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no issues on departure (new record: 5.145t), Val has cleared the mountains surrounding SRG and turned on course for bit.ly/Zone_64K-9M, where Jeb will use the underbelly camera to perform an aerial survey as they fly by before heading towards KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb and Val head off to debriefing after parking next to the one Civvie still deployed to the tarmac (other two are in the hangar). Yup, Deuce is pretty big but it in turn will soon be dwarfed by the upcoming K-3X (which we should have lots more info on next month)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
review of flight data has confirmed a new level flight speed record for propeller-driven aircraft at 167m/s, beating out the original Deuce, which was able to attain a speed of 145m/s. Check out all our records here: bit.ly/KSARecords
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today's K2-X test has been cancelled after further data review found it to be redundant and unnecessarily risky given that we would like to use this engine for our first Ascension Mk1 flight to meet our original schedule - which we can't do if it blows up
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC security just finished rounding up a group of Monolith pilgrims attempting to use the cover of darkness to reach the site for prayers after crossing the Grasslands on foot from Umbarg. FYI - It remains off limits to non-research personnel and the area is regularly patrolled
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
apparently KNN is carrying stories of the pilgrims from last night being roughed up when apprehended. This is absolute rubbish, but is still fueling the fire - there remains a good deal of unrest from the religious sects after the Presider's executive move earlier this month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it turns out the Presider knew the Monolithic followers were gearing up for an all-out political battle when he sidestepped the Assembly in our favor. Yesterday was the first time any of the fallout that has followed (and is still going on) has directly affected us
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
winds have picked up, coming out of the northwest at 6-8 knots. Val sent this photo from the wing cam as she returned from her air sampling mission, flying crosswind at 1.5km to setup for her pattern entry to land on dirt Rwy27
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bill and Bob set sail earlier today with a KerBalloon crew aboard MSV Lymun to head for bit.ly/Zone_60P-5X 723km away down in the southern sea, where they will release a low-altitude balloon tomorrow to measure air temperatures
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB is getting ready to button up the payload and is running the airbrakes through their final checkouts. Lead Engineer Simon reports they are on schedule to load up the rocket onto the carry vehicle by the end of the day
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye says they have wrapped up flight drills with the launch team and range drills working with the new Maritime Service Vessel, all is ready on their end for lift off tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Lymun has just limped back into port after encountering a horrible storm in the southern sea. Three crew members were lost overboard working the deck, engines are damaged & Bill is suffering such horrible sea sickness he can't even stand up, was stretchered off the ship
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
5/2
#2π 07:32:11 π11:22:40
#3π 13:33:02 !!π!! π17:23:31
#4π 19:33:53 π23:24:22
5/3
#1π 01:34:44 π05:25:13
@ KSC (UTC-4)
5/2
#2π 07:32:11 π11:22:40
#3π 13:33:02 !!π!! π17:23:31
#4π 19:33:53 π23:24:22
5/3
#1π 01:34:44 π05:25:13
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this launch did not sell out (tickets still available for the next launch as well) so you can still purchase front-row seats upon arrival to KSC if you did not plan ahead. Free spectating areas are still open also
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h20m] a team out in the Grasslands to the WNW has released a high-altitude KerBalloon to begin its hour-long ascent into the upper atmosphere (>18km) to report back on wind conditions that could affect the rocket in flight. Surface conditions for launch remain green
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-45m] proceeding now into a full dress rehearsal to ensure all systems are properly initialized for flight and controllers know their duties. MSV Hoodall especially will receive close scrutiny to ensure their training has them properly prepared
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sunrise from outside of Launch Control with the rocket off in the distance. Winds are moderate out of the WNW which for this launch is pretty much a tail wind so no major concern except for possibly flattening out our trajectory a bit
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HOLD!! Final readiness poll returned a no go from weather, balloon is showing wind shear conditions in excess of flight limits at just over 18km, which is during an unpowered flight phase & could really knock the rocket around
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
2nd weather balloon is nearing the upper atmosphere for new readings. If conditions are still poor we will have to scrub the launch to the next day cycle as waiting for a third balloon would put the recovery zone in darkness by the time the rocket splashed down
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] countdown has resumed to bring us back to L-5m at which point we'll get a go/no go on upper-level wind conditions. Rocket is once again ARMED, FTS active and range/pad confirmed still clear. Skies are overcast but high enough for RSO to see the initial ascent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] Final readiness polls complete: Wx: GO, all wind conditions nominal; Range: GO; Flight: GO; Tracking: GO; Ops Director: Launch permission granted! π GO PROGENY π FTS transitioning to internal power
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have booster ignition and LIFT OFF of the third Progeny Mk6 Block I rocket to further explore the hazardous radiation region above our planet! Clear of the launch base, ascending nominally tracking SSE before disappearing into the clouds
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
don't worry, we wouldn't deprive you all of a launch photo, seen here heading up into mostly cloudy skies from atop the VAB. Range Safety Officer still had plenty of visibility before it vanished into the clouds to confirm good trajectory
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
just now passing through apokee, radiation readings once again peaked prior to this highest point on our trajectory but notably failed to reach the highest values seen on earlier flights. Focus now turns to re-entry. Rocket is currently 164km downrange
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post-launch ops underway and MSV Hoodall did an excellent job, recovering the second deployed balloon and tracking the spent stages to their watery graves. First stage booster splashed downrange 19km @ L+3m4s and the second stage 46km @ L+4m33s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still over two hours from port MSV Tongjess was at last able to contact us and report a successful payload recovery! Here is the remainder of the operations log that was transmitted to the ship as the rocket made its descent to the surface
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Monolith remains impenetrable as ever. The latest attempt using a high-powered laser cutter tried so hard they actually took down electrical power for the entire campus. It has just been restored and researchers are already puzzling over what to try next
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/GenesisProgram has announced they are installing some shielding in the Deuce cabin so Cpt Jeb and Cdr Val can head back up to the northern ice caps next week to complete their original survey mission and fully explore the extent of radiation in the region
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
nastiest storm off the sea in a while just passed through over the last 14 hours, thankfully tides were at their lowest and KSC did not get any flooding. Previous storms have not been so kind, although to date no floodwaters have seriously damaged the KSC campus
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the old Deuce prototype has been flown from Sheltered Rock to Kravass for disassembly & transport to be displayed in the Air History Museum. It flew 6,097km over 15.2 hours while in service with the KSA (across its two iterations)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are still aiming at early-2019 for kerbed spaceflight, here is the rough schedule for the next year. These activities will all fall under the Ascension program, to which the crew will officially switch over to next month. Two prototype pods will be tested, one will be chosen
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tracking Station reports ready, Flight Director Lanalye says her team is set to go, rocket was mounted without issue and @DKerman_KSA has finished up all the paperwork to allow us to announce we are π GO FOR LAUNCH π tomorrow. Pre-launch ops kick off early at 08:28 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye has the electric prod ready to ensure our Ops Director doesn't fall asleep during final polling twitter.com/DKerman_KSA/stβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
5/8
#2π 07:52:35 !!π!! π11:29:28
#3π 13:53:26 π17:30:19
#4π 19:54:17 π23:31:10
5/9
#1π 01:55:08 π05:32:01
@ KSC (UTC-4)
5/8
#2π 07:52:35 !!π!! π11:29:28
#3π 13:53:26 π17:30:19
#4π 19:54:17 π23:31:10
5/9
#1π 01:55:08 π05:32:01
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h30m] pre-flight operations are wrapping up, now time to look externally and ensure the range is clear once MSV Hoodall assists in the weather balloon release. MSV Tongjess left late yesterday to be in position 325km downrange for recovery, Lymun still in dry dock
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
small crowds out on the grounds due to the launch time being moved. Lots of tickets refunded. In fact, an alleged scandal is in the works today: supposedly a large number of Monolithic supporters purchased tickets & thus we moved the launch in attempt to deter their attendance
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
of course, those pushing the accusations refuse to believe our claim that we don't even collect that kind of information from kerbs buying tickets and had no way of knowing larger than normal followers of Monolithic beliefs would be attending today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] although we currently have overcast sky conditions too low for launch, final countdown is continuing with another weather check to take place at L-15m prior to range closure and rocket arming. Everyone wave your arms and sweep away the clouds! wave em hard!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[HOLD] we are going to hold the count at L-15m while we wait for mostly cloudy skies to clear. Range Safety Officer needs visual confirmation of good rocket trajectory up to 3km ASL. Cloud deck is around 2.8km but we do not fudge our launch commit criteria
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] count resumed as we are nearing the end of the usable window for our current upper-level wind data. We will continue up to new L-0 of 13:02 UTC and if clouds don't break we will be forced to resume holding until the next balloon ascends. Range closed. Rocket ARMED
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] Final readiness polls complete: Wx: GO, still cloudy over pad, but clear skies seen coming; Range: GO; Flight: GO; Tracking: GO; Ops Director: Launch permission granted! π GO PROGENY π Flight Termination System transitioning to internal power
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
at L-5m a kerb broke out from the spectator area screaming Monolithic verse & running for the launch pad >600m away. He made it approx 80m before a security car intercepted him, officers made an epic tackle, bundled him in to the back & drove off. Effect on final countdown: zilch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Away she flies atop a pillar of flame & smoke! Initial boost will hit max thrust after only 3 seconds then reduce to keep MaxQ under 80kPa during initial climb. 35s from launch stage one will decouple and send the rocket into a coast phase before stage two ignition
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
once again we have BECO-3 just milliseconds prior to exiting the atmosphere, the rocket entered space traveling at 2km/s and is now on its way up to an apokee of 476km - as expected shorter than last flight but now that rocket is same mass diff is solely on acct of >inc
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
apparently a number of other kerbs left the viewing areas before the launch shortly after the runner was apprehended - a larger group could therefore have been involved but if so they managed to make it off campus before anyone realized & they could be stopped for questioning
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
passed through apokee, rocket is now on its return voyage. Despite going high enough to reach the region of hazardous radiation instruments aboard have seen no increase the entire flight so far
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HAB have finished modifying the Deuce to keep the cockpit shielded better from harmful levels of radiation, though it is not known for sure if any will be encountered as Jeb and Val fly through the polar region tomorrow - but better safe than sorry
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've released the kerb detained earlier for attempting to rush the pad. Apparently he got a group of followers to attend with the goal of them all rushing the pad to overwhelm security & force a scrub of the launch (or end up as martyrs if we for some reason went ahead with it)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
as to why only he ended up attempting it, he couldn't say. He suspects they all either got cold feet due to fewer # attending or had thought he was joking. We've blacklisted them all from future launches but have no real charges to bring against them that would stick in court
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
26 minutes ago we reached opposition with Sarnus, and 26 minutes from now we will reach conjunction with Jool. That's pretty damn close to a true alignment on cosmic scales
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
finally! MSV Tongjess has managed to hail us on their way back to port in Umbarg to report they have the payload after battling rough seas in an attempt to reach and recover it. Everyone happy to have another fully successful mission & lots of data to study this week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taxiing out to Rw09, Jeb will be in position for takeoff with barely enough light for a safe roll down the turf runway to give them as much daylight as possible to complete their mission & return to KSC before nightfall. Moho & Dres are visible - should be obvious which is which
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val reports favorable skies continue ahead, says Jeb is having no issues with the slightly nose-heavy aircraft and has signed off with Flight as they drop below the terrain. We will regain contact with them as they pass by east of Kravass for an update
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val has radioed in saying they see a line of thunderstorms on the horizon directly in their path. They have enough fuel to go around but they would not make it back to KSC or KGA before nightfall and would have to divert all the way to SRG. They're turning back for KGA
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
35km out from KGA Jeb has reduced power to begin descent while Val broadcasts their location and intent on the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency to ensure they remain clear of other air traffic in the area
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
shut down and chocked up after a good landing, the Deuce and its crew will bunk down at KGA and attempt to complete the mission tomorrow, hoping for better weather conditions to the north, not to mention over KGA for departure after 2nd sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny launch base was moved back to the VAB today to clear the pad so construction can begin to build the launch support towers that will deliver power, comms and fuel to the Ascension rockets
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have numerous records we keep track of, you can view them all on our website: kerbalspace.agency/?page_id=72 The most recent update was a new record for recovery distance from the last Mk6-I flight, beating the previous record by 20.495km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after a good departure Jeb, still flying the first leg, has come about to the west in an aggressive 10-12Β° climb at full throttle to clear the mountains and get on course with minimal delay - making it back to KSC before nightfall will still be a tight schedule
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
signing off as they near the horizon, Val reports weather is looking good to the north as they pass through 4.3km. We will regain contact later this day cycle, although exactly when is unknown. Lack of contact past 16:00 UTC would be cause for concern
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
contact! Having swapped roles, Jeb is on the horn to Flight via Kravass comm tower as they head back south at full throttle - it will be close but they can make it back to KSC before operational sunset at 15:30 UTC with about 10 min to spare
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb reports they made two passes through the radiation zone at 6km and 3km, recording levels no higher than 0.078rad/hr - no danger to anyone transiting the area, spanning <60km north to south. It takes ~37rads to show signs of radiation sickness
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taxiing over to the HAB after a smooth landing, the Deuce will have its radiation shielding removed and be ready for flight ops again late next week. Jeb and Val will head to debrief with plenty of data to review from this long mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we can confirm three new Agency records from this last flight:
Takeoff Weight: 5.275t
Longest Mission Distance: 2,119.688km
Longest Distance Flown from KSC: 850km
(mission distance includes *any* mission, rockets too) You can view more at bit.ly/KSARecords
Takeoff Weight: 5.275t
Longest Mission Distance: 2,119.688km
Longest Distance Flown from KSC: 850km
(mission distance includes *any* mission, rockets too) You can view more at bit.ly/KSARecords
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
view of aurora beyond the clouds as the Deuce reaches the ice caps, seen from Cdr Val's seat. This marks the region of higher than normal radiation and is not a coincidence. Scientists will use data from this flight to work on their magnetic field models of Kerbin
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight analysis from the last launch is up, including future launch plans for the Mk6, with another Block I launch at the end of this month and then two Block II launches in June between Ascension Mk1 launches in June/July kerbalspace.agency/?p=7230
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Astronaut Complex has a full gym for our crew to maintain their fitness requirements but they also like to mix things up with runs up & down the runway, swims along the shore and climbing up and down the inside of the VAB scaffolding
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
just now entering our SOI, KWJ-852(D) will swing past at 2.03 Munar Distance before heading back into orbit around the sun. So far only ~15% of NKOs discovered have made, or plan to make, repeat visits of our system
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the data we have so far on the hazardous radiation region in space tells us three main things:
1: it extends above 580km near the equator
2: it gets "fuzzy" around the edges with a larger area extending closer to the surface
3: it stops entirely if you travel south far enough
1: it extends above 580km near the equator
2: it gets "fuzzy" around the edges with a larger area extending closer to the surface
3: it stops entirely if you travel south far enough
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
fully exploring this region will be a goal of our first orbital probe Kerbin I, but until then we'll get what data we can from our sub-orbital missions, such as correlating data with a northward launch & flying higher with a Mk6 Block II
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have two companies that made it through to the final selection round for designing our first space capsule. The prototypes will be delivered next month for the astronauts to begin training with them to determine which design is best
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronomers are close to having enough faith in their predictions to plot out many future orbits bit.ly/_Alaba again, but in the meantime you can look back at its past orbits in the Ops Tracker - all are centered around the same origin so you can see the changes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everyone be sure to wish Specialist Bob a happy birthday today! 36 years young! Head on over to the Ops Tracker to check out all the exploits he's undertaken since joining the KSA as a founding crew member: ops.kerbalspace.agency/?crew=bob
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ockr Observatory had a small 15 min window late yesterday to catch the Tylo/Laythe double shadow/eclipse before sunrise and they nailed it! This was the last possible chance - most of these already occurred during conjunction while the sun was in the way
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
scientists have released data from this revolutionary year-long study. If living in space proves viable, this data could be of great use to future mission planners and spacecraft designers twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Engineer Simon reports the Ascension Mk1 is coming together on schedule and they are going to aim near the beginning of our planned launch period with an L-0 time of 6/6 @ 20:17 UTC. Get hype! Orbital space flight! ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
getting the mystery goo ready for today's flight, a lab technician accidentally dropped the sample, prompting a radiation breach alert. There goes their 107 day safety record. Hazmat crews are prepping to enter the lab and assess the situation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good news from the science labs is the sample was not damaged & no breach occurred, which means Deuce mission is still a Go for today but the sample now won't be ready in time for this day cycle so wheels up is now scheduled for after 3rd sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
three months of testing have found and resolved all issues with the data cabling run for the Arekibo Radio Observatory, which remains on schedule to complete construction in August of this year. It is planned to be fully operational by mid-2019
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a new contract for bit.ly/GenesisProgram will send the Deuce out to perform an aerial survey of the source for the Kongo river, near a flat plain at the foot of some mountains where scientists want to place a research site for studies in the region
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final checkouts of the Progeny Mk6-I for next week have concluded without issue. Launch base can't use the pad with the nearly-complete Ascension service tower in the way of a northward launch so it is back out in the north field where we used to launch Mk2 rockets eastward
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
did you know it snows on Minmus? During the daytime kethane ices in the lowlands sublimate into a cloudy mist that freezes as night comes and falls back to the surface. Veeeerrryyy slllowwwwlllyyyy due to the low gravity
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the past 10 months have been spent digging along the vein of crystal growth extending northeastward from the Monolith towards Sheltered Rock and Ockr, the two caverns unaffected by bit.ly/The_Incident. A fault line has sheared the vein vertically by just over a meter
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the discovery of a break in the vein explains why both caverns did not receive deadly energy discharges. It definitely appears the Monolith had malicious intent towards populated areas but scientists still don't think we're seeing the whole picture
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
off the normal route, tomorrow's launch vehicle heads out past Launch Control, across the runway and out to the north field to be mounted to the launch base. There's no road on the turf, so it takes almost half an hour to cover the ~2km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a new organization of scientists whose families happen to have deep pockets have declared themselves the Interstellar Exploration Foundation and have given us initial funding to help offset the cost of our Progeny MK6 Block II launches to explore the radiation region
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
5/29
#2π 09:03:59 π12:30:40
#3π 15:04:50 !?π?! π18:31:31
#4π 21:05:41
5/30
#1π00:32:22 π 03:06:32
#2π06:33:13
@ KSC (UTC-4)
5/29
#2π 09:03:59 π12:30:40
#3π 15:04:50 !?π?! π18:31:31
#4π 21:05:41
5/30
#1π00:32:22 π 03:06:32
#2π06:33:13
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
you'd have quite a ways to run if you want to try and disturb this launch (~1.5km), but no doubt everyone in the spectator areas have noticed the new security measures now in place. Let's have a safe launch today everyone!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tongjess has picked up a Civvie on radar approaching from Kravass but it was expected, the pilot filed the flight plan with us last week. She's contacted Tongjess and will be given regular vectors to stay clear of the ascent corridor. Happy viewings!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] final countdown is GO! Rather strong surface winds out of the SE are of concern, weather kerbs expect gusts to develop after sunrise starts to heat things up but unsure as to how severe. They'll be keeping tabs on it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] Final readiness polls complete: Wx: GO; Range: GO; Flight: GO; Tracking: GO; Ops Director: Launch permission granted! π GO PROGENY π FTS transitioning to internal power, surface winds still a concern but remain within limits
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have booster ignition and the rocket has cleared the launch base on its ascent to explore space far north of the equator! Initial boost phase will end at L+35s, pitch nominal and spin-up has begun to stabilize the rocket (Minmus is hiding in the clouds)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
both Sheltered Rock and Ockr have confirmed with us they have acquisition of telemetry signal. For the first time in a long time we will be able to follow the rocket all the way through to landing - no waiting to find out what happens!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
under a minute from the atmosphere, rocket is already 369km downrange - this is a potential issue as it is almost 100km further than we anticipated and will bring it down over mountainous terrain around Sheltered Rock, which means less time to slow down before chute deploy
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we got word from the rocket the chute was deployed, however this occurred at 1.8km ASL, which unfortunately was around 350m AGL. It would appear that an oversight in altitude monitoring has cost us this rocket. Signal lost milliseconds later due to terrain (too soon for crash)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
last known location of the rocket was passed to the airship on standby at Sheltered Rock, which will depart to the location ~50km to the north to see what remains. Rocket traveled a whopping 433km downrange!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the small crater has been found. Rocket would have impacted at several hundred meters per second so there's nothing salvageable, but we had to make sure. Although primary mission goals were achieved to call this a success, lack of recovery still casts a pall over everything
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the problem with ballistic rockets - you can point them in the right direction but being exact about it is still tough. Just two degrees off led the rocket astray and past our intended landing zone in the lower Grasslands
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
construction has completed on the Ascension service towers, shown here in their post-launch position. The arms swing in to the left to hook up to the rocket once it is on the launch pad - which it will be next week!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val has just hailed Kravass as the Deuce clears the horizon. They report no troubles during the flight, fuel levels are good and they will take the standard approach
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has taxied in after landing, they will park the Deuce and hang out overnight to make the rest of the journey home next day cycle. We're also using this opportunity to ferry over some passengers...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a look at the contract survey area from 5.8km ASL. The Kongo river bubbles up above ground several kilometers from the base of the mountains but you can see the depression where it runs near the surface
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this location was one of the few considered for an industrial surface colony but was deemed just too remote for regular living, shipping and production needs. As a research outpost however, it could become a science hub for this region
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sun rises a bit later at KGA but Deuce is already prepped for flight, now carrying two extra bodies in the back - it's not their first flight but they aren't used to sitting back there
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is in sight of KSC & descending from 8.516km, which is indeed a new bit.ly/KSARecords. Doesn't beat the previous 8.447km record with as great a margin as the crew hoped for, but that was also set with a Deuce that weighed 567kg lighter
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb & Val have just completed their final mission for the Genesis program! Tomorrow they will officially transfer over with Bob and Bill to Ascension and begin to focus solely on training for space flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
breaking news from KNN that a protest in Umbarg to re-open the Monolith visitation offices has turned violent, prompting police to use tear gas to disperse the crowd. It's not known at this time why this happened - peaceful protests have been going on for months
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the offices remain closed as a continued effort by the government to get someone to give up a lead as to who organized the attack on the premises late last year. The case remains cold, but this new spark could be related? (That's our own conjecture)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everyone give a big welcome to our two newest crew members - Flight Officers Aldeny & Tedman!! Aldy & Ted come aboard to take the place of Val & Jeb in the Genesis program. Learn more about both via ops.kerbalspace.agency/?crew
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
both new crew come to us as experienced flight instructors for the Civvie and Deuce; you may recall them passing through KSC when completing their training almost 1 year ago. They are excited to work on developing and testing out the K-3X and future aircraft
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there she goes! The Ascension Mk1 is finally on its way to the launch pad to be raised vertical and hooked up to the service towers. Still lots of things that need to be confirmed working properly before launch but definitely a big milestone for the teams
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
yes, this is a concern we share! The ongoing research project is working closely with us to monitor our progress towards launch and see if any new activity can be detected. It remains quiet so far, and there was a build-up recorded prior to The Incident last year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
very nice to see others with this point of view. We are getting tired of KNN putting on talking heads that try to convince everyone the event had malicious intent, when scientists still know so little! In fact, be sure to check today's Ops Summary for an update related to this...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bad news, the rocket made it almost halfway vertical before the hydraulics failed - thankfully fail-safes prevented it from crashing back down, but it will need to return to the VAB and be offloaded so repairs can be made to the carry vehicle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
since late 2016 ATN has found 5 comets on trajectories out of the system, but so far none have an eccentricity high enough to say they are interstellar objects passing through. Each new discovery tho remains exciting
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
carry vehicle has been repaired and tested in the VAB, Lead Engineer Simon reports it will be ready to attempt another roll out tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
K-3X was the code designation for all prior aircraft projects, but names were chosen early on in development. The Civvie is K-108 while the Deuce is K-213. If anyone has ideas for what to call the latest K-3X, send them over!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
high winds off the water with stronger gusts have prevented the Ascension Mk1 rollout this day cycle. No one wants to see it make a successful lift to vertical only to be blown over (main concern is the wide lift platform, not the rocket itself)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
pad workers have successfully placed the rocket into its engine support collar and hooked up the service tower arms. Here is a look at the lift from earlier - the collar raises to attach to the engine base
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today Ascension teams will be working to ensure all launch systems are ready, both in the control center and out on the pad. The rocket is already pointed 45Β°N, the NRAP logo marks the "top" if it were laid horizontal, and defines which of the 4 ctrl surfaces roll/pitch/yaw
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ted and Aldy will be spending this week getting oriented to life here at KSC before really diving into work with Genesis. There is no division among the crew, they do physical workouts with the astronaut trainees as well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Assembly member who chairs the committee for science and education will be making her second visit to KSC to witness the upcoming launch, she was last here back in Oct '16 to see a Progeny Mk1-B take flight. We appreciate the government's continued interest in our activities
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today's second attempt at fueling progressed further, but we're still experiencing multiple issues that need to be resolved, mainly regarding the service towers. Launch attempt has been pushed further back to NET than 6/8 @ 14:23 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Monolith researchers have been continuing to monitor the edifice closely as we approach full launch readiness. There is still no outwards signs of activity but concern remains (mostly among the public) that bringing a bigger rocket out to the launch pad could have some effect
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taken earlier at sunset a replica of the Progeny Mk4, first rocket to space, and off in the distance stands the Ascension Mk1, first rocket capable of orbital flight. Hopefully it can achieve it tomorrow. Crews are back to work resolving service structure issues
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's worth pointing out that both the Progeny Mk6 and the Ascension Mk1, in terms of power, are capable of achieving orbit. The only thing that allows the Ascension Mk1 to actually do it (relatively easier) is the fact that it can steer itself
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the second Deuce was rolled out at SRG for delivery to the postal service, another this month will go to mail delivery as well followed by 2 more in July. Everyone can look forward to faster delivery times, altho until fleet grows that will be a bit more expensive
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
teams feel they have resolved all issues with our ground support equipment and are prepping for another tanking of the rocket, hoping to top off and continue with the wet dress rehearsal countdown timeline
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's a late call but WDR was solid and everyone is in favor of launching tomorrow. Ops Director @dkerman_ksa can't see any reason for further postponement and has signed off on the readiness reports. We are π GO FOR LAUNCH! π L-0 set for 20:24 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
6/8
#2π07:27:41 π 09:38:02
#3π13:28:32 π 15:38:53 !!π!!
#4π19:29:23 π 21:39:44
6/9
#1π01:30:14 π 03:40:35
@ KSC (UTC-4)
6/8
#2π07:27:41 π 09:38:02
#3π13:28:32 π 15:38:53 !!π!!
#4π19:29:23 π 21:39:44
6/9
#1π01:30:14 π 03:40:35
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
hopefully we get to launch a rocket today! Hopefully that rocket makes it into orbit! Kerbs across campus are well-rested and all in the process of gearing up and getting organized to begin pre-launch operations @ 15:54 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h] Flight Director Lanalye is assembling her team for final pre-launch brief. Here's an overview of what is planned for today's mission. If anyone has any questions, just ask!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h15m] rocket is in good condition and configured for fueling. Trucks are out at the pad getting hooked up, service structure is also configured for fueling - manual valves are set by the pad crew to allow fuel to flow through the towers - 7t worth
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
halfway done with fueling, trucks have to return to the VAB to top off their tanks and make a second trip out to the pad to get the rocket to flight levels
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
viewing areas have been modified to provide faster access to shelter even tho still outside of blast area. In addition, *anyone* outside MUST wear hearing protection. We have rentals at the Support Village if you did not bring your own. NO EXCEPTIONS
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] still a few minutes from sunrise but general weather conditions are deemed good enough to proceed into the final countdown. Cloud cover is still looking low and thick, so that will likely be our main concern this day cycle. No issues being worked
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-13m] new procedure in our launch timeline has nitrogen gas onloaded for tank pressurization. This gas is itself stored under high pressure when onboard the rocket on the pad and is an explosive risk when crews are in the area
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[HOLD] final readiness poll was not passed, both weather and range agreed cloud conditions are no conducive to good viewing for initial ascent. Good news is that clearer skies are on the way and we've only pushed L-0 back by 5 minutes, now 20:29 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] Final readiness polls complete: Wx: GO; Range: GO; Flight: GO; Tracking: GO; Ops Director: Launch permission granted! π GO ASCENSION π FTS transitioning to internal power, service tower boom locks disabled to prepare for retraction
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3m] preliminary tank pressurization underway to add rigidity so the rocket can stand on its own, mainly against lateral movement from winds (not a high concern today) atop the engine support collar until launch once the service tower booms have detached and swung away
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-1m] assuming all is Go on final primary station readiness poll at T-30s here is what will happen in the final moments leading up to launch. Don't forget the Ops Tracker has real-time ascent updates: ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
AFCS threw an abort after engine ignition at approx T-3s. Engine was automatically shut down and controllers are reviewing abort data to determine if we can attempt another launch. Engine can be ignited as often as needed as long as it's hooked up to pad equipment
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
abort thrown was related to engine chamber pressure, which was slightly lower than what the AFCS was programmed to expect. Controllers will now work to determine why. Tank pressure? Pumps? Mixture? Meanwhile, rocket can and will remain primed for launch. Standby!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
full check of all systems has not turned up any issues that may have been missed during preflight ops, so conclusion is the inputted constraints on chamber pressure did not take into account this engine has undergone multiple static fires and is not brand new
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Engineer Simon has conferred with Ascension engineers and all agree we can widen our constraints. FD Lanalye has reset the count to T-2min but cloudy skies have returned. Broken clouds are approaching though & L-0 is set for 21:07 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-2m] second launch attempt is underway as the countdown restarts from 2min and the AFCS once again takes control of the launch sequence. If everything else remains the same as last time, we should be good to go!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-1m] prepping for ignition again. The hold-down sequence prior to lift off could one day be removed but for these initial flights, as demonstrated, it serves as a good checkpoint for new hardware and systems. Crossing fingers now...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have LIFT OFF!! Initial ascent is slow after launch as full thrust is not needed & would just add wear to the pad, engine clamp, and possibly the service towers. Once the rocket is clear of the towers the engines throttle up to full thrust for a TWR of 1.7
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket is actively steering itself downrange, pitching gradually through Max Q before really starting to work towards flying more horizontally, throttling back as it climbs to maintain constant acceleration. All systems remain nominal, now passing thru 16km @ 664m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
reports of absurdly low chamber pressure and fuel drainage spiked @ L+1m32s - it looks like the engine bell has failed. Rocket will coast through space a little bit before returning, sadly will not be orbiting Kerbin. Sheltered Rock reports AOS
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket should have returned by now, over land or water? Hard to tell - it's right near the coast. MSV Lymun is in the process of retrieving the KerBalloon launched earlier & will then head for the landing zone to see if it can pick up a locator beacon (land) or sonar ping (water)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post-launch ops are ongoing, everyone outside was in awe of the launch, said they could feel the sound of the rocket engine in their bones as it headed skyward. Science and education committee chair says she was impressed yet again by what we are doing here
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
despite the engine failure, achieving orbit wasn't the only goal of this mission. The new flight guidance software worked as expected, the ground support equipment functioned as planned, overall we are pleased with the rocket's performance up to engine failure
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the rocket survived!! Lymun picked up its locator ping and was able to reach Sheltered Rock with the news. It is submerged in ~400m of water and we will have a salvage ship onsite early next week to haul it up and bring it back. Whoop whoop! \[0o]/
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we set several new bit.ly/KSARecords yesterday with the launch of the Ascension Mk1-I:
Heaviest Rocket: 9.427t
Heaviest Sub-orbital Payload : 1t
Tallest Rocket: 11.6m
Heaviest Rocket: 9.427t
Heaviest Sub-orbital Payload : 1t
Tallest Rocket: 11.6m
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here is a look at Alaba's orbital migration since it was discovered, with the number of days spent in that orbit before the next encounter. So far all encounters have been made at the descending node of its orbit, but that could change in the future
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today crews began inspection of the launch pad and accompanying ground service equipment to see how well they held up to the hot rocket exhaust that washed over them during launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
salvage ship raising the Ascension Mk1 rocket says they have only brought the test weight to the surface. They are searching the sea bed starting in a 5km area to see if the rest of the rocket can be found. Test weight was the only part with a locator signal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
several days since launch now and still no outwards signs of activity from the Monolith, according to researchers. New plans are still being drawn up to attempt to get access to the inside
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've called off the search for any large remains of the fuel tank and are certainly satisfied with the engine and test weight. They'll be in the hands of Lead Engineer Simon and the Progenitor teams early tomorrow so they can begin analysis
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Cdr Val was out stargazing earlier with Spc Bob and took a general sky photo looking west with a nearly full Mun bathing the KSC in a soft glow. Eve, Urlum and Sarnus are readily apparent but just above Eve is the similarly-hued Neidon as well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the average-sized LFN-090(C) will tumble on by overhead, coming no closer than 2.93 Munar Distance. Of all the known class-C asteroids (1,011 of them), the average mass is 86,173.958t
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
inspection of the pad and ground service equipment has been completed without issue. A good deal of refurbishment will still be needed to get everything ready to launch again next month, but this was expected & crews will get to work on that tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today marked the end of our 6th trip around Kerbol since KSA operations began back in late 2016. β¨π Kerzzah! πβ¨ Here's to yet another awesome Kerbolar year in space exploration! π₯
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#OTD 1 year ago we had the first test flight of the Deuce, which was the first design to incorporate multi-crew, passenger room and twin engines. Check out the mission report here: kerbalspace.agency/?p=4295
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although data recorded from instruments inside the test weight is intact, video sent from the booster camera is in very bad shape for some reason. Technicians are trying to recover what they can, especially of moment engine gave out
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
vertical stacking of the Progeny Mk6 Block II was completed today. It stands 10.7m tall, just under a meter shorter than an Ascension Mk1, some parts of which can be seen in the background getting prepped for next month's flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
thanks to all for putting up with the weeks of delays and finally coming out to run the annual KSC 5k! Same race format and route as last year, and once again everyone had a great time twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VWU-240(E), coming no closer than 1.10 Munar Distance, is one of the 266 known class-E asteroids. Their average mass is 2,068,985t
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch pad has been closed to tours since construction was begun early last month. This weekend the public got their first chance to see the Ascension service structures up close & take photos on the pad next to the engine support collar
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB is so busy right now the two capsule prototypes that arrived today have just been parked outside until the Progeny Mk6-II rolls out tomorrow. The astronauts and other Ascension team members can't wait to get hands-on with them to begin assessing the designs
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ascension engine support collar has been removed and the Progeny launch base has been returned to the launch pad, strengthened to handle the extra weight and length of the Mk6 Block II. Launching direct east, service towers pose no hazard. Hopefully weather improves for launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mounting vehicle and carry vehicle are heading out to the launch pad to get the Progeny Mk6 Block II setup on the launch base so final launch readiness checks can be carried out later today to confirm the base modifications are in working order
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
turns out the video data from the Ascension booster cam wasn't actually damaged, the camera itself was just shaken so violently the picture looked corrupted. Seems even with testing we underestimated the vibrations twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we already have a device to help us stabilize rockets in flight, looks like we will need a "shake table" as well to better test equipment before it is put on the rocket and used twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch readiness review has been approved by Ops Director @dkerman_ksa π GO PROGENY! π We will begin prelaunch operations tomorrow at 10:53 UTC with lift off still planned for 16:03 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
6/20
#2π08:08:29 π 10:18:50 !!π!!
#3π14:09:20 π 16:19:41
#4π20:10:11 π 22:20:32
6/21
#1π02:11:02 π 04:21:23
@ KSC (UTC-4)
6/20
#2π08:08:29 π 10:18:50 !!π!!
#3π14:09:20 π 16:19:41
#4π20:10:11 π 22:20:32
6/21
#1π02:11:02 π 04:21:23
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h55m] rocket is ready to take on its fuel, all 220kg of it - 99kg of liquid fuel and 121kg of oxidizer for the final stage booster. Fuel trucks can easily still handle this with a single trip to the pad
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
back to the usual spectator layout for this launch. With the four extra boosters igniting at launch hearing protection is advised, but holding hands over ear holes should be enough if you didn't bring any gear or don't want to rent some
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] FD Lanalye confirms all is ready, weather remains great outside and we are very much a GO for final countdown! At this stage the rocket itself is all set we just have some external tasks to complete prior to lift off
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
significant computer modeling for this launch was done based on past Mk5/6 launches to help ensure a proper flight profile on this first launch attempt but RSO is still set to manually terminate the rocket's ascent if it flips over and heads west instead of east
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tipping over due to aerodynamics isn't the only worry - if for some reason one of the radial boosters fails to ignite RSO will also be forced to immediately terminate the rocket - it wouldn't spin up fast enough to counter the asymmetric thrust
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have ignition of all 5 boosters and lift off! 140kN of thrust produces just over 6Gs of force - this plus the extra batteries near the nose should keep the rocket pointed downrange. Radial boosters will detach after just 5.5 seconds, burning fuel at 11kg/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
so much can happen in one minute! 3rd stage burn continues, chamber pressures nominal. Rocket got knocked around a bit after radial booster sep but re-stabilized and AoA constraints were not violated. Apokee is now past 70km and climbing fast. Go Progeny go!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
BECO with an apokee of 900km - and that's with 33% fuel remaining! AFCS cut off the engine so the rocket would not travel far out of 1Mm comms range nor lack enough battery power to complete the mission. Just under 16 minutes until apokee
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
fuel valves have been re-opened to purge the tanks of remaining fuel so rocket is as light as possible upon return. Radiation levels have climbed to peak 10.01rad/hr seen on previous flights - we will see how things fare past our last altitude record of 581km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are through!! Radiation levels have fallen to "normal" 0.01rad/hr as the rocket moved beyond 713km. Lead Scientist Cheranne and R&D Head Wernher are dancing around with excitement to have entered into a new region of space above our planet
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
radiation levels have returned to 10.01rad/hr as the rocket falls back through the hazardous radiation region, which scientists now strongly believe circles our entire planet around the equator, given that we never fail to encounter it no matter when we launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
review of launch video footage has shown what made the rocket register a wobble in its AoA during booster separation. That's maybe a problem that will need to be solved? Did not seem to be the cause of instability seen later in flight youtube.com/watch?v=VvNUBuβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
β¨π KERZZAH!! πβ¨ MSV Tongjess is on its way back, close enough to report they sighted the rocket breaking up on re-entry but after the fuel tanks and engine ripped away the probe core upwards remained intact, deployed chute and splashed down at L+37m10s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in addition to the new bit.ly/KSARecords for altitude set yesterday we've also designated the Progeny Mk6 our most successful rocket to date, maintaining a 100% success rate so far over 6 missions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
if we take the data from when the Progeny Mk6 Block II engine was cut off and use our trajectory software to complete the burn with the remaining dV the apokee ends up being nearly 3.5Mm!! That's nearly 1/3 of the way to Mun! How we would power a mission that long, no idea
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ascension team have finally released their lengthy report on the first Mk1 flight earlier this month: kerbalspace.agency/?p=7513 prepare yourself for the wall of text!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
both capsule prototypes are being readied in the VAB for drop and recovery testing next week. Not only the capsules will be under review but also the new nosecone parachutes that will be housed under the launch escape system, which is still in development
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ATN has discovered the furthest-traveling Kupier Belt Object to date, nearly doubling the distance of the last record-holder. It takes 5,175 years for this icy chunk of rock to make one orbit around Kerbol!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronomers suspect objects like these on long elliptical orbits were actually stolen from the icy outer belts of some of the other stars in our cluster. A better understanding of stellar motion within our nebula could someday tell us which came from where
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather looking much more favorable today, crews loading the first capsule onto the carry vehicle to head out with sunrise. Capsule will be unkerbed but onboard pressure systems will be running and a dummy weight will be inside
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the convoy has departed KSC, making for the Grasslands just a few km to the west - carry vehicle isn't really an off-roader so they can't go far but want to ensure wherever balloon drifts after release it stays over land for recovery
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
exiting the system, NLX-694(C) will be coming back around in 2027 on a closer trajectory than its first pass - thankfully this hasn't been a common occurrence and most repeat visitors found so far have been predicted to return at further distances
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crews were better positioned for recovery of the 2nd capsule, the triple chute makes it easier to spot from further away and provides some redundancy - if one fails that will be a rough but still survivable landing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
both capsules will be given a thorough check-out in the VAB to ensure that they were not damaged by yesterday's test. Chutes will be repacked and flotation collars are ready to be installed through tomorrow for water recovery exercises later this week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Arekibo Radio Observatory passed its final build milestone today, completing the beam receiver structure suspended over the dish bowl. Project scientists will now begin the lengthy process of getting it ready to begin commissioning operations by September
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Air Safety Administration has finally granted C7 Aerospace design approval for the folding wing mechanism that will allow us to build the K-422. Parts are due to begin arriving in the HAB next month with build completion estimated for early Sept. Full res: flickr.com/gp/kerbal_spacβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in addition to the ASA approval, design time was lengthened when new engines had to be designed with a smaller blade radius due to the aircraft's extremely low ground clearance. Deuce engines couldn't put thrust vector below/equal center of mass w/o props striking ground
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tedman won the coin toss with Aldeny and will be climbing into the Civvie cockpit for his first mission, taking off at second sunrise to head up to bit.ly/Area_CL-N0 and get some updated air samples for pollen counts
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
both Ted and Aldy admit they miss getting to fly a lot more regularly in their old jobs as flight instructors but also find the work helping to design and manage the K-422 project to be stimulating
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
roughly 100km to Area CL-N0, Ted had a smooth departure and is climbing to cruise at 2.5km so he clears the terrain to the north before descending to open the scoop and start gathering samples from 500m AGL working his way up to 3.5km AGL
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a rough short final, Ted admits he was rustier than he thought given he had mainly been flying the Deuce lately. Down safely though with no damage to the aircraft or instruments, he is taxiing in to end the mission and allow researchers to grab the precious data
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we can get into a low orbit on a single burn but for higher altitude/heavier payloads we'll need a vacuum engine to take up the charge in space. Bluedog Design Bureau has won the contract, presenting us with a great second-stage pusher
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
less than a minute ago GNO-786(C) came barreling into our SOI for a relatively close flyby of 0.65 Munar Distance. It's the first in a barrage of 3 entries today. June going out with a bang - another month of 30+ encounters
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we really should have said July coming in with a bang, as hot on the heels of the entry earlier this hour comes CNQ-846(C), which will cause a splash if it reaches the surface but poses no threat to any surface operations
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although sunrise is still a ways off, much like this old photo an MSV is parked offshore and crews will be ferrying equipment and the capsules over for water recovery checkouts a few kilometers out into the Kerblantic next day cycle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
first capsule has begun its ascent up to 16.5km, the thin ring of float collar can be seen underneath. It will reside beneath the heat shield, which would have been dropped after chute deployment to clear the float for touchdown
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
another successful splashdown, although the taller capsule had trouble staying upright and will need a larger flotation collar. Crews are hauling it back onbard MSV Tongjess to sail home
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
large waves have been washing up against the shores for almost an hour now, flooding seen in the are surrounding KSC but water has not yet reached or inundated the KSC campus, which sits several meters above the plain. Monolith dome also waterproof
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ocean has calmed and waves have receded. Thankfully it was also low tide, but although an asteroid was predicted to impact today it was supposed to land in water on the opposite side of our landmass. ATN is investigating
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
turns out the ATN impact location for CNQ-846(C) was incorrect. They are still investigating how the error occurred so that it will hopefully not happen again - we would hate to get flattened by a rock we should have seen coming!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 Aerospace has decided to name the K-422 the "Dhumla" (pronounced Dum-lar), derived from ancient kerbskrit from a tale of the 4 rivers of life. This aircraft certainly can't fly without 4 engines! Thx for the suggestion, @BenThrussell
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
work still being done to see about upgrading our runway here at KSC to handle night operations while also setting up controlled airspace to handle commercial aircraft traffic to serve as the airport for Umbarg
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
capsule prototypes are looking good after their recovery tests, over the next few weeks the astronauts will work through various exercises with them, such as emergency egress on land and water along with normal recovery situations
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taken earlier at first sunrise today, Jool still shines bright setting with Mun to the west. This minute we are at opposition, with it being closest to us on this orbit, 58,384,877km away. Rising at sunset, setting at sunrise - this indicates an outer planet near opposition
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronauts spent a good deal of time today clambering into and out of both pods under various conditions - some cases were flagged as potentially life-threatening, twice two of them "died". This is why we test & train hard!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ops Tracker now has more information on the next Progeny Mk6 Block I launch later this month that will be sent up during the night cycle to see if there are any significant changes to radiation readings: ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
contract signed and part order placed for another Progeny Mk6 Block I that will see mystery goo carried up into space! Launch date will be 7/25 @ 17:02 UTC. More info on the mission can be found on the Ops Tracker: ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
construction on the Dhumla kicks off today. Despite its size and taking up 443 square meters of floor space in the HAB, we have a total of 3,102m^2 to shuffle around our 1 Deuce (119m^2) and 3 Civvies (43m^2) - and those are all including the empty space between wings & tail
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
you didn't forget there was a rocket launching next week did you? Two, in fact! An Ascension Mk1 Block I is being topped off today while a Progeny Mk6 Block I works to complete assembly next week. See the bit.ly/Ops_Tracker for launch date details!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
excavations around the Monolith have finally reached the bottom of the crystal network immediately beneath the edifice. Researchers will now begin to carefully work a small bore hole up through the crystal, hoping they can somehow access the interior through the bottom
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ascension Mk1 Block I rocket is loaded up on its carry vehicle ready for rollout early on Monday and later in the day will undergo a hold-down firing test of its engine prior to being cleared for launch on Tuesday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
as of this week we've been flying up into space for over a year! Read the mission report of the Progeny Mk4 flight that finally broke through the atmosphere - kerbalspace.agency/?p=4567 - and brought about quite a calamity
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new approach lights have been installed at the ends of both turf runways to make them easier to spot when landing in low light conditions without the need for a co-pilot with binoculars, which you can't have when piloting a Civvie
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Sheltered Rock and Ockr have completed comms testing and Tracking Station reports all is ready to keep tabs on the Ascension Mk1 as it makes a second attempt for orbit tomorrow, passing northeast over both caverns on its way... into the history books?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all readiness reports have been submitted, reviewed and approved! Ops Director @DKerman_KSA has signed off on launch tomorrow - π GO ASCENSION!! π Pre-launch operations will begin at 12:06 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
7/17
#2π09:40:17 π 11:50:38 !!π!!
#3π15:41:08 π 17:51:29
#4π21:41:59 π 23:52:20
7/18
#1π03:42:50 π 05:53:11
@ KSC (UTC-4)
7/17
#2π09:40:17 π 11:50:38 !!π!!
#3π15:41:08 π 17:51:29
#4π21:41:59 π 23:52:20
7/18
#1π03:42:50 π 05:53:11
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the one noteable change between this flight and the first launch is the rocket won't increase pitch-over once it's past MaxQ - it will be aggressively pitching over from the moment it clears the tower, moreso than the first launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all viewing areas are open - please remember that hearing protection is REQUIRED! KSC staff will be checking all kerbs and moving any without protection indoors. If you're seen removing protection during the launch you will be banned from future visits
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h30m] wrapping up preflight with a clear issues board - a few minor problems cropped up yesterday leading up to the hold-down fire test and were resolved. MSV Hoodall is on station and working with the Range Safety Officer to secure the ascent corridor
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sunrise shows we have broken skies off in the distance to the east but unfortunately off to the right out of picture to the south no clear skies are in sight at the moment
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[HOLD] we will standby at L-15min, prior to range closure and tank pre-pressurization, until we have indication of clearer skies coming our way. Umbarg is to the SW and will be able to give us notice of better conditions. Wx updates will be posted every 30min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Wx update: sky remains overcast, clouds low at ~2.5km. Winds still light out of the SW. Hold remains, rocket still healthy. Controllers using the time to run extra system checks and launch drills
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] we have broken skies to the south and Umbarg confirms clearer weather is heading our way! Countdown has been restarted. RSO confirms pad is clear, Hoodall confirms range is clear - rocket is now ARMED for ignition, Flight Termination System is ACTIVE
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] Final readiness polls complete: Wx: GO; Range: GO; Flight: GO; Tracking Station: GO; Downrange Tracking: GO; Ops Director: Launch permission granted! π GO ASCENSION π FTS on internal power, service tower booms unlocked to prep retraction, AFCS awaits terminal count
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good ignition, throttle up and clamp release for LIFT OFF of the 2nd Ascension Mk1 Block I making another attempt at orbit! Tower is cleared and the rocket has begun to turn towards the horizon, aiming to be at 60Β° pitch by 10km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flameout! Tanks have run dry and left us on a sub-orbital trajectory, but we did come very close to perikee positive (it starts at nearly -600km). Rocket now coasting up to a 268km apokee over the next 8 minutes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
behold our first photo from space! Booster cam is capturing video but we don't have enough power to spare to beam that back so it will send us still images instead at preset points along the trajectory. First one is from 80km, looking back down towards KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here's a shot from 150km, looking down at Sheltered Rock. We may not have Kerbin in the frame for all these photos - rocket is on a slow spin and tumble so wherever the camera ends up pointing is what we get. Also takes 1-2min to downlink photo so rocket is already past 150km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
250km up a short while ago, still looking towards Sheltered Rock but Ockr is also now in the frame, hidden below cloud cover in the bottom right. Rocket was 572km downrange at the time of the photo, is currently 726km downrange and approaching apokee
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the view from apokee, 268km and rocket has drifted around looking along its direction of travel towards the terminator. We are high enough the glare from the planet is reduced enough the camera can resolve some stars and nebulae filaments
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we got one last photo from 200km (it was every x50 on the way up and x00 on the way down) before Ockr lost signal, looking south along the terminator over the night side of Kerbin. Fabulous! Now let's just hope we can recover all the rest of the data
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although we're hoping to hear from the recovery airship today, chances are that since it hasn't reported back yet then it's on a hunt for a crash site somewhere in the yellow area. We can only make a best guess of rocket heading at re-entry based on data we have prior to LOS
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Progeny Mk6 for Friday's launch has been stacked vertical in the VAB, the two following rockets have all their parts delivered and are already partially assembled. Some part sharing will be required so 3rd rocket will need to wait for 1st to be recovered
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
PQV-783(C) will now join several other asteroids transiting the outer system coming no closer than 3.27 Munar Distance - the majority of space rocks this month have passed by well outside Mun's orbit, not that we are complaining!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch crews and controllers are working hard to get things turned around and ready for the Progeny MK6 Block I launch tomorrow. We've had shorter times between launches before but never for two completely different vehicles, which adds some logistical challenges
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
earlier today the recovery airship flew in contact range of Ockr to report that they have failed to find any locator beacon signal nor sign of impact area on the landscape. They dropped a sonar buoy in the waters of the search area and heard no pings
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
decision was made to recall the airship rather then expend further funds searching an ever-increasing area. Our primary goal being reaching orbit and with no inflight mechanical anomalies, recovering the rocket is not a priority. Ascent data we have is good enough to work with
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in case you forgot, tomorrow's mission will be our first night launch! Logistically, not much changes since crews already work in the dark leading up to a daytime launch. We expect a lot of turnout in the spectator areas though, as it should look really cool
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
7/20
#2π09:40:17 π 12:00:50
#3π15:41:08 !!π!! π 18:01:41
#4π21:41:59
7/21
#1π 00:02:32 π03:42:50
#2π 06:03:23
@ KSC (UTC-4)
7/20
#2π09:40:17 π 12:00:50
#3π15:41:08 !!π!! π 18:01:41
#4π21:41:59
7/21
#1π 00:02:32 π03:42:50
#2π 06:03:23
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a reminder to all coming to see today's launch, which is looking to be many, we suggest you arrive 1-2 hours early as the high volume plus our increased security protocols will make shuttling kerbs across the causeway take longer than usual
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h40m] Flight Director Lanalye is gathering her team of launch controllers to get everyone briefed and ready to go. Slight alteration from normal flight plan graphic to remove deploy heights for airbrakes & parachute
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
both deployments are now more dynamic - parachute will now deploy either below 1.5km or even sooner if it detects speed has dropped low enough to be safe. Airbrakes will begin to deploy once they have detected dynamic pressure has begun to drop during re-entry
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we expect record crowds today & already the ticketed area has been sold out as of this week. Non-ticketed areas are 1st-come 1st-serve. If they fill up you can still watch from KSC Village rooftops. Regardless of where you are, stay within designated viewing areas at all times!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] it is inky black out there with no Mun in the sky, but the sky itself is looking perfectly clear. Surface winds are well within limits and we will have a upper-level wind determination during final polling. We are GO to continue into final countdown operations!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are aiming to launch in the middle of the night cycle, so our window to launch is more restricted than normal. If we have to hold for any reason we will scrub after only 15 minutes and reset for an attempt next night cycle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have booster ignition and lift off! Rocket has zipped out of the lights and is just a tail of fire streaking up into the night sky. Initial ascent looking nominal, good thrust out of the main booster, now tapering off as the rocket continues to climb & accelerate
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
~3.5min to apokee, passing through 450km and still no increase in radiation levels. Normally we would have seen an uptick begin around 340km so this is looking like an exciting success for predictions... or we've just missed the region of higher radiation entirely somehow?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket has passed through apokee and no sooner had we tweeted that last tweet did the radiation start climbing, reaching its 10.01rad/hr peak! We look forward to discussing the implications of this once the data is studied, but for now focus has turned to recovery operations
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
loss of signal any second now - rocket is plunging through the atmosphere at >2km/s waiting for dynamic pressure to ease, at which point air brakes will deploy *fully* - modeling based on previous re-entry data has shown they can take it. Fingers crossed!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still waiting on word from MSV Tongjess, launch cleanup operations are wrapping up. Here's a look at the initial ascent from a remote camera - near enough to see some detail but far enough to keep rocket in frame for a while youtube.com/watch?v=Uhzm7qβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everyone join us with a big β¨π KERZZAH!! πβ¨ because the rocket is coming home intact! Tongjess reports they had a bit of trouble retrieving it from rough seas but it landed just fine despite AFCS crashing - thankfully after chute deployment! Rocket splashed 284km downrange
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
is this an okay time to stare at the sun? No. No it is not. It never is. As much as we encourage kerbs to come above ground & witness sunrises/sunsets on a regular basis please don't listen to the nonsense about health benefits of staring into a sun low on the horizon!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
temperatures have been rising today, even during the night cycle - we recommend all visitors bring plenty of fluids to stay hydrated while on tours outside, as well as adequate sun protection
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
almost mis-classified as a comet due to its highly eccentric orbit, BLH-133(E) was discovered last wknd & has been under close study ever since, as it crosses Kerbin's orbit, has the 2nd-lowest recorded perikelion ever discovered & also is the most massive known asteroid @ 8.3t
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this asteroid will rip past us at only 2.08 Munar Distance in 2119 at an incredible 12km/s!! One of the reasons our regular impacts are so relatively benign is they come in at ~2km/s since they share similar orbits w/ us. A rock like this though could cause tremendous damage
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are suspending all surface operations and pulling back all staff to Umbarg HQ due to temperatures increasing near 100Β°F as a high-pressure system sits over our region. We just can't keep our facilities cool enough in this heat for a proper work environment
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this has happened before & after much investigation scientists still don't fully understand what's going on but say a mixture of ocean currents, jet stream bending and moisture levels in the air can apparently combine under the right conditions to form a very localized heat wave
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the last episode, back in 2016, lasted several days. Hopefully this one is shorter. Either way, both Progeny launches are now suspended and will be assigned new launch dates once we can comfortably resume surface activity twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ascension team is still going through their post-flight analysis but enough data has been reviewed to clear the K2-X engine of any issues & confirm metal fatigue was to blame for the first launch engine failure. NovaPunch will now resume production of the engine
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
because of the hold on production, we won't have another engine delivered until the beginning of Sept at the earliest, but after that they will start arriving more frequently and allow us to condense our launch schedule for Ascension rockets
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
science team was back up on the surface earlier at mid-day to gather temperature data & took a photo as they headed back to Umbarg - rarely do we see perfectly clear skies at KSC. You can almost feel the heat coming off the photo. It was baking up there, reaching 102Β°F!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
latest report from the surface is the high pressure system has collapsed and strong storms are now sweeping through the region. KSC is buttoned up and shouldn't have any issues with the weather although flooding is a minor concern
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC has weathered the storms and we'll be moving operations back to the campus today. We will have updates throughout the day on new dates for the various missions that were put on hold as staff get re-situated and back on track
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
GGE-307(C) has been discovered recently to hold a new record for long-period comets, orbiting 2.7x farther out at apkelion than the last record holder. It doesn't match the period length of our longest-known KBO orbit but coming closer the sun at perikelion moves it 5x faster
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB crews are prepping the next Progeny Mk6-I for vertical stacking today. How far along they manage to get picking up from where they left off will let us determine when to schedule the next launch. Here's a look at the new payload configuration during final checks last week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KerBalloon crews have put together a high-altitude probe and have set out for Umbarg to catch an airship to Kravass where they will link up with the rest of the expedition crew and set out for the polar region tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk6 launches are so routine nowadays but Ascension Mk1? Not even close! Here's the meaty flight analysis read you've been waiting for. Third time is very much looking to be the charm: kerbalspace.agency/?p=7786
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSA wishes our founder and Operations Director @DKerman_KSA a happy birthday today. You can learn more about Drew and how the KSA came to be via our website's About section: kerbalspace.agency/?page_id=697
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today is a birthday double-header as Captain Jebediah also was born on this date! You can learn more about him and his exploits with the Kerbal Space Agency via his crew page on our ops tracker: ops.kerbalspace.agency/?crew=jeb
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronauts just finished their second night time wet capsule exercise today, working to ensure that we can return and recover a vessel under as many conditions as possible, since landing where we want to land might not always be an option
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tracking Station reports it is ready for tomorrow's launch. Pad crews have inspected and cleared the launch base of issues. VAB has the rocket stacked & by the end of the day it should be back horizontal for final closeouts to be performed early tomorrow ahead of rollout
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all launch readiness reports have been submitted except for the rocket itself, but due to the tight schedule it will be finalized & launched on the same day, which is why our launch time is much later than usual. Don't forget to set your clocks for 23:24:00 UTC!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
7/31
#2π10:17:41 π 12:38:14
#3π16:18:32 π 18:39:05 !!π!!
#4π22:19:23
8/1
#1π 00:39:56 π04:20:14
#2π 06:40:47
@ KSC (UTC-4)
7/31
#2π10:17:41 π 12:38:14
#3π16:18:32 π 18:39:05 !!π!!
#4π22:19:23
8/1
#1π 00:39:56 π04:20:14
#2π 06:40:47
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final closeouts were completed earlier today for the Progeny Mk6 Block I set to launch in several hours, it has been loaded up onto the carry vehicle and will soon be on its way out to the launch pad for mounting. Pre-launch ops begin at 19:14 UTC!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h40m] launch team is getting ready for final briefing from Flight Director Lanalye on their mission today, which is another routine flight to high Kerbin space. This will be the first rocket to launch carrying a living payload: two mystery goo containment units
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the mystery goo will be exposed in space beneath the radiation layer and while within the radiation layer. The two canisters closely match the mass of the payload truss & batteries they replaced so we don't expect any large changes to rocket behavior in flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
reminders to all visitors here to see the launch that hearing protection is not required, but staying within the designated areas most certainly is. Also don't forget the rocket will be ascending into a rising sun and eye protection is recommended
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] final countdown is a GO as weather continues to look great with light surface winds out of the west and mostly clear skies. Sun will be rising soon, but you can still see Eve & Duna - Mun, Jool & Sarnus are also visible higher up out of this photo
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have booster ignition and a good lift off! Rocket is soaring high into the sky atop a pillar of flame, leaving the launch site with a thrust of 67.2kN for 4Gs of acceleration. First stage burn will last 34 seconds & push the rocket up to >600m/s and ~15km ASL
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
BECO & space entry @ L+1m27s within 60ms of each other. Coasting now to an apokee of 495km over the next 8 minutes. One goo containment unit has already been opened to expose the sample to vacuum. It will close again as we near the boundary of the hazardous radiation region
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
first goo containment has closed, second has opened as the rocket passed through 330km. We don't have a radiation instrument on board this flight so we're using past flight data to estimate where the radiation boundary is
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are through apokee and beginning to fall back to Kerbin. The goo containment units will reverse their operation, the second closing near the end of the radiation boundary and the first re-opening (shown in Ops Tracker). It will close again prior to re-entry at 80km in ~8min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have loss of signal as the rocket passed through 60km descending into the upper atmosphere 270km downrange. MSV Hoodall will continue to track the rocket & record telemetry data as it moves in for recovery operations. As usual it will take a few hours until we have news
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
finally, word from Hoodall! Sadly there will be no kerzzah as the rocket apparently went π₯KERBOOMπ₯ during re-entry. They spent extra time in the recovery zone collecting whatever debris they could find on the surface to return to us. More after a Progenitor meeting tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
meeting of Progenitor team, Lead Engineer Simon & Flight Director Lanalye has concluded and the next Progeny Mk6 flight has been delayed until we know for sure what went wrong with this one. Because return of the biological samples was required, this is the 1st failed Mk6 mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight analysis along with inspection of recovered debris is underway. Focus right now is on the airbrakes, which the operations log says deployed just prior to breakup, and the goo units, which are the only new parts on the rocket that have never been proven on previous flights
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KerBalloon crews are back at Kravass w/ the rest of the expedition. They successfully released & recovered their high-alt balloon. Congrats on the 50th release! Lead Scientist Cheranne is eager for them to return to KSC tmrw so she & her fellow researchers can dig into the data
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
other than the delays everyone else experienced during the heat wave shutdown, the Dhumla is progressing well in its construction and remains on pace to be completed in September, albeit later in the month that originally planned. Main fuselage assembly set to finish next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
from roughly 30 meters below the Monolith researchers continue to carefully bore up into the crystalline structure they hope leads into the edifice itself. They have nearly reached the bottom and have slowed down to ensure they aren't damaging or triggering anything in the way
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
project scientists are monitoring the Monolith for any signs of its old subsonic/EM disturbances as well as the crystal veins locally and off in Kravass & Umbarg for any electrical activity. So far, all signs point to the Monolith remaining inactive
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Dhumla finally has a page to call its own on our website, and we've also released a new blueprint that has cargo space information and the updated patch with the production name rather than the design designation kerbalspace.agency/?page_id=2071#β¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
another crowded month in our SOI as 29 asteroids came ripping through, with 2 impacts. We mentioned how most stayed away and this month did have the 2nd-highest average perikee (29Mm). The greatest was Nov 2017 with an avg perikee of 38Mm. Overall avg Pe 23Mm since 11/16
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the 8th Progeny Mk6-I has been completed & stored to the side in the VAB, awaiting the outcome of the investigation into the last mission's recovery failure. Focus now shifts to getting 5 Ascension Mk1s built. Thankfully lack of engines critical only to flight, not construction
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronauts are spending the weekend back in their home caverns doing educational outreach at local schools. We've picked the best for our first class of space explorers but the kerblings that will make up the next generation are eager for their places as well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a Civvie has just arrived over KSC, probably from Kravass, circling around towing a banner saying "STAY OUT OF SPACE. THEY ARE WATCHING." likely targeting the numerous visitors we get over the weekend, not just us. Not much we can do - KSC airspace is only closed during launches
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Civvie has flown off back to the north. Thankfully it's about an hour flight from Kravass so they don't have much time to spend here over KSC. They kept proper altitude and distance so we can't file any sort of complaint with the ASA - tho we are more amused than angry about it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kravass felt a slight temblor earlier today that has since been rated a magnitude 4.8 and scientists have now ruled out possibility that it might be linked to activity from the Monolith. Epicenter was along a known fault line nearby with no crystal veins leading towards it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kerbal Submarine Agency? There's been talk of looking into deep sea research as an environment, in addition to underground, that could be suitable to train for future space missions. Added bonus would be to explore a region almost as unknown as space itself
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's never too early to think about what we'll be doing in the future and landing rovers on other planets will certainly be a thing. Although an actual rover program is a ways off, rough planning for what one would entail to start early R&D is already under discussion
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we'd like to welcome Steadler Engineering Corps as our newest manufacturing partner. They specialize in control systems and will be producing our cold gas thruster designs for upcoming Ascension rocket improvements & future space probes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sorry, we were told it should be STEADLER Engineering Corps. We asked them what it stood for and they said "nothing". Okay.
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
hello from KSA HQ in Umbarg! Just calling out to let everyone know we are okay - electrical services are gradually coming back online in all caverns here, but KSC remains off limits until a team sent out yesterday to assess the Monolith's new activity has returned
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we will release more information on the current situation once we have a better idea what we are dealing with; the past two days have mainly been working to recover basic infrastructure & ensure all our injured employees are being taken care of
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
website and Ops Tracker are now back online as electrical services here in Umbarg become more stable. Still no word from the team dispatched to KSC, but they are not overdue unless they fail to return or get in contact with us by later today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
surface team has returned, reports there is a consistent EM field over KSC, tho they found it has a radius of 10km in all directions (assumed out over the water as well) & is not specifically directed @ the space center. Generated current is strong enough to still fry electronics
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
high-level KSA staff meeting will be held tomorrow to work up a full assessment of the current situation and decide what steps will be taken moving forward over the next several days. We will have details in our Ops Summary
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have released the report on the events that occurred this past Tuesday, which will serve as our Ops Summary for this week. Additional updates will be posted as we get more information on the EM field surrounding KSC. kerbalspace.agency/?p=7917
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Scientist Cheranne is leading a team back to KSC to setup monitoring equipment over this weekend so we can keep track of the EM field's size and strength over time, as well as continue to monitor for signs of toxins or radiation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a 2nd power drain struck late on the 10th & took out the majority of Umbarg and Kravass. Where the power stopped reaching customers is the area that was searched to find the new crystal growths. Once again a full power shutdown and conduit replacement was required
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
surface instruments reported prior to the 2nd blackout the EM field had begun to shrink. It has rebounded to 9km before we could shut off the power again but once more is beginning to reduce in size & could be gone by the end of the week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
EM field has continued to shrink, but as it has grown smaller the rate has decreased. It is either stabilizing via some other power source or there are already new crystals growing into power conduits. Data collection on power usage too rudimentary to know quickly
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's impossible to also monitor all the conduits all the time, so if new crystals do decide to grow & attach themselves we probably won't know until a blackout or brownout occurs. The government & power authorities say they are working on a more permanent solution
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've worked out the basic logistics for being able to continue most of our operations without the ability to use KSC, if needed. Right now we are waiting for a better idea of just how long-lasting this EM field is & whether there is a way to counter or disable it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
over the past wk as word has spread about the Monolith's new behavior & the vacancy of KSC religious followers have flocked to the site by any means necessary, many taking days-long journeys over land. They believe the field is meant for their sanctuary & will repel non-followers
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
of course the field has no effect on any kerbal, believer or not, and government security forces have already begun their own operations to move in and remove anyone that comes within the 10km quarantine zone they setup the day after the Monolith activated
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a recent discovery from the ATN has blown away the previous record holder for distant Kupier Belt Object. VDE-587(B) is approaching the outer Kerbolar system, falling from a distance of 46Tm - that's 46 *trillion* meters!! It takes an incredible 20,688 years to complete one orbit
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we were not fortunate enough to be on a grid that wasn't affected by the latest brownout, which ended earlier today. With yet another conduit replacement completed, power authorities say a plan is moving forwards to sever the connection closer to the source
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the plan that we have heard from KNN reports is current excavations of the main crystal veins running to Kravass & Umbarg will be used to blow them up, creating a large enough gap that any attempts to regrow can be seen and stopped before a reconnection can be made
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
meanwhile on our end we've made sure KSC security is back in place to prevent any looting or occupation by Monolithic followers hiding from government forces looking to remove them. The situation has not yet turned violent but it has grown scarily close
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after days of negotiations, we just heard on KNN that scientists have convinced the government the Monolith presents no immediate threat to kerbals near it and have made an agreement with religious leaders for followers to remain while the field is active & research is suspended
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're very happy to see this cause frankly things were getting super tense between all 3 factions over the past several months & hopefully this will help appease everyone to some degree, calm things back down afterwards. We would hate to have to deal with fighting in our backyard
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we know what the Monolith is doing. Returning to the research site several days ago, scientists inspecting the bore hole saw it was a few cm shorter and narrower than what was last measured before the EM field sprang up. Over the past week they have watched it close up further
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
much like new crystal was grown to reattach to power conduits, the hole that was drilled is slowly healing. The field has stabilized at 6km, and the hole could be healed in ~2 weeks. Whether the EM field will shut off once the hole is healed is still unknown
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this also settles the nagging problem scientists had with their initial theory, which posited the EM field was was a defensive measure. We don't need electricity to drill, but now we know doing so manually might not be faster than its healing rate
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Alaba has now entered Mun's SOI for its 12th recorded flyby, doing so this time while passing its ascending node. We can't see it at the moment but will be able to observe it shortly after it exits over the night side of Kerbin. Orbital update should be posted tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the main crystal veins were blown up just a little while ago - or at least, the attempt was made. Although visibly damaged, they appeared to soak up the majority of the energy from the blast. Instruments at KSC recorded a slight EM field increase before it settled back to 6km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
since the explosives failed, kerbs have simply begun to hack away at the remaining structure with both manual and power tools in a final attempt to break the connection at both locations. Everyone is waiting for further updates from KNN
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
kerbs working on the Kravass vein were the first to break completely through, Umbarg vein not far behind. They will continue to widen the gap while an eye is kept on the EM field size, which currently does not seem to be affected
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have confirmation from KNN the Umbarg vein has been broken. Still no apparent response from the Monolith nor has the EM field size changed even the slightest. Researchers at the Monolith site say the bore hole continues to be filled at the same pace also
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
BREAKING NEWS! We just heard from surface crew monitoring the EM field and it has begun to shrink. Round-the-clock workers on both veins have continued to chip away and prevent any new growth
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
EM field has fallen to under 5km and continues to become smaller, although not continuously. It has stopped and rebounded slightly several times but the overall trend appears to be a reduction in size
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
field size just collapsed rapidly from 3.8km down to 2.5km over the last ~5 minutes. If the Monolith is conserving energy, it could possibly remain stable at this size for some time before continuing to grow smaller. All KSC buildings are still within the field, barely
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
orbital update for bit.ly/_Alaba has been posted. It will make another encounter on 8/25, against prev predictions of a months-long stable period. Going forward one encounter we are very precise - beyond that, work still needs to be done w/ trajectory plotting accuracy
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
latest surface update reports field size remains stable at 2.5km and still strong enough to generate dangerously high levels of current in active electronics. Crystal growth at severed vein sites appears to have stopped, same with drill hole. Unknown why EM field is still up then
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Officers Aldeny & Tedman have been released while KSA operations are down. Genesis has ground work for them, but not enough to keep them around full time. They will be returning to Kravass and Sheltered Rock, respectively, to help with GA flight training
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
surface instruments monitoring the EM field show no change since yesterday, not even minor fluctuations. It would appear this is how much the Monolith can sustain itself without help from our power grids, perhaps it is also tapped in to some other source
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still, everyone agrees it's too early to say that this will remain constant. The rapid field collapse could mean it has enough energy reserved now only for days or weeks of continued projection. No one still knows why the field remains if crystal growth has ceased
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
as frustrating as it may be to have our operations largely shut down, this does free up lots of time for us to tackle tasks like upgrading our Ops Tracker. Look at all we want to do and fix, and feel free to make your own suggestions! github.com/KSAMissionCtrlβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Atmospheric Fluid Spectro-Variometer has been removed from Civvie #2 and is being shipped to Kravass to be installed on a Civvie borrowed from the flight school so scientists can still get their regular bi-monthly pollen readings
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we now know the EM field is still active because the bore hole is in fact continuing to fill, just at a pace now only measurable in days. New estimates say it could take as long as 3 months to heal. Here is an updated report for the past 2 weeks: kerbalspace.agency/?p=7933
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this was taken standing just outside the 2.5km outer edge of the EM field (near the engine test stand). You can make out some of the larger tents setup around the burn scar off in the distance near the Monolith research dome if you look closely
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
report from KNN on the pilgrims surrounding the Monolith talks about how many feel "cleansed" and rejuvenated. We can assure you there is no scientific research being done right now on any health benefits from EM field immersion
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ATN's rate of spotting asteroids hasn't fallen but the number of unique objects spotted has. Sometimes up to half of objects noted in observations are already known. Astronomers are now thinking our system hosts just a few tens of thousands instead of hundreds of thousands
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in case anyone recalls us speaking about various KSC buildings being "shielded", which we have in the past, that was against background planetary EM to ensure instruments can be calibrated properly. This localized EM field is much, much stronger
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
meet the radiation belt! Or maybe it's just the *inner* belt? Report has been published detailing what our Progeny rocket missions have discovered about the so-called hazardous radiation region up in space: kerbalspace.agency/?p=7937
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
TL;DR - we can well-define a "no go" region for future space missions that leaves plenty of room in LKO for kerbed space flight, but there still may be some challenges to advancing further out towards Mun if the radiation discovered at the poles extends far out into space
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it seems KSC security has more to deal with than Monolith pilgrims (who have not been a problem, by the way - just a potential one). Two daredevils managed to sneak on campus, break into the VAB and parachute down from the roof. They were apprehended after landing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the day was only minutes old when KER-248(E) came tumbling in, set to pass no closer than 3.67 Munar Distance. Speaking of tumbling, getting a better idea of how asteroids rotate will be something Arekibo's radar will allow astronomers to investigate next year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the effort is underway to setup a mechanical drilling system and see if the reduced healing rate of the Monolith can allow researchers to bore further upwards and still possibly reach the underside at ground level, as mentioned in our last report
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
great news from across the Kerblantic - bit.ly/DSN_Central has completed construction! It still has a few months of equipment setup & comms cabling to undergo but by early next year we can begin using the 27m dishes for extended downrange tracking of Ascension
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've finished transferring what equipment we can from KSC to Umbarg HQ so programs can continue development work as best as possible. Progeny still analyzing Mk6 debris. Extremis plotting trajectories. Ascension reviewing capsule tests. Genesis prepping Dhumla test requirements
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Head of R&D Wernher & his dept still working on Extremis science instruments, Lead Scientist Cheranne has her field team deployed at KSC to help work with Monolith researchers, Lead Engineer Simon is assisting with our TBA jet engine program
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this week some construction vehicles were staged outside the EM field at the Support Village, today they will all be driven into the EM field to see how they fare. As long as their electric starters are used outside the field, their mechanical systems should not be affected
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
while other airports could support the continued construction of the Dhumla if we were to move the assembly offsite, none of them are good places to loft a brand new aircraft. The low altitude and flat terrain around KSC is the ideal flight testing environment
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we just finished evaluating the various construction equipment and the good news is we may be able to get some renovations done while operations are halted. Yup - we are looking at you, runway!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
efforts to get a mechanical drilling rig setup this week have been mostly unsuccessful due to the number of pilgrims in the area protesting the actions and not allowing equipment into the site. Tensions are beginning to rise again as gov't threatens forced removal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we had a great day welcoming visitors back to KSC. Buses only travel across the causeway to the edge of the EM field & drop off groups for walking tours. Obviously anyone bringing electronic devices with them will regret it. Yes, kerbs did, despite the warnings. Of course
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
late yesterday seismic sensors picked up a rather strong 5.4 magnitude groundquake less than 50km southeast of Kravass. It's notable because keologists say there are no known fault lines or volcanic activity in the area. A team has been dispatched to investigate
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
18 asteroids remained the final count for August, with two impacts. In addition to a below-avg count it had an above-avg perikee distance. Are asteroids getting fewer and father? Only more data will let us know for sure. Time will tell!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although several arrests were made, authorities were able to give researchers access to the Monolith site without sparking violence over the weekend so equipment could be hauled in. Researchers now say they plan to begin drilling later this week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KerBalloon program is the only one that can still run fairly normally & have finally got all their support teams supplies & equipment transferred from KSC and setup offsite here in Umbarg to begin accepting new mission contracts, like this one to bit.ly/Area_M-32Q
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
not much has been said still of Kerbin I, our first planned satellite to launch when Ascension Mk1 proves it is able to make orbit reliably. It is still under constant redesign as the capabilities of the Ascension Mk1 & satellite requirements on orbit become clearer
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
what we can say is that the Kerbin series of satellites will test numerous new tech, including reaction control systems, larger-capacity batteries, a radioisotope thermoelectric generator and all the science instruments that will eventually fly on the Extremis probes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ultimately, unless failures occur on orbit, none of the Kerbin probes will remain in space and all will eventually decay back into the atmosphere to burn up - except for the RTG test missions of course, which will return the generator to the surface for re-use or safe disposal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
following the Kerbin probes will be named missions into longer-term orbits to carry out various tasks including mapping, communications, science studies and technology testing. Larger Ascension vehicles will be developed to lift heavier loads. No timeline yet for a Munshot, sry!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
why have we not found more small moons of Jool & the other gas giants? No telescope is looking at them enough. All are too busy scanning the sky for asteroids that could endanger us. As more scopes come online in the coming years, more time can be spent looking at planets
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KNN reports drilling has begun. The setup requires 4 kerbals at a time to crank the drill, they have three teams that will work shifts around the clock and stop only to check on drill bit wear, replace as needed and observe overall progress
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
latest KNN report from the drilling is that better-than-expected progress is being made. The shaft has already surpassed the point where it was before the EM field kicked in and ground level could be reached sometime late this weekend or early next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Monolith began emitting ultrasonic noise again late yesterday, which forced kerbs to retreat from the immediate area to about 300m outside the dome before the headaches and nausea wore off. Emission ended a few hours ago and KNN reports drilling has just resumed once more
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in case you don't recall, the Monolith had made an ultrasonic noise that prevented close examination in the past. It ceased after the first incident when we reached space and for some reason this is the first time it has returned since twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
update on the Monolith drilling operation is that they have once again been forced away. While use of the defense mechanism makes sense and is effective, researchers remain puzzled as to why it stayed silent and even allowed them to get this close for so long
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
latest report from the surface is the ultrasonic defenses have stopped again but no decision has been made to resume drilling. Unrest among the pilgrims in the area also growing as they feel they should join in on the Monolith's act of defense & keep gov't teams out of the area
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
once again violence has thankfully been avoided at the Monolith site. Drilling teams have not returned while researchers work on a way around the additional defensive measure & religious pilgrims have mostly gone back to just praying a lot. Gov't forces have left the area
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
spending the last few days probing the area of last week's temblor with ground penetrating radar, keologists have enough evidence to suggest a new crystal vein is being grown towards Kravass. Perhaps Umbarg too? Power authorities are considering what actions to take
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today work was begun on our dirt runway thru October. It will be broken down to ground level and rebuilt to handle heavier aircraft, leveled back at is previous height and then paved over. Edge lighting will also be installed so takeoffs and landings can be done at night
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronomers have confirmed UIX-921(C) will be coming down over the water south of KSC. Should present little to no danger - it will occur at low tide which places us nearly 70m above sea level. Still, those still on the surface have been warned (pilgrims too)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have a new moonlet! Astronomers discovered bit.ly/NXP-702_D already in orbit. It's likely not been there long due to its large eccentricity. We'll see how well they predicted its first known Mun encounter early next year before seeing where it might end up long-term
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
β¨π happy birthday to us!! πβ¨ Today marks the start of Year 3 for KSA operations. Our founder and Ops Director @DKerman_KSA has some words to share on the current state of things π₯ kerbalspace.agency/?p=8039
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KNN reports power authorities are going to start drifting underground back along the two veins they cut to look for branches. As ideal as it would be to just sever things closer to the source, at greater distances the Monolith should be able to do less to impede them
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
2 calendar years means different things to different planets. Here's a look at how far all the planets have traveled since the day the KSA was founded back in 2016. All the planets closer than Dres have completed at least one kerbolar year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kravass is in the process of restoring power after they had to perform another conduit replacement to eradicate new crystal growth. Umbarg has not yet been affected and teams at both veins are now working around the clock to tunnel in search of any branches
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
researchers gained access to the Monolith through the throng of pilgrims and measured the change to the bore hole to discover it had not healed as fast as they would have expected with the power drained from Kravass before the crystals were excised
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
surface instruments at KSC recorded no change in the size or strength of the EM field either. Leading assumption is that the energy was used to power greater crystal growth elsewhere, likely new filaments towards Umbarg & Kravass
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the decision was made late last month during the final stages of capsule testing that neither pod prototype was quite good enough, so engineers spent the last few weeks working furiously on combining the best of both to design the final Mk1 capsule
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the capsule will begin manufacturing to be delivered late November for initial trials to start in December. It will be assembled here in Umbarg and parts come from other caverns, including Kravass, so any future power issues could affect the delivery date
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
latest reports from KNN say no new branches found yet as digging continues around the clock. No new reports of power outages either. Keologists have been studying seismic data around Sheltered Rock & Ockr, saying no obvious sign of crystal growths seen near the caverns
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today Arekibo finally begins it commissioning phase! All the hardware has been installed within the structure completed earlier this year and the telescope can begin observing known radio sources to calibrate & compare data with past observations over the remainder of the year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although no new power outages have been reported, repercussions from the ones last month are still being felt as financial markets took a big hit & have not yet fully recovered. KerBalloon is finding it difficult to close any contracts with a reasonable rate of return
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our astronaut crew are officially on leave through the remainder of the month - maybe even into October depending on how the Monolith behaves. They've worked hard nonstop since the beginning of the year and have certainly earned a good deal of vacation time!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#OTD 2 years ago we launched our first rocket ever (bit.ly/Progeny_Mk1-A) and 1 year ago we launched our first automated rocket (bit.ly/Progeny_Mk5)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a branch has been found and severed leading off to Kravass from the main trunk of crystal, reports KNN. The drift along the Umbarg vein has still turned up nothing. Discussion on whether to continue attempts to penetrate beneath the Monolith are ongoing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
construction has begun on the sites for both Northern and Southern Deep Space Network observatories. They are scheduled to be completed and commissioned in 2020 and will help keep us in touch with future polar satellites
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with only 15 known asteroids passing through our SOI last month we continue to see a reduced trend that looks to continue into this month as well. Astronomers are considering whether we might be passing through a relatively empty area in the belt of NKOs
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the effort to penetrate the Monolith has been indefinitely suspended and the bore hole will be allowed to heal. Current estimates put this happening by mid-November. We still don't know if this will bring about the end of the EM field as well, but everyone is hoping it will
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in a gesture of goodwill the government will continue to allow worshipers to visit the site without oversight. Researchers will continue passive monitoring as well. Due to the ground excavations, the dome will need to remain in order to protect against flooding
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSA HQ will be offline tomorrow through the weekend for networking infrastructure upgrades, but we've given the ATN kerbs account access so any incoming asteroids will still be reported
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSA HQ back online, upgrades went well according to our IT kerbs. Surface team assigned to monitoring the Monolith will be making new measurements tomorrow on the bore hole to confirm the rate of closure is holding steady since last week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Kerbal Astronomical Society has chosen to rename NXP-702(D) formally as bit.ly/Vieras, which implies its status as a guest of our system. Thanks to @Rod31097420 for the suggestion! This is our 6th official moonlet discovered so far
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bore hole measurements made yesterday show it continues to close at a rate that will see it healed up by mid-Nov. We still have to see whether the EM field drops or further reduces its size but if able to resume surface ops, would work towards Jan '19 Ascension & Progeny launches
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taken earlier this day cycle from atop Building B in the Support Village, progress being made on the new runway - about half has been broken down & that half will begin to be rebuilt and paved while the other half is broken down
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're pleased to hear from the surface science teams that religious leaders have been working together to keep the amount of pilgrims around the Monolith at any one time to manageable levels, ensuring that once KSC is back to operations we do not need to support them as well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with cessation of major science studies KNN has also reported that religious leaders have begun talks with scientists and government officials on the possibility of converting the Monolith dome into a temple along with a more permanent settlement in the immediate vicinity
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
incredible news from the Kerbal Astronomical Society - astronomers have discovered what appears to be a huge asteroid on a highly-elliptical and inclined orbit around Kerbol! Full press release: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8103
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're getting weekly status reports from Lead Scientist Cheranne's surface team monitoring the Monolith's healing progress. Bore hole closure rate remains constant, as does the EM field. Sonic defenses remain inert even on close approach
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
congrats to Lead Scientist Cheranne and her research team for winning a lucrative contract to explore some seismic disturbances (tectonic, not Monolith related), working out of the new surface settlement that has just begun to be established nearby
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
36 minutes ago this photo was taken from down by the shore looking back at KSC during the today's 1st sunset over the mountains. It has been edited to bring out Minmus, visible to the lower right of the sun just beginning a transit, which will be over by next sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here's a look at this past weekend's transit of Moho along with the two transits that were recorded last year. There might be a very slight graze next July but the next major Moho transit will not be until late October of next year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after nearly a month of digging, drift tunneling along the crystal veins leading from the Monolith to Kravass and Umbarg was halted today. No further branches were discovered. The past 2wks scientists have installed seismic sensors to monitor the rest of the vein lengths
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Monolith update: still looking at mid-Nov for bore hole to finish healing, we should have an exact date next week. Chipping off just a few small crystal samples to analyze activated the sonic defense for about 3 hours. The edifice is certainly not tolerating further interference
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Experimental Engineering Group have delivered our new inline material bays and mystery goo containment units. They have been toughened, re-certified and will be integrated next month if EM field drops to be tested on Progeny Mk6 Block I flights kicking off the new year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#OTD 2 years ago we suffered our first in-flight failure with the Progeny Mk2 when the multi-stage rocket failed to separate properly. We learned many valuable lessons from this incident! Recap the mission here: kerbalspace.agency/?p=2253
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronomers have confirmed that OLZ-440(C), which entered our SOI earlier today, is on course as predicted to impact the water if it survives atmospheric entry. All maritime operations in support of ATN North construction have ceased until after the event
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
report from maritime services that the OLZ-440(C) event did create a large wave (whether by impact or air burst could not be observed) that washed away the docks used to offload cargo for transport to the ATN North construction site causing weeks of delay at least to the project
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#OTD 1 year ago a Progeny Mk5 sporting improved SRBs & lighter parts blew everyone away with a staggering apokee of 493km - the 1st rocket to reach high Kerbin space >250km. It was also noteworthy for this iconic aerial ascent image. Mission recap: kerbalspace.agency/?p=5916
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crystal base of the Monolith continues to heal at its constant pace, which will see the bore hole closed over by 11/17. EM field remains constant as well. No growth reported on either crystal stubs of the veins that were severed and no power issues in Kravass or Umbarg
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have another moonlet added to the Ops Tracker! bit.ly/ORJ-043_C was revealed today by astronomers, found in orbit after a recent pass through Mun's SOI. KAS is once again accepting name proposals. Names must not begin with A,C,M,P,R or V
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the new moonlet is on a even longer orbit than Vieras, taking over 13 days to make one revolution. It will not encounter Mun's SOI again until Sept 30th of next year, but it looks like that encounter will toss it back out into kerbolar orbit
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronomers have confirmed the inbound trajectory of YGD-619(C), which entered our SOI early today. It was discovered back on 10/23 so preparations have been underway in Umbarg since then to ensure a ground impact will not cause serious damage within the underground caverns
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
at 2.6 kilotons it's actually quite light for a Class-C, meaning there's a good chance it's a loose rubble pile that will break up on entry. Still, everyone is preparing for the worst. This is the closest entry point to date near a populated area since twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Monolith remains on track to seal over bore hole by the 17th, no further sampling or direct contact has been made by researchers. EM field remains constant. Pilgrim traffic remains manageable as well for the existing shanty town surrounding the containment dome
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
2 hrs until atmospheric entry of YGD-619(C) & final prep is underway in Umbarg. All who could have evacuated to the other 3 cavern systems, all who remain have been moved to the inner walls away from the large open spaces in the central areas. Emergency services standing by
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSA HQ has been evacuated fully, as we are near the middle of the main cavern, whose ceiling is about 200m above us. Hopefully rockfall damage is minimal. We'll be standing by in Kravass to the north for word on the aftermath of the event
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
remote observation of the event was knocked offline from the compression wave of the airburst that occurred at ~4.5km ASL when YGD-619(C) slammed into the denser lower atmosphere. It had already partially broken up before hand but still was a frighteningly forceful explosion
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
reports from Umbarg are good. Very minor rock falls, keothermal power remains online and cavern officials have already said they hope to clear kerbs to return within the next 4-6 hours. Airships will soon be enroute to check out the airburst location
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the grasslands are burning on the outskirts of the airburst area, several minor impact craters have been found. Researchers'll have to wait for the conflagration to die down bfore they can pick thru the area for meteorite samples, which could take a day or 2 depending on weather
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSA HQ in Umbarg is back up to full staff and operations. Specialist Bill is here helping his home cavern clean up some small rockfalls. No injuries reported during the event, tho a few minor ones have come out of cleanup ops. This near-miss wasn't a wake-up but still scary!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
fires are dying down out in the grasslands researchers feel it's safe enough to explore. Of course, intrepid private hunters may have already begun to scour the land despite the dangerous conditions. No doubt scientists will have to buy some back but with risk can come reward...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a grisly discovery was made today by meteorite hunters of 7 bodies a few km from the epicenter beneath the airburst. They appear to have died from the compression wave traveling along the ground. Monolithic totems carried on their persons reveal them to be religious followers
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we consider this to be a very sad result of all the absurd theories that sprung up after the passage of bit.ly/Pilirani, where many Monolithic followers believed it was really an alien space ship that had come through to take away the True Believers π
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we and the rest of the scientific community are not pleased to see religious leaders failing to condemn the actions of the kerbs that waited on the surface for "deliverance". They are saying their "souls are traveling the stars". We respect their choice but don't believe in it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are now just 2 days from projected closure of the bore hole into the crystal base of the Monolith. EM field remains stable - scientists were hoping to see it begin to reduce by now. A large influx of pilgrims has begun to arrive for what they believe will be an event this wknd
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today's first checkup of the Monolith bore hole has found it is now completely filled in and the surrounding area is even resurfaced. Religious followers have already been gathered and praying for hours now. No effect seen so far on the EM field
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
EM field remains stable. Lead Scientist Cheranne is out in the field but the researchers she assigned to monitor the Monolith are keeping a nonstop watch on its status. If any change occurs, we will know immediately. No other activity from the Monolith has yet been reported
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new orbital data is up for bit.ly/_Alaba after extra care was taken in observing its new orbit for this next set of predictions, which extend to May 2019. We'll see if these hold true better than the last attempt. Large radial shifts will occur at the next 5 passes at the ascending node, while inclination will change only 1.2Β°
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
EM field status remains unchanged. Researchers are just hoping there is still some internal work that needs to be done within the crystal structure that makes up the base before the Monolith has no further reason to keep the field active
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we just got word from the surface that the EM field has collapsed down to 150m! It will continue to be monitored this week and if it looks to be holding steady we'll begin the work of getting the affected buildings back up to operational status over the next few weeks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
apparently when told of the field reduction all the pilgrims packed in even closer to the Monolith dome, convinced it meant the healing energies were now more concentrated for them. That's their belief - there is no scientific evidence that an EM field can heal you of anything
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
EM field remains stable at 150m, no other outward activity detected from the Monolith. Pilgrims still holding vigil, awaiting "spiritual deliverance" according to those in charge
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Scientists Cheranne and researchers are back from their seismic study. Cheranne loves getting out of the office and into the field, says the new research outpost (we help scout the location last year kerbalspace.agency/?p=7363) is looking great
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Cheranne says her team also took time to study the seismic equipment and its effective use in order to one day apply the same principles to instruments that could accompany a probe to another body. They plan to do more research on this in 2019
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crowds have mostly dispersed from around the Monolith. Whether or not deliverance was granted we are not sure but researchers are happy to have easier access again. EM field still holding at 150m - it's possible this could be maintained indefinitely
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the 150m radius is a bubble, so it would also exclude airspace above the dome however the airspace floor over KSC is 1km so that would not be an issue. Could affect future runway placement but otherwise will not pose any problems for future KSA operations at KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taken a little over an hour ago, the new runway has been completed since earlier this week and with the EM field down we can finally test the edge lighting! A slightly longer length extends from the opposite runway threshold as well. The middle has no lighting
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ockr and Sheltered Rock airports have had night lighting on their runways since they were built last year. Kravass' runway has recently had edge lighting installed as well. All 4 airports can now conduct night operations (in VFR conditions only)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no time off this weekend! Everyone is pitching in to begin getting the KSC buildings affected by the EM field back up to operational status by the end of the month, including the VAB and HAB so work can resume on Ascension, Progeny and Genesis projects in December
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
YQB-102(D) entered back on 11/24 and passed by at 2.23 Munar Distance on 11/25. Astronomers say it will be back in 2032 for another pass at 2.67 MD - once again entering our SOI on 11/24 for the close approach on 11/25. Cosmic serendipity!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Engineer Simon is happy to be resuming integration in the VAB soon, confirms that we have all the parts ready or on order to arrive in time to complete 2 Mk6-I rockets and 1 Mk6-II rocket for launch in Jan/Feb. 5 Ascension boosters will also be made ready for 2019 launches
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've taken delivery of the Mk1 Ascension crew capsule, which will be prepared over the next month to be put through a variety of tests starting in January to certify it fit for space flight hopefully later in the year so we can begin sub-orbital kerbed missions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ORJ-043(C) has officially been named bit.ly/_Tantalus, with thanks to @AFancyPenguin for the suggestion! Truly apt, for if predictions hold true it will have come and gone well before we could ever hope to reach it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all the pieces are in place - well the big ones at least. Lots of little details like lighting still to be installed after the wings & tail section are joined. Too bad they can't just snap together. A few hundred meters of wires/cables also need to be hooked up over the next 2wks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all crew have been recalled this weekend to begin active duty once again starting next week. Everyone else is still working through the weekend and almost around the clock to get KSC back to operational status. Right now that's looking like sometime towards the end of next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Engineer Simon says the HAB and VAB are ready to get back to work, but Flight Director Lanalye is still waiting for Mission/Launch Control to be brought back online, as it contains the most electronic components. She says mid-next week should see them fully operational again
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Scientists Cheranne was able to do some more testing with the seismic equipment around KSC before it had to be returned. Thankfully groundquakes in this area are virtually nonexistent because results show liquefaction is a real threat here at Cape Kernaveral
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
both our operational aircraft have been rolled back out to the tarmac after having their electronic systems checked and repaired where necessary. Later today Ted & Aldy will take up the Deuce to ensure everything is in working order prior to its next mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sunset is approaching but we don't care anymore! With the new runway edge lighting and approach lights we can operate in full darkness when needed (VFR only still). Ted & Aldy are already out at the aircraft doing their preflight to depart in ~30 minutes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Deuce is turning about at the end of Rwy09 after taxiing out a few minutes ago. Once lined up, Tedman will receive the clearance from Flight Control to push forward the throttles and begin his takeoff run down the newly-rebuilt and paved runway surface
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Aldeny is co-pilot and runs comms to Flight, reports they have positive climb rate. He says Ted bounced off the runway because he didn't realize they were floating a few inches above it for a few seconds before touching down briefly again. So smooth of a roll!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everything continues to look great. Flight has instructed Ted to come about & begin his descent to land back on Rwy09. Aldy will be on the controls as well to help ensure the approach is carried out safely - there are hills a few hundred meters high they'll have to pass low over
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
worst of the terrain avoided, Ted is about to turn from base leg onto final approach 12km out. It will be a steeper approach than normal because there's still a final ridge to clear but both pilots say they can see the runway clearly and will have no problems lining up
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is taxiing back to the HAB after a fine landing. It will be brought back inside for mounting operations in preparation for its next mission. Tomorrow, weather permitting, Aldy will do a similar checkout of our operational Civvie
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Viklun vacuum engine had a successful first run on our test stand today. It is using a bell made for sea-level pressures from which the design team can validate the planned performance of the larger vacuum bell. There will be more static fires throughout this week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good departure a few minutes ago as Aldy went into a steep climb after only ~400m of roll. He'll do various other performance checks, engine checks and control checks as he flies SW towards Umbarg, climbing to as high as 4km ASL
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after a bit of a battle with crosswinds Aldy is back on the ground taxiing to the HAB so the Atmospheric Fluid Spectro-Variometer can be attached for its science mission later this week, becoming the active Civvie while the other two stand down unless they are needed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VHG-266(E) has just begun its transit through our system and will be tumbling by at 0.60 Munar Distance at closest approach later this week. It will also be another radar return target for Arekibo, which is wrapping up its commissioning phase this month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after fit testing last week the astronauts have all been doing basic flight operation exercises in the pod to give all the electrical and computer systems a good work through. Bugs & issues have been noted. Remember - this is looking straight upwards, back to the floor
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Officer Aldeny is heading out from Flight Control after finishing his briefing to begin preflight. Contract calls for an evening flight with an overnight return, which will allow the collection of pollen data from later in the day than we have gathered it in the past
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Civvie has cleared terrain and we have regained contact with Aldeny, who reports no issues except the frigid cold at 5km ASL being only ~17Β°F! Thankfully he did not have to stay up there long (also cabin is unpressurized so oxygen deprivation can set in quick)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
passing overhead of KSC as he begins his final descent into the traffic pattern to land Rwy09, Aldy sent us this photo he took from the cabin after sunset as he climbed through 4.6km ASL
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a look at what final approach is like at night, although with a nearly full Mun in the sky above the terrain was easy to see. Still, you can appreciate how the approach lighting makes things more visible for the pilot
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
congratulations to the Genesis program for reaching the milestone of 100 missions! You can find links to all of them over the past 2.5 years in the vessel tabs on the program page. Kerzzah! bit.ly/GenesisProgram
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Dhumla is structurally complete a day ahead of schedule! Still needs gear, lights and plenty of interior work but it remains on track to begin flight testing towards the end of January. Aldy & Ted both say they can hardly wait
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye has just concluded the briefing for today's aerial launch attempt. Flight crew is heading out to the aircraft while controllers hop on to their consoles. Here is a look at what is in store and here you can review all the events since mid-2017 that led up to this mission www.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
while we would like to have a chase plane, a Civvie cannot fly that high and we were unable to borrow any of the few other Deuce aircraft in service elsewhere. We will have a camera on the ground at KSC try to capture what it can in addition to the onboard cameras
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight crew are aboard and working through preflight. (L to R) Tedman & Aldeny, Captain and First Officer respectively for this flight, will be putting all their practice runs to the test today at last. They posed by the aircraft earlier as the sun came up before climbing aboard
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we remain blessed with great weather, mostly sunny skies & calm winds - though once the aircraft gets higher up that could change but we will check that later. For now, Ted has begun the takeoff roll down Rwy27 as Aldy confirms his readouts for the rocket match Flight controllers
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce has come about and is setup on its approach to the drop point. Winds have been found to be within constraints and final checks are now underway, only ~5 minutes remain until the release maneuver
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have had a successful flight of the Mk1-B along with successful stall recovery of the Deuce! Rocket parachute has been pre-deployed at 5km to prevent it from nose-diving towards the ground as the booster remains attached with its angled fins. Rocket apokee was 16.399km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tad & Aldy have landed and Lymun is still fishing the rocket out of the water but reports that it landed without issue after fully deploying its parachute past 800m. Congratulations everyone!! π₯β¨π a fabulous way to cap off the operational year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
full review of today's launch will not come until after we return to operations next year but we won't leave you all with nothing π Here is a look at the release and ascent from the ground and onboard cameras. Fwoooosh!! π youtube.com/watch?v=oDpjA1β¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all 5 of the Ascension Mk1 fuel tanks have been assembled with fins and control surfaces. 2 of the 5 engines have arrived so they can be integrated next month to prepare for the next set of launches - we are currently aiming for late January
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the data from tests last week of the Viklun have been transferred in full to Bluedog - it looked good in our analysis! Unless they find anything serious we should have first delivery around March 2019 twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
let's have a look at what all of our crew have accomplished this past year. For full details and history you can check out the bit.ly/CrewRoster on the Ops Tracker. Stay tuned for more year-end overviews as we continue to wrap up 2018
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
anything in the news about the Arekibo Radio Observatory's 200m dish picking up alien signals coming from Jool is complete speculation. It is still wrapping up commissioning. Anything it *may have* detected so far will have to undergo a full study once it is fully operational
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ARO released a very brief statement acknowledging that some "interesting signal noise" was detected coming from "the region of space that included Jool" but denied that any follow-up observations were already scheduled once the telescope begins science observations next month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
time for a look at operations we carried out solely within the atmosphere this year, starting with an overview of the two types of operational aircraft we currently have in service - looking forward to making that three next year!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flights were far-ranging this year compared to last, with two new airports opening up at the beginning of the year to facilitate extended missions. You can make a map easily like this in the Ops Tracker, which lets you overlay as many flight tracks as you want
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
finally, a look at release sites for all the KerBalloons that were lofted this past year, not counting any released at KSC for rocket launch upper wind monitoring. KerBalloon team also spent more time farther afield than in previous years
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the final tally for rocket flights from this past year is in! We did not include the Mk1-B, as that counted for atmospheric flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
getting a look at all the launch trajectories was much harder this year given the overall height of the missions & the spread of launch azimuths used, but we did our best. You can always download telemetry for individual flights from the Ops Tracker to graph your own data
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ππ HAPPY NEW YEAR!! ππ
we hope everyone is having a great holiday and look forward to hitting the ground running tomorrow to begin solidifying our plans for 2019, which is looking to be another exciting year for space exploration π₯β¨
we hope everyone is having a great holiday and look forward to hitting the ground running tomorrow to begin solidifying our plans for 2019, which is looking to be another exciting year for space exploration π₯β¨
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our crew had the whole day to come back but all of them were here early to begin getting organized for their return to active duty. Astronauts have nailed down their training schedule while the Flight Officers have inspected & cleared both aircraft ready for service
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here is the full report on the preparation and execution of launching a Progeny Mk1-B rocket off the back of the Deuce: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8264
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tl;dr - concept proven feasible, but not a useful means of getting to space with our current availability in aircraft or rocket technology, not to mention lack of any commercial support. Is a model we will definitely be keeping in mind for all future missions however
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/GenesisProgram has a new contract for the Civvie to collect more air samples over the burn scar left by the airburst from the near-miss meteor strike back in Nov. A flight was done shortly after the fire, but we were unable to accept that contract due to the KSC shutdown
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we had 16 asteroids enter our SOI last month, one did not make it back out. So far only 5 have been discovered for January. The downward trend in known asteroid fly-bys appears to be continuing. We hear the ATN plans to release more data over the weekend regarding this
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
one of the reasons Head of R&D Wernher von Kerman wanted to get back to work so badly is because he says they are close to a breakthrough at last & they've also begun to work on studying the Monolith crystal vein's conductive properties twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final day of general staff meetings for all programs. Debates have raged but everyone is still friends so far. Great to see so many opinions and ideas being expressed by team members on the various goals that should be pursued this year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
as eager as the astronauts are to train in the capsule for actual recovery events, first up will be Greggery - a test weight fitted w/ sensors to sit in the capsule as it's dropped for recovery testing later this month. Apparently the name is some kind of joke but we don't get it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we didn't have nearly as many photos to sort through this past year as we did at the end of 2017 so we've already picked out our top 100 images from 2018: flickr.com/photos/kerbal_β¦ overall favorite is the Ascension Mk1 going vertical for the 1st time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ATN has once again worked with keologists to produce a map of all seismic events thought to be associated with asteroid impacts or air bursts - so size of event does not directly relate to asteroid size. Known events match up with predicted impacts of discovered asteroids
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
overall impact rate (on or near land, anyways) has decreased since the last report by 66%, which helps to assure us we aren't finding less asteroids because we're missing a lot, there really are less out there near us now - maybe passing through a thinner region of the NKO belt
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
also promising is last year we had only known of 41% of the impacts beforehand, this year it was 56%. with ATN Central coming online this year our ability to find asteroids will improve slightly, tho ATN North/South in 2020 will be key for polar sky coverage
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've now published 250+ research papers. Most of the time Cheranne can't get out of the office is because she's behind on her reviews! twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
if you haven't noticed, all our various account banner images have been updated with a new aerial view of the Kerbal Space Center. Notable changes from last year are the new runway and the Ascension service towers. Here is the full image
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π we have launch dates for January!! π
Progeny Mk6 Block I: 1/15 @ 15:53 UTC
Ascension Mk1 Block I: 1/23 @ 22:21 UTC
Progeny Mk6 Block II: 1/31 @ 16:47 UTC
Progeny Mk6 Block I: 1/15 @ 15:53 UTC
Ascension Mk1 Block I: 1/23 @ 22:21 UTC
Progeny Mk6 Block II: 1/31 @ 16:47 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
future launches are not scheduled yet because each rocket's future plans will depend on the outcome of its mission:
Mk6-I: survive re-entry?
Mk1-I: tech demo
MK6-II: useful if expendable?
See our Ops Tracker for more details on each upcoming mission ops.kerbalspace.agency
Mk6-I: survive re-entry?
Mk1-I: tech demo
MK6-II: useful if expendable?
See our Ops Tracker for more details on each upcoming mission ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
additionally, head over to our website for a press release from the Ascension team with further details on the next Mk1 flight, which will *NOT* be trying to achieve orbit kerbalspace.agency/?p=8387
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
2nd sunrise is near and weather is looking good (Moho, Eve/Gilly & Jool above), although winds remain a bit on the strong side. Ted is suiting up, Civvie will depart in ~1 hour around mid-cycle so we can also get a good look at the burn scar from the air
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
slight delay as the ground power unit died & ground crews had to bring out another. The GPU keeps the aircraft off battery power during preflight while the engine is off & also provides the juice to crank the engine on startup without further sucking the batteries dry
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tedman is approaching the southern end of the burn scar, preparing to descend down to 500m ASL and begin his collection runs. He will pass over the area 3 times from different directions and increasing altitude by 1km each pass
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
collection is complete, with one more pass for photos. Passing over Umbarg now, Tedman is slowly descending and will follow the coast and turn inland over the Cape to avoid the terrain that lies in the way of a direct approach into Rwy01
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
banking around the hills west of KSC, configuring the aircraft for final, Ted will be the first pilot to actually make this approach, although it has of course been practiced in the simulator as part of their basic training when he & Aldy first joined the program
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
because Rwy01/19 is a shorter runway, the approach has to be done slower than normal but Tedman managed not to stall out before reaching the marked runway and set the Civvie down a bit rough & bumpy but otherwise without issue and is taxiing back to the HAB
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
looking over the photos, Lead Scientist Cheranne and her team were stunned to see the extent of the damage, seen here from 3.7km ASL. Brighter areas used to have lots of trees that are now just ash
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today we got a stripped-down version of the Mk1 command pod that will be integrated into a simulator. All 4 astronauts are lending a hand getting it built while the actual pod prepares for drop testing next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kerman Observatory has released a new image of Moho it took with its 4m scope, enlarged here 10 times, showing the side of the planet that has significant and deep cratering, which makes sense - most of impacts this close to sun would be at high velocities
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/ProgenitorProg⦠has been able to drop a battery from the next Mk6-II mission & so have room for one more science instrument. They just closed a contract for the slot & plan to collect negative gravioli readings from the highest point in space yet reached
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 Aerospace has just won a major legal/business battle with the airship companies to get approval for a runway to be built at the Kongo Research Base. It will still receive airships but now also pax/cargo via Deuce & in future hopefully Dhumla too
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the airstrip is planned to be completed in March or April. Meanwhile this victory signals that a shift towards more fixed-wing aviation is finally happening & the deal for KSC to become an aircraft hub for Umbarg seems more like a possibility
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
again mariners have reported signs of large sea creatures breaching in the distance but have found nothing on closer inspection. If they are still near the surface, hopefully an aircraft overflight will not spook them away. bit.ly/GenesisProgram has the contract to investigate
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
where to go first? Answer may seem obvious, but a study has shown that visiting either one is very close to being equal in terms of fuel required. If circularizing ~50km over the surface, total trip Ξv for Minmus is only ~70m/s less than Mun. ~80m/s less at edge of SOI
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the biggest difference is time, of course. A ~2 day trip to Minmus is 7x longer than to Mun, even though it's only 4x farther away. Also, beyond arrival Ξv needed, a long enough mission could use significantly less fuel at Minmus than Mun thx to its smaller size
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mun would have a bigger advantage if we weren't at the equator, and able to launch straight into a proper 6Β° inclined orbit for an efficient Minmus transfer burn. Looks like we have a lot more thinking to do when it comes time to design our 1st extra-planetary mission!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still dark out here but dawn is fast approaching over bit.ly/Sector_JENH, and it will be daylight by the time Aldy & Ted travel the 444km to reach it as they taxi the Deuce out for departure to conduct their aerial survey mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
winds calm, aircraft has departed from Rwy09 to set them on course. Aldy is climbing now through 800m to 2.5km from which they will cruise and conduct their surveillance over the target area. Last time we hunted for sea beasts was in a Civvie: kerbalspace.agency/?p=5707
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're getting reports of some severe weather whipping up out to sea that could be moving our way. We've sent notice via airships traveling to Sheltered Rock & Ockr to attempt to raise Tedman and suggest they divert to SRG instead of return to KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
airship & aircraft companies may not be friends, but pilots are pilots & airship captains are always happy to pass along radio messages. We aren't relying on them tho, flight protocols mandate Deuce has enough fuel remaining to divert if needed once they contact us directly again
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we just got patched through to the Deuce, now in range of Sheltered Rock. They got our message on their way back and have diverted, are now inbound to land at SRG. Aldeny flew quite the comprehensive search pattern!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here's just one of nearly 15,000 photos that were taken during the overflight of the survey area. Scientists will be studying them all closely for any sign of large creatures near or breaking the surface. Ted & Aldy said they saw nothing but mainly had eyes on instruments
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather has cleared up here and we have word from Sheltered Rock that the Deuce has just departed. We're taking this opportunity to also ferry some USI employees from their HQ there that will be assisting with the upcoming Progeny launches this month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've had arrival of the Deuce back at KSC along with its 4 passengers. Ted & Aldy have also officially ousted Jeb & Val as bit.ly/KSARecords holders for Longest Mission Distance, Longest Single Flight Distance and Longest Continuous Flight Time. Kerzzah!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Engineer Simon is happy to report that the Progeny Mk6-I set for launch next week has completed final integration in the VAB today. It will be rolled out on Monday after checks and maintenance are wrapped up on the pad, ensuring it is ready after not being used in so long
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
being stuck underground for so long gave society an excuse to develop a new way to mark the passage of time, but we still like to make note of a "kerbolar year" on occasions like today - the start of our 8th trip around the sun since the KSA was founded back in Sep 2016! π₯πβ¨
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Dhumla is finally holding its own weight, resting on the landing gear that completed installation today - the final major component. Now HAB crews are just finalizing some internal work before the aircraft is ready for ground testing next week!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch base and launch pad have zero issues according to Lead Engineer Simon. Rocket is now on its way out to be mounted. Weather is looking pretty poor right now. Hopefully we will have a better forecast from the weather team later today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ground crew was a bit rusty but rocket has been mounted & secured. Weather for tomorrow is also not looking good, but forecasting is still a new thing and we will for now just delay the launch to the following day cycle @ 21:53 UTC as conditions may improve by then
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-5)
1/15
#2π07:57:23 π 10:07:45
#3π13:58:14 π 16:08:36 ??π??
#4π19:59:05 π 22:09:27
1/16
#1π01:59:56 π 04:10:18
@ KSC (UTC-5)
1/15
#2π07:57:23 π 10:07:45
#3π13:58:14 π 16:08:36 ??π??
#4π19:59:05 π 22:09:27
1/16
#1π01:59:56 π 04:10:18
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Hoodall arrived yesterday to support today's launch, but since it has been delayed Hoodall will be taking the Ascension capsule out for its first sea trial this day cycle. Similar to tests last year, it will be dropped from 16km and recovered after splashdown
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
recovery teams have reached the capsule after it splashed down and automatically deployed its built-in float collar, which will rest underneath the heat shield that would have by now been jettisoned after the chutes were deployed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crews will bring the capsule aboard and further exercises will be conducted after the Progeny launch with the astronauts taking turns being loaded into the capsule on the deck then extricated while afloat under various simulated conditions, such as injuries, deflation, etc
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather forecast from yesterday has held mostly true - winds are not as bad as expected but rain has arrived. Lightning also seen in the area. We will postpone launch again until tomorrow @ 15:56 UTC. Forecast is still 60% chance of violation so fingers crossed!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tomorrow's launch forecast has improved with only 40% chance of violation - mainly surface winds. Upper-level winds are still unknown until we send up a balloon just prior to launch, so that also remains a possibility of further delay. Fingers remain crossed!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-5)
1/16
#2π08:00:47 π 10:11:09 !!π!!
#3π14:01:38 π 16:12:00
#4π20:02:29 π 22:12:51
1/17
#1π02:03:20 π 04:13:42
@ KSC (UTC-5)
1/16
#2π08:00:47 π 10:11:09 !!π!!
#3π14:01:38 π 16:12:00
#4π20:02:29 π 22:12:51
1/17
#1π02:03:20 π 04:13:42
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today's launch will follow a standard Mk6-I mission profile. As with the previous attempt, we will be exposing the onboard goo samples to separate regions of space, both below and inside the radiation belt
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h55m] rocket is woke and system checks are underway. Meanwhile it has also been configured to begin tanking, crews on the pad have the GO to start loading up 109kg of liquid propellants to the third stage. Sunset has just faded below the horizon, bringing out the night sky
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tickets sold out to this launch, a first for the Progeny Mk6 but not surprising given its been so long since the last launch. First-come, first-serve areas still have plenty of room though. Please stay within designated spectator areas for your own safety!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] we are GO for final countdown! Weather remains within limits from here on the ground, tho winds could pick up more as we get closer to sunrise. Balloon ascent remains nominal. Anticipation... increasing...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] RSO has closed all access to the launch pad and downrange areas - any violation will hold the count. Rocket's Flight Termination System has been brought online and boosters are ARMED for ignition. Sunrise was a few mins ago, taken from outside Launch Control
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
issues board remains clear, mostly a pensive silence in Launch Control as controllers carry out final checks possible now that booster engines are armed. Quiet is good! Team is ready, Lanalye will conduct the final general polls at L-5min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] final readiness polls: Wx: GO; Range: GO; Flight: GO; Tracking: GO; Ops Director: Launch permission granted! π GO PROGENY π FTS is transitioning to internal power, flight computer is confirmed ready to initiate terminal countdown at L-2min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
LIFTOFF!! Lower booster has ignited to push the rocket off the pad at 4Gs with 67kN of thrust. It will expire after 34 seconds, pushing the rocket up to >15km at speeds >600m/s. 2nd stage will coast until nose drops 1.5Β° before continuing powered ascent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
and after just 1m29s we are back in space! We have about 8.5 minutes until 507km apokee. Bottom goo containment unit has already opened its doors to expose the sample. Hoodall is still tracking the 1st & 2nd stage boosters as they fall back to the Kerblantic
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've passed through apokee, our highest point on the sub-orbital trajectory. Rocket is now beginning to fall back towards the atmosphere, which it will slam into at >2km/s in about 10 minutes. Top goo unit will remain exposed until we are back out of the radiation belt
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we had confirmation of door lock on the bottom goo canister prior to atmospheric interface @ +19m13s. Plasma blackout has occurred and we will not regain comms before the rocket drops below the horizon. Post-launch ops are continuing and we will await word from MSV Tongjess
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
news at last!! Unfortunately, although they spent almost an hour searching the area, MSV Tongjess reports no sign of the rocket or its signal was found. If it did submerge at some point after landing, it could have easily sunk below crush depth before Tongjess arrived
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
however the news isn't all bad! Tongjess did regain communication with the rocket after plasma blackout and has log recordings of it deploying chute, although full deployment and splashdown occurred just below the horizon
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
while the Progenitor team still needs to take a close look at the additional telemetry data to try and determine why the rocket sank, at least we know the rocket did survive re-entry this time, which means the next launch with Science Jr instruments should be approved - date TBD
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
while everyone is still a bit bummed we have to chalk up another mission failure, we do have two more this month with which to redeem ourselves so looking forward and staying positive!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
successful test firing today of the second K2-X engine. We will have 2 more delivered at the end of the month and our last one in February. The other engine has already been integrated into the Ascension Mk1 rocket set for launch next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the NRAP test weight has arrived to be integrated, which will complete the vertical stacking of the rocket. It has been designed to mimic the mass & size of the Mk1 capsule, and will test two important new technologies - a heat shield & reaction control system (RCS)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce has been in the HAB this week getting fitted with a suite of science instruments to conduct a flight over the Badlands, which will be another long mission for FOs Ted & Aldy - 1.2Mm just to get there! bit.ly/GenesisProgram has the contract details
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Extremis team members are still plugging away at trajectories. Still?? Yes - With so much open-endedness to what our future rockets/probes might be capable of they are working on many various possibilities. No complaints though, keeps them busy
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no sign was spotted in any of the photos the Deuce took of sea creatures at or near the surface of the water. Once again the hunt comes up empty. We are still aware of very few marine animals that have survived or evolved since the asteroid impact
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
that's not to say a whole lot didn't survive, but that research into sea life since returning to surface activities has been extremely low outside of commercial fishing. Hopefully more sightings by maritime services spur additional expeditions to explore the seas some more
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
nevermind that we couldn't possibly survive this close to the sun, here's what it would look like if we were at Moho's closest approach on its orbit in our latest Kerbin Relocated rendering. The sun's apparent size would be 3x larger in the sky!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
wet & dreary weather at the Cape throughout today - bring the rain gear if you've got a tour booked! This system should definitely move on before launch later this week but we can't yet forecast what might come after it by then
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the government has restricted further direct scientific research of the Monolith, deeming it a potential hazard. It will continue to be monitored remotely. The dome and close surrounding area will be converted into a temple for Monolithic followers
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today's flight out to bit.ly/Area Z3N4 will be another record-breaker for sure and also will be the first aircraft to cross the Prime Meridian - yep, to date all aircraft missions have taken place in the western hemisphere of the planet
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight crew have completed preflight & the aircraft is taxiing out to Rwy27 for departure. It once again carries a full load of fuel and they could make it back to KSC from the Badlands if they need to. It will be daylight by the time they arrive over the target
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a few mins ago Ted hailed Ockr to report they were successful in their mission. Saw some lightning to the north during the Kerblantic crossing but hit no adverse weather in front of them. Great to hear! They are 140km out and have been given vectors to land on Rwy09
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a solid approach and landing by Aldeny, the aircraft is taxiing to the parking stand. Aldy will put them both up with his family at Ockr and they will return to KSC tomorrow. Here is a photo of sunrise earlier in the flight just as they began to see high terrain - great timing!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although this mission traveled 434km further than the last science flight, the fuel burn was nearly the same thanks to the aircraft cruising at a consistently higher altitude throughout the flight. With a pressurized cabin, the Deuce can do this comfortably
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we just got this photo from the flight crew up at Ockr as they prep for departure shortly to return back to KSC. There was some consideration to heading northwards over the polar regions but the Deuce is actually overdue for servicing and needs to get home
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
hailed by Aldeny, Flight has confirmed they are ready for descent and have given them permission to approach and land on Rwy27. While we await their arrival, here's another photo from yesterday as they flew over the Badlands, a very dry & rocky place compared to the Grasslands
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is taxiing back to the HAB after touching down w/o issue. It has logged 29 flight hours since 4/23/18 over a distance of 13,664km & is now being taken out of service for a full inspection - which is just fine considering focus will be on Dhumla testing for the near future
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/KSARecords has also been updated for Longest Mission Distance, Longest Single Flight Distance, Longest Continuous Flight Time, Longest Distance from KSC and Heaviest Aircraft Flown. Only Jeb & Val's altitude, speed, & Gs records are still intact
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after a long day of work resolving GSE issues we are happy to say that all is finally πGO FOR LAUNCH!π It's going to be an early day tomorrow, with pre-launch operations kicking off at 11:53 UTC. Everyone get some rest!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-5)
1/24
#2π08:27:59 π 10:38:21 !!π!!
#3π14:28:50 π 16:39:12
#4π20:29:41 π 22:40:03
1/25
#1π02:30:32 π 04:40:54
@ KSC (UTC-5)
1/24
#2π08:27:59 π 10:38:21 !!π!!
#3π14:28:50 π 16:39:12
#4π20:29:41 π 22:40:03
1/25
#1π02:30:32 π 04:40:54
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h] Flight Director Lanalye is getting the final mission briefing underway. They've been running drills for the past week once the mission design was locked in earlier this month. Here's what it looks like in the Launch Vehicle Designer
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here's another look at the mission and its goals. Three main objectives for this flight are:
βΎ gathering ascent data to compare to LVD predictions
βΎ testing the reaction control system & guidance
βΎ testing the heat shield ablative surface
βΎ gathering ascent data to compare to LVD predictions
βΎ testing the reaction control system & guidance
βΎ testing the heat shield ablative surface
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launching again on a 45Β° azimuth will take the rocket over Sheltered Rock & Ockr for downrange signal reception, which will allow it to travel the farthest distance and spend the most time in space while still coming down (hopefully) over smooth terrain or water
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
finally, we know from bit.ly/ProgenyMk6B1-5 that this trajectory can go as high as nearly 500km and still not encounter the radiation belt, making it a good option for future sub-orbital kerbed missions. A radiation instrument is onboard though just to make sure
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket is initialized, flight code has been onloaded to the flight computer, along with the various control commands that will be used once in space to test the new RCS system. You can check out the changes and new command additions via bit.ly/AFCS_ChangeLog
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all the control files contain just 1-2 lines of code, but we call a file instead of entering commands directly because the code in the files are run-checked for errors. Much easier for the flight computer to spot & handle a bad filename instead of bad code w/o crashing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h47m] wrapping up early, still after two trips each for the fuel trucks, the tanks are topped off with a total of 5.95t of fuel, or 85% of full capacity. This will allow us to expend all the fuel on our trip to space and still stay within mission constraints
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are happy to be welcoming back the crowds for another launch, but please remember if you're outdoors hearing protection is REQUIRED. KSC employees will be on the lookout - anyone caught without it will be banned from future launches. Same goes for leaving designated viewing areas!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] it is literally the crack of dawn (Eve shining above) right now as we move into final countdown procedures with a GO from the weather team - all surface weather constraints are showing <5% chance of violation over the coming hour. Be nice, @upperlevelwinds!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-13m] a truck still hooked up to the service tower has begun to pump nitrogen into pressure vessels on the rocket, which will then be used to pressurize the main tanks during the flight. Late onload protects pad workers from any rupture and explosion
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the lack of full tanks led to some issues during the WDR earlier this week getting them up to flight pressure in time for launch during the final seconds of countdown and is why the launch was delayed so we could improve the pumping system in the service tower
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] Final readiness polls complete: Wx: GO; Range: GO; Flight: GO; Tracking Station: GO; Downrange Tracking: GO; Ops Director: Launch permission granted! πGO ASCENSIONπ FTS on internal power, service tower booms unlocked to prep for retraction, AFCS ready for terminal count
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-1m] the flight computer will perform these final steps to ensure the rocket is ready for ascent when the engine clamp lets go at T-0. Any abort after T-30s final primary station poll will most likely be automated but controllers can call a hold all the way up to launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
main engine ignition, throttle up and LIFT OFF for the 3rd Ascension Mk1 Block I, aiming to pave the way for sub-orbital kerbed spaceflight! Rocket has cleared the tower & guidance has kicked in, throttling up to full and pitching over towards the horizon, aiming for 70Β° by 10km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
beautiful confirmation of separation from the booster camera, which has a power/data cable hooked to the payload to give us this view for a few seconds before it gets pulled out. That is Eve just to the right and Jool up in the right corner
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're through apokee and on the way back down, control testing going well. Two control models are being put through pointing the rocket along the 6 main axis of orbit. Coarse control always uses full thruster power while a Fine control model adjusts the thruster output as needed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
an airship was on standby & is being dispatched to the landing area. Chutes were mounted on the bottom to flip the payload over to land nose first, allowing a faster descent using smaller chutes & still protect the heat shield from damage so it can be inspected post-flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
great news - payload was found buried 1/4 of a meter up its nose into the dirt of a hillside - which means those nose thrusters are probably a write-off but at least it didn't roll down the slope and the rest is in great shape! Mission success! KERZZAH!! ππ₯β¨
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Big Boi has just been tugged out of the HAB for the first time. Without the folding wings it wouldn't be able to fit through the doors! It will be parked for ground crews to prep it for ground testing. FOs Aldeny & Tedman can't wait to fire up all those engines
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all nominal on the left side, both engines are being shut down and the starboard side will now get its turn, following the same procedures. Here was the second engine start earlier. Beefy! youtube.com/watch?v=6K461Cβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here's the full video of the payload separation from yesterday. So smooth! A very small initial force was given to the payload at separation in case the RCS system failed & the 2 pieces would have eventually drifted far enough away by the time of re-entry youtube.com/watch?v=bqa7Wkβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Officers Tedman & Aldeny are back aboard the Dhumla and have fired up ALL FOUR engines to prepare for taxi! Ground crews have cleared the nose wheel but caution will still be taken at first to confirm it is in good working order
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ATN have finally released their yearly asteroid census. Good to see the Main Asteroids clawing back towards majority - numbers below represent last year while a color next to a number is what the majority category was in 2017
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although there is currently nearly an even split between Main Belt and NKOs, astronomers expect the Main Belt numbers to begin to pull away faster & faster from NKO discoveries as the years go on
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
photo from this week's launch as the rocket passed through 25km, looking back towards KSC, nearly hidden by the expanding exhaust plume. This is well above the thickest part of the atmosphere, seen as a thin layer separating the horizon from the blackness of space
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
altho she fought hard against it, today Lead Scientist Cheranne was forced to remove all monitoring instruments from inside the Monolith dome, now officially a temple & under direct control of religious leaders. Guess who also recently announced a bid for re-election this year?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Genesis and C7 have studied the data from last week and decided the Dhumla is ready for additional ground trials. Flight crew & FD Lanalye are working out the details with the engineers on what needs to be tested and how so they can carry out the mission tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronauts have begun their capsule sim training - or rather, have begun figuring out what's wrong with the capsule simulator training program. This is supposed to be easy?? We think not. Jeb has found the most problems so far. He says it's in his nature to break things
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Engineer Simon & his VAB crews have a long day ahead of them doing final closeouts for the Mk6 Block II. It is three stages comprised of 38 parts not counting payload instruments, making it the most complex rocket we have designed to date
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
PLOT ALL THE THINGS!! Ascension flight analysis is well underway and the team has plenty of things to look at when comparing the actual flight data to the planned flight data. Numerous deviations are evident and all need to be explained
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tracking Station is ready to support tomorrow's launch, FD Lanalye has submitted her readiness report & says the team is drilled up. Wx looks good and rocket is mounted. Ops Director @DKerman_KSA has signed off on the paperwork - πGO PROGENY!π Pre-launch ops begin tmrw @ 12:07Z
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-5)
1/31
#2π08:51:47 π 11:02:09 !!π!!
#3π14:52:38 π 17:03:00
#4π20:53:29 π 23:03:51
2/1
#1π02:54:20 π 05:04:42
@ KSC (UTC-5)
1/31
#2π08:51:47 π 11:02:09 !!π!!
#3π14:52:38 π 17:03:00
#4π20:53:29 π 23:03:51
2/1
#1π02:54:20 π 05:04:42
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the actual mission will differ from the 1st. For more info, visit the Ops Tracker and click on the title bar below the vessel photo to see the mission details. Changes have been made to the payload, fins, radial decouplers and overall mission duration ops.kerbalspace.agency/?db=progenymk6β¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the ascent for this mission was once again modeled with the Launch Vehicle Designer although it was not *planned* with the LVD and no changes were made to the vehicle or ascent profile based on LVD modeling. This is mainly another test against actual flight data
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
head on over to bit.ly/AFCS_ChangeLog to check out the latest updates to both the flight computer and mission software. We are excited to be using the hibernation capabilities for the first time on this launch, a vital test for future unkerbed orbital missions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with the new command interface to the AFCS, loading up the mission scripts is easier than ever. Controllers can batch the entire onload process into a single command file now instead of having to send over & verify files one by one
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all spectator areas are open, still some tickets remaining for the closer viewing areas. Hearing protection is recommended outdoors but not required. Also don't forget we will be launching before the sun gets high overhead so eye protection should be worn as well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] we are GO to continue final countdown. Weather remains good, RSO reports water and airspace is clear, pad is secured and FD Lanalye confirms rocket has been ARMED for ignition. Flight Termination System is ACTIVE. Range is closed to all incursion
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] final polling complete & we are NO GO from the weather desk after they got the @upperlevelwinds data. Launch procedures are rolling back to L-15min and we will wait for additional analysis of the winds data to determine whether there's a chance of launching later
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch window is open until mid-day cycle @ 17:57. The reason for this is we know the radiation belt gets compressed closer to the planet thanks to the kerbolar wind & launching too late will make it harder to reach a possible second region of high radiation. Img is looking down on north pole
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are scrubbing for this day cycle. Conditions will not be improving within the time remaining and we will have to send up another balloon, which also can't be done in the time remaining even if we released it now. New launch time has been set for 22:48 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight controllers had to reboot the entire rocket just to change the launch time. Ugh! At least they will be busy until the countdown resumes getting the rocket reconfigured for flight. Our Ops Director has the technical details twitter.com/DKerman_KSA/stβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all ground trials complete and flight trials for the Dhumla begin tomorrow! Genesis confirmed swerving issue was due to wheel brake use compressing the nose gear beyond safe limits and will not affect take off. Ted & Aldy say they are ready to continue breaking records π
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h20m] second balloon has been released - here's hoping for better results! Rocket remains healthy out on the pad and we made sure all visitors who continued to stick around had access to the KSC mess hall behind the Astronaut Complex
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] Final readiness polls complete: Wx: GO; Range: GO; Flight: GO; Tracking: GO; Ops Director: Launch permission granted! π GO PROGENY π FTS has now switched over to internal power, launch team is prepping for the AFCS to go into active mode & begin terminal count in 3min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
quintuple booster ignition and LIFT OFF! Away shoots the 2nd Progeny Mk6 Block II off to explore further than any probe before in a search for new regions of space. Radial boosters will detach after just 6 seconds - hopefully they drop off without fin impact this time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
nominal ascent so far. New method of just releasing the radial boosters w/o pyro push letting the rocket spin & aero forces fling them away was enough to remove strike hazard. 3rd stage boost has just kicked off and apokee is rising faster & faster - go Progeny go!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HOLY WOW - we had a good full 61s burn on the third stage engine & are now coasting up to an apokee of 3,124km! It will take the rocket just over one hour to climb that high. Everyone is ecstatic at the phenomenal performance demonstrated on this flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Engineer Simon has reported that the service tower sustained no serious damage when one of the radial boosters came crashing back down into it. Although the drop away was clean from the rocket they were not flung very far. Another landed on the bunker, which didn't care
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the long journey up has come to an end at last - time for the equally long journey down now from apokee of 3.1Mm. Post-launch operations are complete and everyone is hanging in or around Mission Control to wait for the vessel to come back into comms range in ~1hr
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
acquisition of signal from Arekibo! Data downlink was good - mission success!! Everything after this point is just icing on the cake now that we have the data from the long coast. Keeping an eye on the comm link for more 1min pings until vessel nears the atmosphere
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
unfortunately the crater rim around Arekibo has blocked the signal & we lost comms prior to re-entry. This concludes the mission - no recovery will be made as it will be cheaper to buy new parts than mount an expedition into a remote section of the planet to maybe find it intact
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/KSARecords have been updated, with yesterday's flight setting two new records for Highest Altitude over Kerbin (In Space) and Longest Mission Distance. If there are any other records you think we should be tracking, let us know!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ascension capsule has completed its test regimen and is undergoing final certification review, which will take about 2 weeks as engineers look over the copious amounts of data collected, as well as conduct one last thorough inspection of the capsule itself
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
over in the VAB vertical stacking of the next Progeny Mk6 Block I has been underway starting today. Rocket assembly remains on schedule for launch next week. After this expect longer periods between launches as we finish clearing out our mission backlog
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
video from shortly after launch showing the radial boosters cleanly dropping from the rocket and then getting buffeted by the exhaust as they fall away. That one that got flung off to the left actually crashed into the service towers youtube.com/watch?v=jqhS8bβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the huge 200m dish at the Arekibo Radio Observatory officially begins science operations today - congrats to all the project members! Remote observation is also possible, scientists from all over Kerbin have proposed time on the radio telescope, also capable of active RADAR
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ARO also announced they will be investigating the possibility of signals being detected transmitting from the Joolean system. Many were hoping for confirmation of signal detection of course, but the observatory is playing it cautious. We approve
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather should hold for good conditions to finally allow for a flight trial later today after 2nd sunrise. Ground crew are already organizing to get the Dhumla prepped for flight, maritime crew also driving our safety boat down to launch into the water
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the prominent journal Science Source has published our paper discussing the radiation data from the recent Progeny MK6-II launch. The highlights are the confirmation of the second outer radiation belt and discovering the sunward boundary of the magnetosphere!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
second belt cannot be avoided when leaving Kerbin orbit, but it is not as dense or as wide as the inner belt so can be traversed with minimal shielding as vessels will be traveling through at high velocities
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our brief unexpected foray out into inter-planetary space found much less radiation than predicted, which is great news. How far our magnetotail stretches in the opposite direction is still unknown, but could potentially cross Mun orbit
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
briefing has wrapped, Flight Officers Tedman and Aldeny are heading out to begin preflight while controllers get their consoles setup to monitor. Plan will be takeoff to 2.5km ASL, basic maneuvers, landing pass, touch & go, full stop landing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everyone pensive after FD Lanalye granted take off clearance to the aircraft sitting out on Rwy27. Any moment now the 4 engines will roar and propel the vehicle down the runway and up to take off speed of 80m/s, or Vr - rotate! Control yoke will be pulled back and....
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
away they go! ~700m of roll followed by a smooth rotation off the runway with a steady 15-17m/s positive rate of climb. Aircraft is cleaned up - flaps & gear raised - as it passes through 800m continuing on runway heading until 2km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
nothing to report during the maneuver tests - Dhumla reached angles upwards of 40Β° both directions and flight crew reports no rollover - they can bank and the aircraft holds its position after controls are centered. Excellent! Ted has now begun to descend back towards KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Dhumla has flown by over head and is already turning north and re-configuring to setup for another pattern approach, right-turn this time. Ted says he has a good feel for it, will perform a touch and go as planned
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
coming down too steep, Ted had to level out and coast over almost half of the runway before touching down. Full throttle and pulling up flaps got the aircraft back into the air before running out of runway. Flight crew feel good about going full stop on their next attempt
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ted performed another T&G when the aircraft refused to settle on the runway. In fact it rebounded into the air several times rather hard. Gear was raised okay but everyone now wondering if it should have been retracted at all. Photo from approach just before initial landing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
gear raise was just part of the checklist so was done without thought. If they are damaged & can't be lowered again flight crew will shut down engines, lock propellers and glide down to ditch in the water just offshore. Rescue boat remains on standby
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
back on final approach, gear is confirmed down and locked - phew! May still be damaged though so Ted is trying to approach even flatter and really hopes to grease this next attempt. Fuel remains for several more but main concern is the gear right now
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a few more slight bumps on landing but halfway down the runway the aircraft finally settled and additional reverse thrust was applied to bring them to a stop shortly afterwards. Taxiing back to the HAB now, Ted says he can feel something off with the undercarriage
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Dhumla will shortly be parked back in the HAB and have engineers and mechanics swarming all over it. Sometime tomorrow we should know more about its condition and how pleased designers are (or aren't) with its flight performance after reviewing the test data
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this week's launch remains on schedule with the rocket stacked yesterday and today has been laid back horizontal for final checks which will extend into tomorrow before it is loaded up and trucked out to the pad ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 & Genesis have finished their initial review of the Dhumla and its flight data. Gear is damaged, but thankfully can be repaired without needing to be replaced. Greater concern is lack of pitch authority at landing speeds making the aircraft tough to settle on landing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bounciness on both landings was due to Tedman holding so far back on the yoke at touchdown to keep the nose up even a little bit. The vertical strake will be modified to hold weights that will shift CoM further towards the rear. Can be removed if needed when carrying cargo loads
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
modifications and repairs to the aircraft are expected to take 2-3 weeks so hopefully we can get in another test flight before the end of the month. In better news, the overall flight data was extremely satisfying to engineers & the aircraft looks solid when aloft
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-5)
2/7
#2π09:15:35 π 11:25:56 !!π!!
#3π15:16:26 π 17:26:47
#4π21:17:17 π 23:27:38
2/8
#1π03:18:08 π 05:28:29
@ KSC (UTC-5)
2/7
#2π09:15:35 π 11:25:56 !!π!!
#3π15:16:26 π 17:26:47
#4π21:17:17 π 23:27:38
2/8
#1π03:18:08 π 05:28:29
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h40m] briefing is getting underway at Launch Control as Flight Director Lanalye lays out the mission plan. This rocket will fly exactly like the last Mk6-I (kerbalspace.agency/?p=8341), exposing its two sample containers the same way. We also have the recovery ship better positioned downrange to react to any abnormal ascent events
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h10m] we are GO from the weather desk to begin launch operations. Ground crews are heading out to the launch pad while controllers get on console to wake up the rocket. Visitors have begun to be bused over the causeway from the Support Village
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h55m] we are NO GO for fueling ops, weather desk has come back and told tankers to remain in the VAB as they monitor a rapid pressure drop. Ground crews are being told to secure the pad and shelter in the bunker - a strong storm is blowing in off the water it seems
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
wow it got intense out there real quick. Sun was already setting and it managed to get even darker out as heavy clouds seemed to materialize overhead, though it was tough to see under the night sky exactly how they formed. We're getting lots of thunder & cloud lightning
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch has been scrubbed, rocket is powered down - we're getting multiple ground strikes around the area. Thankfully the Ascension service tower is higher than the rocket and has a lightning rod. Winds are howling but launch base is heavy & also secured to the ground
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
storm seems to be abating. Lead Engineer Simon has already had a meeting with Progenitor leads and agreed the rocket should be unmounted and returned to the VAB for inspection given its proximity to the strikes. It did not appear to get hit directly
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
damage around the space center due to high winds was minimal - we don't leave many loose objects to fly around normally but in the rush to get visitors inside chairs and other items were left at the mercy of the winds. No injuries to report either thankfully
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
storm has cleared and crews are unmounting the rocket while most of the visitors have stuck around to help clean up. We don't expect to hear from the VAB on the rocket's condition until sometime tomorrow at the earliest
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
capsule simulator has gotten a lot less buggy and faulty, meaning more training runs for the astronauts to do battle with Flight Director Lanalye, who has been coming up with increasingly more creative ways to kill them. So far she's still winning 248 failures to 129 successes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
meteorologists have been analyzing the data collected from yesterday's storm and have confirmed that it did somehow seem to coalesce right on top of us. Actually, just a little ways to the north is where the low pressure center appears to have been located. HRRRMMMMMMM....
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Engineer Simon reports the rocket has checked out okay, no damage received from the nearby lightning strikes. It will be remounted later today and the next launch attempt has been scheduled for tomorrow @ 17:18 UTC - weekend visitors get a show!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-5)
2/9
#2π09:22:23 π 11:32:44 !!π!!
#3π15:23:14 π 17:33:35
#4π21:24:05 π 23:34:26
2/10
#1π03:24:56 π 05:35:17
@ KSC (UTC-5)
2/9
#2π09:22:23 π 11:32:44 !!π!!
#3π15:23:14 π 17:33:35
#4π21:24:05 π 23:34:26
2/10
#1π03:24:56 π 05:35:17
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h10m] we're back at the top of the countdown, all crews have reported on site and are getting organized. Weather forecast is 90% favorable - for all the good it'll do if the Monolith decides to act out. As always we'll update at the following milestones:
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h10m] we are GO to begin pre-launch operations. Eyes are on the sky but a picture-perfect sunset is all that we see from outside Launch Control. Ground crews heading out to the pad while controllers get on console and begin to power up the rocket
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h55m] NO GO for fueling. Pressure drop has already begun and the stars are beginning to vanish overhead. We are powering off the rocket and preparing for the coming storm. Everyone confident the service towers will protect the rocket as they did last time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
storm is already abating - it seemed to be as intense as the previous one two days ago but did not last as long. Rocket suffered no direct hits and once we have better conditions we feel our best option is to roll back to L-3h10m and just try again
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h10m] the bad weather dissipated almost as fast as it arrived and we have clear skies once again. We are restarting the countdown and powering the rocket back up. Ground crew was in the bunker and are already at work on the pad. New L-0 time is 19:12 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h55m] rocket software is loaded and vehicle is configured - we are GO for tanking operations. Skies are now partly cloudy but scattered, not organized like the storm. Atmospheric pressure nominal. Fuel trucks are on their way to the launch pad from the VAB
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HOLD COUNT! Tanker crews were unhooking the fuel lines when the weather desk rang out an alert of pressure drop. Pad is evacuating, trucks were parked off to the side and everyone sheltering in the bunker. Crowds outside are streaming back indoors. Here we go again...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket is once again powered off to help protect it from the storm, which does not seem to be building quite as fast as we expected. Progenitor leads, FD Lanalye & @DKerman_KSA will have a meeting after this storm dies down to discuss our options
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it is imperative that all visitors remain within the designated areas when allowed to go outside as this will keep you near shelter in the event of additional storms. KSC mess is open to all & food will also be available in the VAB
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
storm is fading. It lasted a bit longer but did not seem to be as powerful as the two before it. Rocket suffered no direct hits and should still be ready for flight. Ground crew remaining sheltered while rocket stays fueled. Admin meeting underway to determine if we attempt again
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we will be making another launch attempt. Lead Scientist Cheranne came barging into the meeting with compiled weather data and laid out her hypothesis that the Monolith was losing energy and could not maintain the storm indefinitely if we pressed on
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
FD Lanalye is having her team power up the rocket and run diagnostics. Once they are ready to proceed with the count we will reset the clock at L-2h40m. If the storm returns, we will proceed as far as possible before holding to try and wait it out
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h40m] diagnostics complete, rocket suffered no damage. New L-0 time is 21:43 UTC. Pre-flight continuing. Tankers have been returned to the VAB and pad crew are securing the rocket. Security is trying to tell spectators they should remain inside still
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here comes the drop! The few visitors who went back out are running back inside while the pad crew again shelters. Controllers remain on console performing preflight operations on the rocket, which will stay powered up. Rumbling overhead increases...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h55m] storm is definitely not as strong as the last one, but it's still packing some decent winds with ground strikes continuing. Pad remains clear & launch team is pressing on to engine and ignition checks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h30m] HOLD - preflight is complete but we can't proceed with launch of the weather balloon while the storm rages on. MSV Tongjess is offshore watching the storm but is not close enough to be affected by it. Now it's time to sit, wait & see if Cheranne's hypothesis is correct
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we'll update on the hour as necessary. Storm appears to maintain its ferocity but detailed weather data is showing it is indeed beginning to weaken. Cheranne posits it is more dependent on the energy in the surrounding area than however much energy the Monolith itself has
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're seeing noticeable weakening at this time, with winds blowing moderately and no longer gusting. Lighting strike frequency is decreasing rapidly. Umbarg however has reported a noticeable drop in surface temperature - from how far can the storm suck energy??
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
storm is tailing off and weather desk reports the system is collapsing - which may not actually lead to better conditions but we will continue to wait & see. Rocket remains on ground power and healthy, ground crew returned to VAB hours ago
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it is now so still outside, the silence is eerie. KerBalloon crew are prepping to launch the balloon right outside the VAB. We did not expect it to be this calm after the storm but we will take it & hope we can complete the countdown before things change!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h20m] balloon is away and countdown has restarted, now working towards a new L-0 of 01:12 UTC. This mission has no dependency on launch time although daytime would be best. Controllers are giving the rocket systems a full checkout while crowds begin to gather outside again
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] FD Lanalye reports her team is on task & alert. Weather outside is still completely calm - which has the weather desk puzzled but they had no immediate reason not to give a GO for final countdown. Ground crews heading back out to complete pad lockdown
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] pad is locked down and evacuating. RSO has closed the range and activated the Flight Termination System. Engines are ARMED for ignition. Everyone is trying to ignore all the concerned looks and muttering over at the weather desk
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HOLD! Weather desk has preempted the final readiness polls and reported extremely disturbed air overhead starting as low as 13km and continuing all the way to the upper atmosphere. So that's where all the storm energy went afterwards...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's time for another emergency admin meeting. Given the Monolith seems to detect when we power on and off the rocket we are definitely NOT scrubbing at this time but when & how we can launch remains to be determined. Rocket is being disarmed but otherwise will remain @ the ready
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
shift change is complete at Launch Control, rocket remains healthy. Temperature outside continues to slowly drop but it remains warmer inside the dome so perhaps Monolith isn't as smart as we'd like to think it is and still believes a storm is brewing outside
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-5)
2/10 ??π??
#2π09:25:47 π 11:36:08
#3π15:26:38 π 17:36:59
#4π21:27:29 π 23:37:50
2/11
#1π03:28:20 π 05:38:41
@ KSC (UTC-5)
2/10 ??π??
#2π09:25:47 π 11:36:08
#3π15:26:38 π 17:36:59
#4π21:27:29 π 23:37:50
2/11
#1π03:28:20 π 05:38:41
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Launch Ctrl is prepping to return to full strength as KerBalloon crews outside get rdy to send up another balloon so we can see how conditions have changed. It's now down to a relatively chilly 47Β°F outside but rocket systems remain unaffected & should be okay at even lower temps
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
upper atmosphere is looking better! Progenitor leads would like to have more time for it to calm further but feel we've pushed our luck far enough already and have decided to just move forward with launch. New L-0 time has been set for 15:45 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] Final readiness polls complete: Wx: GO; Range: GO; Flight: GO; Tracking: GO; Ops Director: Launch permission granted! π GO PROGENY π FTS to internal power, AFCS will go into active mode & begin terminal count in 3min. Ops Tracker: ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
lift off! Lower booster is pushing the rocket upwards on a tail of flame, seen here from outside Launch Control. First stage will burn for 34 seconds and then detach at L+35s. Go Progeny go!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
β¨π KERZZAH!! πβ¨ MSV Hoodall has commed in from the recovery site and reports the rocket is aboard and they are headed back to port. Everybody happy this mission turned out alright despite all the adversity we faced getting it launched π₯
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/KerBalloonProg⦠has two contracts it will satisfy as part of a science expedition that will sail to the furthest body of water, which is actually closer than you would think except for land getting in the way
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've been dealing with all kinds of wacky weather as the area stabilizes back to normal after the Monolith's meddling. Thankfully no launch or aircraft operations are currently on the table for the next several days, by which time hopefully things will have calmed down
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Scientist Cheranne and her team are preparing to fight an uphill battle against religious leaders and get a heavy-duty air conditioning system installed in the Monolith temple before our next launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the idea is that if the Monolith was fooled by the warmer temple interior into thinking more energy existed for a storm, then making the inside cold will cause it to think not enough energy exists to try forming a storm in the first place
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the results are finally in from last month's Ascension Mk1 flight and there's still a lot of work to be done since much of the data was inconclusive in determining key aspects of the flight profile that we plan to send kerbals along kerbalspace.agency/?p=8614
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this flight analysis was also conducted in part with the Progenitor team, who were working on the finishing touches to the Progeny Mk7 design when Ascension made some requests for technology they'd like to see prototyped. Stay tuned for details next week!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
amazing work from the construction company managing ATN/DSN North has brought the project back to within two months on schedule after their supply docks were wiped out. ATN/DSN South remains on track - both slated to begin ops in 2020 twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kerbin has many wonderful locales on the surface that we have explored over the past few years, you can check them all out in this photo album on our flickr page: flickr.com/photos/kerbal_β¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather patterns in the area have gradually returned to normal since last weekend and overall the facilities came out of it okay, although that one freak hailstorm dropping 10-12cm diameter chunks of ice on us did crack some glass in HAB skylights
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tomorrow the High-Altitude KerBalloon crew (the program has added workers and split into two separate teams) will set off aboard a MSV for a 3-4 day journey to their research location, over 2,000km of sea travel. By air it would only be about half that distance
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
yesterday CFQ-454(D) exited the system and its new kerbolar orbit has been predicted to send it back our way and through Mun's SOI in 2035, making this the furthest prediction of a Mun encounter to date. Furthest prediction for Minmus pass is due in 2030, made back in 2017
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
almost... there... landing station for the sea cable was just completed near Umbarg and the overland cable was complete at the end of last year. Marine cable is making its way to shore and should be hooked up by the end of March
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronomers have completed their prediction analysis for bit.ly/Vieras - it will likely be sticking around until early 2020 before it is tossed back out of the system by Mun. Here is a plot showing all 19 future encounter orbits in 3 major phases
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this is the first long-term prediction made since astronomers tried to propagate Alaba's orbit out several years - it was shown to be wrong just a few months later. We will see how accurate this prediction for Vieras turns out twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC officially stands for the Kerbal Space Center but many mistakenly refer to it as the Kerman Space Center. Maybe one day it will be the Kerbin Space Center because there will be some on other planets? Also, VAB is Vertical Assembly Building but some think V = Vehicle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the times given in our daily tweets are actually *operational* sunrise/sunset times - when conditions are light enough to begin outdoor ops and dark enough they should cease if artificial light is not available
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
if you want to know whether the sun is up above the horizon anywhere on the planet, the Ops Tracker is able to display that via the sun/terminator layer on the surface map kerbalspace.agency/Tracker/trackeβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ever since the Mk6 debuted a year ago Progenitor has been cranking away at R&D and accumulating design goals for the Mk7. Like all its forebears, it will be a pathfinder for new technologies, most of which will make their way onto Ascension rockets. Here they are:
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Ascension Mk1 capsule has been flight certified! The current one has undergone too many tests to safely carry an astronaut, but we can still use it for the next Ascension flight as a test vehicle. A new capsule for the first crewed flight is currently under construction
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronauts took time from their busy schedule to visit a school in Umbarg as part of their educational outreach. One kerbling asked what happens if you peed in your space suit. Bob promised him he would find out. Such bold frontiers to explore!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
FOs Tedman and Aldeny are finishing up their briefing to continue flight testing and will soon be heading out to begin preflight. We will be looking first to see how the Dhumla performs on takeoff/landing with the new ballast weights in the tail before moving into further tests
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after a smooth roll and rotation the Dhumla has climbed out with no issues, already approaching 1.5km ASL and Aldeny is beginning to come around to setup for an approach pattern, being mindful on the turns as CoM has been moved upwards almost atop CoL
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
passing abreast of KSC to the south on downwind leg Aldeny reports the aircraft feels much more naturally stable in pitch - nose still wants to drop (good!) but not nearly as much as before. No unbalance noticed during banks as steep as 30Β°
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
touching down heavy in the first 1/4 of the runway still gave the crew plenty of distance to roll and come to a stop with reverse thrust. Tedman raised flaps right after touchdown to ensure the nose settled properly and no swerving was evident. Aircraft is taxiing back to HAB
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a group of primary school kerblings were given a tour this afternoon by Cpt Jeb Kerman. They were disappointed at the lack of huge rockets but became inspired when Jeb told them maybe they should consider studying hard to one day come here and build them
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
low-altitude KerBalloon crew is setting out today for the Kongo River Research Center to carry out several contracts over the next few weeks in and around the river basin. They along with all their equipment will be ferried over via airship by the end of the weekend
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we forgot to make note yesterday that with the added ballast weight and a greater load of fuel the takeoff mass of the Dhumla set a new bit.ly/KSARecords for Heaviest Aircraft Flown (14.493t - over twice what was previously set by the Deuce) and it's not done yet!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
heavy-duty A/C for the Monolith temple wasn't as hard a sell as feared - pilgrims also didn't like the storms & have already agreed to keep the temple clear during launch operations anyways so no one cares if it gets super chilly in there. Hopefully it will be rdy by next launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Dhumla has been cleared to continue flight trials. Aldeny & Tedman have been putting extra hours into the sim, which is now even better thanks to actual flight data. Weather forecast for tomorrow looks poor until after 3rd sunset, so possible flight after 3rd sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
both of the K2-X engines that were delivered back at the end of Jan have been successfully static-fired on our test stand and are finishing up their refurbishment & integration into the Ascension Mk1 lifters. 5th engine received yesterday will be tested next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
additional Ascension news includes a look at the complete assembly of the Mk1 capsule. Decision has been made for the Launch Escape System to undergo a pad abort test prior to the next Ascension launch, which will push it back closer to the middle of March
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Engineer Simon reports the horizontal fins for the next Ascension Mk1 lifter have been removed and meticulously replaced at a 5Β° angle to cause the rocket to naturally nose downwards. Seems slight, but these fins are quite large & will have a noticeable effect
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather conditions are improving as expected after high winds earlier today. Dhumla is rolled out and ground crews are prepping the aircraft for Flight Officers Tedman & Aldeny, who are in the ready room suiting up ahead of briefing. Wheels up @ ~00:10 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
running a bit behind schedule, flight crew has radioed for taxi/takeoff clearance. Today's test will finally put the aircraft through its paces while in the air and cover many things: stalls, G-loading, engine-out and service ceiling
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good departure from Rwy09, aircraft is climbing out along runway heading for 2.5km. Most maneuvers will be done over the Kerblantic just east of KSC. We have our rescue boat in the area ready to move in should the aircraft end up in the water for whatever reason
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
satisfied with stall recovery, flight crew is moving on to G-loading. Tedman will climb back to 4km then initiate a dive, pulling out at up to 4-5Gs. If the engineers ran their numbers right, the wings shouldn't rip off. Even if we do it twice in a row...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
whoo! Reaching speeds up to just over mach 0.7 and pulling up with peak 4.7G and 4.9G we are happy to report the aircraft still has both wings attached π Flight crew is re-establishing a trimmed-out cruise at 4km ASL before moving on to engine-out tests
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with rudder at full deflection and a slight bank, aircraft can indeed hold heading at 80% throttle while maintaining 4km! Aircraft will remain in this configuration a bit longer to collect more data then both engines will be restarted for a climb to maximum altitude
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the view out Aldeny's window just a minute ago as they passed through some light clouds and over the mountains, climbing for 9km, maybe even 10km ASL. Throttles wide open, vertical speed is still 10m/s and pitch authority is only half used up
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
another record broken! Fist-pound in the cockpit as Dhumla zooms through 8.516km and continues climbing, approaching the West Shore Desert with comms and telemetry being relayed through Umbarg aerial. Progress will continue to be slow, vertical speed @ ~2m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
aircraft is heading back to KSC, leveled off at 4km ASL after the flight crew declared an emergency and made a rapid descent once loss of cabin pressure was detected by the onboard systems. They are back in breathable air now, report aircraft feels structurally sound
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
coming around for final approach Tedman has had no trouble controlling the aircraft as normal and Aldeny found no leaks in the cabin (cargo hold is not pressurized). They have been cleared for landing back on Rwy09, emergency vehicles have still been prepped & are standing by
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the aircraft is taxiing back to the HAB after an uneventful (if still a bit rough) landing. It was scheduled for downtime & inspection after this test anyways but it seems there will be more to look at than we thought. Glad to have the crew home safe!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a visitor today asked their guide a reasonable question: why haven't we used the Ascension Mk1 Block II to try to make orbit? It would certainly get the rocket moving faster, but the real issue is following a proper ascent profile - it can't steer any better than a Block I
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
servicing for the Deuce is completed and it's being rolled back out to its parking spot on the tarmac. Genesis is working on closing a deal for its next contract mission this week after negotiations fell through on an earlier planned contract at the start of Feb
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
BREAKING: KNN has reported that the entire executive division of C7 Aerospace has been arrested and the government is launching a full scale investigation into the company. We are partners with them and have no idea what is going on - this is all news to us!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have learned all we know from the press conference just held: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8781 this will have an immediate impact on fixed-wing flight here at the Cape, however the long-term impact is still largely speculative since more details have yet to be released by authorities
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
earlier today before 2nd sunset the latest K2-X engine was undergoing a routine ascent simulation static fire on our test stand. Some fault during testing led the engine to explode, causing irreparable damage to the test stand and rattling the windows of the R&D complex
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all safety protocols were followed & no one was nearby when the incident occurred. Test stand will be rebuilt after a thorough investigation looks over it and the remains of the engine as well as test data to attempt to determine what went wrong
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all previous engines passed static fire testing without issue & Ascension Mk1 capsule test flights are still GO. However, until the investigation concludes no kerbed flights will be conducted. Astronauts are bummed, but everyone understands crew safety is paramount
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today's accident with the 1.25m test stand will not affect Progeny Mk7 development, as its new vacuum engine is small enough to test at Rockomax's own facility. The Viklun 1.25m vac engine will simply be tested during unkerbed flight as it is far & away by the time it ignites
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the latest image of Jool released by the Kerman Observatory, taken earlier today, shows it at greatest southern declination, shortly after reaching opposition back on the 22nd. We are staring down on its northern hemisphere - a slight tinge of blue at the pole is aurora
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Joolean moons on display in the previous tweeted photo are (L-R) Laythe, Vall and Tylo, which is currently transiting its shadow across the planet, darkening the southern hemisphere as the sun is 1.3Β° above its equator
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
spending the last two days searching up to several hundred meters from around the test stand to collect all the debris, the HAB is being used during its downtime to hold everything and allow investigators to rebuild things and conduct their review of the engine explosion
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
high-altitude KerBalloon team has pulled back into port at Umbarg. Nasty weather delayed their travel but did not cause any damage. Although they failed to recover one balloon, spare parts allowed them to release the 2nd, which was recovered successfully
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we once again bid farewell to Aldeny & Tedman, who will be returning to flight instructor duties while this whole C7 mess is sorted out. If Ascension can free up Val and/or Jeb every now and then, Genesis may still be able to fly missions with the Deuce & Civvie
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
monolith temple A/C install was completed over the weekend however the system broke down shortly after it was turned on. Contractor has looked into the issue and says it will take the remainder of the week to repair. New L-0 for next launch is now 3/12 @ 18:10 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
16 known asteroids was the tally for last month, with one impact. This puts things back on average with this time last year and the uptick in discoveries/impacts during late 2018 seems to have subsided
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
low-alt KB crew doing well out in the Kongo River basin. Here's near where they released their second balloon earlier this week, along the bank of the river looking east as it turns northwards before bending back westward & meandering another ~700km towards the sea
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
standard fire alarm drill here at KSC went off without a hitch. It's not always as simple as immediately exiting the building - many facilities have to also try and ensure equipment and/or science samples are secured to prevent the possibility of even further damage
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ππ happy 38th birthday π to Commander Valentina! ππ Here's to many more π₯ learn more about Val's background and service history on her Ops Tracker page: ops.kerbalspace.agency/?crew=val
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
up it goes! The Mk1 capsule begins integration today with the Ascension Mk1 lifter while the next Progeny Mk6 waits in the background for its launch attempt the following week. Note the RCS thrusters, which we neglected to include in the infographic released last month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
C7 Aerospace continues to suffer from lack of executive management and the company remains effectively shut down. @DKerman_KSA has returned from Sheltered Rock with few answers. What the government is keeping a lid on, no one knows still but it's a tight lid
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
A/C installation to the Monolith temple has been repaired and is operating normally. It will be offline today and over the weekend for worshipers to attend prayers then undergo a full test on Monday as part of launch readiness preps
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
while the launch remains on schedule for next Tues, a note for all planning to watch: L-0 set early as possible to give us time to adjust Monolith temple temps if storms form. If storms fail to form or abate, we will hold @ L-1h30m and wait for a mid-day cycle launch @ 19:00 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
what a later launch time does is rotate us under the region of the inner radiation belt that is the most-compressed by the kerbolar wind and closer to the surface of the planet, which means the payload will spend more time within the belt
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
another photo from the Kongo River basin where the low-altitude KerBalloon crew released from on Thursday. This lowland by the mountains north of the river mouth was once a flooded marshland several hundred thousand years ago
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all hands on deck today as the Progeny Mk6 preps for rollout and launch readiness reviews are completed across the campus. Monolith temple A/C has already begun to chill down the interior to below freezing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all readiness reviews have been approved by Ops Director @DKerman_KSA and we are π GO FOR LAUNCH! π weather forecast tomorrow is 90% favorable with a small chance of high surface winds. Review launch time and all mission details via the Ops Tracker: ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-5)
3/12
#2π 07:24:05 π11:08:07
#3π 13:24:56 !!π!! π17:08:58
#4π 19:25:47 π23:09:49
3/13
#1π 01:26:38 π05:10:40
@ KSC (UTC-5)
3/12
#2π 07:24:05 π11:08:07
#3π 13:24:56 !!π!! π17:08:58
#4π 19:25:47 π23:09:49
3/13
#1π 01:26:38 π05:10:40
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Monolith temple was not kept chilled all this time due to a service held late yesterday. Chill down has begun again ahead of launch operations kicking off at 14:00 UTC. It takes about 5 hours to reach sub-zero temperatures
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
please, all guests remain within the designated viewing areas for your safety in the event of a launch mishap and also in the event that severe weather does spring up. Either way you will want to get indoors quickly!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h55m] we're feeling pretty confident that if a storm hasn't sprung up by now, it's not going to. Monolith temple remains chilled, A/C functioning nominally. Preflight ops now moving into engine systems & ignition checks as pad crew clears out of harms way
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[HOLD] preflight is complete and still no storms brewing so we will enter a planned hold, resetting the launch time to 19:00 UTC for an optimal flight path through the inner radiation belt. Launch countdown will pickup again in 1 hour at L-1h20m
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
snapped just a few minutes ago by a pad worker, here's a sense of scale as he was standing on the ground looking up to take this photo. On the pad attached to the launch base the rocket stands 12m tall
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] no issues arose during rehearsal & weather desk still holding the thumb up high when asked so we are GO for final countdown! Range Safety Officer setting up to close the pad, airspace and waters around KSC. Pad crew doing final check to ensure rocket is secure
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have liftoff!! Lower 0.625m booster has ignited with an intial force of 67.2kN to push the rocket off the pad at ~4Gs. It will burn for ~34 seconds and stage a second later. The rocket will then coast until its nose drops 1.5Β° before igniting the 2nd stage SRB
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
through apokee now, the rocket has begun its descent back towards Kerbin. Already 179km downrange, it will be traveling far further than we anticipated, even based on previous launches. MSV Lymun should already be moving to intercept. All systems remain nominal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the rocket's last known position was 342km downrange, which means it could still travel another 20-30km before splashdown. This puts it ~3hrs beyond our planned landing area. A lengthy delay in recovery is what lead to the loss of the previous rocket to attempt this mission...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
β¨π KERZZAHH!! πβ¨ Third time the charm! News has reached us sooner than we hoped - rocket landed so close to shore it washed up on the beach. No snacks for sea creatures this time! Payload is intact and on its way back to KSC, we'll get it first thing tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb boasted he's been simming so hard he could do a mission blind folded. Flight Director Lanalye told him to prove it. It did not go well. Worse - she now has new ideas for impaired vision emergency practice scenarios
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
low-alt KerBalloon team returned home a few hours ago, completed 4 successful releases and recoveries. They did lose one of our 3 remaining UTVs to a sinkhole but thankfully the crew inside managed to get out in time and it was a fuel carrier so no equipment was lost
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here's another photo from one of their release locations, several lakes (2 of 7 shown here) where the water level periodically raises due to groundwater forced up from an aquifer and becomes a single giant lake that is a temporary tributary to the Kongo
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
congratulations to the KerBalloon program on surpassing ππ100 balloon releasesππ with their latest mission! a great milestone - here's to many more π₯ They are closing in on another big milestone too - anyone see it? kerbalspace.agency/?page_id=2041
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
high-altitude KerBalloon crew have sealed the deal on a contract today to head out to the Great Desert next week and explore air patterns over a complex keographic feature of mountainous terrain along with a keological team expedition
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
kuudite-powered radioisotope thermoelectric generators, which have been under development since late 2017, have proven to be reliable sources of energy that could power our first satellites, although the Progeny Mk7 will be needed to finish qualification
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
while the RTG casing has been proven to contain the radiation, one of the Mk7's first missions will be to launch a dummy satellite which will be crashed down onto Kerbin to assure that the RTG can withstand the impact and not leak any radioactive material
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the plan of course is to return all RTGs under chute at the end of the satellite's mission for reuse or at the end of their lifespans but we have to also be prepared for a worst-case scenario where a planned recovery fails & the satellite crashes into the surface instead
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although the development of the Mk7 is largely based upon the previous iterations of the Progeny rocket, it will still be the first to use the Launch Vehicle Designer for initial confirmation on meeting design requirements ahead of a flight test: bit.ly/KSP_TOT
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC security had to escort off campus a group of flat-Kerbiners protesting outside of our Admin building. Everyone's entitled to their own (wrong) opinions and sharing them but we're not going to allow you to do so here. Even more disturbing: it was a senior school field trip
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Arekibo Radio Observatory has been working on imaging bit.ly/_Alaba, which is the closest moonlet that passes overhead the most often. These are the first radar imgs to be released (not taken) of the moonlet. They hope to further improve the technique as time progresses
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
if you're not sure what you're seeing, surface features that were pointing more or less at the observatory at the time bounced back radio waves with varied strength, leading to the brighter (more) and darker (less) areas. The graininess is a result of various interference
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
also a fact that may not be obvious to some is that Alaba is indeed rotating, although the exact rate and movement about the various axis of motion is still not yet known and will require much more observation. Point is, this is why all 4 photos look different
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
safe travels to the high-altitude KB team setting out today for bit.ly/Area_23-KTB. They will be releasing two separate payloads to see how each one meanders across the mountains. They'll be gone for about 2 weeks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
one of Flight Director Lanalye's sim scenarios got a bit *too* realistic in shorting out part of the capsule console and actually damaged some of the instruments, necessitating repairs that will last at least two days
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
break time for the astronauts? Hardly! Bill will be helping to fix it, Bob will be helping to re-write the sim software while Jeb & Val plan a Deuce flight for tomorrow to take care of a contract that's been laying in wait since the C7 Aerospace fallout
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce has departed under barely-VFR weather conditions but climbing out southeast over the water they don't have to worry about terrain obstruction. Jeb has command for this leg of the flight with Val navigating and managing comms from the right seat
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
60km out Flight has confirmed weather is good over KSC and cleared Val to begin descent to land on Rwy09. Here is a look at their flight data. First a storm at sea (visible at night by the lightning) then two cases of continuous severe turbulence. Just unfortunate luck
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rolling out of a smooth touchdown, Val will taxi the Deuce back to parking outside the HAB. Repairs to the capsule simulator are ongoing as expected so they will make another attempt tomorrow, departing again at 2nd sunset prior to the LES pad abort test the following day cycle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
poor weather today has scrubbed the Deuce mission, which will have to once again be put on indefinite hold until C7 gets their affairs back in order or Jeb & Val have some more free time from their training - capsule sim is nearly fixed & they will be back at it tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
taken yesterday, the Kerman Observatory has just released the latest photo of Sarnus, seen at greatest southern declination - one of the best times to view the rings, even with a small telescope! Slate & Tekto are obvious but Eeloo & its shadow are a bit hidden in the rings
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there's also something different about the appearance of Sarnus in the previous photo. Can anyone tell us what it is? Furthermore can anyone take a guess as to why? Astronomers have a hunch we'll share with everyone on Monday & call out anyone who got it right
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronauts are kicking off the weekend with a bar crawl to celebrate Bill's 40th birthday! π₯β¨π Keep an eye out for them around Umbarg, Bill's home cavern, and maybe you'll get an autograph and photo op! Check on Bill's KSA achievements here: ops.kerbalspace.agency/?crew=bill
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
BREAKING: new development in the C7 investigation as reported by KNN is that an operation in Umbarg just finished rounding up several of the prominent airship Barons and "detained" them in a similar manner to the C7 executive division. Craziness!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the report is a good sign because an attempt by the government to contain this would have been disastrous. Still, while it's being made known that this is happening there's still been no official word on *why*. We'll be sure to continue to share whatever info we can
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Umbarg has declared a state of emergency as protests over the arrests made late yesterday have begun to turn violent. All the astronauts made it back to KSC safely late yesterday well before demonstrations started to get out of control
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we don't mess around when it comes to calculating launch profiles for our rockets. How do we get the precise surface area that will be encountering the atmosphere on ascent? A new KSPTOT wiki article reveals all: github.com/Arrowstar/ksptβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rioting in Umbarg has been quelled, with over 50 arrests made by the local law enforcement and over 2 dozen injuries, mostly among said law enforcement. KSA HQ suffered some minor exterior damage (was not explicitly targeted thankfully) but no staff were onsite
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
what was the difference in the latest Sarnus photo? If you needed to compare, you should have checked out our Astrophotography album over on flickr (flickr.com/photos/kerbal_β¦) but here's the change - no more white cloud bands visible
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronomers believe the white bands were formed by ice crystals in the upper atmosphere that have since melted away as Sarnus continues to approach closer to the sun as it moves towards perikelion
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ZMA-630(A) is beginning a unique pass thru our SOI this week - it will actually skim through Minmus' SOI as well, passing 1.4Mm from the small moon before continuing on. Tho no major change to its trajectory, still enough for astronomers to infer finer details of Minmus' gravity
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the C7/Airship fiasco has thrown global shipping into a bit of disarray and delayed the arrival of our 2nd stage vacuum engine but the Viklun from Bluedog Design Bureau is at last in the VAB undergoing initial checkouts! It will hopefully power 1.25m payloads into orbit
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
originally designed as an 0.625m engine, it was scaled up to 1.25m for use with Ascension and instead became the precursor for the 0.625m Ospray engine planned for Progenitor. The enlarged design puts out 68kN of thrust with an ISP of 360
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk7 is under final review, still planning to lock the design in by the end of this month. One of the biggest challenges was designing the rocket and launch system to be compatible with the existing pad infrastructure built for Ascension
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
K2-X engine explosion investigation remains ongoing and confirmation has just been released that it was definitely the engine that blew up, not the fuel tank so use of the engine for kerbed flight remains restricted until the investigation completes its work
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
lunchtime at KSC is a great chance for all depts to mingle & share stories - helpful like in the case of the engineering labs realizing the groundquake picked up by their instruments was actually the shake table down the hall at R&D, which suffered a damper failure
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the shake table that R&D is working on will be used to help certify rocket payloads for flight by subjecting them to the vibrations they will undergo during launch. Small & simple payloads launched so far not as easy to disrupt as larger more complex satellites of the future
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mk1 capsule is checked out & ready to begin integration which means we now have a date for the next Ascension launch!
π 4/18 @ 20:12 UTC π
Learn more about the mission and the rocket via the Ops Tracker: ops.kerbalspace.agency
π 4/18 @ 20:12 UTC π
Learn more about the mission and the rocket via the Ops Tracker: ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
last week's LES pad abort test went off perfectly and ends the test series. Ascension team is currently considering the need for an ascent abort test as well, which would finally discard the beat-up test capsule since it can't operate in space anymore anyways
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final assembly for next week's launch is well underway on the Ascension side of the VAB with the lifter in place for stacking the capsule later this week after it finishes integration. Wondering where the RCS blocks went from last week's capsule test? Wonder no more!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are happy to reveal the blueprint of the complete Viklun upper stage for the Ascension Mk1-II lifter! Two images after shows it modeled to place a 1t payload into a circular 40Β° inclined 100km orbit with a hefty error margin of nearly 700m/s of Ξv to spare
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Mk1 Capsule tips the scale at ~1.5t so it should be able to make a low orbit - we'll have news on that later this week as work is still being done to confirm it's possible. Even if not, we already know we can design satellites massing <1t
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
even if we cut the tank size in half, the Block I was unable to make orbit without the payload itself requiring its own engine to complete the burn and we don't want to waste payload mass on more fuel. The Block II will be the only lifter to carry Viklun upper stages
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
furthermore, in the case of this 100km orbit the Block II has enough power on its own to lob the entire Viklun upper stage to that height, so the Viklun only has to start twice in some cases, although it is capable of as many as three restarts (ascent/orbit/de-orbit)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today our astronaut crew achieved an important milestone in their training - they have collectively succeeded more times than failed in the capsule simulator. Congrats - keep working hard, space is only getting closer!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our high-alt KerBalloon crew is back, partially successful since they failed to recover 1 of the 2 balloons. Why they failed however is amazing news - they were attacked by an unknown group of kerbals that ambushed them from caves near the landing site!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
thankfully no one was seriously injured by the rocks they were pelted with. We have a writeup on the site to provide more info on what happened: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8922 the government is currently discussing what actions, if any, should be taken to contact these isolated kerbs
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
announced earlier this week, our Viklun orbital stage still doesn't have its own tab on the Ascension program page as we're working out how we want to identify this vehicle on the site and Ops Tracker, since the lifter stage also has its own patch & blueprint...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our astronauts officially have a ride into orbit! Assuming everything was modeled properly, the Ascension Mk1 Block II lifter + the Viklun orbital stage can successfully place a capsule into a 40Β° inclined 100km circular orbit with ~230m/s of spare Ξv! Here's a full render
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
one week to our next launch (ops.kerbalspace.agency) and while the rocket gets ready in the VAB work has also been done out on the launch pad to ensure that it is all set to support the launch. Photo taken just a short while ago at 3rd sunset
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the overall success rate so far for every mission we've conducted across all programs is 86% - not too shabby! You can see success rates for individual programs on their page (kerbalspace.agency/?page_id=1824) & also success rates for individual vessels
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
while scientists still lament the removal of instruments from the Monolith, they do acknowledge that everything they tried failed to tell us much about the structure. Furthermore, re-opening access to the edifice has lowered religious extremism to almost non-existent levels
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still, there are cases (like the incident back in 2017 which remains unsolved) which remind us our security plans at KSC still need to include contingencies for disruption of operational events like launches. Hopefully someday that will no longer be needed twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
originally scheduled to be completed sometime around now, the Kongo River Research Station airfield has had construction suspended since the beginning of last month, and we will have to wait for the C7/Airship situation to resolve itself before it can (maybe?) resume
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our partners over at Archtagon Aerospace have come up with a cold gas engine future satellites can use to adjust their orbits with the same resources needed for orientation at better efficiency with greater thrust (so better than placing 4 or even 8 thrusters pointing aft)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the cold gas engine is nowhere near powerful enough for orbital insertion, which is why it was so important that the Viklun upper stage was designed to be able to reach orbit on its own and reduce the requirements placed on the payload to allow more mass for instruments
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
also, while we will eventually have an 0.625m LF/O vacuum engine designed for satellites that will be more powerful for a few dozen extra kilos of mass, this engine is vastly simpler and thus more reliable for the years-long service time most satellite missions will require
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our order for 3 additional K2-X engines, scheduled to be filled at the end of this month, remains on hold until the completion of the investigation into the explosion that occurred during static firing back at the end of Feb. Extra checks were made on the engine for this launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Sheltered Rock and Ockr have confirmed they are both ready to deliver downrange tracking for this week's launch. For orbital launches, we also have DSN Central. Nothing to the south? No worries - anything we launch south will also eventually pass over areas north of the equator
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the rocket has left the VAB and is doing the slow(er) roll to the launch pad, putt-putting along at just 1m/s (slightly faster than the average walking kerbal) taking ~11 minutes to travel to the pad 655m away. It used to travel a bit faster but w/capsule the mass is near limits
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye has been rehearsing her team hard for the past 2 weeks and reports they are ready to support tomorrow's launch, which will be conducted as an automated flight since it will just be the test dummy Greggery going for the ride (tho capsule ECLS is supplied)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
4/18
#2π07:12:45 π 09:26:30
#3π13:13:36 π 15:27:21 !!π!!
#4π19:14:27 π 21:28:12
4/19
#1π01:15:18 π 03:29:03
@ KSC (UTC-4)
4/18
#2π07:12:45 π 09:26:30
#3π13:13:36 π 15:27:21 !!π!!
#4π19:14:27 π 21:28:12
4/19
#1π01:15:18 π 03:29:03
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Monolith temple has been closed up and chilldown has begun to lower the internal temperature to below freezing by the time the rocket is switched on, robbing it of the heat energy needed to form severe storms and endanger the launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h30m] pre-launch operations officially kicking off as all teams report for duty. Shuttle buses for visitors viewing the launch will begin to run across the causeway from the Support Village in 30min. We will have updates at the following milestones in the countdown
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h] launch team has assembled for their final briefing from Flight Director Lanalye. Here's a comprehensive look at today's mission, which will be similar to the last flight except using the actual capsule instead of a test weight. Also some LES usage experimentation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the previous mission attempted a similar trajectory but the rocket did not have enough pitch authority to lower its nose far enough. This rocket's elevator fins are themselves pitched to provide downward force in addition to the control surfaces, tho ascent is a bit steeper
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
additionally the flight profile had to be adjusted to account for the capsule weighing more than anticipated, mainly due to not factoring in the LES on the last flight. Result is the rocket will now carry a full load of fuel to haul the extra ~300kg on a similar trajectory
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h15m] tanker trucks are already hooked up to the service tower, fuel system is initialized, valves are open and the GO has been given by the launch team to begin onloading propellants, totaling 7 metric tons of liquid fuel and oxidizer
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
as usual, it is important everyone stick to the designated viewing areas if you are here to spectate the launch. Anyone seen entering the 500m keep out radius will be escorted off campus. If it happens after L-15m you'll also hold up the entire countdown! How about no
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] RSO has closed the range, rocket is ARMED and Flight Termination System, including the LES, is ACTIVE. Arming allows a few final checks to be performed on the engine. Weather desk is analyzing upper-wind data just now coming in from the balloon probe
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] Final readiness polls complete: Wx: GO; Range: GO; Flight: GO; Tracking Station: GO; Downrange Tracking: GO; Ops Director: Launch permission granted! πGO ASCENSIONπ FTS on internal power, service tower booms unlocked to prep for retraction, AFCS ready for terminal count
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
engine startup nominal, chamber pressures good, throttle-up to 1.2TWR successful and we have lift off!! Rocket will clear the tower before going full thrust, saving wear on the pad infrastructure, then enabling guidance control to begin pitching over as it heads downrange
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
just over halfway to space and all systems remain nominal. Pitch deflection barely at 50% which means the angled fins are doing their job well. Some roll wobble detected going supersonic but rocket remains stable overall and on the planned track
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
hello again, space! Overall ascent was nominal, with acceptable deviation from planned trajectory (MaxQ was late, apokee is low). Control team plotting new course to see how it will affect the rest of the mission. Standing by for capsule separation in just a few seconds
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are dealing with an unplanned triggering of the Launch Escape System just after capsule separation! Controllers are working to recover the capsule, which has gone into a bit of a tumble. LES tower has burned out and reports that it detached
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
RCS system has zeroed out the tumble and capsule has been re-oriented to hold prograde. Rate of turn confirms the LES tower has indeed been detached. Controllers still working to determine any additional ways this unexpected event could affect the mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
parachute had to be disarmed so it wouldn't try to pop out as soon as the capsule re-entered the atmosphere, but otherwise all systems are looking good. Controllers have begun to send orientation commands to point the capsule various directions & fully check out the RCS system
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
capsule is thru apokee - LES tower burn took our original apokee of 423km and boosted it up to 506km. New trajectory puts re-entry ~100km further downrange than planned so Tongjess is already on the move. RCS testing continues - capsule having trouble orienting radial out
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
radial out orientation finally achieved after resetting the control system - it seemed to still want to orient along the ascent trajectory & was fighting with radial out hold command. Cold gas almost used up so RCS switched off so capsule can point retrograde before re-entry
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
just enough cold gas remained to get capsule re-oriented properly and re-entry is now in progress. During this time, after MaxQ, is when we were going to fire the LES push motors to see how it affected the capsule for potential future use as an emergency braking system
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we lost signal shortly after initial chute deployment but it's good to know at least that they have popped out! Now we must wait and hope - Tongjess is still over 1.5hrs away from the new recovery zone & may not be able to still contact Ockr when they get there
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
β¨π KERZZAH! πβ¨ we have word from MSV Tongjess that they located the capsule still afloat, altho it took extra time to find the heat shield, which detached moments before splashdown to reduce damage for post-flight inspection & clear the way for the float collar to deploy
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here's a view we'll never get tired of - Kerbin from the edge of space. Taken shortly before MECO. The outside pressure is near vacuum and the engine plume has expanded into a gaseous cloud
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ironically the heavier payload of yesterday's flight meant the rocket flew a more vertical trajectory than the last when it was modified to be able to fly more horizontal. The two paths diverge downrange thanks to the LES malfunction, which sent the rocket off radially
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
even though this ascent trajectory wasn't as demanding as the last, the real goal was to follow the programmed path as closely as possible to better analyze the accuracy of the Launch Vehicle Designer and in this the rocket was successful
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#ICYMI we had our latest rocket launch this week. Here is the Ascension Mk1 Block I lifter carrying the Mk1 capsule for a test ride into space (unkerbed) clearing the tower moments after liftoff. For more on the mission see our Ops Tracker: ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
eclipses are not all the same - it depends on your location and thus the perspective you are given. Here at KSC Mun perfectly travels over the sun, but at higher latitudes, only partial eclipses occur. See more in our flickr album: flickr.com/photos/kerbal_β¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
say hello to the Progeny Mk7-A, the first iteration on the path to a cheaper small-sat option for deploying 0.35-0.625m payloads to low-Kerbin orbit (<250km). Unable to make orbit, this rocket will be a technology pathfinder. More info: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8963
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we expect several iterations as it's already known the SRM-L will need to be replaced with a more powerful solid and the SRM-XL needs to revert back to its old core, which can output up to 145kN of thrust ASL for the larger payloads that will be carried
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all C7 Aerospace employees have been given a 2-week notice... that they'll be returning to work! Still lots of gag orders going around and closed-door judicial sessions but Ops Dir @DKerman_KSA has been invited to Sheltered Rock next week. Hopefully for some answers at last
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
re-entry data from last week's flight shows Greggery experienced a crushing 17G of peak force - survivable but not without some possible nasty side-effects. We're aiming for 10-12G and may need to shoot for a lower altitude next time or just go further for a flatter trajectory
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit.ly/AscensionProgr⦠team have decided there's no mission profile that fits the Mk1 Block II so it will be merged with the Viklun Mk1 to create a single vehicle: the Ascension Mk2. So the Mk1 will carry sub-orbital payloads and the Mk2 will be for orbital missions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
pad workers have been inspecting the launch towers and engine clamps and Lead Engineer Simon reports the amount of wear they are experiencing is less than predicted for this many launches, meaning we can choose to let loose an Ascension rocket at full thrust if needed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the heat shield dropped from the Mk1 capsule shows only 2.5% of its surface was ablated away during re-entry. This is good news because a thinner heat shield can save as much as 180kg - atop an Ascension Mk2 upper stage that's an extra 65m/s of Ξv
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our astronaut crew are readying for a full day of physical evaluation, both medical and aerobic - it's important we gather regular data on their health and performance for a baseline to compare against after their return from spaceflight (and one day, during spaceflight!)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bluedog Design Bureau has helped to finance a mission to test out their ion trap, which will be a future instrument for Extremis probes. Launch is scheduled for 5/14 @ 16:40. Mission details on the ops tracker: ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we had a nasty storm pass through over the last two day cycles but thankfully it was during low tide so we didn't experience much in the way of flooding. Bad storms at high tide can produce quite the rise in water levels, as we've experienced in the past
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
two of the remaining three Ascension Mk1 lifters are having their horizontal fins angled 5Β° as the recent ascent showed it was successful at giving the rocket more nose-down pitch control while still allowing the elevators to pitch the nose up or hold level when needed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a Civvie crash-landed on approach to Kravass General Airport back in Feb, the third fixed-wing aviation accident since 2016 (not associated with the KSA). The pilot died, and the Air Safety Administration just released their formal report: pilot error
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the sloped runway and boxed-in approach to KGA however was also cited as it creates a lot of difficulty for even experienced pilots. There's already been talk about a newer, larger airport being built for Kravass to better handle the larger aircraft like the Dhumla
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Officers Ted & Aldy have returned to KSC this weekend and are raring to get back to work this week ahead of C7's return to operations the following week. They'll take another attempt at the flight Jeb & Val had to abort due to weather last month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HAB workers are getting the hangar cleaned up & the K2-X engine investigation is moving all its material offsite as it wraps up work and hopes to release results in a few days. Dhumla will be getting a full check-over this week in preparation for flight tests to resume next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
suffering minimal damage during re-entry, the Mk1 capsule from the last flight can be reflown. We would likely not refly a capsule for a kerbed mission, but for another uncrewed test the capsule is in good enough condition and will save us some much needed funds
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
low-altitude KerBalloon team is now ready to head out on their own expedition to bit.ly/Site_T1A402 ~600km away by sea and land. They have the UTVs with them aboard MSV Tongjess for the trek to the release point
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
SGQ-958(C) is confirmed to be entering our atmosphere in a few days over the western edge of the Great Desert. It will be ~200km from where the low-altitude KerBalloon crew will be operating so we don't expect they will be in danger, but they were warned before departure
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Central Observatory for the ATN/DSN has completed its commissioning campaign and is now staffing up for full operations year round. It contains the new 10m telescope that is now the biggest on Kerbin, along with radio dishes for satellite communication
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
focus for construction will now shift fully to the North and South observatories, which will be big additions to the astronomical community in their own right as they will have IR capabilities and be able to watch the polar skies. Both are slated to be complete in 2020
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ascension team have finished planning out the use of the remaining 3 Mk1 lifters - ascent abort test will take place right after the Progeny Mk6-I mission on 5/16 @ 21:48 UTC followed by a re-fly of this past mission for more testing on 5/28 @ 16:28 UTC ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
if both missions go well, then the 3rd will send the first astronaut up no earlier than July - we'll need to get the first of the new engine shipment that was put on hold back in Feb, integrate it, test it & we are also still working on the 2nd new Mk1 capsule integration as well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there is still a ton of redacted information about the whole airship/C7 legal battle but apparently peace terms have been arranged and everyone can get back to business. Here's what we know and how things have been affected: kerbalspace.agency/?p=8988
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the investigation into why the Dhumla cockpit lost pressure on the last test flight has already restarted. Once completed, the aircraft will again attempt to climb as high as possible in a test flight while also performing a cross-country flight to KGA
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with favorable weather today, FOs Ted & Aldy have just departed from Rwy09 for bit.ly/Area_ZN-223. They will fly overnight across the water and reach land by sunrise. Any guesses why they are flying at night other than having no hazardous terrain to worry about?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
question we get often is whether our aircraft have autopilots. Not completely. They can hold roll/pitch/yaw but cannot hold altitude or heading nor navigate to a location. So aircraft can be flown hands-off to minimize crew workload but still needs to be trimmed & told what to do
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
by now the Deuce should be circling its destination, deploying its suite of science instruments. They also should have passed through the elevated radiation region similar to the one found in the north polar regions. Levels will not be harmful during their brief exposure
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tedman has just hailed us to request approach vectors, reports they had nothing but minor chop to contend with on their flight. Congrats to them both on being the first to explore the southern polar region by aircraft! Their flight path is also a hint for our previous question
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight controllers set up the aircraft for a pattern approach to Rwy09 (now on final) and we received this image from the belly camera of Mun and Minmus alongside a snowy mountain range as the Deuce hugged the deck on the way home over the ice caps
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the aircraft is parked back at the HAB after Aldy set her down easy on the runway. Lead Scientist Cheranne is eager to get the radiation readings to her researchers - being 99.999% sure the southern radiation region existed still doesn't beat having the data proving it does!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here's a look at Mun over the VAB just a few minutes ago when Alaba entered it's SOI for a 45min transit. This is the 20th recorded pass of the moonlet past Mun and the Kerbal Astronomical Society will have updated orbital information published tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ted & Aldy set a new record for longest continuous flight time of 4:59:07, beating their old record of 4:31:41. You can view all our records and achievements here: kerbalspace.agency/?page_id=72
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new orbital data posted for bit.ly/_Alaba. Being able to directly observe it, the encounter happened nearly 7min later than predicted back at the end of last year. The new trajectory has the moonlet not meeting Mun again until 6/15 instead of 5/9
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KAS will do another long-term prediction of the same length as the last one (over time, not by # of encounters) to see if the same period leads to a similar deviation in the timing of events. If so, something minor is still not being accounted for in modeling
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
how do you navigate over a featureless ocean in the dark when a simple compass heading isn't enough to arrive over a certain spot? The stars! That's why the Deuce flight flew at night. Once it was light enough, they had terrain features to guide them
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
low-altitude KerBalloon crew have returned from a successful mission with no report of being directly affected by an asteroid impact. They did note the sky took on a reddish tinge from dust however as they were leaving so it seems there was an impact
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
one day we'll have spacecraft in orbit that can confirm such events, either directly or by their after-effects. In this case, the dust will likely fall into the ocean and create a super bloom of microscopic plant life feeding off the nutrients within it. Ain't life amazing?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with the radiation data from last week's flight compared with the mission over the north polar region a year ago scientists have been able to confirm a suspected linear increase in radiation dosage as one gets higher from the ground, ~0.0035rad/hr every kilometer
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flying 2km higher than the 2018 mission (ops.kerbalspace.agency/?body=Kerbin-Sβ¦) only exposed the crew to a max of 0.085rad/h for 4min. It takes ~37rads to show signs of radiation sickness so the crew was never in any danger
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
one more photo from the recent Deuce flight looking south towards the flat ice caps as the sun rises almost as high as it ever gets over the horizon down there, seen just over the last snowy mountain range from 8km ASL. Isn't that cold clear air just stunning?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
who will be the first astronaut to go to space? All 4 of our original crew have trained for the privilege and now we want YOU to help us select the one to get the honor! All you need to do is reply to this tweet with 5 numbers between 0 and 100 (they don't all have to be unique)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
deadline for number submissions will be midnight UTC on 5/15. Next Monday we will announce the date on which we will hold the selection process, which we are planning to live stream to ensure everyone can see there was no backroom meddling
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KAS has completed its next set of Alaba orbital predictions. Turns out there are 5 more encounters over the next 181 days, similar to the 5 previous ones over 171 days. So we will see if the 5th encounter still holds true this time by the end of this year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
incident report from the last Dhumla test flight (kerbalspace.agency/?p=8759) has been released. The outflow valve in the rear suffered a failure, lowering pressure in the cabin. Crew response was correct and safeties properly prevented rapid depressurization
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
valve was repaired, not replaced so further testing can be done to better understand how it failed in the first place if it fails again. Ground crews will roll the aircraft out for flight tomorrow, which will also include a cross-country trip to KGA for a touch & go
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather is still on the iffy side but it's good enough and the researchers really need this data. Latest pollen cycle ends this week & mission has already been delayed past prime collection window thanks to C7 shut down. Aldy is ready on Rwy01 for departure
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've been hailed early by Aldy making his way back after weather took a turn for the worse. He still managed to gather enough data to make the flight worthwhile however, so that's good news. Controllers have cleared him to approach & land Rwy09
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
bit of a bumpy descent and landing but Aldy is back on the ground taxiing to the HAB. Here's a photo sent to us from the wing cam as he cleared the mountains under heavy cloud cover, leaving the rain & poorer visibility behind him out on the plains
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather has continued to improve since yesterday and ground crews are prepping the Dhumla for its test flight while Flight Officers Aldy & Tedman are being briefed. The aircraft will perform a cross-country flight to KGA then attempt a new altitude record on the way back
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Aldy is lvl @ 4km & Ted has signed off as they pass behind the mtns on their way direct to KGA - after a flyby of Umbarg to say "HAI THERE" to the airship Barons & let them know we are back in business (doubtful any were aboveground to see the aircraft but it's the principle)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a smooth descent now has them heading downwind towards final, Ted has confirmed runway is clear of traffic while Aldy slots through some terrain to give himself a good amount of room to make the approach. A smaller aircraft could do a tighter pattern
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we lost signal shortly after the last tweet and have just now received word that the aircraft has crashed off the far threshold of the runway. Emergency vehicles are already on their way out. Thick smoke is seen from the tarmac but no one saw an explosion
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
emergency crews report that the aircraft engines are on fire but fuel leakage from the near-empty tanks means they don't pose a risk to the main fuselage. Getting no response from the cabin, exterior hatch was blown & rescuers are inside trying to extricate the crew
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are saddened to report that Flight Officer Aldeny was pronounced dead at the scene and Tedman was found alive but unresponsive. He is currently being rushed to the nearest clinic for treatment pending transfer to a full medical facility
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
several witnesses saw the crash as they knew the aircraft was coming by. Reports indicate it seemed to attempt an actual landing before trying to go around & failed to take back to the air before hitting the end of the runway. Here is a photo of it on short final
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Air Safety Administration has already dispatched agents to secure the crash site and will be conducting a full investigation of the incident, with which we & C7 Aerospace will of course fully cooperate
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Dhumla fire has finally been quenched, thankfully the aircraft carried little fuel so it could fly higher on the way back for a new altitude record attempt. Being mostly intact will be a boon for the crash investigation and likely also gave Tedman a chance
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tedman has just gotten out of surgery - they managed to patch him up enough (head hemorrhage, spinal damage, internal injuries) that he is able to be moved to a larger facility for more work but still remains in critical condition and has not yet shown any signs of waking up
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
some good news today at least: K2-X engine has been cleared. Final report is the fuel tank, which was constantly re-used for each test, fatigued & shed some of its interior lining due to poor dampening. This entered the engine causing a cascading failure of the fuel pump system
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
test stand will be rebuilt to better specs by August and the 3 engines already partway assembled are being resumed with an order for 3 more placed today. First new engine should arrive next month to be used on the Mk1 flight we hope will carry a kerbal into space by July
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tedman update: downgraded to serious condition after he spent several more hours in surgery and will still need additional procedures over time but doctors report they at least saw him regain consciousness for a short time and does not appear to show signs of paralysis
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
despite best efforts to repair & refurbish, the L thrusters at the base of the Mk1 capsule saw too much damage during re-entry to be re-used on the next flight. The I thrusters used for roll control however still function well & will be tried for a consecutive mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk6 has been laid horizontal for final payload checkouts before they button up the fairings and load it up onto the carry vehicle for rollout on Monday. The ascent abort test Ascension Mk1 lifter will have the capsule stacked atop it today for fit & load checks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tedman remains in the ICU but also remains responsive & doctors are hopeful he will continue to recover. Aldeny's remains will be examined and then shipped back to his home cavern of Ockr for burial. Services will be held over next weekend
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everyone still working through the loss of a crew member. Jeb & Val have both suffered crashes and minor injuries, Bob has been seriously injured in a UTV accident, but this is only the 2nd time we've had a death in the line of duty since ops began in 2016 kerbalspace.agency/?cat=8&tag=injβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
kerbs have been asking for video of an Ascension Mk1 launch into space but we're sorry to say we actually don't have any footage! Yes, that's a video cam on the booster but there is not much room in the capsule to store video footage or transmission bandwidth to beam it back
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the one example of video from the booster cam we have was just a short clip stored on the payload and unable to be viewed until the test mass was recovered. We are definitely looking to someday be able to both store and watch video from the booster camera
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
For now, the camera only stores/transmits back images at specific times to help confirm important events, like the payload separation. This image we posted earlier was nice from a PR standpoint, but for mission analysis it helped confirm the deflection of the elevator controls
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today was the 3rd annual KSC 5k & dedicated to FO Aldeny's memory. Everyone who participated got a ribbon, medals went to top finishers. Our astronaut crew regularly run this route so they were exempt but each started out with different race divisions to set the pace
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Dhumla crash site has been cleaned up and moved to an offsite location for further analysis. ASA says they will hand over the data from the aircraft flight recorder to us & C7 once they have properly analyzed it, to ensure there is no tampering with evidence
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mk6 is on its way out to be mounted. Progeny rockets have their own carry vehicle but it won't do any longer once the Mk7 comes around - those will use the same carry vehicle that bears the Ascension Mk1. The Ascension Mk2 will also use its own, much bigger, vehicle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the launch control team have submitted their readiness report, Ops Director @DKerman_KSA has reviewed and signed off on all of them - we are π GO FOR LAUNCH π tomorrow! Weather is forecast to be 75% favorable and pre-launch operations will kick off at 12:30 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
5/14
#2π08:41:09 π 10:54:54 !!π!!
#3π14:42:00 π 16:55:45
#4π20:42:51 π 22:56:36
5/15
#1π02:43:42 π 04:57:27
@ KSC (UTC-4)
5/14
#2π08:41:09 π 10:54:54 !!π!!
#3π14:42:00 π 16:55:45
#4π20:42:51 π 22:56:36
5/15
#1π02:43:42 π 04:57:27
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h10m] launch operations are kicking off! Monolith temple was closed to begin chilldown several hours earlier and is nearing sub-zero temperatures. All teams are assembling to begin their readiness checklists. We'll have updates at these major milestones:
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h40m] Flight Director Lanalye and her launch control team have gathered in the control facility to receive their final flight brief. This will be a standard Mk6-I flight profile with only one minor change not shown: the upper payload fairings will be detached
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the detachment of the upper payload fairings will allow the hemispherical ion trap to be exposed directly to space. It will also hopefully prevent it from being burnt up on re-entry since near the nose temperatures don't get as hot as closer to the tail
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we also have a much smaller than usual launch window today since we want to send the rocket up near mid-day cycle so it spends the most time in the radiation belt. If we have to delay launch by more than 15min we'll need to try again after 3rd sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h20m] KerBalloon has been released out in the grasslands west of KSC. It will drift east on the wind over KSC and rise up to the upper atmosphere (>18km) to send back data on the upper-level winds so we can ensure no dangerous shear is present
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] Range Safety Officer has declared the launch zone closed and the rocket is now ARMED. Flight Termination System is also activated. Anyone who encroaches on the pad to within 300m will hold the countdown. All spectators should remain within designated areas
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
SRB-XL ignition & lift off! First stage will boost for 34s and carry the rocket >10km high at speeds exceeding Mach 2, with a peak thrust of ~68kN. Angled lower fins will spin the rocket up for stabilization
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
payload had a good ride into space, although it looks like the upper fairings may not have detached fully or cleanly since the rocket picked up some large precession after 45km when they were set to be released - as if there was excess drag on the vehicle. 9min to apokee
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket is fast approaching the atmosphere, now passing through 250km falling at 1.8km/s and increasing. its flat spin hasn't gotten any worse and past re-entries have survived in poorer conditions - but not when missing two upper fairing halves
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sailing home victorious, MSV Tongjess has managed to get word to us at last that they found and recovered the rocket ~370km downrange. Neither upper fairing was still attached. Here is the remainder of the ops log. β¨π KERZZAH β¨π great work everyone!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket has been returned to KSC and while the batteries and instruments on the upper truss are somewhat crispy, they are all still intact. Well, the batteries we don't care about except that if they had gotten too hot they would have exploded
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
both Progenitor and Ascension teams are working together today to turn around the launch facilities and get everything ready for the Ascension Mk1 ascent abort test tomorrow. The mission is basic enough to allow the launches to happen almost back to back
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've updated Flight Officer Aldeny's background information on his crew member page (click the bottom of his portrait) to properly reflect his nearly 1 year of service with the KSA. Head on over to review all his achievements and missions ops.kerbalspace.agency/?crew=aldy
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
5/16
#2π08:47:57 π 11:01:42
#3π14:48:48 π 17:02:33 !!π!!
#4π20:49:39 π 23:03:24
5/17
#1π02:50:30 π 05:04:15
@ KSC (UTC-4)
5/16
#2π08:47:57 π 11:01:42
#3π14:48:48 π 17:02:33 !!π!!
#4π20:49:39 π 23:03:24
5/17
#1π02:50:30 π 05:04:15
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h] final mission brief under way at launch control. Flight will be relatively simple - after rocket ascends into the upper atmosphere the capsule will be detached and flown away using the Launch Escape System. It will then descend ballistically for splashdown
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h30m] weather forecast for today is 100% favorable conditions - it's a lot easier to commit to a launch you already know is going to fail! Launch team has confirmed Monolith chilldown is complete and have begun to wake up the rocket to onload flight instructions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h15m] rocket is fully woke, weather remains stable and GO has been given to begin fueling, adding 7t of liquid propellant. The lifter stage will simply burn out and crash back onto the surface after the capsule separates. Look out below!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h40m] after a trip back to the VAB to refuel the tanker trucks have completed their task on schedule. Preflight is resuming in launch control while pad workers get things cleaned up and locked down. Tank levels will be closely monitored to ensure no leaks are present
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h20m] we will not be launching a high-altitude weather balloon today because we won't be flying through the upper atmosphere - also because Mortimer got stingy with funds and we actually don't have any more (but some additional units are now on the way for next launch)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] RSO has closed the range, rocket is now ARMED and Flight Termination System/Launch Escape System has been activated. Anyone or anything spotted within 500m of the launch pad will hold the countdown from this point on
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good engine start, chamber pressure checks out for 1.2 TWR launch power - clamp release and lift off! Rocket will clear the launch tower and throttle up to full power and begin to pitch over downrange
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
nominal ascent, rocket is stable and passing through 15km - coming up on capsule release in just a few seconds at 18.5km. Velocity is currently >600m/s (Mach 2)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
clean capsule separation! It is just about to finish coasting up to an apokee of ~35km. Flight computer will command the chute to pop at that point but the chute's own pressure mechanism will hold it in until the capsule falls below 30km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good chute deploy as seen from ground tracking camera, canopies are reefed to create extra drag and slow the capsule as it descends into thicker air. They will fully deploy <1km above the surface to arrest descent and allow the capsule to land at around 5m/s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tongjess got a good view of the capsule as it made its final decent under full chute and splashed down 32.429km downrange just off shore at the north end of the bay. Capsule heat shield was dropped and float collar deployed. Recovery operations are underway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
capsule is out of the water and being delivered back to KSC for post-flight analysis. Mission was a success in gathering the data needed but ultimately we have yet to determine if the LES did indeed operate within tolerances for a future onboard crew member
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Congratulations to Specialist Bob Kerman - the first kerbal selected to head up into space!! β¨ππ
The following crew rotation is:
Bill
Val
Jeb
You can review the selection process here: youtube.com/watch?v=g_6LoHβ¦
The following crew rotation is:
Bill
Val
Jeb
You can review the selection process here: youtube.com/watch?v=g_6LoHβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this exempts Bob from being the 1st to orbit Kerbin and there are plenty of 1sts still to come in our exploration of the Kerbol system so the rest of the crew remains just as excited
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tedman has been transferred out of the ICU after 3 more surgical procedures and doctors say his outlook has gotten better. His fine motor control appears compromised but therapists are hopeful he can regain the ability to be self-sufficient. We wish him a speedy recovery
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#ICYMI our second launch this week featured a Launch Escape System test during powered ascent. We had video of the capsule separation on our YouTube yesterday, taken from the ground tracking camera footage youtube.com/watch?v=Ei6RzAβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#OTD in 2017 we had our inaugural launch of the Progeny Mk4 - ops.kerbalspace.agency - it didn't go so well but eventually this would be the first rocket design to reach space! If at first you don't succeed... fly, fly again!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's called the Kraken Nebula, covering most of the southern sky. It's just one of many bands of gas surrounding our planetary system & is part of the stellar nursery remnant in which our star was born. An exciting prospect for future exploration is how close our neighbors are
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Officer Aldeny was laid to rest today at Ockr. Kerbs don't believe in an afterlife so we will have to carry on his memory with our actions in the land of the living. @DKerman_KSA was in attendance with Genesis team & all pledged to continue the work Aldy started. RIP β¨π
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the parts order has been placed for our first Mk7-A rocket. It takes ~2wks to build a Mk6 so with some new parts that the VAB crew is not experienced with integrating Lead Engineer Simon has stated he needs at least 3-4wks to ready the Mk7-A. Launch set for 6/20 @ 17:42 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our partnership with Coatl Aerospace continues to bear fruit as they have submitted the final design revision of the RTG that has been under development the past year and a half and will be integrated into our first commercial satellites
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the extensible truss is mainly to protect the spacecraft from heat generated by the RTG (for those that carry the most fuel) but it can also be useful to control spin rates when placed appropriately - mostly a planned feature for our Extremis probes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Ascension Mk2 will require a reconfiguration of the current umbilical towers (top one stays put, becomes bottom while bottom one is built higher up) plus the addition of a new crew access tower since the Mk2 will be rolled out vertically from the VAB
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Mk1 will still be rolled out horizontally so the astronaut will board just prior to the rocket being raised vertical. The new launchpad configuration will still be able to support Progeny Mk7 launches as well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ascension Mk1 for next week's launch has been stacked vertical in the VAB today for fit and load checks, which is just the capsule being placed atop the lifter. Tomorrow it will be laid out horizontal for final checks prior to loading up on the carry vehicle Monday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ascension program has been working on determining the upper-limits of the Mk2 and the results are surprising. It has the potential to send a 255kg payload direct into kerbolar orbit, possibly to Duna or Eve - that's the next thing they will be looking at with LVD
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
being able to eject from the system also means the Mk2 could reach Minmus and Mun. Whether the payload mass that could get there would be enough fuel to enter into orbit is unknown. Extremis team is being leveraged to help w/these calculations. Still, even fly-bys would be great!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
another step successfully taken on the path to kerbed flight - Ascension Mk1 ascent abort test was well-within tolerances for crew survival. Full flight analysis now available: kerbalspace.agency/?p=9148
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
despite our promise to stay committed to fixed-wing aircraft after the crash of the Dhumla, lack of funds may force us to cut back on our participation via the Genesis program. Regardless, C7 Aerospace has pledged to continue development even without us
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this weekend workers will finish up a radio relay tower placed at 5.2km ASL - so high workers need to wear oxygen masks. This will allow us to extend sub-orbital flights further downrange & still stay in contact with Ockr on returns
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
R&D had a party today to celebrate making it to 1 calendar year incident-free. Wernher von Kerman was a bit put-off though when Mortimer pointed out R&D's budget constriction meant they weren't doing much work the past few months. Regardless - congrats! twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the low-altitude KerBalloon team have set out for bit.ly/Area_51KL2, about 233km of traversal that will take them roughly 5-6 hours to complete over two day cycles. They are geared up and ready to mountain climb if needed to retrieve the payload
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bluedog Design Bureau won the contract for heavier-duty radial booster couplings for the Ascension Mk2 since the smaller ones used on the Progeny Mk6 Block II would have failed during ascent and also these have to do more than just hold the booster to the lifter
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all launch readiness reports have been submitted, reviewed and approved by @DKerman_KSA - we are π GO π for tomorrow's mission! Pre-launch operations will kick off early tomorrow at 12:18 UTC ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
5/28
#2π09:28:45 π 11:42:30 !!π!!
#3π15:29:36 π 17:43:21
#4π21:30:27 π 23:44:12
5/29
#1π03:31:18 π 05:45:03
@ KSC (UTC-4)
5/28
#2π09:28:45 π 11:42:30 !!π!!
#3π15:29:36 π 17:43:21
#4π21:30:27 π 23:44:12
5/29
#1π03:31:18 π 05:45:03
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h40m] Wx data has been gathered & is being processed while Flight Director Lanalye gives her launch team their final brief. This mission will follow the same major steps as the one last month, with tweaks to the ascent profile for a slightly flatter trajectory
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the rocket should fly much closer to the planned ascent profile this time (red dots), but we still expect it to under-perform as it will probably experience more drag than is modeled. Hopefully though with smaller margins than last time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h55m] rocket systems are online & configured for tanking. Pad crew has a GO to begin onload of 7t liquid propellant. We've cut 20min from our countdown thanks to a huge fuel truck (originally purchased for Dhumla) that can top off the rocket in one go
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the only reason we're using the single truck to shave time off the countdown is so that it's less time the eventual astronaut aboard has to wait for lift off, since they are put into the rocket before it's raised vertical and fueled
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] RSO has closed the range - rocket is ARMED and Flight Termination System/Launch Escape System is activated. Anyone or anything spotted within 500m of the launch pad will hold the count. Anything within 25km airspace & 50km at sea will do the same
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] Final readiness polls complete: Wx: GO; Range: GO; Flight: GO; Tracking Station: GO; Downrange Tracking: GO; Ops Director @DKerman_KSA: Launch permission granted! πGO ASCENSIONπ FTS power internal, service tower booms unlocked for retraction, AFCS rdy for terminal count
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-2m] terminal countdown has begun! Service tower arms have swung away from the rocket, no longer supplying power so batteries have switched on. Landline comms also cut so RF comms being checked for good signal. AFCS has control of the countdown
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[HOLD] countdown was stopped shortly after terminal count when part of the telemetry from within the capsule was lost. That data is vital to this mission and needs to be brought back up. Team is working the problem - rocket remains on standby
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
FD Lanalye reports that this won't be a quick fix - it has to be a loose cable inside the capsule. Controllers are backing off from launch readiness and prepping the rocket to be disarmed, hooked back up and depressurized. We still hope to launch before nightfall though
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
countdown has been rolled back to L-15m & crew are preparing to enter the capsule by climbing the service tower, walking out atop the upper arm, hooking onto the LES tower & swinging around to the hatch. It's a procedure already in place for medical emergency pad egress
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
problem resolved - a wire harness was not fully plugged in & shook completely loose upon service arm retraction, which does jostle the rocket a bit. Now waiting for a battery swap to complete, since capsule has just enough EC for a mission that launches on time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
capsule is being sealed back up. Weather team had some concerns about upper-level turbulence & released their backup balloon shortly after the hold was called - countdown will pick back up at L-15min @ 18:15 UTC to ensure balloon has enough time to reach altitude
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] we are GO from all stations to continue the final count! Weather desk came back green on upper-level turbulence after some consultation with the engineers. FTS is on internal power, service arms are again unlocked for retraction, AFCS standing by
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-2m] back in the terminal countdown, AFCS has commanded the service arms to swing away and leave the rocket to its own internal resources. Battery drain and RF comms check underway - capsule telemetry should remain solid this time around
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
main engine start was nominal, throttle up to TWR of 1.2 achieved and lift off occurred right on time. Rocket will shortly clear the tower and begin to roll before pitching downrange - this is the first time we are rolling the rocket off the pad in prep for the Mk2, which has a fixed launch orientation
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
nominal ascent so far. Just passing Mach 2 now, velocity 630m/s, altitude approaching 16km. Some transonic rollshake noticeable but guidance remains on target. Just under one minute left of fuel and then we'll be coasting through spaaaaaaace
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MECO several seconds early, rocket coasted out of the atmosphere and we are now standing by for confirmation of capsule separation. As expected, we came up short of our target apokee - capsule will fly up to only 485km. That's a larger discrepancy than we hoped for though
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
capsule separation was good & RCS thrusters fired for 10s to push it away from the lifter stage so it has room to maneuver. Controllers are sending it orientation commands while trajectory analysis is underway to see how the lower apokee affects the capsule return
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Hoodall is repositioning for recovery as capsule will be coming down ~20km short of its intended landing site, but still over water. We're about 4 minutes from apokee & capsule orientation commands are still underway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
through apokee now and capsule has successfully oriented along all vectors. It's slower than before thanks to the LES tower but ascent steering is also not fighting for control this time. Just under half of cold gas capacity has been used up so far
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
controllers had the time and cold gas reserves to take manual control of the capsule to point it retrograde. It was rolled "up" then maneuvered to the desired orientation without any issues. It is now back under computer control to hold retrograde until re-entry
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
coming up on atmospheric interface in about 1 minute, capsule remains properly oriented for re-entry and all systems are nominal. Hoodall is still underway but is already within visual range of the new splashdown location
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
chute deploy confirmed! Hoodall has spotted the capsule and is coming to a halt to hold position and ensure they are clear of any debris (lift stage coming in nearby in addition to the LES tower)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we lost signal just before splashdown but have data confirmation relayed via Hoodall the capsule is safely afloat in the water and they are moving in to begin recovery operations. β¨π KERZZAH!! πβ¨
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
earlier today during launch prep we got a short connection to the low-altitude KerBalloon as it reached maximum altitude and drifted just barely within sight of KSC. Good to know the crew had a nominal release. They should be back tomorrow after recovering it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
also congrats to the low-altitude KerBallon team on their 50th balloon release!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
an airship flying from Sheltered Rock to Umbarg responded to a distress beacon from our low-altitude KerBalloon team. A crew member needed a medevac for injuries sustained in a fall from a cliff while recovering the payload - thankfully not life-threatening
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
low-altitude KerBalloon team have rolled back into KSC, minus their one crew member who is recovering well in Umbarg. They admit that the payload really wasn't in that bad of a spot - just goes to show that even the simple tasks can get you sometimes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
research ship has departed Umbarg with our high-altitude KerBalloon team aboard so they can release a balloon over bit.ly/Sector_HA-K64. They've packed along the UTVs that got back yesterday so they can recover the payload over land
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with no launches until the Progeny Mk7-A towards the end of next month, work has begun out on the launch pad to erect the crew access tower and reconfigure the service towers to prepare to launch an Ascension Mk2 in July
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tedman was moved to the outpatient ward today. Doctors have repaired all they can & say it's now up to him - they expect he could possibly fly again one day if he commits himself fully to physical therapy but they can't be sure. Tedman says he will though and we believe him!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
you've seen the rocket, you've seen the service structures, you've seen the new boosters, now time to see it all together with the Mobile Launch Platform! This will be our first vehicle to move a rocket to the launch pad vertically from the VAB
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the MLP can support the rocket unfueled - it will be strutted to the platform while moving. Once at the launch pad the service towers will be attached, the struts removed, and the engine support collar will be installed to help hold the full weight when fueled
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce aircraft from SRG out on a pleasure cruise earlier this week was reported overdue for arrival at KGA according to its filed flight plan. Rescue airships were dispatched into the general area it should have flown through but no trace of the aircraft was found
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
official search and rescue efforts were suspended today, making this the first ever aviation disappearance - no airship/craft as ever gone unaccounted for. Some private pilots have pledged to continue the search - which is entirely over land so the crash site must be *somewhere*
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
RIP Flight Officer Aldeny, as today we recognize what would have been his 1yr anniversary with the KSA. FO Tedman is also no longer with us currently although he's committed himself to getting back to a normalish life at some point & we wish him the best twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bluedog Design Bureau has agreed to fund a Progeny Mk6 Block II mission in conjunction with DMagic Orbital Sciences! Everyone's excited to get another chance to launch our most-powerful rocket. launch date is 6/25 @ 16:00 UTC. Mission details: ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
high-altitude KerBalloon team returned to port late last night from their expedition across the sea. They too had a mountainous payload recovery but had no issues. Here's a release photo from Saturday near 2nd sunset. You can barely make out the MSV in the lake ~600m below
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ongoing analysis of the last Ascension Mk1 flight still shows re-entry in excess of 16Gs. We either have to fly a lower arc or prove a kerbal can indeed withstand that force without serious effects. We're looking into the latter option, mainly because someone already wants to
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
medical doctor Murstap Kerman has been trying to get his research fully funded for a few years - he's been trying to convince the medical community that extreme G loads over short periods can be withstood but no one has really cared or not until now!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronauts have been running new sims now that they have actual data to work against in the control of the capsule while the LES tower is attached. The added mass makes a big difference in capsule motion and they need to be well trained both with & without it present
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
next Ascension launch will be the last of the original Mk1 lifters built in 2018. New ones that have been ordered will be built with lighter fins & control surfaces now that we better understand the stress on the rocket during ascent, adding more than 150kg to payload capacity
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ASA was finally able to interview FO Tedman as part of their ongoing crash investigation, the delay due not only to his physical state but also his mental one. He has been receiving counseling and continues to healthily process the event and all the "what if"s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tedman was not in command of the flight at the time of the crash but that does not necessarily clear him of any wrongdoing. Investigators have now concluded their crew/witness interviews but are still carefully examining the aircraft itself for any attributing problems
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the first of our new K2-X engines has arrived - this is the one that could carry a kerbal into space. Because we still have no test stand, the engine will be integrated with its flight tank and static fired out on the launchpad after the 6/20 Progeny Mk7-A flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
astronauts took turns today sealed in the capsule with no power (except life support to their suits) as a stress test. Surprisingly Bill lasted the longest, then in order of decreasing time came Jeb, Val and Bob
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
going vertical in the VAB this week, bit.ly/ProgenyMk7-A1 is making steady progress towards launch later this month. Lead Engineer Simon reports there were no issues integrating all the new parts & they can probably cut a week off their next build
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight analysis for the last Ascension Mk1 mission has been posted: kerbalspace.agency/?p=9214 - we continue to remain on track to launch a kerbal into space in July. Final major hurdle is the engine test towards the end of this month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
additional big news from the report is that we have agreed to fund Dr. Murstap's deceleration research in conjunction with C7 Aerospace Division to not only benefit space flight but also design safer aircraft in the event of accidents. Two words: ROCKET SLED!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today was another big step towards kerbed space flight and we are only just a bit off the pace we set ourselves on just over a year ago. It's not surprising though that space flight is more complicated than we expected twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
low-altitude KerBalloon crew have returned after another successful mission. Here's a release photo from the seemingly endless grassy plains to the north, except for the spire of a lonely mountain in the far distance
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
due to the lull in flight operations and us needing the funds, we've auctioned off 2 of our 3 Civvie aircraft. They each found new homes with owners who already had one, but couldn't pass up the chance to own another that had flown missions for the KSA
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today marks our 6th revolution around Kerbol since the founding of the Kerbal Space Agency! π₯ Here's a look back at some of what we managed to get done in our 1st revolution. Look backwards in the album for more flickr.com/photos/kerbal_β¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mk7-A was brought back down to horizontal but this time as a fully assembled rocket to begin final checkouts. Not actually carrying a real payload, VAB teams are just focusing on the overall assembly to make sure everything was done properly on this first attempt
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
now at 1.6Mm perimun, Alaba is halfway through its 21st recorded Mun encounter. Over Kerbin's daylit side, it's within sight of Arekibo's radar for tracking. ATN Central will pick it up as it exits Mun's SOI after a 55min transit to confirm the new orbit
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
near the end of today Vieras will perform its 5th known Mun encounter, taking 1h16m to pass through Mun's SOI with a perimun of 1.2Mm. Again over Kerbin's daylit side, Arekibo will partially track it before it's lost over the north pole & picked up again tomorrow by normal scopes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the annual symposium of the Kerbal Astronomical Society was held in Kravass over this weekend. Asteroids was a big topic last year, still of concern this year but larger focus was on planetary science as guidelines for proposals for space missions were hashed out. Exciting!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new orbital data has been posted for bit.ly/_Alaba - this was the first encounter of the new 5-encounter prediction made last month and was accurate to the second, as is the next encounter set for 6/23
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
construction wrapped up today at the launch pad for the new crew access tower and service arms. Thanks to a modular design the large pieces had already been assembled off-site and airshipped in for placement. We are now ready to support 5 different rockets on one pad!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new orbital data has been posted for bit.ly/Vieras - now 3 encounters into the prediction made back in Feb astronomers have already noted a deviation with this recent encounter occurring 34s later than expected. Details in the updated vessel information
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk7-A is on the way to the launch pad! Although it seems small on this carry vehicle usually used by Ascension rockets (later Mk7 versions will be bigger) the way it is mounted on the launch pad requires its use so it can be lifted up vertical over the engine clamp
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the missing Deuce aircraft remains an aviation mystery - no trace has been found. The best theory accepted by most is the crew got lost, ran out of fuel and crashed. So it could be way, way out of the search area where it had planned to fly
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
not everyone has given up the search, but even the area the plane was thought to have been found in hasn't been fully covered and expanding the search to an even wider area only means more time will be needed to uncover any possible signs of wreckage
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the next Progeny Mk6 Block II scheduled to launch on 6/25 is now vertical in the VAB after a routine assembly process. Although an old photo, we do actually have a new Ascension tank and engine in the VAB now as well undergoing inspections
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny MK7-A launch has been delayed until next week, but not by FD Lanalye - Ockr relay antenna is not testing well & it will take at least 3 days to work out the issue due to its high and remote location. New L-0 set for 6/24 @ 18:30 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk6 Block II that was scheduled to launch on 6/25 is now being bumped to 6/27 @ 15:49 UTC to give time for the launch pad to be turned around since the engine support collar will need to be removed for the Mk6 launch base prior to rollout on 6/26
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val got a bad sprain today during the astronaut's regular training run. It would not have prevented her from flying but does raise the question - what happens if an astronaut is injured in mission training or becomes sick? The next crew member in the rotation is their backup
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final rocket sled and track design has been approved after Lead Engineer Simon worked to integrate the capsule into the sled. Dr. Murstap himself has volunteered to do the runs once the track is built (in July) and tested (in August)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the sled track will be built along the entire 2.2km length of the paved runway, closing it to flight operations. The Deuce & Civvie however can both land and depart from the turf runways if needed (dotted outline) - Also, new chart ASA-002-R2 has the main runway marked paved now
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
more launch delays as Lead Engineer Simon reports the Progeny Mk6 Block II did not pass load checks and they will need to order, install and re-check a new decoupler for the first/second interstage. Launch has been rescheduled for 7/9 @ 16:30 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Ockr relay has been patched up in a timely manner & will be monitored all weekend to ensure that transmission is solid. Now that we have the ability to steer Progeny rockets, we'd like to stay in touch with them all through the mission like we can for Ascension
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye got the time she wanted to give the rocket a full systems checkout and reports it is healthy and ready for flight. Ops Dir @DKerman_KSA has reviewed all readiness reports & given approval for launch next week - π GO PROGENY! π ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
6/24
#2π 07:10:03 π11:00:32
#3π 13:10:54 !!π!! π17:01:23
#4π 19:11:45 π23:02:14
6/25
#1π 01:12:36 π05:03:05
@ KSC (UTC-4)
6/24
#2π 07:10:03 π11:00:32
#3π 13:10:54 !!π!! π17:01:23
#4π 19:11:45 π23:02:14
6/25
#1π 01:12:36 π05:03:05
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h40m] weather desk has all the reports they need to put together a more accurate launch forecast while Flight Director Lanalye assembles her team for a final briefing, which as you can see today's flight will closely mimic that of the Ascension Mk1
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in addition to checking out the steering and guidance of the Mk7 we'll be using this flight to test a trajectory that could give a more comfortable ride to Ascension astronauts
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the flight was designed with very general drag calculations given lack of flight data for the Mk7 so we expect the rocket to under perform more than we would expect of the Ascension Mk1, but it should still make it to the ocean east of Ockr
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h10m] Monolith is chilled, weather is good, team is briefed and we are GO to begin preflight! Pad crew is heading out to prep for fueling while controllers wake up the rocket to onload flight instructions and configure systems ops.kerbalspace.agency
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new rocket means a lot of new and old visitors coming out to see its first flight. Please stay within your designated areas & obey the instructions of KSC employees in the event of an emergency. Just because we point a rocket away from you doesn't mean that's where it's going
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although Lanalye requested the ability to run vector checks on the Ospray, Simon had to deny that & just do extensive testing during integration since the interstage shroud could not be made thin enough to support the third stage and allow for movement of the engine inside
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h30m] smoooooth preflight! Rocket is all set to go, now to finish up external tasks like securing the pad, recovery and range. Range Safety Officer is in touch with MSV Tongjess offshore and launch team is patched through to MSV Hoodall through Ockr relay
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h20m] weather balloon has been released. First flight of a new rocket means we have very strict constraints on conditions in the upper atmosphere. If any hold is called it's most likely because of this. Be nice to us today, @upperlevelwinds!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] we are within launch commit for upper-level conditions! Final general readiness polls are all GO! Launch permission has been granted by @DKerman_KSA. All eyes are glued to monitors as the remaining minutes tick down to seconds. Nervousness fades. Anticipation builds
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
LIFT OFF!! Rocket has shot off into the blue with the lower booster pumping out 67kN of thrust for just under 4TWR. It will cut out and detach for the second stage to ignite after 34 seconds. Lower guidance fins will orient the rocket to 54Β° and begin pitch over
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
what remains of the rocket is about to pass through apokee after a breakup following 3rd stage ignition. We are still getting telemetry data so probe core is functioning, has detected the anomaly and should arm chute - if not controllers are standing by
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good initial chute deployment was confirmed by the tracking camera however the chute failed to fully open fast enough to slow the payload down before it crashed into the Kerblantic just 7.8km downrange. MSV Tongjess is moving in to see if anything survived the impact
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
unfortunately but also unsurprisingly no trace of the rocket has been found. It impacted the water at 156m/s according to the last packet of telemetry data we received. All debris and spent stages landed safely in the predesignated downrange fallout zone
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rough day! This isn't the first time we've had a new rocket design fail on us though - we must push beyond the limits to find them. Post-flight analysis will help refine the Mk7 design for future launches to have a greater chance at success
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch video showing the support arms folding away 5s prior to launch. If they aren't down and locked by T-1s the flight computer will abort the launch on the assumption that one has gotten stuck in the way of the rocket youtube.com/watch?v=9x8MJLβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the second of three new K2-X engines has arrived as NovaPunch works to close out the order we placed back in Feb & then get started on last month's order, which will see 3 more engines delivered to us Sept-Nov. So potentially 6 more Ascension flights this year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
construction of the new airport has finally been allowed to move forward again at the Kongo River Research Station. Originally planned for completion no later than April, the new target is August or September
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
FD Lanalye & her team today conducted a successful static fire of the lifter core that will power the next Ascension Mk1 flight set to carry Specialist Bob into space next month. Test data still has yet to be fully analyzed and verified however
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC is always under threat from asteroids and so far we have simply been lucky Kerbin wasn't facing the right direction for any more than one of these entries to have fallen nearer to us to cause possible damage or affect operations since they began back in late 2016
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the image does not take into account any asteroids we didn't know about that landed in the water or burned up in the atmosphere and weren't picked up by seismic sensors, which is probably about at least half more as many that are shown
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
currently only two other surface settlements other than us are also in danger of this risk. We have no doubt more surface settlements will come about and we hope to someday have the capability to be able to prevent any asteroid disasters from befalling them or us
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
thanks to a generous donor, we now have our own MSV! It's an old hull, but will serve well as a recovery vessel after some retrofits to the stern to haul capsule aboard. It has been designated the MSV Aldeny & will be training to recover the first kerbed Ascension mission in July
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
despite having only Jeb & Val to fly Genesis missions on limited availability, CFO Mortimer is still trying to land contracts. It's harder now tho as part of the C7/Airship agreement was we no longer hold an exclusive commercial license. The bidding wars have begun
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
USJ-657(C) entered our SOI yesterday & astronomers have confirmed its trajectory into our atmosphere. This is yet another red blip on yesterday's map of encounters that could have affected us had Kerbin's rotation been different
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
results from this week's static fire have confirmed the engine is ready. We now have a date to LAUNCH THE FIRST KERBAL INTO SPACE!! L-0 scheduled for 7/18 @ 19:21 UTC and aboard the rocket will be Specialist Bob. Get hype! π ops.kerbalspace.agency #KSPloring @KerbalSpaceP
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
just a few selections from our Around KSC album on flickr. Have a photo tour of our facilities and their changes over the years at flic.kr/s/aHskpNratG
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
currently the Extremis team has put aside for now the multiple Grand Tour ambitions but are keeping their extra-planetary focus by helping the Ascension team figure out how well their Mk2 rocket is capable of executing individual missions to Minmus, Mun, Eve and Duna
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've received the Dhumla flight data recorder from the ASA as they begin to conclude their investigation. Genesis program will analyze its contents however we will not be releasing our own report and continue to wait for the official ASA accident investigation report
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Specialist Bob and his backup Specialist Bill have been working even more closely with Flight Director Lanalye's launch team A in rehearsals leading up to the kerbed mission later this month, while controllers on her launch team B also train for the Mk6 Block II mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
campaigns are ramping up towards this year's election for a new Presider in December - we are not directly controlled by the political machine however the government can make things difficult for us if they wanted. One of the candidates is heavily tied to Monolithic interests
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the current Presider is running for a second term - he has neither interfered nor directly supported us but has acknowledged our potential for the advancement of kerbal society several times. A third candidate has been for some reason dodgy when asked about us
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after the Progeny Mk6-II was stacked vertically once again in the VAB at the start of this week, Lead Engineer Simon has reported the new decoupler is holding well and they will continue to push for the new launch date next week 7/9 @ 16:30 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
given that it only had a powered flight of 40 seconds a lot of effort had to go into figuring out what went wrong with the first Progeny Mk7-A mission. Luckily, past experience helped a great deal. Full report: kerbalspace.agency/?p=9294
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
TL;DR - rocket needs to get higher up before 3rd stage kicks in. Excellent performance by the new guidance fins. Not so excellent performance by the guidance computer (similar to Ascension). Funds to build the next Mk7-A are currently lacking, Ascension takes precedence
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the comet has indeed been located, not quite where astronomers expected it to be but within a respectable margin of error. This bodes well for future deep space missions that will rely on Jool for gravitational assists that will fly much closer to the massive planet
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val & Jeb, later in the crew rotation for Ascension, will be taking a break from their astronaut training to fly a Deuce mission for bit.ly/GenesisProgram this month. Both pilots look forward to being back in a craft they can fully control
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
DTH-989(C) is now within our SOI and will be zipping past us at just 0.06 Munar Distance, the closest known pass so far this month although the closest known pass this year remains 453km (0.04 MD) back in Feb
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
integration is complete for bit.ly/ProgenyMk6-II_3, now loaded up on the carry vehicle for rollout Monday ahead of readiness prep at KSC for launch attempt on Tuesday. Viewing tickets are on sale - don't forget it's going to be the first Mk6-II night launch!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we passed opposition with Neidon this week and the 10m scope at ATN Central took a good long look to give us the best photo of this world to date. A gas giant like Jool & Sarnus, it too is now confirmed to have visible cloud patterns in its swirly atmosphere
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
common belief among astronomers until now was since Neidon is so far from the sun, its surface would be relatively featureless without enough heat to drive a turbulent atmosphere. The outer gas giants could be way more interesting than previously imagined
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VEO-520(C) has made its entry into our SOI within the past few minutes and will be scooting "underneath" us at no closer than 1.01 Munar Distance - If Mun had been in the right place... wait, no - improper inclination. There are many factors to positions in space!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all readiness reports have been submitted, reviewed & approved! Operations Director @DKerman_KSA says we are πGO FOR LAUNCHπ tomorrow - prelaunch operations will begin at 12:03 UTC, wx 90% favorable. Only the engine support collar was removed to make way for the Mk6 launch base
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
7/9
#2π 08:04:23 π11:51:30 !!π!!
#3π 14:05:14 π17:52:21
#4π 20:06:05 π23:53:12
7/10
#1π 02:06:56 π05:54:03
@ KSC (UTC-4)
7/9
#2π 08:04:23 π11:51:30 !!π!!
#3π 14:05:14 π17:52:21
#4π 20:06:05 π23:53:12
7/10
#1π 02:06:56 π05:54:03
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h27m] weather desk has come back with a forecast update of 95% favorable - as usual we can't predict upper-level atmospheric conditions but surface conditions should be perfect. Monolith temple is chilled and the rocket is being powered up to receive flight instructions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h12m] rocket is initialized and pad crew has been given the GO to begin tanking, onloading 220kg of liquid propellants to the third stage. Although the single fuel truck is now used like for the Mk7, it still has to hook directly to the launch base & vehicle for the Mk6
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h30m] FD Lanalye reports we have a good rocket, all system checks nominal. Pad crew has returned for final closeouts while the Range Safety Officer begins to setup monitoring with MSV Lymun. We have no recovery ship stationed, even if the rocket was coming down over water
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] everything remains a GO and teams are progressing into final countdown procedures. Pad crew is completely clearing out, RSO is running final checks of the range and rocket prior to firing system arming. Photo from earlier at sunset
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] rocket is ARMED, Flight Termination System is ACTIVE - range and pad are closed to any incursions. Anything within the red zone will halt the countdown and invalidate the current L-0 time. All visitors please stay within designated viewing areas
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lymun reports 2 Civvies & a Deuce are circling 5km to the west. All pilots are following established air protocol. We don't usually get air traffic to view a launch since our rockets are still small & the aircraft are held far out but it's night, they should see the rocket plumes
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we just realized there may be some confusion about the presence of aircraft if anyone remembers this tweet from a previous launch. The 25/50km exclusion refers to a downrange cone, not a circular zone around the entire launch pad twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
BLAST OFF!! Really the best term to describe the 5 engines igniting to push the rocket off the pad with a combined force of 135kN for just over 7Gs of acceleration. Radial boosters will detach within just 6 seconds while the core booster burns for 34s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
BECO-3 has left the rocket coasting to an apokee of 4,351km - everyone is shocked given the last flight carrying a similar load only made it up to just over 3Mm. It will take about 1h45m to reach apokee & unplanned extra height has controllers a bit concerned about battery power
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the first telemetry ping from coming out of hibernation was a minute late but since then every 30s we have been getting a data packet as expected. Due to the higher than planned apokee, the decision to change from 60s last mission may turn out to have been a poor one
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have just lost contact with the rocket as it was exiting the inner belt. It is now on its own, continuing the journey towards the outer belt and definitely beyond - into unknown space! Highly unlikely that it will exit the magnetotail but we don't know for sure
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post-launch cleanup proceeding well. Launch base will be removed back to storage in the Support Village and thankfully none of the Mk1-B boosters got tossed back into the service structures this time and all four landed several hundred meters downrange
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lead Scientist Cheranne has started up a betting pool. Some of her team have been using the last data sent before losing contact in conjunction with earlier data from the dayside to estimate where the outer belt starts/ends on the night side. Closest guess wins the pot!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket has by now passed through apokee and begun the nearly 2hr fall back towards Kerbin. Although it's only halfway through its journey we calculate it's likely already more than halfway through its battery reserves
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
whether or not we will have enough battery to last the entire flight, or at least back down through both radiation belts, is impossible to determine. The computer will stay on and collect data through the entire outer belt up & down - we have no idea how big it is on night side
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
majority of estimates agree that by now or at least shortly the rocket should again be passing through the outer belt, lower than on its way up since it is unlikely we managed to bisect it perfectly. Past data shows its radiation to be ~75% weaker than the inner belt
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
control room filling back up as everyone anticipates AOS in ~15 minutes - maybe sooner, maybe later. Even if power nearly drained, fail-safes would keep enough left to attempt a final dump once back in range, so question is how much data it managed to collect if that happened
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KERZZAH!! Fist pumps and whoops filled mission control as a 27m dish at Arekibo locked onto the signal just over the horizon & *current* telemetry came streaming down w/data dump. Rocket is passing through the inner belt with just ~4% battery power - only a few mins worth!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
\[0o]/ \[0o]/ \[0o]/ More celebration as with just 0.85% power remaining the rocket left the inner belt, giving us a full reading on its size! It went back into hibernation & pinged us 3 more times before it fell below the horizon prior to re-entry. And that's the end of that
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
actually the last thing it would have done before completely losing power given its situation is arm chutes, which will deploy based on pressure regardless of power. Still, if it survives we have no plans to recover it. Fare thee well brave space traveler! You did a mighty job π₯
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
They are obligated to return it via provisions we already have in place with any registered surface exploration teams however there have been unregistered excursions caught in the past. Still, quite a needle in a haystack we arenβt too concerned about it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our 3rd new K2-X engine has arrived, completing the order we placed back in Feb. It is earmarked for the first Ascension Mk2 flight and will be static fired next month when our new test stand completes construction since its flight tank won't be here by then
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
yesterday's mission set some new bit.ly/KSARecords - greatest altitude over Kerbin is now 4,349.35km and the longest mission distance traveled is 9,257.860km - the measurement was made up to the projected point of atmospheric interface
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
they make a good team - Cpt Jeb & Cdr Val are prepping to depart just after 3rd sunrise on their Deuce mission to bit.ly/Sector_IS-L031, where they'll be scouting out potential landing sites for a future expedition by MSV as well as any interesting inland features
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
aircraft is lining up on the turf runway 09 after crossing the paved runway ahead of the rocket sled test track, which is currently nearing 1km long and will span the entire 2km runway length by the end of the month. Winds calm - clear for takeoff!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good standard departure along runway heading to 800m then turning on course, gear up, wings clean, throttle reduced to cruise altho they are still climbing - no rush to level off at 4.5km. Passing through 1.5km now the crew gets an early sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
cruising SW along the coast @ 4.5km, peering through the morning haze you can barely see the still-visible scar of the asteroid impact in 2018 that so far has come the closest to directly affecting operations at KSC. You can read about it in this timeline: twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've lost the aircraft over the horizon, Val got final course heading from flight control before signing off. Minmus will set in a short while and then they will only have the sun to use for resetting their INS, so they won't be able to make a very direct flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
assuming all is well, by now the Deuce should be over its target - the most-remote largest island on Kerbin. They will have step-climbed to 5.5km & will do a high-alt pass over the island before dropping low for better images of these potential maritime expedition landing sites
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-7 DAYS UNTIL WE LAUNCH A KERBAL INTO SPACE! This is Bob & Bill's final week for training and they have been training hard. Even when they do something right, they do it right again. And again. Danger is inevitable, risk mitigation is key. Prepare for everything & anything
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Jeb has hailed us as they come within sight of Umbarg. All is well, good flight there and back with no troubles other than some minor turbulence. Val will begin descent shortly. Coming back at night with plenty of stars for position fixes allowed a more direct route
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce is entering the traffic pattern to land turf Rwy09 after Val hugged the coast similar to their route out in order to avoid having to deal with as much terrain as possible, although a nearly full Mun is out to help provide some extra illumination
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
famous for her tight pattern approaches, Val did not disappoint although Jeb says he was afraid she would run out of runway. Aircraft is taxiing back to the HAB. Here's one of their many photos taken, from ~6km on their initial fly over of the island (we said it was big!)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
another image from yesterday's flight, lower to the ground as the Deuce investigates one of the beaches on the west side of the island where the months-long future scientific expedition may land to begin exploring what has evolved here in isolation since the asteroid impact
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although they flew 11km farther along their route than Ted & Aldy on their last Deuce mission, which is the current record-holder for Longest Continuous Flight Time, Jeb & Val failed to set a new one. Whether or not they did this on purpose they refuse to say
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are bringing in extra security after Monolithic graffiti was found scrawled on the side of the VAB, likely overnight by a religious follower or few who snuck over from the temple to the north. We've been dealing with various protests ever since the kerbed mission was announced
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
at this time there are no direct threats to the astronauts but we have had to cancel a few media events outside of KSC over the past month. It's disappointing to see some kerbs that don't want us to succeed in our quest to explore the Kerbol system and beyond
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
so, anyone who watched the telemetry from the Mk6-II rocket flight this week notice something weird in the AoA? If the rocket was spinning and isn't guided, how is the nose being held off prograde for relatively long periods of time? Any guesses? Answer at the end of the weekend
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today Bob & Bill have both gone into quarantine in the Astronaut Complex, where they will remain away from each other & everyone but medical teams until the mission next week. This is not only to reduce exposure but allow them time to rest from their rigorous training schedule
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after the revelatory Neidon image, astronomers have been eagerly awaiting the latest Urlum photo from the 10m scope and are surprised to find it is much closer to the featureless orb they expected of Neidon, with what appear to be ice clouds mostly present (img enlarged 1000x)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
so what was up with the Mk6-II AoA telemetry? Well, the rocket was indeed oscillating between positive and negative AoA as it wobbled a bit on its way up to space. It just so happened several times to wobble back neg/pos every second the Ops Tracker updated
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
so because the data rate isn't as fast as the rocket was wobbling, sometimes this can create misleading results in rapidly oscillating values. Think of wave motions becoming additive at the right frequencies - the rocket's wobble frequency was just right to create this effect!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#OTD back in 2017 we were still recovering from the massive outburst unleashed by the Monolith after first reaching space. You can read about it all here: kerbalspace.agency/?p=4567 - the Monolith continues its battle to keep us planetside to this day
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
last week the capsule was stacked & the rocket is now undergoing final close out checks in the VAB. This flight uses a brand-new capsule. The 1st one is being used for the deceleration testing and the 2nd one that's flown to space twice will be used for further unkerbed missions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
although they can't run sims while stuck in quarantine, Bob and Bill have plenty of written manuals and procedures to review. Of course, they could also be relaxing and binging all the movies & TV shows they didn't have time to watch while training...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight analysis is published for last week's Progeny Mk6-II mission and coupled with data from the dayside launch we have our first rough approximation of the true shape of the belts! Full details: kerbalspace.agency/?p=9336
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
medical staff are doing checks on Bob & Bill every day, enforcing a strict diet of meals they dictate, but allowing them to sleep as they feel they need to. All this sets a baseline to help begin to determine what affects spaceflight has on an astronaut after returning to Kerbin
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
meanwhile Jeb & Val have remained involved in this mission by taking turns in training with launch team A stationed at Capsule Communications. Sticking to the crew rotation, Val will be primary on CapCom with Jeb as backup operator if she needs to be relieved
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
for security reasons we were not allowed to announce earlier that the Presider will be in attendance for this launch, but his flotilla just arrived and docked near the Support Village. We are honored by his presence & acknowledgement of our accomplishments to get to this point!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've added a new visual aid to the streaming telemetry that will notify you when data is outside expected values but within predetermined tolerance (yellow flashes) or outside expected values like WTF oh noes (red flashes). You can check it out here: kerbalspace.agency/Tracker/trackeβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Support Village lodging is already at capacity due to the Presider's presence requiring a security buffer and Monolith pilgrims looking to get in a visit before the temple is shut down prior to launch day. Anyone attending the launch viewing should plan to arrive on the day of
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our new recovery vessel MSV Aldeny has left port in Umbarg to sail out to the recovery zone for tomorrow's mission. Having our own vessel has the potential to reduce mission costs since we no longer have to pay 4,500-6,200 funds to rent one from the Maritime Service fleet
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the ASA report on the Dhumla crash back in May has been released & we've summarized the findings here: kerbalspace.agency/?p=9339 TL;DR - pilot error was the sole cause. Aldeny was responsible but not without redemption. New Dhumla will be built for further development under C7 only
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
doctors report both Bob & Bill are in good health and spirits. Both will be equally prepared for tomorrow's launch all the way up to L-0. If we need to swap out the capsule crew for any reason, even after its been buttoned up, Bill will be suited up and ready to go
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all readiness reports have been submitted, reviewed and approved by @DKerman_KSA - which means we are π GO FOR LAUNCH! π launch pad has been reconfigured and is ready to receive the rocket AND CREW tomorrow after rollout. Pre-launch ops begin @ 14:11 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
7/18
#2π 08:35:19 π12:22:06
#3π 14:36:10 !!ππ¨βπ!!
#3π18:22:57
#4π 20:37:01
7/19
#1π00:23:48 π 02:37:52
#2π06:24:39
@ KSC (UTC-4)
7/18
#2π 08:35:19 π12:22:06
#3π 14:36:10 !!ππ¨βπ!!
#3π18:22:57
#4π 20:37:01
7/19
#1π00:23:48 π 02:37:52
#2π06:24:39
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
several hours to go until the start of prelaunch ops but Bob & Bill have already awoken to eat their choice meal before beginning the process of getting suited up for flight. Bill says he slept soundly and Bob admits he had trouble getting to sleep but feels okay
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5h10m] pre-launch operations have begun as the carry vehicle leaves the VAB with the Mk1 strapped atop, making its way slowly to the pad 655m away over the next 10 minutes. Meanwhile, crew is completing suit up in the Astronaut Complex. Expect updates at these milestones
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crew photo outside the rear of the Astronaut Complex as Bob boards the crew shuttle out to the pad. Bill will head back inside to the ready room and stand by in case he is needed. Rocket carry vehicle is nearing the pad and will position itself for the vertical lift
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h50m] Specialist Bob is ready to begin ingress procedures. He will be assisted into the capsule by the pad crew and then strapped down. The hatch will then be sealed in preparation for the mounting of the rocket
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h20m] crew load was without issue. Although the capsule orientation makes it a bit awkward, lots of training helped. Bob is now situated and his suit life support will remain on internal capsule power until the rocket is mounted and service tower umbilical arm is connected
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Commander Val, working CapCom, is actually down at the launch pad right now plugged straight into the capsule so she can keep in touch with Bob during mounting operations and alert the pad crew if anything appears to be going wrong from inside the capsule
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h40m] rocket mounting going well, nearing completion while Flight Director Lanalye assembles her A team in launch control for their final briefing on today's mission, which will send Bob downrange at a slightly shallower angle for a lower apokee and gentler re-entry
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
because the rocket will be spending more time in the atmosphere it will be holding a TWR of 1.65 during ascent, which will give Bob a very comfortable ride on the way up as well. This will reduce friction heating but is also necessary to not speed past the landing zone
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h10m] rocket mounted, launch team briefed, Val back on CapCom, Monolith chilled & weather desk has given an improved forecast of 85% favorable conditions @ launch time. We are GO to begin preflight procedures! Bob says he's doing "A-Okay" - voice quaver likely comm distortion
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
AFCS flight instructions update info can be found here: bit.ly/AFCS_ChangeLog - while Bob will handle a lot of normally automated preflight tasks so he's not sitting around bored, during the actual ascent the flight computer will be in command w/ a few manual emergency controls
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[HOLD] Bob has confirmed he's flipped all the switches & pressed all the buttons needed on his end and the capsule is now initialized, lifter rdy for fueling. Tanker is already hooked up to the service tower but we just got a No GO from the weather desk monitoring a slow pressure drop
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather desk has informed FD Lanalye the pressure drop began @ rocket power-up but given no such reaction has occurred after the cooling system was installed they were hoping it would stabilize. No such luck it seems. Clouds are starting to build near the pad, winds increasing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Presider's motorcade was just departing the Support Village and has been halted since crossing the causeway could be dangerous if the winds continue to get stronger. Pressure drop slowly continues so this is likely. Pad crew is entering the launch bunker. Fuel truck detaching
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the night is pitch black now as overcast skies cover Mun and stars. Pressure has stabilized but rain, high winds and some lightning continues. All visitors have been moved indoors to the VAB, HAB or Astronaut Complex. Flight surgeon says Bob is showing an elevated heart rate
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
YOWZA!! We just had multiple strikes on the crew service tower, which is currently not attached to the rocket and is also grounded. Bob is telling Val he wants out *NOW* but conditions are too dangerous for an unnecessary emergency egress. Medical team is evaluating his vitals
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
doctors report Bob may be having a panic attack but he's not in any physical danger and pad crew should remain sheltered. Storm already appears to be weakening. Given that we've seen much worse prior to the Monolith A/C installation, good to know it seems to be helping somewhat
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no lightning now for nearly 10 minutes and winds have continued to weaken. Val was the perfect person to help Bob calm down; he's been further assuaged by FD Lanalye saying the count will not be continued and the pad crew will be lowering the rocket soon and getting him out
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather conditions have improved enough to allow the pad crew to begin the unmounting operation. Rocket will be lowered, Bob will be extracted and then we are going to raise it back up and do an automated start later today to see what happens. Regardless, launch today is scrubbed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Specialist Bob is out and making his return to the Astronaut Complex for a medical evaluation while the pad crew continues their work to get the rocket back to vertical and re-attached to the service towers
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket is remounted. Launch team will commence preflight at 22:00 UTC to give the atmosphere the entire day cycle to recharge from the sun's heat and ensure we can detect another attempt from the Monolith at forming a low-pressure system when the rocket is booted up
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket has been powered on for 20 minutes and weather desk is reporting no change to current conditions. Lead Scientist Cheranne has suggested that we switch off the Monolith A/C and see what happens. Everyone hold on to your butts...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still nothing. Nothing!? What is even going on here? We have a rocket powered up on the pad and no storms are forming, even with the Monolith temple heating back up to outside air temperatures. Until we can figure this out, launch remains delayed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after some time to recover from his ordeal yesterday and think things over, Specialist Bob has ceded his spot to Specialist Bill. Bob says he's not ready to get back into that capsule anytime soon and will wait for his rotation to come back around
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bob has been released from quarantine protocol but Bill remains sequestered - if anything happens to him then it will further delay the launch at least a week while Val & Jeb train on the mission specifics to replace him as primary/backup, even if they start today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Presider's flotilla is on its way back to Sheltered Rock - he commended us on our procedures for handling the storm yesterday and regrets his busy schedule will not allow him to wait around for the next attempt though he will try to make it back when it happens
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we did another remote startup of the rocket at the end of the previous day cycle w/o Monolith chilldown & still saw no indications of stormy weather attempting to form. Lead Scientist Cheranne and R&D Lead Wernher von Kerman are working their teams overtime to reach a conclusion
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch has been rescheduled to 7/23 @ 19:38 UTC while modifications are made over the weekend to the Monolith for even colder conditions. We also have a theory as to why it is behaving the way it is. Full details on our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=9352
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
TL;DR - original theory of Monolith storm was because Mk6-II broke through the magnetosphere. However the next flight just happened to include kerbal tissue samples for exposure to space. Monolith must have thought we were launching a crewed mission, despite small samples
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
for visitors this weekend bus tours will still take you out to the launch pad however they will not stop to allow occupants to disembark. You'll still get a drive around the pad perimeter though to get an up close look at the Ascension Mk1!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
FOE-439(D) entered our SOI earlier today & astronomers have confirmed its trajectory. Surface activity at the colony site is minor still but being pulled out as a precaution. Luckily, the asteroid appears to mass well under the avg 400t for a class D, which can reach megaton mass
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Aldeny has pulled into port at Sheltered Rock to resupply and then head back out tomorrow to once again sit and wait in the recovery zone. Hopefully we will be able to send a capsule their way soon!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new Monolith direct cooling system has been rigged and Wernher's team have begun their testing to see whether or not it will work. We'll know for sure by the end of tomorrow when launch readiness reviews are submitted
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
protesters have been gathered all weekend in the Support Village to picket against the further "desecration" of the Monolith. Extra security is still being deployed but so far all protests have remained peaceful here and in the caverns, where protests are happening as well
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in fact, there has been just as much opposition lately as in the past to what we are doing with the Monolith but violent outbreaks like this one back in 2017 have ceased since early 2018. We applaud religious leaders on their work to end such events twitter.com/KSA_MissionCtrβ¦
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
FD Lanalye is drilling her A team after ensuring they got rest over the weekend, Bill remains in good health, LE Simon has his crew doing an inspection of the rocket and Head of R&D Wernher von Kerman reports final tests are underway for the new Monolith direct-cooling system
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all re-submitted readiness reports have been reviewed & approved - once again we are π GO FOR LAUNCH π. However we'd like everyone to manage expectations as the current forecast is only 40% favorable. Launch ops will begin at 14:28 UTC if forecast improves
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
7/23
#2π 08:52:19 π12:39:06
#3π 14:53:10 !!ππ¨βπ!! π18:39:57
#4π 20:54:01
7/24
#1π00:40:48 π 02:54:52
#2π06:41:39
@ KSC (UTC-4)
7/23
#2π 08:52:19 π12:39:06
#3π 14:53:10 !!ππ¨βπ!! π18:39:57
#4π 20:54:01
7/24
#1π00:40:48 π 02:54:52
#2π06:41:39
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bill got to sleep in a bit since the rocket is already out on the pad and just needs to be lowered for him to board. While he's enjoying his choice breakfast the weather desk is using the extra time as well to put together a new forecast for the launch day cycle
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new forecast still shows only 40-50% chance of good weather. Hard to tell what an encroaching storm front from the west will do. They can sometimes power right over the mountains and bring down some serious weather on us. To be safe, launch is delayed until tomorrow @ 19:42 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after waiting a day to ensure it was safe, an airship was dispatched to check out any effects of FOE-439(D). No crater was found but evidence of minor flooding in the colony site means it likely hit the water west of the initial entry point. Work will resume in a few days
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the front stalled out and we have perfect launch weather right now around the previously-planned L-0. Hopefully future space satellites will help us improve models and better predict these weather events. Now we just have to hope tomorrow remains nice as well...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
updated forecast for tomorrow shows improved chances of 80% favorable weather, with potentially high surface winds being the only concern. Bill says he's looking forward to no longer being stuck inside. Pre-launch operations will commence at 14:52 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
π
Sunrise/Sunsetπ
@ KSC (UTC-4)
7/24
#2π 08:55:43 π12:42:30
#3π 14:56:34 !!ππ¨βπ!! π18:43:21
#4π 20:57:25
7/25
#1π00:44:12 π 02:58:16
#2π06:45:03
@ KSC (UTC-4)
7/24
#2π 08:55:43 π12:42:30
#3π 14:56:34 !!ππ¨βπ!! π18:43:21
#4π 20:57:25
7/25
#1π00:44:12 π 02:58:16
#2π06:45:03
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Bill is finishing up his choice breakfast after another night's fitful sleep. He says he's changed the menu up each launch day & will stick with the one that gets him up into space. Assistants are prepping the rdy room for suit up while pad crew is heading out to lower the rocket
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
just Bill exits the Astronaut Complex main entrance for his final press photos and board the crew shuttle to head for the launch pad. Rocket is prepped for crew entry and standing by. Monolith chilldown process has already begun with Wernher on hand to supervise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h50m] pre-launch ops have officially begun with Bill climbing into the capsule. Boarding up to head to the pad some questions were lobbed at him about all the things that could go wrong. His response: "I'm too simple-minded, relatively speaking, to worry much about all that"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h20m] capsule is sealed up with Bill snugly inside, Jeb is plugged in to keep him company and the pad crew has begun the process of raising the rocket back to vertical and hooking the service arm back up to the main tank. Photo from earlier prior to boarding
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h10m] almost back to where we left off last week - rocket mounting completed and weather desk will continue to monitor wind conditions but we have a GO for preflight. Jeb is back in Launch Control. Val ceded her CapCom duties as a gesture to support Bob's own decision
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h55m] Bill has coordinated with launch controllers and brought the capsule online, fully powered and initialized. Atmospheric pressure levels have remained unchanged. Wernher reports Monolith coolant is operating at full efficiency. Tanking permission has been granted
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h40m] rocket is now massing nearly 11t after being fully fueled. Pad crew is cleaning up while controllers continue to work with Bill through the preflight checklist. Tank levels will be watched closely to ensure there are no leaks present. Atmospheric pressure remains stable
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
"Rolling left. Check?"
"Check"
"Rolling right. Check?"
"Check"
"Pitching up. Check?"
"Check"
....
call/response continues between Bill & the pad crew as he manipulates the manual controls & they confirm movement. Hopefully tho Bill will not have to touch them at all during ascent
"Check"
"Rolling right. Check?"
"Check"
"Pitching up. Check?"
"Check"
....
call/response continues between Bill & the pad crew as he manipulates the manual controls & they confirm movement. Hopefully tho Bill will not have to touch them at all during ascent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h55m] pad evacuation underway as we move into the engine and fuel system checks. We hope Bill can rely on his "simple-minded"ness to not be bothered by the fact that he's strapped atop 7t of explosives that hopefully won't ignite in an uncontrolled manner
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h30m] weather remains within limits, no "extraneous effects" detectable. Rocket preflight has concluded to the satisfaction of launch controllers, issues board is clear. MSV Tongjess is on station for range tracking setup. Pad crew returning for final close outs
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-45m] launch rehearsal time, which will cover the ascent up to MECO & ensure that all assets are configured, ground stations are configured & capsule is configured properly for the mission along with everyone knowing their roles in it. Bill jokes his role is to "just hang on!"
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] winds picking up with sunrise are within expected margins, surface weather continues to be a GO as we move into final countdown procedures. Range Safety Officer is waiting for the all-clear report from the pad crew as they lock down and evacuate the launch site
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] RSO has ARMED the ignition system and the Flight Termination/Launch Abort System is now also ACTIVE. 500m exclusion zone around the pad is being enforced and any incursion will hold the count. All visitors please remain within designated areas
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-12m] small tanker truck left hooked up to the service towers has been remotely commanded to begin onload of the nitrogen gas used to pressurize the tanks prior to launch. Stored in a pressurized vessel itself, late onload protects pad workers from any rupture (Bill has LES)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[HOLD] L-5m final poll was not successful as the kerbs at the weather desk say they need more time to assess the upper-level wind conditions. While initial constraints are tight to ensure Bill's safety, we do have room to work the numbers based on past Ascension launch experience
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather team still debating. Ops Director (OD) @DKerman_KSA has made it clear to them that if they aim to propose a launch at or near minimums they have to be 110% confident. What does Bill think of all this? He's asked Jeb if he can take a quick nap. The request was denied
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] weather kerbs have unanimously agreed we are GO for launch. All other stations have been re-polled and came back GO. Launch permission has been granted by the OD. Rocket remained primed & ready so countdown has restarted with updated L-0 of 19:58 UTC. FTS internal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3m] preliminary tank pressurization has begun to allow for extra rigidity once the service arm, now unlocked for release, swings away to leave the rocket standing atop the engine mount. Bill is undergoing final suit integrity checks & switching back to internal life support
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-2m] terminal count! Service arm has detached leaving the rocket on internal power and RF comms. AFCS has activated to take command. Controllers checking battery drain rates and comm data rates. Bill has nothing left to do but sit back, confirm readouts & enjoy the ride
