Progenitor Program

  • Overview
  • Progeny Mk1-A
  • Progeny Mk1-B
  • Progeny Mk2
  • Progeny Mk2.1
  • Progeny Mk3
  • Progeny Mk4
  • Progeny Mk5
  • Progeny Mk6
  • Progeny Mk7-A
  • Progeny Mk7-B
  • Progeny Mk8

Program Patch

Our first rocket program will pave the way to space by allowing us to test out the fundamental physics and engineering that goes into making rockets fly. These simple ballistic projectiles will gradually work their way higher and higher into the atmosphere until we have surpassed the 70km barrier and entered into space above the planet.

Recent Program News

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Primary Program Goals

Launch and recover a payload safely
Break through 70km apokee – reach space
Demonstrate onboard computer control of rocket systems
Demonstrate the use of both solid and liquid propellant engines
Send a rocket beyond Low-Kerbin Orbit (250+km)
Place a payload into Low-Kerbin Orbit (<250km)
Show Secondary Goals
Demonstrate spin stabilization in flight
Demonstrate multi-stage booster usage
Break through 2km apokee
Break through 5km apokee
Break through 10km apokee
Break through 20km apokee
Break through 40km apokee

Active Program Contracts

None at this time.

Program Album

View full album on flickr

Launch Weather Green

Primed & Ready

Mounted & Ready

Ready for Rollout

Mk2.1 Final Integration

Mk1-B Boosters, Enhanced

Mk1-B Booster Test Result

Mk1-B Booster Test

Progeny Mk1-B Test Booster

Mk2 Goes KABOOM!

Weather is GO for Launch!

Gunna Need a Bigger Truck

Weather Looks Good

Progeny Mk2 Final Integration

Progeny Mk2 Payload

Progeny Mk2 Booster Integration

Progeny Mk2 Assembly

Progeny Mk2

Progeny Mk1-B Trajectories

Progeny Mk1-B Trajectories

Progeny Mk1-B Telemetry Plots

Mk1-B Flight 3 Launch

Progeny MK1-B3 Telemetry Plot

Mk1-B Booster Flyback

Mk1-B Flight 3

Mk1-B Booster Impact

Mk1-B Flight 1 Launch

Full Data Set

Mk1-B Booster

Mk1-B Flight 2 Recovery

Weather Nominal

Mk1-B Flight 1 Success

Weather Hold

Mk1-B Mounted & Ready

Two Mk1-Bs

Mk1-A Trajectories - Front

Mk1-A Trajectories - Side

Mk1-A Data Telemetry

MK1-B Assembly

Remaining Parts

Progeny Mk1-A Flight 2

Progeny Mk1-A Flight 1 Recovery

Progeny Mk1-A Launch 1

Progeny Mk1-A Booster

Progeny Mk1-A Flight 1

Launch Base Ready

Mk1-A Assembly

Parachute Testing

Rocket Parts

Progeny Mk1-A/B

Program Videos

Program Duration: Sep 2016 – ongoing
Total Expenditure: 528,394
Total Income (Net): 436,990 (-91,404)
Yearly Income (Net): 0 (-8,801)
Active Vessels: Progeny Mk8
Number of Launches: 56
Program Success Rate: 64%
Program Ribbon:
Agency Partners: Luciole Space Systems, Umbra Space Industries, Periapsis Co., Kerlington Inc., Maxo Construction, Zaltonic Electronics, Modular Rocket Systems, C7 Aerospace, STEADLER Engineering

Vessel Patch

The Mk1-A tested the lower stage, higher thrust booster separate from the upper stage, lower thrust booster so we could verify its performance and test its viability for use in the Progeny Mk2. It also was the first use of our parachute recovery system & spin stabilization attempts.

Recent Vessel News

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Past Missions

Show Past Missions (2016)
Flight 2 – 9/22/16
Our first launch was marred by a failed chute deployment. Can this second attempt return an intact payload?
Mission Report Flight Tracker
Flight 1 – 9/22/16
Our first rocket launch! Excitement mixed with a bit of fear – what will happen? A big explosion?
Mission Report Flight Tracker

Vessel Images

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50 Launches

Rocket Progression 2016-2019

28 Launches in 500 Days

Humble Beginnings

Mk1-A Trajectories - Front

Mk1-A Trajectories - Side

Mk1-A Data Telemetry

Remaining Parts

Progeny Mk1-A Flight 2

Progeny Mk1-A Flight 1 Recovery

Progeny Mk1-A Launch 1

Progeny Mk1-A Booster

Progeny Mk1-A Flight 1

Launch Base Ready

Mk1-A Assembly

Parachute Testing

Rocket Parts

Progeny Mk1-A/B

Vessel Videos

Vessel Lifetime: Sep 2016
Total Expenditure: 2,047
Total Income (Net): 6,974 (4,927)
Number of Launches: 2
Mission Success Rate: 50%

Vessel Blueprint

Vessel Patch

The Mk1-B tested the upper stage, lower thrust booster separate from the lower stage, higher thrust booster so we could verify its performance and test its viability for use in the Progeny Mk2. It furthered our understanding of rocket flight and was integral to determining a good spin rate for stabilization of the payload upon release.

Recent Vessel News

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Past Missions

Show Past Missions (2018)
Progeny Mk1-B Airlaunch – 12/21/18
Flight Officers Tedman & Aldeny cap off months of planning and preparation with a first attempt at launching a rocket off the back of their aircraft. Click here for the Ops Tracker rocket page
Flight Tracker
Progeny Mk1-B Captive Carry & Launch Rehearsal – 12/19/18
Flight Officers Tedman & Aldeny make another attempt at a full launch dress rehearsal for the carried Progeny Mk1-B rocket that was interrupted months ago by the Monolith
Mission Report
Captive Carry & Release Test Flight 5 – 8/7/18
Flight Officers Aldeny and Tedman make a final test flight while launch controllers treat it as a full dress rehearsal to ensure all aspects of the mission are ready for a booster ignition on the following attempt
Mission Report
Captive Carry & Release Test Flight 4 – 8/2/18
Flight Officers Tedman and Aldeny fly another carry/release mission aiming to deploy at a greater pitch angle, which will require the rocket to use its flight computer to decide on its own when to release
Mission Report
Captive Carry & Release Test Flight 3 – 7/30/18
Flight Officers Aldeny and Tedman perform more release testing to see if they can get the rocket to pitch up closer to the 85° nominal ascent angle as it flies free of the aircraft
Mission Report
Captive Carry & Release Test Flight 2 – 7/12/18
Flight Officers Tedman and Aldeny perform another carry and release flight to see how the rocket reacts to being deployed far from level flight and closer to its initial ascent angle
Mission Report
Captive Carry & Release Test Flight 1 – 7/10/18
Flight Officers Aldeny and Tedman begin to test the feasibility of launching a rocket from the top of a Deuce while in flight, starting with the smallest of the Progeny rockets
Mission Report
Show Past Missions (2016)
Flight 3 – 10/10/16
More spin stabilization testing is done at the request of engineers yearning for more data
Flight Tracker
Flight 2 – 10/4/16
Fin configuration is put to the test to see how the pitch of the stabilizers will affect the spin of the rocket and the apokee
Flight Tracker
Flight 1 – 10/4/16
The second booster is tested under ascent to determine its viability as a second stage engine
Flight Tracker

Vessel Images

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50 Launches

Rocket Progression 2016-2019

Rocket in the Pocket

Air Launch Flight Diagram

Out the Rear

Uncertain Skies

Up with the Sun

Off to the Flight Line

"Release! Release! Release!"

Post Eclipse Flight

Rocket Return

Snug in the Back

Moar Struts

Rocket Carry

Final Check

Two Pioneers

28 Launches in 500 Days

Mk1-B Out of Retirement

Humble Beginnings

Progeny Mk1-B Telemetry Plots

Progeny Mk1-B Trajectories

Progeny Mk1-B Trajectories

Mk1-B Flight 3 Launch

Progeny MK1-B3 Telemetry Plot

Mk1-B Booster Flyback

Mk1-B Flight 3

Mk1-B Booster Impact

Mk1-B Flight 1 Launch

Full Data Set

Mk1-B Booster

Mk1-B Flight 2 Recovery

Weather Nominal

Mk1-B Flight 1 Success

Weather Hold

Mk1-B Mounted & Ready

Two Mk1-Bs

MK1-B Assembly

Remaining Parts

Launch Base Ready

Rocket Parts

Progeny Mk1-A/B

Vessel Videos

Vessel Lifetime: Oct ’16, Jul ’18 – Ongoing
Total Expenditure: 8,113
Total Income (Net): 0 (-8,113)
Number of Launches: 4
Mission Success Rate: 100%

Vessel Blueprint

Vessel Patch

With both boosters verified as suitable for flight, the next step was to join them together for a multi-stage rocket that would take into consideration all the lessons learned from the previous Mk1 series in order to reach heights of greater than 5km. The use of multiple boosters will also give us a chance to experiment with coast times to see what ascent profile is most effective in terms of when to light the second booster stage. This was also the first rocket to carry scientific instruments.

Recent Vessel News

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Past Missions

Show Past Missions (2016)
Booster Test – 11/4/16
After the failed launch of the Mk2 program engineers spent days pouring over video & telemetry data to hypothesize what went wrong, Then they just had to test
Mission Report
Flight 1 – 10/26/16
Joining the tested & proven Mk1-A and -B boosters into a multi-stage rocket is the next logical step in our bid for higher apokee. What could go wrong?
Mission Report Flight Tracker

Vessel Images

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50 Launches

Rocket Progression 2016-2019

28 Launches in 500 Days

Humble Beginnings

Mk1-B Booster Test Result

Mk1-B Booster Test

Progeny Mk1-B Test Booster

Mk2 Goes KABOOM!

Weather is GO for Launch!

Gunna Need a Bigger Truck

Weather Looks Good

Progeny Mk2 Final Integration

Progeny Mk2 Payload

Progeny Mk2 Booster Integration

Progeny Mk2 Assembly

Progeny Mk2

Vessel Videos

Vessel Lifetime: Oct – Nov 2016
Total Expenditure: 2,077
Total Income (Net): 0 (-2,077)
Number of Launches: 1
Mission Success Rate: 0%

Vessel Blueprint

Vessel Patch

With both boosters verified as suitable for flight, the next step was to join them together for a multi-stage rocket that would take into consideration all the lessons learned from the previous Mk1 series in order to reach heights of greater than 5km. Problems encountered with the initial design were fixed with a stack decoupler added between the first and second booster stages.

Recent Vessel News

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Past Missions

Show Past Missions (2016)
Flight 3 – 12/15/16

The data collected from the first two flights has been used light the 2nd stage at an optimal time to push past 5km

Mission Report Telemetry Data Flight Tracker
Flight 2 – 12/13/16
Now that we’ve confirmed booster separation works as designed, we will allow the 2nd stage to coast to max TWR before ignition & see how high that gets us
Mission Report Telemetry Data Flight Tracker
Flight 1 – 12/6/16
After the disaster of the Mk2 careful review found the problem, now we just had to prove its solution was a proper fix
Mission Report Telemetry Data Flight Tracker

Vessel Images

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50 Launches

Rocket Progression 2016-2019

28 Launches in 500 Days

Humble Beginnings

Progeny Mk2.1 Flights

Progeny Mk2.1 Payload Camera Stills

Progeny Mk2.1 Payload Camera Stills

Progeny Mk2.1 Payload Camera Stills

Progeny Mk2.1 Payload Camera Stills

Progeny Mk2.1 Payload Camera Stills

Progeny Mk2.1 Payload Camera Stills

Launch #3 for Progeny Mk2.1

Progeny Mk2.1 Flight 3

Progeny Mk2.1 Flight 3

Progeny Mk2.1 Flight 3

Fading Light

Ominous Clouds

Launch Day Sunrise

Loading Up

Stage 1 Burnout

1st Stage Booster Recovery

Payload Recovery

Successful Return

One Last Look

Mounting Complete for Flight 2

Launch Day Sunrise

Progeny Mk2.1 Ready to Go

Progeny Mk2.1 Flight 1 Launch

Progeny Mk2.1 Boosters

Progeny Mk2.1 Payload Recovery

Launch is GO

Mounted and Ready

Rolling on Out

Launch Weather Green

Primed & Ready

Mounted & Ready

Ready for Rollout

Mk2.1 Final Integration

Mk1-B Boosters, Enhanced

Mk1-A Booster Prep

Mk2.1 1st Stage Booster

Vessel Videos

Vessel Lifetime: Dec 2016
Total Expenditure: 1,804
Total Income (Net): 5,710 (3,906)
Number of Launches: 3
Mission Success Rate: 100%

Vessel Blueprint (decoupler not shown)

Vessel Patch

The Mk3 is the first rocket to use a 0.625m booster, which will comprise of the lowest stage and push the stack of three solid boosters off the pad. Other than the extra stage, it will fly very similar to the Mk2.1 in terms of staging and spin stabilization. We expect this rocket to make it into the upper atmosphere by a good margin, however it is not meant to reach space.

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Past Missions

Show Past Missions (2017)
Flight 4 – 4/28/17
Requiring one more launch than planned to get the job done, after several failed attempts the Mk3 finally fulfills its promise and becomes the first rocket to breach the barrier to the upper atmosphere.
Mission Report Telemetry Data Flight Tracker
Flight 3 – 4/11/17
After numerous delays, the third launch used a new procedure to shred the booster fins after separation & spoil their aerodynamics for safer fallout, but something went very wrong very quickly
Mission Report Telemetry Data Flight Tracker
Flight 2 – 3/24/17
The second launch of our new 3-stage rocket aimed to determine how the rocket behaves during long coast periods and break through 10km to collect another Kerbal Sounding Project bounty
Mission Report Telemetry Data Flight Tracker
Flight 1 – 3/15/17
The first launch of our new 3-stage rocket will push the craft to its limits as hot staging provides continuous thrust and extremely high dynamic pressures
Mission Report Telemetry Data Flight Tracker
Booster Static Fire – 1/19/17
The large lower stage of the Progeny Mk3 is lit off for the first time to see if it lives up to its performance specifications & doesn’t explode in the process
Mission Report

Vessel Images

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Progeny Mk3 Flights

Progeny Mk3 Flights

Launch from the Lymun

Good Recovery

Clear Dawn Launch

The Night Before

Awaiting Launch

Progeny Mk3 No.4

Stacking Underway

Progeny Mk3 Flight 3 Liftoff

Almost to the Water

Launch Weather Green

Still Out There

Clouded Out

Into Position

Progeny Mk3 Rework

Roll Back

Jeb Rolls Out

Blue Yonder

Progeny Mk3 Stacking

Progeny Mk3 VAB Update

Progeny Mk3 Launch #2

Progeny Mk3 Flight Termination

Sun Rise Before Rocket Rise

Progeny Mk3

Rocket Rollout from Above

Progeny Mk3 #2

Progeny Launch Base

Progeny Mk3 Launch Base Damage

Progeny Mk3 Flight 1 Launch

Progeny Mk3 Flight 1 Recovery

Final Countdown

Hunkered in the Bunker

Weather Hold

Ready for Preflight

Progeny Mk3 Rollout

Launch Day

Progeny Mk3 Topping Off

Progeny Mk3 Stacked

Progeny Mk3 Integration

Progeny Mk3 Launch Base

Progeny Mk3 Payloads

Progeny Booster Assembly

Progeny Mk3 Payload

Progeny Mk3

*Koff Koff*

Progeny Mk3 Booster Static Test Firing

Progeny Mk3 Booster Static Test

All the parts!

Test Clamps

Vessel Videos

Vessel Lifetime: Jan 2017 – Apr 2017
Total Expenditure: 24,503
Total Income (Net): 31,060 (6,557)
Number of Launches: 4
Mission Success Rate: 75%

Vessel Blueprint

Vessel Patch

Almost identical to the Mk3, the difference in the Mk4 lies with its Liquid Fuel/Oxidizer engine, the first of its kind. Until now we had relied on solid propellant for thrust. The combination of LF/O opens up a whole new realm of possibilities not only for increased thrust, but control. We have hopes that the MK4 can reach space as designed, but are prepared to add extra boosters if needed.

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Past Missions

Show Past Missions (2017)
Flight 5 – 8/8/17
Lowering the first stage TWR to 2 failed to generate enough thrust to keep the rocket pointed east, and the flight was terminated shortly after launch when the rocket began to fly west over KSC
Mission Report Telemetry Data Flight Tracker
Flight 4 – 8/4/17
Our second foray into space tested even slower launch speeds, taking off at 4Gs while carrying a new suite of payload instruments up into the void – FOR SCIENCE!
Mission Report Telemetry Data Flight Tracker
Flight 3 – 7/11/17
Although it ultimately survived its trip into space, catastrophic events that unfolded during its ascent cast a heavy pall upon our achievement of breaking free of the atmosphere surrounding Kerbin at last
Mission Report Telemetry Data Flight Tracker
Flight 2 – 6/1/17
Surviving the initial ascent, the second Mk4 unfortunately fell victim to either heat or stress or both as it accelerated at full thrust through the upper atmosphere.
Mission Report Telemetry Data Flight Tracker
Progeny Mk4 LF/O Static Fire – 5/23/17
To ensure the second engine that was delivered to us is performing as designed, it was clamped down to the launch pad and ignited for almost a minute at various throttle settings to test performance
Mission Report
Flight 1 – 5/18/17
Although everyone was eager to see the new liquid fuel engine in action, unfortunately a failure occurred shortly after it ignited, causing to the rocket to break up during ascent.
Mission Report Telemetry Data Flight Tracker

Vessel Images

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Progeny Mk4 vs. Mk5

Progeny Mk4 No.3 Display

Progeny Mk4 Alternate Designs

Progeny Mk4 Space Trajectories

TWR Comparison

Progeny Mk4 No.5

Launch Conditions Nominal

Night Before Launch

Lucky Eclipse?

Progeny Mk4 No.5

Progeny Mk4 No.4

Hold Release

Weather Hold @ L-5min

Cloudy Morning

Dusk Fueling Operations

Progeny Mk4 No.4 Mounted & Ready

Seeing Double

Payload Closeouts

Progeny Mk4 No.3

Clear Skies At Last

Launch Hold

Troubling Skies

Launch Day

Beautiful Sunset, Bad Rocket Conditions

Rocket Mounting

Rocket Rollout, Dawn Rollup

Progeny Mk4 No.3

Booster Stacking

Progeny Mk4 No.2 Ascent Trajectory

Progeny Mk4 No.2

L-5 Minutes

Weather Check - Looks Good!

Mounted Before Sunset

To the Launchpad!

Clearing the Dawn

On the Line

Plenty of Room

Progeny Mk4 Topping Off

Full Power!

Clamps Awaiting

Progeny Mk4 Launch No.1

L-5 Minutes and Counting

Ready for Final Countdown

Fill 'er Up!

Progeny Mk4 No.1 Ready for Launch

Rollin On Out

Progeny Mk4 Readiness Checks

First LF/O Engines

Stacking Underway

Progeny Mk4

Vessel Videos

Vessel Lifetime: May 2017 – Aug 2017
Total Expenditure: 39,932
Total Income (Net): 130,740 (90,808)
Number of Launches: 5
Mission Success Rate: 40%

Vessel Blueprint

Vessel Patch

With the design based directly on the Mk4, capable of reaching over 100km into space, focus is now on the automation capabilities of the rocket as a new computer control system powered by kOS allows us to begin to work on more complex launch and ascent procedures. The software of the Mk5 will ultimately go on control our orbital rocket program.

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Past Missions

Show Past Missions (2017-18)
Block I Flight 4 – 1/25/18
The first flight of 2018 takes the Progeny to new heights as we test out what we felt were our best ascent procedures to date, shattering several records along the way and increasing our knowledge of space flight
Mission Report Telemetry Data Flight Tracker
Block I Flight 3 – 12/14/17
The final flight of 2017 saw a triumphant return to space with a redesigned Block I solving many of the issues that plagued the previous flight, although it also introduced some new ones. The quest continues…
Mission Report Telemetry Data Flight Tracker
Block I Stage One Static Fire – 11/30/17
Looking for more efficiency and less brute force for our initial ascent, a newly-designed core will produce high thrust for the first 5 seconds then taper off – at least it should. We static fire it to see if it performs as designed
Mission Report
Block I Radiation & Gravimetric Studies – 10/31/17
Although the ascent did not go entirely as planned, a proper initial launch allowed the rocket to reach a staggering 493km up into space, far exceeding any and all expectations on its performance!
Mission Report Telemetry Data Flight Tracker
Block I Flight 1 – 10/20/17
The debut of our new, more powerful Mk5 rocket was marred by weather and a launch anomaly that led to only part of the rocket leaving the launch pad, impacting the water 8km downrange with a total loss of the payload
Mission Report Flight Tracker
Gravimetric & Engineering Studies – 10/13/17
Pieced together from spare parts meant to replace any faulty/failed parts for the original 5 planned launches, a 6th base-spec Mk5 heads back into space for one final hurrah before the new Block I comes into service
Mission Report Telemetry Data Flight Tracker
Flight 5 – 9/22/17
The final launch of the initial design for the Mk5 doesn’t reach the heights we were hoping for but it does at least set the record for being the first successful flight that was fully automated
Mission Report Telemetry Data Flight Tracker
Flight 4 – 9/20/17
The first failure of the Mk5, however it is not immediately apparent whether the main cause of the RUD is due to the design of the rocket or conditions present on the day of the launch
Mission Report Telemetry Data Flight Tracker
Flight 3 – 9/19/17
Additional computer control takes charge of another successful flight, though not without minor errors & also a day late launching thanks to religious protesters and strict weather constraints
Mission Report Telemetry Data Flight Tracker
Flight 2 – 9/14/17
The Mk5 makes another successful flight almost identical in trajectory to the first but the major difference was in how the computer controlled part of the ascent, decoupling the boosters & shredding the 3rd stage fins.
Mission Report Telemetry Data Flight Tracker
Flight 1 – 9/12/17
The Mk5 makes its maiden flight into space, sticking mainly to tried-and-true ascent procedures from the Mk4 while focusing on testing out new control and logging software onboard its automated computer core
Mission Report Telemetry Data Flight Tracker

Vessel Images

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Ominous Sunset

Progeny Mk5 Block I Final Integration

Progeny Mk5 No.6

Launch Weather is GO

Cloudy Now, Clear Later?

Progeny Mk5 Block II

Mk5 Assembly

Progeny Mk5 Block I

Progeny Mk4 vs. Mk5

Progeny Mk5 No.5

Go for Launch!

Giving Way to Clear Skies

Seeking Upper-Level Winds

Progeny Mk5 No.5 Stands Ready

Progeny Mk5 No.4 Launch

Marginal Launch Conditions

Progeny Mk5 No.1 & No.3

Progeny Mk5 No.3 Launch

Perfect Launch Weather

Almost Good Weather

Weather Check

Progeny Mk5 No.3 Launch Weather

Seeking Shelter

Fill 'er Up!

Launchclipsepocalypse?

Progeny Mk5 No.2 Trajectory

Progeny Mk5 No.2

Into the Clear Blue

Towards the East

Cmoonnnnn Clear Skies...

Sky on Fire

Nighttime Fuel Ops

Progeny Mk5 No.2 Ready for Launch

Progeny Mk5 No.2

Progeny Mk5 No.1 Trajectory

Progeny Mk5 No.1 Ascent Path

Dawn Rollout

Progeny Mk5 No.1 Launch

Progeny Mk5 No.1 Go for Launch

Too Cloudy?

Still Cloudy

Weather Outlook: Not Good

Progeny Mk5 No.1

Launchpad Tours

Progeny Mk5

Progeny Mk5s Under Construction

Mk5 Boosters

kOS Boot Control

Progeny Mk5

Progeny Mk4 Alternate Designs

Vessel Videos

Vessel Lifetime: Aug 2017 – Jan 2018
Total Expenditure: 136,572
Total Income (Net): 63,983 (-72,589)
Total # of Launches: 10
Block I Launches: 4
Overall Mission Success Rate: 80%
Block I Success Rate: 75%

Original Design Blueprint

Block I Vessel Blueprint

Vessel Patches

With increased performance thanks to newer booster engines and a new visual look with the lack of third stage fins the Mk5 was retired and the Mk6 has taken its place. The rocket remains a sub-orbital vehicle suited for lofting payload instruments high above Kerbin, with the Block I capable of exceeding 500km although recovery at that height is not ensured. The Block II will be able to reach higher and will be entirely expendable, or carry heavier payloads that can be recovered from a a lower apokee.

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Past Missions

Show Past Missions (2021)
Block II Kerbal Sounding Project 7 – 1/20/21
After a fueling incident damaged it, the rocket was repaired and reflown to get student experiments up into the radiation belts. The final Mk6 mission unfortunately failed to meet objectives but may have helped to make a new discovery
Flight Tracker
Show Past Missions (2020)
Block I Kerbal Sounding Project 6 – 12/8/20
Another KSP mission goes awry with a sub-optimal ascent that likely led to the break-up of the rocket during re-entry although its ultimate fate is unknown and will likely always remain that way
Flight Tracker
Block I Kerbal Sounding Project 5 – 11/25/20
KSP returns to close out the year, sending student projects up into space – or not? Unfortunately this mission did not go as planned when the second stage decided it didn’t want to go to space today
Flight Tracker
Show Past Missions (2019)
Block I Kerbal Sounding Project 4 – 12/18/19
The final of 4 launches carrying 2 experiments designed and built by students with mentoring from industry professionals to further study properties of the ionosphere, radiation belts, sun, zero-G, and more
Flight Tracker
Block I Kerbal Sounding Project 3 – 12/10/19
The third of 4 launches carrying 2 experiments designed and built by students with mentoring from industry professionals to further study properties of the ionosphere, radiation belts, sun, zero-G, and more
Flight Tracker
Block I Kerbal Sounding Project 2 – 11/22/19
The second of 4 launches carrying 2 experiments designed and built by students with mentoring from industry professionals to further study properties of the ionosphere, radiation belts, sun, zero-G, and more
Flight Tracker
Block I Kerbal Sounding Project 1 – 11/14/19
The first of 4 launches carrying 2 experiments designed and built by students with mentoring from industry professionals to further study properties of the ionosphere, radiation belts, sun, zero-G, and more
Flight Tracker
Block II Radiation Field Study 107/9/19
Reaching new heights, the Block II explored the radiation belts on the night side of the planet, where they extend deeper into space, while also gathering more data the hemispherical ion trap.
Flight Tracker
Block I Radiation Field Study 9 – 5/14/19
One of the instruments that was developed to fly on a future Extremis probe is small enough to be a payload for the Mk6 and studies charged particles – perfect for a shot into the inner radiation belt to test it out
Flight Tracker
Block I Mystery Goo Study Attempt 3 – 3/12/19
The third attempt to fly mystery goo through space and the inner radiation belt and recover the samples upon return. Also the first launch that will attempt to prevent the Monolith from producing severe weather
Flight Tracker
Block I Material Sciences Study2/10/19
A similar mission to the last one, sending up sample material to be exposed to space inside and outside the inner radiation belt, the hope is that this one can be recovered after facing numerous troubles launching
Flight Tracker
Block II Radiation Field Study 8 1/31/19
We prevented the Block II from reaching its full potential last time but now we are ready to let it fly all the way and see just how far we can explore the space above for new regions of increased radiation
Flight Tracker
Block I Mystery Goo Study Attempt 21/16/19
Returning to flight for the first time in over 5 months, this mission repeats the previous one, which failed on re-entry. Upgraded mystery goo containment units will be put to the test on this flight
Flight Tracker
Show Past Missions (2018)
Block I Mystery Goo Study – 7/31/18
The first payload of live organisms was carried aboard this rocket. The mystery goo was exposed both inside and outside of the high radiation region. Unfortunately, the samples failed to be returned safely to the surface
Flight Tracker
Block I Radiation Field Study 7 – 7/20/18
In order to possibly help lend credence to various theories on the hazardous radiation region above Kerbin, this rocket is sent up in the middle of the night cycle as opposed to our usual daytime launches
Flight Tracker
Block II Radiation Field Study 6 – 6/20/18
The debut flight of the powerful Block II version of the Mk6 sets out to see if its design proves capable of reaching space and possibly exploring a new region if it can pass through the hazardous radiation found above the planet
Flight Tracker
Block I Radiation Field Study 5 – 5/29/18
Exploring the hazardous radiation zone to the north of the equator opposite a previous flight, although it completed its primary objective the rocket failed to be recovered due to an operational oversight
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Block I Radiation Field Study 4 – 5/8/18
Although threatened by weather on both launch and landing the latest flight for the Mk6-I was a complete success despite some technical issues during the freefall back to Kerbin. It also may have discovered the edge of the hazardous radiation region
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Block I Radiation Field Study 3 – 5/2/18
With success on the last flight everyone was confident in a good return for this one as well, launching a heavier payload mass and greater inclination that would lower its apokee as we continued to explore the region of high radiation levels above the planet
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Block I Radiation Field Study 2 – 4/26/18
After failing to recover the first Mk6, airbrakes have been added to the third stage to hopefully allow for a safe chute deploy. The rocket also flies further south to continue exploring the hazardous radiation region
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Block I Radiation Field Study 1 – 2/15/18
The debut flight of the Mk6 Block I goes off without a hitch, setting new records for speed and height over Kerbin but the extra velocity has made recovery even more difficult despite extra preparations
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Space Awaits

Progeny Mk6 Block I No. 10

Sore Neck

Mounted & Ready

Progeny Mk6 Block I No.9

Weather Balloon Release

Picture Perfect

Night Readiness

Progeny Mk6 Block II No. 2

Skies Alight

Progeny Mk6 Block II Mounted

Full Service Launch Pad

Progeny Mk6 Block I No. 8

Launch Day Sunrise

Tank Up

Cloudy Rollout

2018 Year in Review: Rocket Flight

Progeny Mk6 Block I No.7

Waiting for Dawn

Payload Configuration Check

Progeny Mk6 Block I No.6

Clear Skies, Standing Ready

Waiting for Night

Two for Space

Progeny Mk6 Block II No.1

Perfect Day to Launch a Rocket

Sun Up Roll Out

Dual GSE

Stacked Tall

Progeny Mk6 Block I No.5

Heading North

Progeny Mk6 Block I No.4

Unfavorable Launch Weather

Mounted for Action

Closing Up

Progeny Mk6 Block I No.3

Launch Day Dawns

Prepped for Tanking

Air Brakes - Deploy!

Progeny Mk6 Block I No.2

Launch Sunrise

Off to the Pad

Progeny Mk6 Block I No. 1

Launch Weather

Launch Sunrise

Progeny Mk6 Block I No.1

Rollout!

Ascension & Progeny Integration

Progeny Mk6 Block II

Progeny Mk6 Block I

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Vessel Lifetime: Feb 2018 – Jan 2021
Total Expenditure: 182,615
Total Income (Net): 198,237 (15,622)
Yearly Income: 0 (-1,845)
Total # of Launches: 21
Overall Mission Success Rate: 71%
Block I Success Rate: 71%
Block II Success Rate: 75%

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Block II Vessel Blueprint

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With the Progenitor program originally planning to shut down after reaching space, reaching orbit with so small a rocket has been found possible and the Mk7 line will aim to achieve that goal. It will also serve as a smaller testbed for technologies that will make their way to bigger rockets in the Ascension program. The first iteration will not be able to make orbit but will test actuating guidance fins, vectoring engines, reaction control wheels and larger 0.625m payload parts.

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Past Missions

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RTG Payload Test – 9/26/2019
The Mk7-A makes another attempt at a successful flight, igniting its 3rd stage higher for less drag and more control while also carrying a test RTG payload in new fairings – all tech that will one day benefit Ascension missions
Flight Tracker
Flight 1 – 6/24/2019
The first flight of our latest rocket design suffered a double failure resulting in the total loss of the rocket – but as always valuable data was learned in the process to make future launches more successful and new tech was still tested
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Escaping the Shadow of the VAB

Progeny Mk7-A No. 2

Sundown Fillup

Progeny Mk7-A Topping Off

50 Launches

Busy VAB

Initial Chute Deployment

Progeny Mk7-A No. 1

Lit Up

Prelaunch Operations

Reconfigured Launch Pad

Progeny Mk7-A Stacking

Progeny Mk7-A

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Vessel Lifetime: Apr 2019 – Sep 2019
Total Expenditure: 28,513
Total Income (Net): 0 (-28,513)
Total # of Launches: 2
Overall Mission Success Rate: 50%

Vessel Blueprint

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With the Progenitor program originally planning to shut down after reaching space, reaching orbit with so small a rocket has been found possible and the Mk7 line will aim to achieve that goal. It will also serve as a smaller testbed for technologies that will make their way to bigger rockets in the Ascension program. The second iteration will still not be able to make orbit but continue to test engine vectoring, payload fairing tolerances and a new 0.625m dual-segment booster for reuse.

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Past Missions

Show Past Missions (2020)
Flight 4 – 10/29/20
With a final chance at mission success, objectives are changed with the addition of an actual payload to test a prototype Luciole smallsat probe and only recover the 1st stage booster, which is the same flown on the 1st flight from Aug!
Flight Tracker
Flight 3 – 10/6/20
Looking for the third time to be the charm, changes are made to the early ascent to hopefully ensure mission success at last and while they seem to work ultimately we are forced to declare this yet another failure upon recovery
Flight Tracker
Flight 2 – 8/26/20
With the partial success of the previous mission the second flight aims to push higher and complete all its objectives this time, furthering our understanding of small rocket mechanics and aerodynamics
Flight Tracker
Flight 1 – 8/14/20
After nearly a year since the Mk7-A and numerous delays the Progeny Mk7-B finally makes its first trip up into space to test engine recovery and re-use, new reaction wheels and general flight characteristics
Flight Tracker

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Reused and Retired

Luciole Bot Probe Deployment

Second Recovery

Progeny Mk7-B No.4

New Topper

Final Stacking

Payload Integration

Crispy Re-Entry

Recovered & Reused

Progeny Mk7-B No.3

Getting Wet

Vertical in the HAB

Reset for Progeny

Second Time a Second Time

80km Apokee

KSC Commercial Airport Expansion

Rocket Trail

Booster Tow

Progeny Mk7-B No.2

Launch Day Dawns

Longer Drive

Progenitor Moves into the HAB

Coming Back Down

On the Move

Cape Kernaveral

Booster Recovery

Ospray Vacuum Restart

Progeny Mk7-B No.1

Extra System Checks

Progeny Mk7-B Rollout

Two Chicks in the Nest

VAB Integration Resumes

On Hold

SRB Static Fire

Progeny Mk7-B Finalized

Marching Onwards

Dual-Segment SRB Test

Preparing for Stacking

Progeny Mk7-B

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Vessel Lifetime: Jan 2020 – Oct 2020
Total Expenditure: 32,101
Total Income (Net): 286 (-31,815)
Total # of Launches: 4
Overall Mission Success Rate: 25%

Vessel Blueprint

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Our original partner Umbra Space Industries went bankrupt attempting to develop a larger aerospike engine and was bought out by Luciole Space Systems. While aerospike development continues, they have largely pivoted to resume working with more standard technology to create a 0.625m rocket that is capable of placing small satellite payloads into Low-Kerbin Orbit or sending them higher on sub-orbital missions. It could even potentially send small probes to Mun or Minmus. This rocket is also the first to be controlled completely through engine vector control and RCS instead of fins. There is also potential for developing a “Heavy” variant that could serve as a decent replacement for the Ascension Mk1.

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Current Missions

Flight 1 – 2/25/21 @ 17:31 UTC
A sub-orbital test flight that will send the rocket through the inner radiation belt to carry out some material studies as well as bring along two instruments recovered from a failed launch back in Nov of 2020. The second stage will be recovered for sample and post-flight analysis
Flight Tracker
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Progeny Mk8 Final Integration

Full Cluster Fire

Progeny Mk8 Orbital Stage

Progeny Mk8

Five of Seven

Skeeter Static Fire

Luciole Vacuum Engine Test

Skeeter Engine Testing

Vessel Lifetime: Jul 2020 – Ongoing
Total Expenditure: 13,836
Total Income (Net): 0 (-13,836)
Yearly Income (Net):0 (-5,386)
Total # of Launches: 0
Overall Mission Success Rate: N/A

Vessel Blueprint