Tag Archive: Block I

Nov 19 2019

Progeny Mk6 Block I Flight 12 Analysis

Announced back in August, the Progeny Mk6 Block I was chosen to carry student-built experiments up into space two at a time. This will be the first time we are collaborating so directly with the various higher educational institutions around Kerbin and participation levels indicate the next generation of kerbs are eager to make their mark in space exploration! This mission was delayed from its original Nov 5th launch date due to the deadly attack on KSC last month, then further delayed due to hazardous weather in the recovery zone. Set up in the North Field due to damages done to the launch pad, the launch site allowed for condensed launch procedures thanks to being far enough away the rocket could remain fueled after the wet dress rehearsal on the day prior to lift off.

The Flight

The rocket left the launch base at precisely 12:05:00.08 local time under command of the AFCS after a smooth preflight with no holds. Ascent was nominal and followed the standard profile through the first stage burn, second stage coast and second stage burn. Upon completion of the second stage burn (MECO-2) at L+52s the booster was discarded a second later and the third stage engine ignited a second after that. During that time a pitch change was registered that saw the rocket’s nose drop from 61° to 58° in less than half a second – a relatively large movement.

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Nov 15 2019

Operations Summary – Week of 11/11/19

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Nov 14 2019

Progeny Mk6 Block I Flight 12 (Kerbal Sounding Project 1)

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

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Nov 08 2019

Operations Summary – Week of 11/4/19

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Nov 01 2019

Operations Summary – Week of 10/28/19

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Oct 04 2019

Operations Summary – Week of 9/30/19

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Aug 23 2019

Operations Summary – Week of 8/19/19

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May 20 2019

Progeny Mk6 Block I Flight 11 Analysis

While there are several instruments that still await testing for our future Extremis probes (and other Kerbin orbital missions) one of them, the hemispherical ion trap, is small enough to fit on the payload truss of a Mk6. Originally designed to study charged particles from the kerbolar wind, similar charged particles (also from the wind) are trapped inside the radiation belts that surround our planet. With ample experience in exploring the inner radiation belt, the Progenitor team was able to put together a mission that launched last week which would allow for the instrument to be exposed directly to space and gather data that could be used to not only further study the environment inside the belt but better tweak the instrument for use during deep space exploration.

The Flight

No delays led to an on-time launch, followed by a nominal ascent. The rocket’s center of mass was shifted ever so slightly to the rear since the truss carrying the extra batteries and the truss carrying the payload were switched from their normal positions. This did not have any adverse affect on the rocket’s flight. All stages were separated without issue and during the final burn, after passing 45km, the top fairing halves were jettisoned to expose the test instrument – this is the first time we have detached a payload fairing while under powered flight and it did not quite go as planned.

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May 17 2019

Operations Summary – Week of 5/13/19

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May 14 2019

Progeny Mk6 Block I Flight 11 (Radiation Field Study 9)

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

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