All the tweets pertaining to the design and operation of the vessel. You can click the link below to reverse the order of the reports and start from the very beginning. 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
we've finally sent a kerbal up into space. Here is a timeline overview of the rockets that it took to get us to this point. The next big step is to reach orbit, altho whether that will be with a probe or a capsule still has not yet been decided. Full res: flickr.com/gp/kerbal_spac…
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
#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_…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
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
@KSA_MissionCtrl
whoops. Mortimer says he uploaded an older accounts file by accident. Revised: bit.ly/FinanceReport_… no Dec profit but still a yearly one!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
that's it! We're out! Everyone enjoy the holiday, see you next year! Before you go though, here's a 2017 preview: bit.ly/OpsSummary12-1…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
books closed for the year, we just scraped by in Dec & posted a profit overall for 2016. Mortimer is still pleased! bit.ly/FinanceReport_…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
yep, if we stacked all our launches atop each other we *still* wouldn't reach space 🙂 Hopefully though all that changes next year!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
humble beginnings. 9 launch attempts, 8 successful launches, 7 successful recoveries, 45km total distance traveled, 5.901km highest apokee
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
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
@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
the focus of the report is on the effects of coasting between stages and how the timing of 2nd stage ignition affected the rocket's apokee
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
report from the engineering team on our Progeny Mk2.1 flights has been released! Check out bit.ly/ProgenitorPR8 for all the juicy details
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all of us here are sooo ready for this weekend. Busy week! Everyone have a relaxing weekend! Catch up on everything: bit.ly/OpsSummary12-1…
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
our Operations Director @DKerman_KSA has sent out a congratulatory memo to all rocketry teams for a great 2016 & start to our space program!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
did not expect someone to beat us to it but here you go! We'll have some of our own tomorrow 🙂
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
if you missed the hints, we have onboard video! Progeny Mk2.1 payload camera shows the view from 6km @ 120RPM youtube.com/watch?v=wjCLtM…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Telemetry Data Unit has been reviewed (full analysis will take longer) & the info is online for anyone to check: bit.ly/ProgenyMk2_1Tl…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we just reviewed all the various camera footage. One in particular made us rather dizzy... anyone happen to know what we're talking about?
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
everyone pretty much back to work after getting food, except for the recovery crews just now heading to the mess hall. North field all clean
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
waning gibbous Mun rising to the east and giving work crews some nice extra illumination as they continue to clean up from this last launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
2nd stage is understandably in worse shape, ~350m south of the launch site - it flew back. Both will be recovered, along w/ launch base
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crews stopping by to check out the first stage booster on their way back in to the VAB with the payload. Landed ~500m NNW of the launch site
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
recovery crews enroute to the payload, which touched down safely at +2:08 by what looks to be around 2km NNW from the launch site
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
L-0:02 = check of EC systems underway after switch to internal power. bit.ly/ProgenyMK2_1-3 ready for in-flight updates! Stand by...
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
L-0:15 = rocket has been ARMED & range safety protocol in full effect - 200m radius of launch site & 2km downrange cone w/ 10km ASL ceiling
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:20 = Wx is GO and we are going to sneak this launch in just before sunset! New L-0 time is 17:27 UTC and countdown has now resumed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Wx has gone from overcast to broken. Viable. Lanalye & Drew are considering whether we can still launch before sunset w/these conditions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
daylight going fast as terminator approaches - not just weather that is a factor at this time in determining if we will be able to launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we will remain in hold until Wx tells us visual conditions past 5km are nominal. Cloud base is currently around 4km. New L-0 time TBD
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:20 = Wx check has put a hold in the countdown, a large bank of dark clouds we saw earlier to the west is rolling through. Plz no rain...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:30 = Progeny is GO! Now that pre-flight is complete the launch crew will do a final full rehearsal of the ascent profile for today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:50 = so far pre-flight going according to plan, no serious issues popping up. Ground crew clearing 200m out for engine/ignition checks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-1:30 = bit.ly/ProgenyMK2_1-3 has been mounted to the launch base & hooked to ground power/comms so launch ctrl can start pre-flight
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
new ascent profile has been worked out to give the Mk2.1 its best chance to punch through 5km & net us another bounty from Sounding Project
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-2:00 = pre-flight briefing at launch control underway, Flight Director Lanalye & controllers going over changes to launch plan since Tue
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
crews report mounting operations going well, are happy for the sunlight now. Very clear visibility today, hopefully cloud cover stays light
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-3:15 = truck has left the VAB carrying the rocket out to the launch site 1.2km north of the pad so it can be mounted to the launch base
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-3:30 = Wx check: Green. Waiting for sunrise for a better idea of conditions to the west, where wind is currently coming from. No rain tho
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
the final Progeny Mk2.1 (bit.ly/ProgenyMK2_1-3) is now being loaded onto the flatbed so it can be carted out to the launch site tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch video online. We have a surprise ready for flight 3's video later this week too 🙂 Great work today everyone! youtube.com/watch?v=VeRvaR…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
in fact we will be using the data obtained from this & the 1st launch to determine when would be the optimal time to ignite the 2nd booster
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
telemetry data from today's flight is now available - bit.ly/ProgenyMk2_1Tl… soooo close to 5km! Can we break it? Engineers believe so, yes
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 ops have transitioned to lunch ops and then everyone gets back to work studying the science and telemetry data we recovered
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no big deal - if we cared a lot about booster recovery we'd have chutes on them. Overall today's flight a wonderful success! Everyone happy
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
recovery crew report they can still find no trace of 2nd booster. Our guess, based on the northerly landing of payload, is it's in the water
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
damage to 1st stage booster minimal, will be great for post-flight analysis. Recovery crew now going off hunting for the 2nd stage booster
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
recovery team reports payload is intact, 2.1km NW from launch site. No sign of the 2nd stage booster but they are checking the 1st stage now
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
Launch was good, ascent nominal - apokee reached and payload fairings deployed for instrument exposure. Awaiting chute deployment at 500m
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:02 = internal power on, EC system checks underway. Don't forget to watch bit.ly/ProgenyMK2_1-2 for in-flight updates! Here we go...
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
L-0:15 = rocket is now ARMED and range safety protocol in effect - 200m radius of launch site & 2km downrange cone w/ 10km ASL ceiling
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:20 = weather conditions remain green, launch rehearsal completed. No issues being worked. Quiet & calm in launch control, how we like it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:30 = Progeny is GO, pre-flight complete. Small issue w/ground comms when someone tripped over a cable. Launch rehearsal getting underway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:50 = no issues being worked, launch control ready to check ignition & launch systems, work crew clearing the pad to a distance of 200m
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
so did anyone check bit.ly/ProgenyMK2_1-2 & notice the EC levels? Batteries now tested briefly under full load during final integration
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
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-2:00 = FD Lanalye & launch team gathering at launch control to review the day's procedures set in place for pre-launch, flight & recovery
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mostly cloudy skies as the sun rises. Hopefully will clear a little, but Wx conditions still green. Mounting ops proceeding on schedule
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch crews are always stuck getting the rocket mounted at night. Daylight is just too short to get things setup to launch before sunset
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-3:30 = Wx check: still dark out (and no Mun) so tough to see cloud conditions off to the distance, but it's not raining. Rollout is Go
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we may tweet additional status reports but these major schedule points are when you should expect to hear from us as launch prep progresses
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 🙂
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/13
#2🌅09:14:27 !!🚀!!
#3🌄12:34:55 🌅15:15:18
#4🌄18:35:46 🌅21:16:09
12/14
#1🌄00:36:37 🌅03:17:00
#2🌄06:37:28
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/13
#2🌅09:14:27 !!🚀!!
#3🌄12:34:55 🌅15:15:18
#4🌄18:35:46 🌅21:16:09
12/14
#1🌄00:36:37 🌅03:17:00
#2🌄06:37:28
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Lanalye reports control team ready, Simon reports launch/recovery crew ready & Drew has given final approval - launch @ 16:50 UTC tomorrow!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
page will auto-update when a new stage event is triggered via launch control - the data to the right of image will update also as necessary
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we'll be testing out a new Flight Tracker feature these next two launches - real-time display of current rocket staging status via images
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rain passing through today - good! Get it over with and out of here for tomorrow, hopefully. Still dark out west over the mountains though
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
two launches this week and Flight Director Lanalye has her team doing drills all morning, with reviews all afternoon. Work hard train hard!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
analysis of 1st Mk2.1 launch & more deets on upcoming 2nd & 3rd +more in weekly ops summary. Have a great weekend! bit.ly/OpsSummary12-5…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
2nd rocket, bit.ly/ProgenyMk2_1-2 is now ready for launch! We'll be sending it up on 12/13 @ 16:50 UTC followed by a 3rd 12/15 @ 17:00 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon has already put in place new measures to ensure all batteries receive better testing during the final integration process
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've tossed out 3 of the remaining 5 batteries from the KerBalloon rover crash. All had small defects that only showed up under EC draw
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
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=8CQKNR…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
you can have a look at the Progeny Mk2.1 telemetry data yourself if you wish: bit.ly/ProgenyMk2_1Tlm Let us know if you have questions!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
lots of kerbs here early today, eager to get cracking on the telemetry & science data recovered from yesterday's flight of the Progeny Mk2.1
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
luckily we managed to pull Drew away from his desk just in time for him to enjoy... he's already reviewing Progeny Mk3 initial designs 🙂 twitter.com/DKerman_KSA/st…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're recovering both boosters to use in our post-flight analysis. Damage received, fuel all spent, etc etc. Congrats everyone, great job!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
both boosters were seen mostly intact enroute to the payload, recovery crews report payload is intact! Heading back for booster inspection
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
payload has landed, we're eyeballing it at about 1km from the launch site. Recovery crews enroute to check on it along with both boosters
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
L-0:01 = EC levels holding, no other issues popping up, count continues. Flight time estimated to be around 1min to chute deploy. Stand by!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:02 = rocket is off external power and controllers are keeping a watchful eye on EC levels to ensure we have two good batteries this time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:05 = Final general polling: RSO = GO; Wx = GO; Tracking Station = GO; Launch Ctrl = GO; Flight = GO; Progeny = GO; we are GO for launch!
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
L-0:20 = launch rehearsal complete, time for another weather check and Wx kerbs report conditions remain green. Rocket remains nominal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:30 = rocket has been all checked out, launch control now in rehearsal for launch to make dbl-sure everyone knows what they're doing when
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:50 = no issues being worked, pre-flight on hold as launch crews clear the site to allow for checks of ignitors & other launch mechanisms
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-1:30 = launch crew has the rocket mounted to the launch base, hooked up to ground power & comms so controllers can begin pre-flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-2:00 = Flight Director Lanalye and her team of launch controllers gathering for review of pre-flight, flight & post-flight procedures
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-3:15 = rocket is on the way out to the north launch site, 1.2km from the main launch pad, so we can launch west w/o passing over KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-3:30 = weather check from outside the launch control building shows scattered clouds, no rain in sight. Rocket rollout given green light
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
third time is the charm? We hope so! Launch remains on schedule for 20:30 UTC/15:30 local time. Expect updates at these countdown milestones
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/6
#2🌅08:50:39
#3🌄12:11:07 🌅14:51:30 !!🚀!!
#4🌄18:11:58 🌅20:52:21
12/7
#1🌄00:12:49 🌅02:53:12
#2🌄06:13:40
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/6
#2🌅08:50:39
#3🌄12:11:07 🌅14:51:30 !!🚀!!
#4🌄18:11:58 🌅20:52:21
12/7
#1🌄00:12:49 🌅02:53:12
#2🌄06:13:40
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
VAB got back to work earlier this afternoon on finishing up the second Progeny Mk1.2 rocket, HAB also back to work on the Civvie rebuild
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
we're still not sure what exactly went wrong with it and are re-checking the other 5 that were also recovered to see if they have any issues
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
so it turns out the battery that failed before launch last week was one of the ones recovered from the KerBalloon rover crash back in Oct
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon reports his crews can get it fixed up today and we're just waiting on launch control & tracking station assessments from Lanalye
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
relieved to find out the storm waters did no major damage to the Progeny launch base except requiring some electrical cables to be replaced
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're unable to give a Progeny Mk2.1 launch update until waters recede enough for us to check the launch base, thankfully still out there
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/3
#2🌅08:40:27 🌄12:00:55
#3🌅14:41:18 ??🚀?? 🌄18:01:46
#4🌅20:42:09
12/4
#1🌄00:02:37 🌅02:43:00
#2🌄06:03:28
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/3
#2🌅08:40:27 🌄12:00:55
#3🌅14:41:18 ??🚀?? 🌄18:01:46
#4🌅20:42:09
12/4
#1🌄00:02:37 🌅02:43:00
#2🌄06:03:28
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we will plan for another launch attempt tomorrow, despite the wknd, if the weather passes. Details & other ops news: bit.ly/OpsSummary11-2…
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
will have additional details in our weekly ops summary, which will be posted later today once we finish backing out of launch operations
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
launch readiness checks are well underway to come out of the hold back where we left off but Wx still remains red. Hoping for a small gap...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
hustle! hustle! Lanalye says her team needs at least 30min to roll back into full launch readiness, launch site clearing now. Will be close
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
work crews are closing the rocket back up after replacing the defective battery, which will be very closely inspected back in the VAB later
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
weather has just gone red again for clouds. Could change, but it's looking pretty well overcast in just about all directions right now...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
changing battery is not as simple as "pull out old, put in new" like normal batteries & payload explosive bolts have to be bypassed also
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket has been safed, crews that were waiting outside safety zone now approaching the launch site. This will not be a quick operation
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
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
Simon & Lanalye are working with their various team leads to decide what options we have. Standby.
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
EC drop has stabilized, but is too low for mission requirements. It seems one battery rapidly fully drained after coming off ground power
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
L-0:05 = Final general polling: RSO = GO; Wx = GO; Tracking Station = GO; Launch Ctrl = GO; Flight = GO; Progeny = GO; we are GO for launch!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:15 = Range Safety Officer has declared launch zone completely off-limits to any & all personnel. Visual scan shows launch zone is clear
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:20 = weather conditions are deteriorating, but not rapidly. Still green for clouds, but now it's looking darker to the west as well...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
dawn is coming, as seen from the tracking camera atop the launch control building. Sun will be fully over the horizon come launch time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-0:30 = Lanalye reports preflight checks are completed, no issues still. Beginning launch rehearsal. Next Wx check in 10 minutes
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
L-0:50 = launch site clearing, no issues worked so far. Range safety zone is a 200m radius around site, 2km downrange cone to the west
Kerbal Space Agency
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recall the launch base has been modified to send up the Mk2.1 @ 5° angle instead of 10° for a higher apokee but still some downrange travel
Kerbal Space Agency
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fail! There was meant to be an img along with that update about the rocket being mounted. Here it is to visualize w/those specs tweeted also
Kerbal Space Agency
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the Progeny Mk2.1 stands 8.4m tall mounted, 5.7m tall on its own & weighs 0.450t. Initial TWR is 10.183, fairly low for this type of rocket
Kerbal Space Agency
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rocket mounting completed ahead of sched, crew standing by to assist w/any issues that occur during pre-flight checks starting in a few mins
Kerbal Space Agency
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cloud cover has gone green! Wx says the break in clouds may not last long but hopefully long enough to get the launch off. Fingers crossed
Kerbal Space Agency
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L-2:00 = Flight Director Lanalye has her launch team assembled and they are going over all the pre-flight, flight & post-flight operations
Kerbal Space Agency
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L-3:30 = Wx check still red for clouds, but that can always change rapidly. Still no rain, so approval has been given for rocket rollout
Kerbal Space Agency
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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
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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
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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
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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
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everyone trying hard to focus on daily work but all are eagerly awaiting start of launch prep later this morning. Here's the launch timeline
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
light enough for a weather check. Cloud cover currently red, but hopefully will clear slightly. No rain. Will continue to monitor conditions
Kerbal Space Agency
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🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/2
#2🌅08:37:03 🌄11:57:31
#3🌅14:37:54 !!🚀!! 🌄17:58:22
#4🌅20:38:45 🌄23:59:13
12/3
#1🌅02:39:36 🌄06:00:04
@ KSC (UTC-5)
12/2
#2🌅08:37:03 🌄11:57:31
#3🌅14:37:54 !!🚀!! 🌄17:58:22
#4🌅20:38:45 🌄23:59:13
12/3
#1🌅02:39:36 🌄06:00:04
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
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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
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Simon has reported to Drew & Lanalye that bit.ly/ProgenyMK2_1-1 is checked out & ready to go for launch tomorrow! Everyone very excited 🚀🚀
Kerbal Space Agency
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Mortimer has closed the books on November, happy to be back to green across the board thx to KerBalloon contracts - bit.ly/FinanceReport_…
Kerbal Space Agency
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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
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this late-stage integration of the Mk1-B booster is a new assembly method. Simon admits its stressing him out a bit w/ just 1 day til launch
Kerbal Space Agency
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L-1 day & VAB crews are already hard at work to get the Mk1-B booster in place and integrated for final checks to be completed today
Kerbal Space Agency
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engineers are out in the north field modifying the Progeny launch base - we'll be launching the Mk2.1 at only a 5° angle instead of 10°
Kerbal Space Agency
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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
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Simon reports that although the major sections for all 3 rockets will be ready, time for only 1 to undergo full rigors of final integration
Kerbal Space Agency
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all Mk1-A boosters and the payload sections are assembled, waiting on the Mk1-Bs to be finished tomorrow to begin final integration
Kerbal Space Agency
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our Mk1-B boosters have arrived safe and sound, are in the VAB and ready to begin assembly & integration tomorrow for launch... this week!!
Kerbal Space Agency
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ahhh the weekend here at last. Check out the bit.ly/OpsSummary11-2… before you head out for fun & relaxation! (that's your weekend, right?)
Kerbal Space Agency
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3 Mk1-A boosters being made ready in the VAB along with 3 payload assemblies on the workbenches across the floor. Mk1-Bs arrive next week
Kerbal Space Agency
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bit.ly/ProgenyMK2_1-1 craft page is live and we have a date and time for the first launch - 12/2/16 @ 20:15:00 UTC! Return to flight FTW!
Kerbal Space Agency
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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
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Civvie has been cleared for takeoff next week! That and more in our weekly ops review: bit.ly/OpsSummary11-1… Happy weekend to all!
Kerbal Space Agency
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to be a bit more specific - does the coast time between booster ignitions matter? We shall find out!
Kerbal Space Agency
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Simon is eager to get started on assembly of Progeny Mk2.1 rockets today. We'll be building a total of three to test various ascent profiles
Kerbal Space Agency
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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
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Simon is busy this morning inventoring all the new rocket parts that have arrived for our Mk2.1s - still waiting on the new boosters though
Kerbal Space Agency
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relatively slow week, but such is the pace of progress at times. Here's our ops summary. Have a great weekend! bit.ly/OpsSummary11-7…
Kerbal Space Agency
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tl;dr - decoupler will take stress off engine fairing, MK1-B booster issues solved by end of month, return to flight will be at start of Dec
Kerbal Space Agency
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Mk2 investigation team reports the material stress testing has confirmed the cause of launch failure. Next steps: bit.ly/ProgenitorPR6
Kerbal Space Agency
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closing out this week with several updates, and the full test video of the Mk1-B booster from earlier today as well bit.ly/OpsSummary10-3…
Kerbal Space Agency
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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
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L-10 min: all systems GO! which really isn't a lot, but still. Test will last approx 2 mins, will report back on success/failure after then
Kerbal Space Agency
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fins will help keep the booster stabilized as it falls to ensure that it hits the pad as square on its engine bell as possible
Kerbal Space Agency
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test booster is mounted to the KerBalloon and out on the pad ready for launch in <30 min. Launch control going through final checks now
Kerbal Space Agency
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later today at 19:00 UTC we will drop this from a KerBalloon at a height of ~250m and see if it self-ignites upon impact with the ground
Kerbal Space Agency
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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
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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
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these finance reports cover our R&D/vessel operations budget only, so u won't see how much toilet paper we buy until we have craft w/toilets
Kerbal Space Agency
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October was rough, the Mk2 failure def hurt us. We pledge to come back strong tho! Mortimer has posted our monthly bit.ly/FinanceReport_…
Kerbal Space Agency
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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
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our damaged UTV is in the shop & will be fully repaired. KerBalloon unit however will need to be replaced. Some batteries were recovered too
Kerbal Space Agency
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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
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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
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Weekly Ops Summary is posted, w/ some new info on the Progeny Mk2 launch anomaly & a review of KerBalloon ops + more bit.ly/OpsSummary10-2…
Kerbal Space Agency
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apparently some large ditch in a shadowed depression caught one of the rovers as it was traversing down a slope & it tumbled end over end
Kerbal Space Agency
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our launch crews have made it back to Umbarg, took them a few hours to fix up the rover to be able to travel after this debacle
Kerbal Space Agency
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troubling news has reached us via relay from passing airships, apparently KerBalloon team have had an accident on their way to launch site
Kerbal Space Agency
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coming into work everyone is a bit glum - engineers lost a rocket, scientists lost a payload, but all are determined to figure out why
Kerbal Space Agency
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been a long day, very trying on morale here @ KSC. What we know so far about the incident u can read in this release bit.ly/ProgenitorPR5
Kerbal Space Agency
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Simon has torn through the engineering dept making sure every memo, blueprint & scribble attributed to the Mk2 is collected for analysis
Kerbal Space Agency
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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/st…
