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
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
another day of integration work completed to bring us closer to launching again! We'll have Progeny Mk3 launch dates at the end of the week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
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
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the current 3 flight launch schedule for the Progeny Mk3 first campaign is:
3/15 @ 18:45 UTC
3/21 @ 19:05 UTC
3/24 @ 19:20 UTC
3/15 @ 18:45 UTC
3/21 @ 19:05 UTC
3/24 @ 19:20 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB is in high-gear to get the Progeny Mk3s ready to fly starting next week. 1st booster ready for final engine/fin tuning, 2 & 3 to follow
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 💪😬
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
traveling at only 2m/s it takes the rocket lorry about 5.5 minutes to cover the 655m distance from the VAB to the launch pad. Now to mount!
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
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
an unhappy Simon has already grumbled about the Mk3 flight 2 being pushed back to flight 3 launch date, at least. Will confirm by end of wk
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk3 flight data has been thoroughly examined, project leads & admin will be gathering tomorrow to discuss changes to Flights 2 & 3
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
busy week, lots to review with lots of additional details included as well, so read up & have a great weekend! bit.ly/OpsSummary3-13…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk3 flight analysis wrapped up yesterday & now the Progenitor team is meeting to decide how to proceed with the final planned launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a lot of deliberation these past few hours by the Progenitor team, Drew & Simon have agreed to make more changes to the rocket configuration
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new launch time is 4/4 @ 20:00 UTC, rocket fins will be adjusted and also launch base pitch will be raised a degree to match Mk2 base of 5°
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB winding down for the day, launch base re-pitched to 5° & rockets are now ready for fin adjustments tomorrow before final integration
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we forgot to note the greater pitch on launch #2 didn't destroy the upper launch rail. Will have to see if this remains the case w/new pitch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
fin adjustments & payload integration completed, the rocket is being stacked for final integration checks that will take the rest of the day
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the launch base, which finished adjustments yesterday, is already loaded up and will be trucked out to the launch pad later this afternoon
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
launch readiness checks for bit.ly/ProgenyMk3_3 have commenced & we'll be spending all day making sure everything is ready for tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon reports that the launch base is checked out & configured for mounting, ready to send off another rocket into the wild blue yonder
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye says all launch control personnel & equipment are checked out and ready, as is the Tracking Station. Good so far!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB has concluded integration testing, bit.ly/ProgenyMk3_3 is loaded up on the lorry and ready to roll out tomorrow. Almost there...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are 🚀GO FOR LAUNCH🚀!! Ops Director Drew has given the green light after all launch readiness checks were completed today. L-22h39m!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#ICYMI bit.ly/ProgenyMk3_3 is all set for launch tomorrow 20:00 UTC, countdown now stands at L-19h12m. Launch ops start tmrw @ 14:00 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-4)
4/4
#2🌅09:34:24
#3🌄12:54:52 🌅15:35:15 !!🚀!!
#4🌄18:55:43 🌅21:36:06
4/5
#1🌄00:56:34 🌅03:36:57
#2🌄06:57:25
@ KSC (UTC-4)
4/4
#2🌅09:34:24
#3🌄12:54:52 🌅15:35:15 !!🚀!!
#4🌄18:55:43 🌅21:36:06
4/5
#1🌄00:56:34 🌅03:36:57
#2🌄06:57:25
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KSC coming alive with the hustle & bustle of launch day! Stay tuned for updates at these milestones as we work through the launch schedule
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-5:58 = collective weather forecast has been compiled and we are currently GREEN with a 30% chance of heavy cloud cover later in the day
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
kerbs are seen heading towards the launch control building, where the launch team will assemble for their preflight briefing from FD Lanalye
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
today's launch should reach the upper atmosphere if all goes well. Booster ignition will occur after nose drops >3° during coast period
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-4:15 = bit.ly/ProgenyMk3_3 mounting completed, launch team are now bringing systems online & ensuring all connections are nominal
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
program leads and select staff have laid out options for better debris control but deliberations will remain ongoing into tomorrow at least
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
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
VAB is closing out ops for the day after rigging all the Progeny Mk3 fins with det-cord. They will be re-mounted back on the rocket tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
after the MSV Tongjess assists us with the (hopefully) recovery of the Mk3 payload next wk it will sail out for a low-alt KerBalloon mission
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've allowed a KNN crew access to the VAB so they can document the final process of rocket assembly leading up to launch. Report airs Sun!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final closeout work on the Mk3 is ongoing now in the VAB, Simon reports it will be all ready for launch readiness checks next Monday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a bit of overtime today but we can confirm the Mk3 is ready to go! That & more from this past week in our bit.ly/OpsSummary4-3-…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the now-familiar routine of launch readiness checks has begun - especially familiar since it's an exact repeat of what we had to do last wk
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
FD Lanalye says her team is ready for tomorrow, spent last week working out all kinds of scenarios where fin shredding could cause problems
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
bit.ly/ProgenyMk3_3 is on the lorry & being marshaled into position to roll out tomorrow. Simon reports rocket is looking good
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Drew & Mortimer have received all the readiness reports & signed off on all the paperwork & once again we are 🚀GO FOR LAUNCH🚀 tomorrow!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
everything is in place for bit.ly/ProgenyMk3_3 launch operations to begin tomorrow starting at 14:20 UTC. Upper atmosphere here we come?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-4)
4/11
#2🌄07:17:49 🌅09:58:12
#3🌄13:18:40 🌅15:59:03 !!🚀!!
#4🌄19:19:31 🌅21:59:54
4/12
#1🌄01:20:22 🌅04:00:45
@ KSC (UTC-4)
4/11
#2🌄07:17:49 🌅09:58:12
#3🌄13:18:40 🌅15:59:03 !!🚀!!
#4🌄19:19:31 🌅21:59:54
4/12
#1🌄01:20:22 🌅04:00:45
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have begun the process of gathering Wx reports from various sources around the region. L-6hr final launch countdown set for 14:20 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Wx report is storms coming from the west. Normally stopped by mtns, just minor flooding, but low pressure off the coast is drawing them over
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
rainfall has started, but that's not the main reason for launch delay - low & overcast clouds are violating our weather rules for launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rain, rain - go away; We really want to launch today 🙁 We can start launch prep as late as 18:34 UTC. After that, have to scrub for the day
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
winds calming, MSV Tongjess has arrived & reports sea conditions are rough but within limits set for water recovery. Is on station offshore
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
launch control team was briefed on schedule earlier today so Flight Director Lanalye has them running drills while the rocket is mounted
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
rocket mounting completed slightly ahead of schedule & preflight is next, starting w/ensuring rocket is hooked up & responding nominally
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have good comms both ground and RF to the rocket, all systems nominal. Pad crew clearing out now to 300m blast safety range
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
pre-flight complete, final launch rehearsal beginning. We're still progressing at a condensed pace, not waiting for L-time if running early
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are now holding the countdown at L-30min due to weather, still lacking the clearer skies needed for proper video monitoring of the ascent
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
launch time has been reset to 14:30 UTC tomorrow, we'll be leaving the rocket on the pad so we can get an early start. Hopefully Wx improves
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've completed post-scrub activities, will monitor rocket for a while longer to ensure mount will hold for this extended attachment period
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon reports check of the rocket shows no sign of stress damage to clamps or launch rail. Continuing with our plan to launch early tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-4)
4/12
#2🌄07:21:13 🌅10:01:36 !!🚀!!
#3🌄13:22:04 🌅16:02:27
#4🌄19:22:55 🌅22:03:18
4/13
#1🌄01:23:46 🌅04:04:09
@ KSC (UTC-4)
4/12
#2🌄07:21:13 🌅10:01:36 !!🚀!!
#3🌄13:22:04 🌅16:02:27
#4🌄19:22:55 🌅22:03:18
4/13
#1🌄01:23:46 🌅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
launch control team has arrived for Flight Director Lanalye to review launch procedures based on the same brief they got yesterday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
intial weather report has been delivered & looks good. Drew has given the GO to proceed with setting up for starting the countdown @ 12:00Z
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are starting the countdown from L-2h30m. No issues w/rocket yesterday so removing hold period & going straight into final count/launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
all rocket systems responsive via ground & RF comms, preflight now moving to detailed checks of all systems & components aboard the vehicle
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
MSV Tongjess remained at anchor offshore so is already on station & reports ready to assist w/range monitoring & payload recovery operations
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
L-0h45m = launch control team now beginning flight rehearsal after completing checks of rocket & announcing all systems nominal, no issues!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have no rain outside tho Wx kerbs say sky conditions may be an issue, it's still dark so can't get a good idea of clouds. Count continues
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Tongjess has dispatched its recovery craft off the stern water ramp & we can now see better that weather is indeed GREEN for launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have no reports of range violations, rocket now ARMED & range is closed. 300m blast radius around pad, 6km downrange cone w/25km ceiling
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
internal battery power is now maintaining the rocket systems as ground umbilicals are pulled from the vehicle. RF comms coming back 5x5
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
L-1min! Final go/no go of primary stations at L-30s and assuming no "hold hold hold!" vehicle will launch on schedule. 🚀 Go Progeny! 🚀
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good ignition of XL booster & launch of Progeny Mk3! First stage will have expired by about the time you finish reading this tweet
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
we have good chute deploy & descent of the payload. It looks like it will splashdown just offshore. Flight team already in anomaly review
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
tracking cameras confirm both the 2nd & 3rd stage boosters have splashed down in the waters east of the launchpad. (Tongjess slightly south)
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
payload is descending through 2.5km & recovery craft reports they are up on the beach, so its coming down just short of the water it seems
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 😬
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
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=sUT7v8…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
post launch & recovery ops have concluded. We have the 1st stage booster to examine but calling in a dredger to fish out the 2nd stage tmrw
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
Progenitor engineers are ready to start looking over the Mk3 lower booster to see if they can find any clues to what went wrong yesterday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the dredging ship has arrived & will begin searching for the Mk1-A booster. We have approx location, could be anywhere from 500-700m deep
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the booster is too small to show up on sonar because ocean floor here is very rocky. Underwater cameras will be used w/ a std search pattern
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
so far, no luck finding the Mk1-A booster on the sea floor. Search will continue tomorrow, still has about 20% of original area to cover
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
underwater search operations are back underway for the Mk1-A booster while VAB continues to closely inspect what remains of the Mk3 booster
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Mk1-A booster has been located in 617m of water, rolled down a large slope after hitting the seabed. Is now being raised to the surface
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
telemetry data for the Progeny Mk3 flight this wk is now available for review online if anyone wants to take a look: bit.ly/ProgenyMk3-3_T…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Mk1-A booster has been delivered to the VAB & now they have all they can to try & figure out where things went wrong for the last launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here is the ops review for this past week. Of note is our initial Mk3 analysis. Everyone have a relaxing weekend bit.ly/OpsSummary4-10…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Still no word from the Progenitor team on the booster analysis. Integration continues for the Mk1 booster stacks in prep for 4th Mk3 flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
cause of the fin shredding anomaly has been uncovered. Minor flaw, easy fix. Meeting set for tomorrow to choose next launch time for Mk3
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our day is still far from over but you can catch up on everything else from this past week in our ops summary - click the img below!
