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
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mk4 conclusions in at last! That and more via bit.ly/OpsSummary5-15… everyone definitely deserves a nice weekend of relaxation - get to it!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
clamps installed on the pad for tomorrow's static test fire of the LF/O engine in the Mk4's bid to return to flight. The Progeny launch base has been moved back into the VAB
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Simon reports the Mk4 3rd stage sans payload is rdy for static fire test tomorrow. We plan to light it off at 17:00 UTC for a full burn
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mk4 3rd stage is on the way out to the launch pad to get hooked up to the static clamps & prepped for fueling. Static fire sched for 1700Z
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Flight Director Lanalye has her team on console as mounting ops wrap up out on the launch pad to setup comms & systems prior to tanking
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have GO for tanking operations, loading 109 kg of LF/O - separately! Two tanker trucks on the pad. Fuel load takes approx 15 mins
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket is topped off & pad crew is clearing out so pre-ignition checks can be performed. Still on schedule for 17:00 UTC ignition
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
5 minutes to ignition and all systems are GO! Pad is clear of crew & rocket is ARMED. Throttle set to initial thrust of 100% for burn start
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
successful ignition & good burn - we will run it at various throttle settings so entire burn will last nearly 1min instead of only 31s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
burnout! crews giving things time to cool off then moving in to dismount & return the Mk4 to the VAB so we can analyze data from the TDU
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
dismounting the rocket went well, Mk4 is headed back to the VAB and the refurbished Progeny launch base is headed back out to the pad
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Val is flying home today, Progenitor team analyzing data from static fire yesterday & KerBalloon team prepping for joint mission tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
analysis of the LF/O engine static fire shows 0 issues. Mk4 integration continuing as planned & we confirmed order for 5 additional engines from USI
