- Overview
- Ascension Mk1
- Ascension Mk2
- Ascension Mk3
 Program Patch Although we are still exploring the basics of rocketry through sub-orbital flights of our Progenitor rockets, the time has come to begin to push for the next level and establish a permanent robotic presence in space with orbiting satellites. At first, these craft will not be able to stay up for long with current power technology but eventually the Ascension program will be responsible for lifting all payloads into orbit around Kerbin for extended missions of months or years. This program will also be responsible for getting the Extremis probes on their way to exploring the Kerbol system. For an alternate overview of the program you can check out this wiki-style article. Recent Program News
Primary Program Goals
Active Program Contracts
Program Album 1.25m Engine Test Stand  NovaPunch K2-X  Closing Up  Ascension Mk1 Rollout  Until Next Time  Ascension & Progeny Integration  Red Dawn  Hung Low  Stacked Tall  Standing Ready  Ascension Mk1 Block I No.2  150km Going Up  Apokee  Two for Space  Rocket Forest  R&D and Science Labs  K2-X Static Testing Prep  K2-X Hot Fire Test No.1  Engine Test Chart  Fill 'er up!  Ascension Mk1 Block I No.1  Ascension Mk1 Block I  Ascension Mk1 Block II  Prototypes Await  KX-2 Hot Fire Test 50%  Ascension Service Towers  Two Pioneers  Erected  Airship Retrofit  Going Vertical  Drop Testing  Gentle Return  Carried Aloft  Top Heavy  Ready to Roll  Launch Dawn  80km Going Up  250km Going Up  200km Coming Down  25km  Mk1 Ascension Crew Capsule  Full Service Launch Pad  2018 Year in Review: Rocket Flight  Capsule Afloat  Ready to Escape Its Shadow  Crack o Dawn  Ascension Mk1 Block I No.3  Separation Confirmed  Launch Weather  Ascension Flight Data Comparison Program Videos |
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 Vessel Patch The Mk1 was the first dedicated lifter design for orbital space flight, meant to carry several tons of extra mass off the ground in order for the second stage or payload to continue the climb into orbit from a high initial altitude. It was also the first steerable rocket and the first to be built to a 1.25m form factor. However after two attempts to make orbit with even a light 1t payload it was determined to be not powerful enough and is now relegated to sub-orbital missions only and no longer carries a Block designation. Recent Vessel News
Current Missions
Past MissionsShow Past Missions (2020)
Vessel ImagesNovaPunch K2-X Closing Up Ascension Mk1 Rollout Ascension & Progeny Integration Red Dawn Hung Low Stacked Tall Standing Ready Ascension Mk1 Block I No.2 150km Going Up Apokee Two for Space Rocket Forest  Ascent Profile Comparison  Standing Ready  LES Pad Abort Test  Ascension Launch Prep K2-X Static Testing Prep K2-X Hot Fire Test No.1 Fill 'er up! Ascension Mk1 Block I No.1  Slow Your Roll  Fill Up Time  Ascension Mk1 Block I No. 4  Prior to MECO Ascension Mk1 Block I Ascension Mk1 Block II KX-2 Hot Fire Test 50% Two Pioneers Erected Going Vertical Ready to Roll Launch Dawn 80km Going Up 250km Going Up 200km Coming Down 25km 2018 Year in Review: Rocket Flight Capsule Afloat Ready to Escape Its Shadow Crack o Dawn Ascension Mk1 Block I No.3 Separation Confirmed Launch Weather Ascension Flight Data Comparison  Empty Pad Awaits  LES Pad Abort Test  Viklun Mk1 Blueprint  Ascension Mk1 No. 5  Topped Off Vessel Videos |
 Vessel Blueprint |
 Vessel Patch The Mk2 was originally the Mk1 Block II meant to serve as a heavy lift variant. However when it was made clear how underpowered the Mk1 was and that it would not be able to carry a second stage, the Block II was merged with the Viklun Mk1 to create a new vehicle as the two would only ever be paired together anyways. The Mk2 will be the first rocket to carry kerbals into orbit. Recent Vessel News
Past MissionsShow Past Missions (2020)
Past PayloadsShow Past Payloads (2020)
Vessel Images Reconfigured Launch Pad  Viklun Static Fire  Viklun Rollout  Mobile Launch Platform Main Deck  Engine Test Stands  Mobile Launch Platform Progress  MLP Build Progress  Kerbin I  MLP Build Progress  Busy VAB  MLP & Dhumla Progress  Mk2 to Mk1  K2-X Static Fire  Stack It Up  Ascension Mk2 Build Progress  Viklun Orbital Stage Integration  Preparing for Stacking  Standing Ready  On the Roll!  Ascension Mk2 No.1  Presider Motorcade  Hooked Up  Under the Lights  SRB Trail  Toasty Ascent  Kerbin I Mission Trajectory  Ascension Mk2 Static Display - Night  Ascension Mk2 Static Display - Day  K2-X Delivery  Kerbin II  Kerbin II Processing  Ascension Mk2 Kerbin II  Hooked Up & Almost Ready  The Pad Awaits  Relocate Before Launch  Ascension Mk2 No.2  Ascension Mk2 Alight  Rockets & Planets  Clearer Sunrise  Peeking into Shadow  Thin Blue Layer  Perfect Launch Weather - If Only...  Estimated Decay of Viklun Stage Vessel Videos |
 Lift Stage Blueprint  Orbital Stage Blueprint |
 Vessel Patch The Mk3 changes little from the overall design of the orbit-proven Mk2 except to give it more capability to lift heavier payloads thanks to larger solid rocket motors and a more powerful lifter engine. Expanded cold gas reserves and a slightly longer Viklun second stage means more torque and fuel for the reaction control system to ensure the rocket can remain stable as it climbs out of the atmosphere and re-orient for longer flight duration. The SRBs are equipped with nose cone parachutes so they can be recovered and reflown. The Mk3 has the capability to send probes out to other bodies, including all those outside the Kerbin system. Recent Vessel News
Current Missions
Past MissionsShow Past Missions (2021)
Vessel Images Dual-Segment SRB Test  SRB Static Fire  Hot! Hot! Hot!  Second Time a Second Time  Ascension Mk3  WildCat-V Production Article  Ascension Build Status  Kerbin III  Kerbin III Arrives  Ascension Mk3 Stacking  Ascension Mk3 WDR  Standing Tall  Launchpad Eclipse  Waiting for Their Turn  Ascension Mk3 No.1  SRB Recovery |
 Vessel Blueprint |
