Year 2

Year 2, Day 164

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Engineers start working on the successor to the Discovery Rocket – the Sarnus!  Sarnus 1 will (hopefully!) be able to take not just the Aurora Crew Vehicle to Mun and Minmus, but also a lander.  Details are still being worked out, but recent advances in rocket technology promise some major advances!

Work is also proceeding simultaneously on the next Kerbin Space Station module – a science module designed to allow a permanent science lab in orbit! The expansion will be nearly the size of the existing Space Station, and provide room for many more Kerbals, as well as new equipment and a more easily accessible docking ring.

Everyone agrees that while Orlas’s recent piloting of the Cupola Module was heroic, it’s probably a good idea to have a pilot stationed, at least temporarily, on the KSS.  No one is sure who it’ll be yet, but the next Aurora Mission is looking to be pretty clear – deliver more crew to the KSS, including a pilot!

Year 2, Day 163

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The second attempt at launching the cupola module for the KSS takes off!

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Orbit is achieved, and this time power seems to be sufficient.  Mission Control sends commands to being a rendezvous with the Kerbin Space Station! screenshot365

“Oh hey, there it is!  It’s nearly as big as the ACV!”

-Orlas (ACV = Aurora Crew Vehicle)

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The trickiest part is next… the automated command module disconnects, leaving the Cupola Module in an uncontrolled state, just outside the station.

“I’m on it!”
-Orlas

screenshot371Orlas goes EVA, and heads to the module! After some hair-raising moments, docking is achieved – way to go everybody!  This is starting to look like a space station!screenshot372

 

Year 2, Day 145

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The unkerbaled launch of the Cupola Module blasts off from KSC!  As Kerbals watch from below the crew on the KSS keep their eyes open for their new expansion!

After the first stage ejects, Mission Control pilots the module to the Space Station….

Uh oh… trouble!  It seems that the Orbital Maneuvering section doesn’t have enough power to operate on the darkside of Kerbin.  What a waste!  Upgrades will need to be made before the launch can be tried again.

“The module is in a stable orbit – we may be able to retrieve it again later and upgrade it in orbit… ”

-Bob

 

 

 

Year 2, Day 132

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ksscupolaScientists at KSEA announce that they are nearly finished with design work on the next expansion to the Kerbin Space Station, or KSS.  Tentatively called the “Cupola Module”, this expansion adds a much more spacious 4 Kerbal habitat section, and a window that should provide excellent views of Kerbin!

Initial plans call for launching on the reliable Discovery-3 rocket platform.  The automated orbital maneuvering section is designed to remotely install the module, then disconnect. Construction, followed by an automated launch, should come soon!

 

Year 2, Day 131 (Aurora 1 Launch)

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screenshot337.pngAurora 1 launches from Cape Kerman! screenshot342

Valentina expertly pilots the craft to orbit, carrying rookie scientists Kimmy and Glenica.  They’ll join Orlas at the new Kerbal Space Station!

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“I see the station… moving in to rendezvous… ”

-Val

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“Got it!  We’re docked!”

-Val

Aurora 1 successfully docks with the Kerbin Space Station!  Glenica and Kimmy head over and meet Orlas.

“Hey everybody!  Did someone bring cards…?”

-Orlas

Year 2, Day 115 (Aurora Program Announced)

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All of Kerbin is excited as KSEA announces the next phase of the space program: AURORA! AuroraCrewVehicle.png

The Aurora Program is designed to reach Mun and Minmus.  The first test vehicle is the Aurora Crew Vehicle – designed solely to test the command pod, and provide a reliable means of taking crew to orbit and back.  The first test will be Aurora 1… taking the the rest of the crew to the Kerbin Space Station!  Construction starts at once!

Year 2, Day 110 (Spacelab 2 Launches!)

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screenshot316.pngJebediah and rookie Orlas are chosen to take Discovery 3 and its payload for Spacelab 2 to orbit! After the first stage ejects, the fairings protecting the new space station eject, revealing the whole craft.

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Looks a lot like those drawings we have for a deep space vehicle!

-Jeb

After some tricking maneuvering, Discovery 3 rendezvous with Spacelab!

“I see you guys!”

-Bill

Discovery 3 moves in closer and closer… screenshot325

Once in range, Orlas exits the command pod of Discovery 2… screenshot328

While Bill exits the old Spacelab!  The two give each other a ‘high five’ as they pass, switching seats in space!  Orlas will be the first new crew on Spacelab 2, and Bill will return with Jeb to the surface.

See you soon Orlas!  We’ll be in touch!

-Bill

screenshot334.pngThe Discovery 3 command pod returns to Kerbin! Great job guys!  Bill and Jeb get some well deserved rest.

 

 

 

Year 2, Day 101 (Spacelab 2 Revealed)

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The next Kerbal Space Station is revealed… Spacelab 2 will be launched shortly!  The mission will be part of the Discovery 3 launch (crew not yet decided.)

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The mission outline is to launch Spacelab 2 into orbit, as well as a re-designed Discovery Crew Vehicle.  The combined craft will rendezvous with the original Spacelab, rescue Bill (who has been sitting by himself on Spacelab 1 for some time), then proceed to a new orbit, separate from the station and return to Kerbin!

The launch will render Spacelab 1 obsolete.  However the addition of docking ports means that Spacelab 2 will be upgrade-able!  Scientists and engineers are already busily dreaming what new modules they can attach! Construction begins right away!