Gene

Year 20, Day 199 (New Spaceport Fueling Port Launches!)

sayburstuff Year 20 , , , , ,

A massive Nova Rocket is chosen to launch the next section for the Spacedock upgrade project! Only a Nova could carry both the Modular Refueling Vehicle and the new 4-sided fuel port segment!

The solid rockets detach, and the Nova Rocket carries payload to orbit!

The protective aerodynamic fairing detaches, and the craft begins the slow and dreadfully dull rendevous maneuvers – made quite tiresome by the craft’s massive side and under-powered RCS thrusters!

“We’re gonna need more coffee at Mission Control… this is going to be a long one!”
-Gene

Finally, the segment arrives at Spacedock!

The old refueling vehicle drifts away, while the new section moves in slowly. Engineers plan to use a tug vehicle to bring the segment back to Spacedock… eventually!

The new section is aligned…

…and Spacedock itself is slowly oriented up as the docking maneuver continues… finally connecting!

“Connection seems solid! I think we’re good to start pumping fuel! Someone should probably go bring the Endeavor back!”
-Sean

“Mirphe and I can handle that!”
-Summer

Mirphe and Summer leave in Crew Vehicle 1…

… and dock with Endeavor!

“We’re connected! Summer, you should try piloting the Endeavor!“
-Mirphe

“Oh wow, this thing handles surprisingly well for how big it is! Bringing Endeavor in to dock!”
-Summer

Mirphe detaches the Crew Vehicle and Summer brings the Endeavor in to dock!

Endeavor docks at the new docking segment!

“I’m heading home too!”
-Mirphe

With Endeavor and Crew Vehicle 1 docked, the Spacedock upgrades are (for now) complete! The only thing to add are more modular refueling vehicles to the base!

“Good work up there! Get some rest!”
-Gene, at Mission Control

Year 20, Day 178 (New Docking Section for Spaceport Launches and Docks!)

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The new docking section for the Spaceport launches on a Jool V rocket!

This new section is quite similar to the segment it’s replacing, however it adds more docking ports and a viewing cupola at the top. The design follows the new idea to rotate the station vertically.

The second stage and fairing detach, and enter orbit!

The docking segment detaches and rendezvouses with the Spaceport! Engineers there have already detached the old docking port, using DSV-4 Endeavor as a tug to safely move it away from Spaceport!

“Mission Control – we show the docking segment on track to dock. Looking good!”
-Sean, on Kerbin Spacedock

Docking is complete! The first part of the Spaceport makeover is done!

“Now’s the hard part – the new quad-fueling port is going to be a pain to connect!”
-Gene, at Mission Control

Year 20, Day 124 (Crew Vehicle 1 Launches On New Mk2 Nebula Rocket!)

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At White Mesa, the desert launch facility, the new Mk2 Nebula Rocket is ready for launch!

“After all those simulations with the new Crew Vehicle I’m ready to finally blast off!”
-Mirphe

This will be the first launch for KSEA’s newest pilot, Summer!

“I can’t wait to see Kerbin from orbit!”
-Summer

The KR-84 engine ignites, and Crew Vehicle 1 blasts off!

“All systems nominal… not too bumpy either!”
-Summer

The Nebula Rocket breaks through the clouds, and carries the Crew Vehicle higher and higher!

“CV1 nearing 200k apoapsis – prepare for seperation!”
-Mirphe

The KR-84 throttles down, and the rocket coasts! This will be the first time the Mk2 Nebula Rocket has attempted it’s separate/spin/land maneuver to return to KSC!

“Separating first stage!“
-Mirphe

“First stage is clear! Sensors show it’s onboard systems have already started the flip maneuver!“
-Summer

Once clear of the Crew Vehicle, the Nebula Rocket fires it’s engine – altering it’s trajectory so it lands at the Space Center!

It’s Air Brakes deploy to assist in the landing! They will automatically retract and extend as the craft’s sensors take it in for a landing!

“Crew Vehicle 1 this is Mission Control – we show the Nebula Rocket is on track for a landing at KSC… nice work!”
-Gene, at Mission Control

“OK! Starting rendevous maneuvers for Spacedock!”
-Mirphe

The capable “Poodle” engine starts the first of several burns to take CV1 to Spacedock!

“Looks like we’re in the pipe! Wow, that station is HUGE!”
-Summer

After the required maneuvers, Crew Vehicle 1 arrives at Spacedock!

“Why don’t you do the docking Summer? It’ll be good practice!”
-Mirphe

“Awesome! OK – taking us in!”
-Summer

“Crew Vehicle 1 – this is Station Commander Val – we show you as docked and cleared to come aboard! Welcome to Spacedock!”
-Val

Year 20, Day 107 (New Crew Vehicle Announced!)

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KSEA is excited to announce the Mk2 Nebula Crew Vehicle! The Crew Vehicle itself is a modified version of the original Nebula Crew Vehicle, making a number of minor modifications: the escape/landing rockets were tucked down below the Forward RCS system, and the internal storage system was reconfigured for a more balanced spacecraft.

The Rocket itself is entirely new, and provides a versatile new tool to the Kerbin Space Exploration Administration! Designed to be launched from the Desert Facility, White Mesa – the rocket carries the crew vehicle to an apoapsis of 200k, where the Crew Vehicle detaches. Then, the Rocket does a 180 degrees flip and fires it’s engine… changing it’s landing site to the main Space Center! There it will be recovered, refurbished, transported to the Desert Facility, and prepared for it’s next launch!

“This new rocket is going to give us the ability to quickly deliver crews to and from the Spaceport! It looks a bit less silly than the Mk1 too!”
-Gene

Future iterations of the design should allow multiple Nebula Rockets to be strapped together for heavier lifting capability!