HCS-1 Resolute

Year 4, Day 133 (Harmony Update)

sayburstuff Year 4 ,

It’s a busy day at the Space Center!

  • Construction starts on Harmony Space Station, and the Sarnus V Heavy launcher that will take it to orbit… and beyond!
  • Likewise, work begins on the payload for the Heavy Cargo Shuttle Resolute, the Habitat Module for Harmony Station!
  • The Crew Shuttle Adventure is refurbished, and undergoes a minor retrofit – improved solar panels are added to the craft.

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  • Finally, the Minmus Surveyor arrives at Minmus! Scouting Minmus ahead of time will make the Harmony Station team’s difficult job that much easier!

Year 4, Day 129 (Harmony Space Station Planning)

sayburstuff Year 4 , , , ,

 

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After some debate, scientists decide on the assembly method of the Minmus Space Station, Harmony.

First, a Sarnus V Heavy rocket will carry the Station Hub into orbit.  Then, two Heavy Cargo Shuttle launches will carry Harmony’s two modules into orbit.  Once there, the payloads will separate, and attach remotely to the orbiting Station Core.  (Resolute has already proven itself as a efficient method of carrying cargo into orbit, and since it’s the only Heavy Cargo Shuttle, engineers start work at once on getting the craft ready!)

Finally, the Station Core, still attached to the Sarnus V orbital stage, will carry the assembled station to Minmus orbit.

Initially, the plan was to launch three separate assembly missions, followed by a final crew mission.  This new method should be more efficient, and save time too!

Year 4, Day 124 (Resolute’s First Launch!)

sayburstuff Year 4 , ,

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The Heavy Cargo Shuttle Resolute is ready for its first launch!  Since this is a prototype, and the vehicle doesn’t have a computer controlled navigation system, KSEA wants to be cautious and only launch one Kerbal.screenshot739.png

Jeb and Val argue for sometime about who will get to be the first pilot, but Jeb wins “rock paper scissors” and will be the first pilot!

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Resolute blasts off!

“Going good so far… just like the simulations!”

-Jeb

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Everyone at the Space Center is tense as the launch continues!   Resolute glides through its gravity turn, and moves to circularize!

screenshot746.pngThe Launcher separates, and heads back down to Kerbin to get recovered!

“That was quite the kick!  Circularizing orbit now!”

-Jeb

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“At desired orbit – 70k!  Leaves me with about 500 d/v for orbital maneuvering!”

-Jeb

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Jeb begins burns to rendezvous with the Kerbin Space Station!

screenshot753.pngSuccess!  Once at the station, Resolute’s cargo doors open…

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and the Docking Module leaves the shuttle – guided remotely!screenshot757.png

The Docking module moves away from Resolute, toward the station… screenshot760.png…and docks!

screenshot762.pngJeb pilots Resolute in to test out the new docking module!

“Yikes!  You get an idea of how big this Shuttle is when you get close to the Station!”

-Jeb

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Everyone at the Space Center cheers!  Resolute takes a ride around Kerbin, docked to the Space Station. Jeb says hi to everyone – and prepares for the next, and probably most dangerous part of the mission… reentry and landing! screenshot767.png

The Heavy Cargo Shuttle undocks…

screenshot768.pngThen Resolute closes its cargo bays!

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“Mission Control – this is Resolute!  I’m coming down!”

-Jeb

screenshot775.pngResolute heads through the atmosphere, then starts its approach to the Space Center!

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“I’m in the pipe… five by five!”

-Jeb

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Jeb poses in front of the Heavy Cargo Shuttle Resolute.  Well done – mission success!  Resolute will be brought in and refurbished for its next flight!