Jeb

Year 24, Day 1 (Odyssey Leaves Kerbin, Heading to Sarnus and Tekto!)

sayburstuff Year 24 , , , , , ,

In orbit of Kerbin, Jeb, Shepley, and Gillian prepare the newly commissioned Deep Space Vehicle Odyssey to leave orbit!

“What a great way to kick off the start of a New Year! Jeb, you are clear to depart… Odyssey good luck Odyssey!“

-Gene, supervising at Mission Control

“Just about finished checking all the scientific instrumentation! We’re good!”
-Shepley

DSV-5 Crew Mission 1 – Tekto Exploration

  • Crew: Mission Commander Jeb, Mission Scientist Shepely, Mission Engineer, Gillian .
  • Mission: Explore and if possible land on Tekto!
  • Result: Mission in Progress

“OK – science good! Gillian, reactors ready? We’re going to need every bit of those reactors energy to power two of these LF-9 engines!“
-Jeb

“Radiators are on, showing cooling has started!   Starting reactors 1 and 2… port reactor climbing to 100 percent power. Starboard reactor same…. both reactors are showing full power!  -Gillian

With pre-flight checks complete, Jeb undocks from Crew Vehicle 4! With a loud clunk and some whirs, the two craft detach, and start to drift away from each other. With a brief reverse thrust of Odyssey’s RCS system, Jeb gives the ship a good distance for maneuvering!

“We are clear! Preparing course for burn to Sarnus!“
-Jeb

“I show full power to the engines! Temperatures nominal.. I show good for burn!
-Gillian

“Just about finished checking all the scientific instrumentation!”
-Shepley

“OK – Pedal to the metal! Thrust at 100 percent!“
-Jeb

The two colossal LF-9 engines fire! Powered by two Discovery class reactor assemblies together generating 6,000 e/c per second this is the first time TWO have been run simultaneously on a spacecraft!

“Things are heating up… but we are still within mission parameters!“
-Gillian

After quite a long burn, Jeb throttles down! Odyssey is now rocketing away – heading right toward an intercept with Sarnus!

“Trajectory looks good everybody! Just a little under three years and we’ll be at Sarnus!“
-Jeb

“I checked the cryo-systems during the burn! Glykerol levels are good, and the freezing systems are ready to go! “
-Shepley

Everyone locks their stations, and heads to the aft of the crew compartment!

“Brr! It’s always so cold in the cryo-chambers! Let’s get this space-nap going! “
-Gillian

“Oh – the deep space relays have been deployed too! See you guys in orbit of Sarnus!“
-Shepley

“Communications are good Odyssey – we’ll see you soon!“
-Gene, supervising at Mission Control

After triple checking the ‘wake up’ timer is correct, the crew enters cryo-sleep for the trip to Sarnus!

Kerbin Space Exploration Administration | Space Program Funding

Funding / IncomeCosts
Next Funding Period: – 8 daysSpace Center Costs: -136,000
Current Reputation: 453Assigned Kerbal Wages: – 65,000
Unassigned Kerbal Wages: -5000
Estimated Gross Funding: + 905,459Vessel Maintenance: -108,204
Project Reserve: +175,747 (savings)Launch Costs: -222,426
Estimated Net Funding:+368,829 (available)

Gillian

Year 23, Day 424 (Crew and Lander for DSV-6 Odyssey Tekto Mission Launches To DSV-6 Odyssey!)

sayburstuff Year 23 , , , , , , ,

“Alright people.. we are going to Tekto! Get up there to Odyssey and let’s make some history!”
-Gene

While the mission specifics are not quite done beyond a misson to Tekto (one of the more interesting moons of Sarnus), a crew has been chosen for DSV-6 Odyssey’s first mission!

A team of veteran Kerbonauts has been chosen to fly Odyssey’s maiden journey: Mission Commander Jeb, Mission Scientist Shepely, and Mission Engineer, Gillian!

DSV-5 Crew Mission 1 – Tekto Exploration

  • Crew: Mission Commander Jeb, Mission Scientist Shepely, Mission Engineer, Gillian .
  • Mission: Explore and if possible land on Tekto!
  • Result: Mission in Progress

Blast off! The Neidon III booster blasts off, carrying the crew, and a variant of the VINCENT lander, to orbit!

“We are go! Hold on everyone, approaching maximum dynamic pressure!“
-Jeb

The solid rocket boosters detach! Ground crews scramble to their recovery vehicles to start refurbishing the boosters!

The rocket continues its journey to orbit, finally reaching an altitude of 200k meter, where it circularizes!

Crew Vehicle 4 detaches from the booster!

The Crew Vehicle detaches from the lander, and begins the docking and transposition manuever!

Jeb starts manuevers to dock with Odyssey!

“Let’s go check out Odyssey! Starting rendezvouses!”
-Jeb

Only the running lights of Odyssey are visible as the Crew Vehicle approaches Odyssey!

Suddenly, the rising sun illuminates the Deep Space Vehicle!

“I caught a glimpse of Odyssey out the window! She’s big!”
–Shepley

“We are at zero relative motion… Mission Control we are going to start docking procedures! Issuing remote commands to Odyssey to open the docking shield!”
-Jeb

The signal is received by Odyssey….

… and the protective cover on the docking port opens!

“Detaching from lander… moving to relative port… RCS systems nominal…”
-Jeb

As the lander stays at a safe distance, the Crew Vehicle begins docking maneuvers!

“OK… we are the pipe, five by five! Connection in 5…4…3…2….”
-Jeb

“…1! I show a good connection!”
-Jeb

“Confirmed! Seals are good – vehicle integrity good!“
-Gillian

“OK switching controls over to the lander! I have a good connection! Starting docking maneuver!“
-Jeb

Jeb remotely pilots the lander so that it’s directly above the landing bay! Then, slowly, uses RCS to “land” in the bay!

“Just about… almost… OK!“
-Jeb

“Another good docking! I show we have the lander firmly docked in the cargo bay! Time to inspect the ship and make sure we are good for departure!
-Gillian

“We better hurry! The transfer window to Sarnus won’t last forever!“
–Shepley

Kerbin Space Exploration Administration | Space Program Funding

Current Funds: 147,128Assigned Kerbal Wages: 65,000
Next Funding Period: -14dUnassigned Kerbal Wages: 5,000
Current Reputation: 453Vessel Maintenance: 107,185
Estimated Gross Funding:905,459Launch Costs: 170,866
Space Center Costs: 136,000Estimated Net Funding: 421,408

Year 22, Day 347 (CTS-2 Pioneer Test Rendezvous, Return to Kerbin)

sayburstuff Year 22 , , , ,

Mission Control decides to test Pioneer by having it dock and inspect the recently launched DSV-1A Explorer! This is also a training run for KSEA’s newest pilot, Edbert!

“I can’t wait to see the new Explorer! “

-Edbert

Pioneer maneuvers into a close rendevous with Explorer ….

“Lining up to the docking bay… alignment looks good…”

-Jeb

As soon as the connection is confirmed, Edbert volunteers for his first EVA – to investigate the new DSV and confirm safe detachment of the boost stage!

“Wow – this ship is big!

-Edbert

“The reactor looks good… sensors indicate no dangerous radiation levels.. I think we’re good to eject the boost stage Jeb!”

-Edbert

“OK – boost stage is ejected!”

-Jeb

The boost stage drifts away – and Edbert gets back into Pioneer!

“OK Edbert – this is your landing… take us home!”

-Jeb

Edbert fires the engines and Pioneer starts a rapid descent!

“Oh wow – that was a steep descent angle – this is gonna be a close one!!”

-Jeb

Pioneer survives the reentry – and Edbert angles the craft right at the base of the landing strip!

“Approach needs to be pretty steep or we’ll overshoot… if we don’t pull up at the last second…”

-Edbert

“If we don’t pull up at the last second it’ll be someone else’s problem – just focus on the landing!”

-Jeb

“Woooooohoooo!”

-Jeb

Edbert pilots right at the strip.. then pulls up at the last second…

…skittering off the runway, but landing Pioneer in one piece!

“Oh wow – what a landing!”

-Edbert

Teams head out to recover the shuttle and crew!

“That landing had a lotta moxie in it – nice work Edbert!”

-Gene

Year 22, Day 340 (CTS-2 Pioneer Launches!)

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The new Pioneer 2 Crew Shuttle is ready to launch! Jeb and rookie pilot Edbert will take the new shuttle up for it’s maiden flight! While Pioneer is a new spacecraft it has been designed to be as identical as possible to the refit Adventure crew shuttle!

“Launch looks good – all systems nominal – what a ride!”

-Jeb

“Not too bumpy either! “

-Edbert, piloting in the front seat

As the spacecraft reaches it’s maximum dynamic pressure, or Max-Q, all systems continue as planned!

“The engineers must have screwed all the bolts in pretty well, this is where the parts would start falling off if they hadn’t!”

-Jeb

As Pioneer’s trajectory reaches a 200k periapsis, the aerodynamic-escape-system launches, and the shuttle detaches from the Nebula Rocket!

Turning around using its RCS, the Nebula Rocket fires it’s engines to perform a landing at KSC! Once recovered the rocket will be transported to White Mesa, where it will be refueled and refit to be launched again!

“We have achieved orbit! As exciting as this is, I can’t wait to land!“

-Edbert

Year 22, Day 220 (DSV-5 Intrepid Supply Mission & Departure to Moho!)

sayburstuff Year 22 , , , , , , , , ,

In Kerbin orbit, Jeb and Sean prepare DSV-5 Intrepid for it’s new crew! Instead of taking Crew Vehicle 6 back to the surface, the spacecraft is sent back to the surface – Jeb and Sean will take Crew Vehicle 1 back to Kerbin once it arrives! Meanwhile, Jeb pilots Intrepid to a higher orbit, 600k!

Crew Vehicle 6 sets down just west of the space center!

“Alright everybody, now’s the tricky part! Keep focused!”

-Gene, at Mission Control

For the first time, a Sarnus Va rocket will be used to launch a Nebula Crew Vehicle! The mission will carry Carson, Bob, and Sondo up to the Deep Space Vehicle Intrepid – as well as multiple mission payloads – a Modular-Payload Vehicle (MPV) loaded with Lithium and Monopropellant, a science satellite, and a new lander/rover combo!

“Engines are go!”

-Carson

Crew Vehicle 1 launches into space! The fairings eject once the spacecraft reaches a safe altitude and the engines fire, carrying the spacecraft to a higher than average orbit, 600k!

Carson rendezvouses with Intrepid, then separates to move clear from the stack!

At the last moment it was decided the fuel budget had room for a Modular Payload Vehicle loaded with Lithium Fuel and Monopropellant! It separates from the stack, and docks with Intrepid, topping off it’s fuel supplies!

After fuelling up Intrepid the crew will transfer over to Intrepid, swap places with Jeb and Sean! Then, the nose-science unit will attach to the front of the DSV. Finally, the most challenging task will be docking the new lander in the cargo bay!

With the Lithium fueling complete, Carson, Bob, and Sondo head to Intrepid!

“Ok – forward RCS thrust is active… systems are nominal…”

-Carson

“Oh wow – I saw Intrepid during assembly – to see it in space is quite a sight!”

-Sondo

Jeb and Sean shake hands with Sondo, Bob, and Carson! Then Jeb and Sondo head back to Kerbin!

“Good luck! Bring back some cool rocks from Moho!”

-Jeb

…setting down right by the Space Center!

With crew loading complete, it’s time to dock the nose science unit!

“This part will be easy, that lander’s going to be tricky though I just know it!”

-Carson

“I’m showing a good connection!”
-Bob

After a short maneuver, Carson docks the satellite with the docking port of Intrepid!

“Ok – the communications dish has been retracted! You’re good to go Carson!”

-Sondo

Next, the most difficult part… docking the new lander!

“No problem guys – it’s just like docking the Crew Vehicles – only in an infinity smaller space with no margin for error! Hmm.”

-Carson

As the lander slowly moves into Intrepid‘s docking bay, there is a distinct metallic scratching noise as the landing gear scrape against the back of the cargo bay! The DSV-mockup at the Space Center isn’t perfect, and it turns out the lander fits much easier in the designs than actually docking!

“Tight fit… but we’re almost there! Nothing’s exploded yet!”

-Carson

Success! The lander fits snugly, but perfectly, into the cargo bay!

“Getting it out will be a lot easier once we’re at Moho!”

-Carson

Bob and Sondo check out the crew area of the Deep Space Vehicle, and make sure everything is ready to go!

“RCS fuel – check… extra snacks… check…”

-Bob

“The reactor is functioning normally – Sean did a great job starting it up – radiators, generator, it all checks out!”

-Sondo

“Looks good! Let’s get up front and get the mission to Moho started!”

-Carson

After prelaunch checks are complete, Intrepid fires it’s Colossus Engine!

“Fuel flow is good – temperatures are nominal!”

-Sondo

Intrepid speeds away from Kerbin!

“The transit burn to Moho was perfect! “

-Bob

“Ok everyone – get on your mittens, it’s time to get in the cryobeds!”

-Carson

“Looks, uh, comfy!”

-Sondo

The cryobeds freeze over, and Mission Control takes full control of the spacecraft! Intrepid will arrive at Moho later this year, on Day 383!

Year 22, Day 181 (Disaster at Kerbin Spaecdock!)

sayburstuff Year 22 , , , , , , ,

What started out as mild vibrations on the station have grown and grown over the last half – the station crew, mid rotation with just Sean and Jeb on board, have been working on troubleshooting the strange shaking with Mission Control!

“We verified that RCS isn’t firing from any thruster, station or docked…and our SAS systems all show normal… Jeb and I can’t figure out what’s causing it… wait, just a second… the station is shaking even worse now! I think the vibration is increasing exponentially…”

*loud cracking noise, alarm klaxons*
“..There’s… been a breach! Jeb! Launch the Intrepid quick!”

-Sean

Back at KSEA, sensors report what can’t be correct – loss of direct connection between the Lithium tanks and the upper docking and habitat section! Immediately ground crews start making calls and Gene assumes the worst … and gives the evacuation order!

“Start emergency evacuations! Intrepid get that ship out of there! Sean get to the nearest Crew Vehicle and undock now! Look alive people this is an emergency! What crew shuttle is ready to go up there? Get it up there….!”

-Gene, at Mission Control

Thankfully Jeb was quick with his reflexes and activated the emergency decoupling process – detaching the massive Deep Space Vehicle Intrepid from the station and reverse firing the orbital thrusters to push away from the station!

“This is Jeb on Intrepid – the DSV is clear of the station! I’m fine… it was a close call, the station was spinning out of control! Sean are you OK?”
-Jeb, on DSV Intrepid

Sean didn’t wait a second, and pushed himself to the nearest crew vehicle, hopping in Crew Vehicle 6, and decoupling! The whole time the station is violently rotating, and as the Crew Vehicle departs, it impacts the the spinning orbital ring!

“That was a bumpy ride … but I got out! The Crew Vehicle impacted the station on the way out but … I’m not seeing any indication of leaks… what’s the plan?”

-Sean

“OK – Sean, Jeb – let’s get your two vehicles docked – then do a full diagnostic of Intrepid. We’ll figure out what to do from there! We’re all relieved you’re safe up there!”

-Gene, at Mission Control

Sean maneuvers Crew Vehicle 6 to a rendevous with Intrepid!

“I see you Sean! The Crew Vehicle looks good, just some scuffs! You’re good for docking!”

-Jeb

Intrepid and DSV 6 dock! Jeb and Sean give each other quick hugs, relieved!

“That was a close one!”

-Sean

“Yea! I like some excitement on my missions… but not like that!”

-Jeb

As the situation normalizes, everyone catches their breath! While Sean and Jeb do a full diagnostic of both Intrepid and the Crew Vehicle, Mission Control starts working on disaster planning to see how bad the damage is at the Spaceport!

“Ground radar and space assets show Intrepid should be safe – I want to get some Kerbals up there to get a closer look but I don’t think Sean or Jeb should do it, they’re both pretty shaken up and need to get down to the surface to be checked out! A Crew Shuttle can check out the station, then return Sean and Jeb!

-Gene, at Mission Control

As the day goes on, KSEA decides to send up the revamped (and recently tested) Crew Shuttle Adventure! A large crew is needed for the mission as it’s not just a rescue, but crisis/damage assessment, and recrew of Intrepid!

Year 21, Day 180 (DSV-5 Intrepid, KSEA’s Next Deep Space Vehicle, Launches From The Space Center!)

sayburstuff Year 21 , , , , , , ,

The Next Deep Space Vehicle, DSV-5 Intrepid is ready to launch! Named after the retired crew shuttle CTS-3 Intrepid, DSV-5 is a Horizon Class DSV, identical to Endeavor and Horizon!

“Wow – that rocket looks big, even from way over at the Tracking Station!”

-Bob, on his way to watch the launch of DSV-5

Mission Command starts calling out rocket status summaries, until finally…

“Lights are green – DSV is go for launch!”
-Gene, at Mission Control

“Look at ‘er go!”

-Bob, at Mission Control

The Jool Heavy Rocket carries the spacecraft higher…

… and higher!

At a 200k orbit, the side stages eject, and Intrepid circularizes it’s orbit around Kerbin!

“Computers say we have a good orbit! Let’s remotely rendevous it with Spacedock and get a crew over there!”
-Gene

Intrepid is remotely piloted until it rendezvouses with Spacedock!

“Mission Control – this is Jeb at Spacedock Control – we have a visual on Intrepid!”
-Jeb

“Wow – I always forget how big these DSV’s are until you see them next to Spacedock!”

-Sean

While Mission Control can pilot the DSV’s remotely for the precision connections needed for docking pilots are always preferred – so Jeb EVA’s outside Spacedock and heads over to Intrepid!

“Mission Control, I have left Spacecdock and am en route to the DSV!”
-Jeb

Jeb sets his EVA rockets to “FULL SPEED DANGER!” and speeds toward the DSV!

“Radar shows you going 10 m/s, make sure you leave enough time to slow down!”
-Sean, on Spacedock

“Don’t worry, I’m a professional!”
-Jeb

Jeb slows down, just in time, and grabs the hand holds under the nose of DSV-5 Endeavor at the last second!

“Got it! Connection made, heading to the cockpit!”
-Jeb

“Eyes on the prize Jeb – let’s get this bird in the nest!”
-Gene

“Roger that.”
-Jeb

Jeb activates the RCS thrusters and matches speed with Spacedock, then orients the massive spacecraft with the docking ports!

“Starting final docking maneuvers…”
-Jeb

“Mission Control… Jeb here… I’m in the pipe, five by five…”
-Jeb

Intrepid slowly moves in to dock until finally, just as the sun sets…

“Intrepid – you show a solid lock – welcome back Jeb! I can’t wait to get over there and start up Intrepid‘s reactor!”
-Sean

Year 21, Day 139 (Life Support Delivery to Spacedock!)

sayburstuff Year 21 , , , ,

A Modular Payload Vehicle, carrying Life Support supplies for Spacedock, blasts off from the White Mesa Rocket Complex!

The first stage ejects, and returns to KSC, while the second stage continues on to orbit.

The spacecraft arrives at Spacedock…

… and docks!

“Oh good – new snacks!”

-Jeb

“The oxygen and water is nice too!”

-Sean

Year 21, Day 61 (DSV-4 Endeavor Crew Launches from White Mesa Facility!)

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Crew Vehicle 2 blasts off from White Mesa, carrying Jeb, Robart, and Kerlorf! Robart and Kerlorf will be joining Val as the crew for DSV-4 Discovery’s journey to Laythe! Jeb will be taking over as station commander at Spacedock!

The Crew Vehicle reaches it’s 200k apogee, and separates from the Nebula Rocket! The Nebula Rocket turns itself around and performs it’s burn toward KSC to be recovered!

Eventually, CV2 performs it’s final rendevous with Spacedock!

“There’s Endeavor – it’s huge!”
-Robart

The crew board Endeavor… and undock!

“Turning Endeavor to match direction of travel…. transit to Jool will be in 4 days!”
-Val

The Endeavor crew get ready for their journey!

Year 20, Day 283 (DSV-2 Discovery Crew Returns to Kerbin!)

sayburstuff Year 20 , , , , ,

Jeb, Bill, and Bob transfer over to Crew Vehicle 1 and prepare to head back to Kerbin!

“I’ve loaded up all the science we collected from Laythe – everyone’s going to be so excited to see it!”
-Bob

“We are clear of Spacedock… firing engine for return burn!”
-Jeb

Crew Vehicle 1 heats up as it rockets through Kerbin’s atmosphere, heading toward White Mesa!

Success! The Crew Vehicle is collected and scientists begin pouring over the absolute treasure trove of data collected from Laythe!