Docking Core Announced)

January 9, 2017January 10, 2017 sayburstuff Year 2 Kerbin Space Station

The next schedule addition to the KSS is the Command/Power/Docking Core – designed to be the new “center” of the station. The Command Core will provide lots of opportunities for future expansions, as well as a massive power core and solar array. The docking segment is offset “below” the station, to allow easier and safer approaches to the station.

The Command Core, as it is more commonly referred to, will be the largest object ever launched into orbit! Once in place two smaller add-ons are planned (but not yet designed) – a cargo module for spare parts and life support supplies as well as a new science expansion!

The Command Core also has several lights to help make the station more visible to approaching craft (as well as looking more awesome!)

Year 2, Day 204 (Station Service Vehicle Announced)

January 9, 2017January 9, 2017 sayburstuff Year 2 Aurora Program, Blueprints, Kerbin Space Station

To conduct ongoing research at the Kerbin Space Station, regular deliveries of science vehicles will be needed. KSEA scientists and engineers have been working on two designs – one, a re-usable space plane, the other a more standard cargo pod based off the Aurora Program’s design.

After hours and hours and hours and hours of simulation, the Space Plane plan is thrown in the trash bin… the much simpler Aurora Program-derived vehicle is given the green light! Using the most recent version of the Discovery Rocket, the Discovery 5, the SSV is launched into orbit, and can carry a small payload to the KSS, and return the payload back to the surface.

In addition to ferrying science experiments, this should also provide a simple means of delivering food and other important supplies!

Year 2, Day 169 (Aurora 2 Launch)

January 4, 2017 sayburstuff Year 2 Aurora Crew Vehicle, Aurora Program, Jeb, Kerbin Space Station, Samner

Aurora 2 launches from Cape Kerman! The re-designed Aurora Crew Vehicle is carried into low orbit, Jeb and rookie scientist Samner are both looking forward to spending some time in space! screenshot391

While Samner will be working on any number of interesting science experiments, Jeb is there solely to assist with the construction of the station. A good pilot is needed to guide some of the Modules into place!

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“Almost there…. ”
-Jeb

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“Almost… ”
-Jeb

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“Got it!”
-Jeb

Aurora 2 docks with the Kerbin Space Station! Now the combined crews just wait for the Science Module to launch!

Year 2, Day 164

January 2, 2017January 2, 2017 sayburstuff Year 2 Aurora Program, Kerbin Space Station, Sarnus Rocket

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

January 1, 2017January 3, 2017 sayburstuff Year 2 Glenica, Kerbin Space Station, Kimmy, Orlas

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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)

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

screenshot371 Orlas 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

January 1, 2017 sayburstuff Year 2 Kerbin Space Station

Upgrades for the design of the Cupola Module’s launcher are complete, and construction starts right away! The new design features a larger probe core and a much larger energy reserve!

Year 2, Day 145

January 1, 2017January 3, 2017 sayburstuff Year 2 Kerbin Space Station, Problems

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

January 1, 2017January 1, 2017 sayburstuff Year 2 Kerbin Space Station

ksscupola Scientists 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)

December 31, 2016December 31, 2016 sayburstuff Year 2 Aurora 1, Aurora Crew Vehicle, Aurora Program, Glenica, Kerbin Space Station, Kimmy, Orlas

Aurora 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 110 (Spacelab 2 Launches!)

December 30, 2016December 31, 2016 sayburstuff Year 2 Discovery 3, Jebediah, Kerbin Space Station, Orlas, Spacelab 2

Jebediah 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.

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

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