Lobert

Year 23, Day 419 (Seeker 1 Investigates Satellite Anomaly!)

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Clean-up crews have the situation at the Space Center under control! In orbit, the Seeker-1 crew gets the all clear from Mission Control!

“Let’s get you underway – good luck Seeker 1!“
-Gene, at Mission Control

Seeker 1 Mission Summary

  • Crew: Mission Commander Malcolm, Mission Scientist Gilian, Mission Engineer, Lobert .
  • Mission: Investigate unknown object in Kerbin orbit thought to be pre-Kerbal States satellite. If possible repair, then return to Kerbin!

“OK everyone, let’s get out there and see what that strange reading is!”
-Malcolm

“All systems are go – we’re ready!”
-Gillian

“Confirmed – I’ve got your repair kits packed too Gillian! Wow I can’t wait to discover something out here! “
-Lobert

Seeker 1 fires its engines, and drifts away – moving closer and closer to the anomaly!

“We are closing on the reading… orienting craft … firing reverse thrusters. We should be pretty close if the math was right!”
-Malcolm

“Everybody secure? Disconnecting docking clamps!”
-Val

Lobert climbs up and takes a look out the crew cabin window…

“Wow – there it is! We look about 200 meters from it. Nice flying! What a strange design though…”
-Lobert

“No surprise it’s strange! Before KSEA was founded… before the Kerbal States… we were just launching all kinds of crazy stuff into space! I’ve heard rumors of all kinds of stuff launched into space!.”
-Gillian

“We are at station keeping… zero relative velocity. You’re good to get out there Gillian – good luck!
-Malcolm

Gillian suits up, grabs a repair kit, and heads outside the craft!

Gillian lets go of the Crew Vehicle and uses very slight burst of her EVA pack to get closer, and closer the to strange satellite!

“Hmm.. I wonder if this satellite was originally planned to launch to Mun? There’s some water sensors on it… this is the strangest configuration of struts I’ve ever seen! Hmm – no means of propulsion. Maybe it exploded? No obvious damage other wise… I’ll have to do a part by part inspection!”
-Gillian

Gillian floats about the probe, checking each component, until…

“Found it! The communications dish. This will be a while!”
-Gillian

After quite a while, repairs are done!

“Seeker 1 – we are picking up a signal from that satellite! Nice work up there!“
-Gene, at Mission Control

“That’s great! Time to get back to the Crew Vehicle – this was tough work! This would have been easier if we had a ladder or something I could climb out on to do the repairs!
-Gillian

Lobert thinks about Gillian’s comment…

“That shouldn’t be too hard – maybe we can try that in the next Crew Vehicle we make! I’ll start drawing up some plans on the way home…”
-Lobert

With the mission completed, Malcolm fires the engine to take Seeker 1 home!

“Telemetry looks good – let’s get into orbit then head down to Kerbin!”
-Malcolm

Gillian packs up the Crew Vehicle along with Lobert, getting the spacecraft ready for re-entry!

After reaching orbit, Seeker 1 does its de-orbit burn, and separates from its orbital stage!

“Hold on everyone… it’s getting hot!”
-Malcolm

“Readings nominal… temperatures… hot! But within limits!”
-Gillian

“Reactor powering up … radiators are showing full dispersion… full power available!”
-Rozer

“We are in the clear – pull the chutes! Sounds like rain out there!”
-Malcolm

It’s a rainy day at the Space Center – but crews are still on standby to rescue the Seeker-1 crew!

Seeker-1 sets down safely! Crews head out to recover them!

“Welcome home everyone!“
-Gene, at Mission Control

Year 23, Day 415 (Seeker-1 Crew Launches Crew Vehicle to Investigate Mysterious Satellite!)

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For the past month, Space Center Tracking Stations have been detecting an unknown signal in Kerbin orbit! Engineers have a strong suspicion that it is one of the many spacecrafts or satellites that were launched before KSEA was created by the Kerbal States!

While not technically an Aurora mission (those are missions specifically for Mun and Minmus) the mission still needed a name, and Seeker was chosen!

Seeker-1 will utilize Aurora and Crew Vehicle hardware to discover whatever it is that’s in orbit of Kerbin! Malcolm, Gillian, and Lobert get ready for launch!

“There’s only one way to be sure what’s up there – we’ll have to send a crew! This should be a good test of the new Mk3 Crew Vehicle!”
-Gene, at Mission Control

“I’ve got lots of repair kits packed up! Snacks too!”
-Gillian

“Hold on everyone… launch in 3…2…1!”
-Malcolm

“Systems looking good… we are approaching maximum dynamic pressure on the spacecraft… “
-Malcolm

The solid rocket boosters detach…

…and once orbit is achieved the Crew Vehicle detaches!

“Mission Control has good comms with the N-8 booster… sending the landing signal now!”
-Gene, at Mission Control

While the Seeker-1 crew prepares for a mission to the mysterious satellite, the N-8 Booster starts it’s descent!

“Uh oh. Telemetry is off. Emergency everyone! Hold on tight!”
-Gene, at Mission Control

Everyone in the Space Center gets to emergency positions – the booster’s trajectory is off and it’s heading right toward the VAB!

There isn’t enough thrust to slow the craft down! The VAB shakes violently as the booster rockets overhead, just meters away from the Vehicle Assembly Building!

With a mighty explosion, the Nebula III Booster N-8 detonates right next to the path used to move vehicles to the launchpad! Bits of the rocket go flying in every direction!

“Status report people! Get damage control and repair crews out there! Seeker 1 are you stable? Can you standby?”
-Gene, at Mission Control

“Everything on Seeker 1 is nominal – we are good waiting – break out the snacks everyone!”
-Malcolm

As the final bits and parts of the N-8 Booster roll to a stop, teams are dispatched to check out the damage, and pick up the mess!

Year 23, Day 402 (Resupply Mission to Aurora Base on Mun!)

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Oxygen reserves and snacks at Aurora Base on Mun are running low!

“I think we have about a month left of supplies – hopefully there is a rocket ready to deliver something soon!”
-Dunwin

Aurora Base (Mun) Mission Summary

  • Crew: Mission Commander: Orlas. Science Team: Orlas and Luly. Engineering Team: Dunwin, Bill.
  • Mission: Prototype off-world research habitat. Designed to train KSEA crews, test KSEA equipment and procedures for future bases and some day colonies.

Thankfully – there is! With the construction of the Neidon III rockets and their very fast turnaround, multiple Sarnus-class payload capable rockets are ready. The Mobile Resupply Vehicle that was developed (and sat in storage) until now is loaded onto N-4!

“Don’t worry everyone – we’ve been preparing for this and have a rocket on standby!”
-Gene, enjoying a refreshing beverage at Mission Control!

Later in the day, N-4 blasts off from the launch pad!

The re-usable Neidon rockets with their upgraded landing systems are anticipated to overtake the Sarnus-V rocket as record holder for “most launched!” They regularly break records for re-usability!

N-4 continues to rise, reaching an apoapsis of 100k – then continuing on to a near circular orbit!

The protective fairing detaches…

… and the Mobile Resupply Vehicle detaches!

“OK – let’s land that rocket!”
-Gene

N-4 streaks through the atmosphere!

Ground telescopes capture the re-entry heading toward the space center!

Finally the rocket slows down just above the landing site, and slowly descends!

“A little too close to the space center! Landed in one peice though – that’s good!”
-Lobert, watching the landing from the VAB roof!

In orbit, the Munar transfer stage shows full power and communications…

… the engines fire!

“Hold on Aurora Base – your resupply is on the way!”
-Gene

Year 23, Day 344 (Aurora 29 Returns Home From Mun!)

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Orbiting Mun, Aurora 29 Crew Vehicle and its VINCENT lander undock!

“Docking clamps show clear… reverse thrusters firing!”
-Summer

Aurora 29 drifts away from its lander!  Once they are a few hundred meters away Summer begins plotting the return course to Kerbin!

Aurora 29 Mission Summary

  • Crew: Mission Commander Summer, Mission Scientist Gilian, Mission Engineer, Lobert .
  • Mission: Crewed mission to Mun. Land near Polar Mun Crater on Mun, perform scan with large scanning arm, return data to Kerbin.

“We are clear of the lander!  Course input to the computer – Gilian can you verify that? Should be a 100km approach before circ…”
-Summer

Gilian, the mission Science Specialist, double checks Summer’s planned maneuver!

“Calculations look good!  Looks like a close approach at 100km – fuel levels are good to circularize the orbit!”
-Gillian

Lobert thinks about the conversation he just heard, and asks a question!

“Wouldn’t it save fuel and time to just calculate the re-entry so we approach directly into the atmosphere, and skip the circularization burn?”
-Lobert

Summer nods and shows Lobert how the math works for that!  After a few minutes…

“See? It takes a long time, and it’s really complicated!  Fuel is cheap so we usually don’t bother with it!”
-Summer

“That makes sense! I suppose that it’s a little safer too since we can can maneuver to Spacedock if needed too!”
-Lobert

As the spacecraft approaches Kerbin the crew prepares for the circularization burn!

At an altitude of 100km Aurora 29’s engine fires!

“Engine burn is good. Temperatures nominal!”
-Lobert

“Burn complete! Orbit looks good – Mission Control we have arrived in Kerbin Orbit – verify you are good for craft re-entry?”
-Summer

“We have you on radar! Ground crews are standing by for recovery – you are good for landing!”
-Gene at Mission Control

Summer fires the engines again, and then detaches the CRV’s command module!

“Hold on!  It gets a little bumpy from here!”
-Gillian

Ground telescopes track Aurora 29’s re-entry – it looks like a big ball of fire and plasma! The engine and fuel module of the CRV can be seen burning up in the atmosphere as well!

After the firey re-entry, the parachutes deploy from the CRV!

“Almost home!  All we have to do now is wait until we touch down!”
-Summer

After the firey re-entry, the parachutes deploy from the CRV!

“Hey I can see the VAB out the window!  What a great ride!”
-Lobert

The CRV sets down just west of the Space Center!

“Welcome home Aurora 29!  Recovery crews are the way!”
–Gene at Mission Control

Year 23, Day 340 (Aurora 29 Lander Departs Mun Surface!)

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On the surface of Mun, Summer and Lobert are nearly done with their scientific research! Their mission has lasted almost 10 days – nowhere near any records but for Lobert’s first mission – a pretty long time!

“I still can’t believe I got to go to Mun! It’s a shame we have to go back to Kerbin so soon!”
-Lobert

“Don’t worry – there is always another mission! Maybe you’ll be selected for one of the Deep Space missions to Jool or Sarnus! “
-Summer

Aurora 29 Mission Summary

  • Crew: Mission Commander Summer, Mission Scientist Gilian, Mission Engineer, Lobert .
  • Mission: Crewed mission to Mun. Land near Polar Mun Crater on Mun, perform scan with large scanning arm, return data to Kerbin.

After everything is prepared, the new VINCENT lander blasts off!

“Rocket firing – we have good readings on sensors… telemetry is nominal… “
-Summer

Lobert notices something amazing as the lander blasts off – the view out his window!

“Ooo!  Look look!”
-Lobert

As the VINCENT lander rises from the surface, Kerbin starts rising above the Munar horizon! Lobert quickly snaps a photo!

Both Kerbals are quiet as they take in the impressive sight – their home, Kerbin, rising in the sky above the magnificent desolation of Mun’s surface…

“Oh! That is beautiful! Sometimes my eyes are so fixed on the instruments I forget to look out the window! ”
-Summer

“Space is awesome!“
-Lobert

“Yea… it sure is!”
-Summer

After capturing some breathtaking shots of Kerbin rising over the horizon, Summer circularizes lander’s orbit, matches planes with the Aurora 29 Crew Vehicle, and plots an intercept course to rendezvouses!

Gilian has been keeping busy taking scientific readings and also eating snacks and playing solitare!

“Aurora Lander this is Gillian – read you loud and clear – instruments look like you are on a good approach! It’ll be nice to have some company over here too!”
-Gillian

The two spacecraft move closer and closer, until…

“OK – starting final docking maneuver. Approach nominal. Angle nominal. We are in the pipe, five by five… ”
-Summer

Connection! Everyone moves over to the Crew Vehicle, and prepares for the return trip to Kerbin!

“I show a good connection – we should be good to start moving over all the boxes of science!“
-Lobert

Year 23, Day 329 (Lobert and Summer Land on Mun!)

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“We are clear of the CRV and running on our own power. Starting descent burn to Mun surface! .. “
-Summer

Aurora 29 Mission Summary

  • Crew: Mission Commander Summer, Mission Scientist Gilian, Mission Engineer, Lobert .
  • Mission: Crewed mission to Mun. Land near Polar Mun Crater on Mun, perform scan with large scanning arm, return data to Kerbin.

Summer fires the Aerospike engine, and the lander begins its descent to the polar region of Mun!

“Systems look good! The surface is getting closer – I think that’s good too!”
-Lobert

The lander continues its descent – heading closer and closer to Mun’s craggy surface!

“Alright… firing last landing burn… Lobert, check the new landing gear – they should be extending! “
-Summer

“Yep! They’re extending! I hope the new auto-level system works on that landing gear… the surface looks… pretty hilly!
-Lobert

The lander is mere meters from the surface!

“Almost there… touchdown! “
-Summer

“We’re here! We set down on the surface of Mun! Oh wow! Let’s get our space suits on!”
-Lobert

“That’s the right attitude!  Let’s take it step by step though!  Space is exciting but it’s also extremely dangerous – that’s what procedures are for!“
-Summer

Summer and Lobert go through the landing checklist – shutting down the engine, locking RCS system, making sure all their space suits are on snug, extend the landing ladder, activate communication systems, open side supply hatches, and finally ejecting the Rover using the RCS Skycrane!

Finally, they are ready to leave the lander! until they are finally ready, and climb down the ladder! Summer goes first, then Lobert!

“I feel so light! Oh my… there’s just … nothing but miles and miles of desolation! It’s incredible!”
-Lobert

Immediately after the landing, the RCS Skycrane used to deploy the Rover fired, taking the vehicle up and away, landing nearby the Lander! Summer and Lobert discuss the plan: go to the lander, make sure it’s safe, then head out to look for the crater they need to study!

Lobert and Summer hike over to the rover!

“Looks in good shape – I read these deployments have a small chance to deploy the rover upside down, thankfully we should be good!”
-Lobert

The two Kerbals climb into the rover, and head off!

“Tight squeeze coming up – arms inside!”
-Summer

After driving (and dodging Mun rocks) Lobert spots a likely candidate, and Summer drives up to inspect it!

“Hmmm – this looks like what we’re searching for. Let’s deploy the arm and do a scan!
-Lobert

The scanner arm deploys and begins an analysis!

“Eh, I’m not a scientist… but it looks like we have a full scan! Let’s get this back to Kerbin!
-Lobert

After stowing the scanner arm, the two Kerbals drive back to the lander!

“Let’s get this science stowed – we need a nap too before we do more science too!”
-Summer

The Kerbals climb inside the lander, and get into their space hammocks for a Mun-Nap!

Year 23, Day 328 (Aurora 29 Arrives at Mun – and Lobert Gets a Surprise!)

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After just a day in space, Aurora 29 enters Mun’s gravitational sphere of influence!

Aurora 29 Mission Summary

  • Crew: Mission Commander Summer, Mission Scientist Gilian, Mission Engineer, Lobert .
  • Mission: Crewed mission to Mun. Land near Polar Mun Crater on Mun, perform scan with large scanning arm, return data to Kerbin.

“Oh wow! Mun looks so big!”
-Lobert

“It’s about to get a whole lot bigger!”
-Summer

This generation of Aurora Spacecraft perform a docking and transposition maneuver to utilize thrust from the Crew Vehicle to enter Mun orbit!

“Disengaging launch clamps with the lander..commencing rotation… “
-Summer

“We are clear! Rotation looks on target!”
-Lobert

The Crew Vehicle docks with the lander!

The Munar Transfer stage, having done its job, detaches, and just the Crew Vehicle and the Lander head toward Mun!

“Orbital insertion complete… we are in a stable orbit!”
-Summer

“Orbital insertion complete… we are in a stable orbit!”
-Summer

Now it’s time to head down to Mun! The mission plan had Gilian and Summer heading down to the surface, but Gilian has a surprise!

“Summer – what would you think about Lobert heading down in my place, really make this a memorable first mission?”
-Gilian

“Great idea! What do you think Lobert? You ready to explore Mun??”
-Summer

“Wow! Yea! Can I try on my space suit and give it a try on a spacewalk first!??!?“
-Lobert

“Go for it! We’ll both have to do one to get over to the lander anyway!”
-Summer

Lobert suits up, and heads outside the ship!

“Guys…. Space is awesome! I can’t wait to get down to Mun!“
-Lobert

After just another day Lobert and Summer will head down to Mun!

Year 23, Day 326 (Aurora 29 Departs for Mun!)

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“Starting burn to Mun… Now!”
-Summer

The Munar Transfer Stage fires, accelerating the crew toward Mun!

“Burn complete – looks like we’re on course. Nice work! !“
-Gilian

Aurora 29 Mission Summary

  • Crew: Mission Commander Summer, Mission Scientist Gilian, Mission Engineer, Lobert .
  • Mission: Crewed mission to Mun. Land near Polar Mun Crater on Mun, perform scan with large scanning arm, return data to Kerbin.

Year 23, Day 325 (Aurora 29 Launches for Mun!)

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It’s going to be a dawn launch for Aurora 29!  Gene is supervising the final launch checks, listening to each department give a “Go!”

Aurora 29 Mission Summary

  • Crew: Mission Commander Summer, Mission Scientist Gilian, Mission Engineer, Lobert .
  • Mission: Crewed mission to Mun. Land near Polar Mun Crater on Mun, perform scan with large scanning arm, return data to Kerbin.

“Alright people that’s a go for launch countdown!“
-Gene, at Mission Control

The Torodial Aerospike engine fires, then the Jool-Rocket derived Solids Rockets fire! Blast Off!

Aurora 29 lifts of the launchpad, lighting up the Space Center!

“We have liftoff!  Hold on everybody! “
-Summer

Rookie engineer Lobert is all smiles, excitedly waving his arms as the rocket blasts off!

“Oh boy! Oh boy!  We’re going to space! I can’t believe it!”
-Lobert

Looking out the window, Lobert takes in the amazing view!

“Wow – incredible!  I can almost see the pyramids from here!”
-Lobert

Aurora 29 rockets into the sky, breaking past the cloud layer and officially entering “Space!”

“Hold on Lobert – the solids are about to eject, might be a little bumpy!”
-Gilian

“Solid eject good, clean sep.  Aerospike status nominal.”
-Summer

Aurora 2 continues its ascent, climbing above the atmosphere!

“We are good to eject the fairing – atmosphere reading  is good!”
-Lobert

The fairing ejects, and Aurora 29 continues climbing to orbital altitude!

After circularizing orbit, the Neidon rocket separates from the Aurora 29 Crew Module, Lander, and Munar Transfer stage!

“N-4 is clear – looks like good communication with the ground as well – confirm Mission Control?“
-Summer

“Roger that – Mission Control has a solid connection .  Once we get this rocket landed we’ll get our crew underway to Mun!”
-Gene

Year 23, Day 316 (Aurora 29 Begins Final System Checks!)

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Ground crews around the Space Center begin final preparations for the launch of Aurora 29!

Among the changes:

  • Simulations showed that the Sarnus solid rocket boosters were insufficient for carrying the Aurora 29 paylod (due to the heavier Munar transfer stage.)  Heavier Jool Rocket boosters will be attached instead, with a few segments removed!
  • Multiple simulations and calculations have been done on the new Vincent Lander.  These have shown that the existing landing gear are insufficient for the craft’s high mass. A new landing gear system has been installed that should allievealleviate this issue for both Mun and Duna.  The margins to fit within a standard DSV bay remain very tight however.

Due to a small clerical error Edan, who was scheduled to be the engineer on the mission, has been replaced with new recruit Lobert, on his very first mission!  (Edan it seems is in cryogenic sleep on board the DSV Explorer, currently en-route to Sarnus!)

“I could have sworn I saw Edan around the water cooler last week… well, Lobert you’re up.  This is one heck of a first mission!
-Gene, at Misson Control

Lobert has been seen jumping and looking very excited for the mission!  Only a few lucky Kerbals get to be selected for the Space Program!

“I can’t wait!  I’m going to practice in the simulator room non-stop until launch!”
-Lobert