Sarnus Rocket

Year 2, Day 302 (KSS Auxillary Science Lab Launched)

sayburstuff Year 2 , , , ,

screenshot485.pngThe KSS Auxillary Science Lab is launched!   These frequent KSS missions using the Sarnus Rocket hardware is getting our scientists and engineers very familiar with them – should be useful when the Aurora Program uses them to visit Mun!screenshot487

The launch has some serious problems once in orbit.  The very top heavy module proves very difficult to control!  From the ground, Val does her best to help.

“This thing steers terribly!  I’ll do my best to save it – no promises though!”
-Val

Once Val is able to successfully navigate a rendevous, Jeb EVAs over to the module…and hops inside!

“I’ve got it from here, Val!”
-Jeb

screenshot493.pngJeb pilots the unwieldy module closer and closer to the station…

screenshot495.png

Success!  The new module docks with the KSS.

“Just need to move this Escape Vehicle over to the habitat section of the station!”
-Jebape vehicle over to the habitat section…”
-Jeb

screenshot496.png

“There we go!  Station looks great!”
-Jeb

screenshot498.png

Year 2, Day 164

sayburstuff Year 2 , ,

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!