Kerbal Space Agency - An AAR

[Spike88]

With KSP .18 Officially out I've decided to do an AAR in KSP kind of retracing the steps of the space race and working my way into manned missions to Duna and beyond.

As I progress through certain milestones I'll do write ups and pictures.

First up....


Mission Kutnik-1:*
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot3-1.png
The Kutnik-1 and it's booster sit on the launchpad seconds before launch

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot4.png
Shortly after the side boosters are expelled(sorry I meant to get a picture of them, but I forgot)

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot5-1.png
The upper stage of the Rocket, 21 seconds before the burn to circularize the orbit(note that Sputnik and Kutnik do not have fully circular orbits, but I can't think of another word for bring up my Periapsis so that the probe doesn't go into the brink early)

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot7.png
A shot before the last power stage is ejected back into the atmosphere, I've fully extended the antennae

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot8.png
Ejection of the lower stage. Note the awesome spiral I have going on with the sepatrons

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot11.png
Final shot of Kutnik-1

I've set her orbit up so that she'll briefly dip into the atmosphere(at 65KM) which will slowly slow her down. As there is no Atmospheric decay above 70km(that I know of), this dipping into the orbit should in theory slow it down over time until it comes crashing back into Kerbin.


Next up, putting a Kerbal into space!


*I know Kutnik is a lame name, I just couldn't think of anything else.

[Cybermat47]

Nice! :salute::salute::salute::yeah::yeah::yeah::up::up: :up:

[Arclight]

*I know Kutnik is a lame name, I just couldn't think of anything else.
Jebediah Kerman Ultra Space Probe 3000 Unlimited, a.k.a. JKUSP-3kU

[Lionclaw]

With KSP .18 Officially out I've decided to do an AAR in KSP kind of retracing the steps of the space race and working my way into manned missions to Duna and beyond.


Next up, putting a Kerbal into space!


*I know Kutnik is a lame name, I just couldn't think of anything else.


Kotsov perhaps for the first manned mission? Vostok reversed. :D


I like the launcher you made for Kutnik, resembles the R-7 Semjorka. :yeah:


Some links for those who are interested. :)
http://www.astronautix.com/lvs/r7.htm

http://www.astronautix.com/fam/r7.htm

[Spike88]

-snip-Upon creating the R7-Semjorka, I realized that I would really like some sort of nosecone to put on the booster rockets to mimic the way they meet up with the main body.

In hindsight, Kostov would've been a great name to go with, but alas I derived from Earth history and started making up my own rocket names/designs.

I've come up with my own naming formula It will be KR-# Name #.
KR-# is the Kerbal Research number for the rocket. Examples are KR-1, KR-5,etc. I may use KP-# for unmanned prototype rockets. Space fitting, I may add MK# or M# to denote Minor versions of the same rocket. For example, if I need to change a small aspect of the rocket, and do not need to start with a fresh rocket.

Name is the name I assign to the rocket. I'm kind of partial to Greek/Roman God names, but I may kerbalize some of the names. In the case of long names, I may Abbreviate.

# will be the flight number for this kind of rocket. Will start with 1 and work it's way up.


Now back to the main show:

Mission Artemis 1
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot12.png
The KR-1 Artemis 1 sits on the launchpad and conducts a solar panel check before launch. Jebediah is thrilled to be the first Kerbal in space.
I was mostly testing to see if action groups worked correctly.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot13.png
And what's KSP without failures.

Let's try this again...
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot14.png
Ignition of engines

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot15.png
Full thrust

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot16.png
Kouston, we have lift-off.
The tab on the right is the Graphrotron mod. It takes all the data the new sensors give out, and puts it into a graph. So you can measure how different aspects change as time goes by.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot18.png
Ejecting the first stage

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot20.png
Gravity turn

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot22.png
Ejection of the second stage

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot23.png
Circularizing the orbit. Jebediah Kerman is now the first Kerbal in space.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot24.png
And due to a malfunction the third stage is ejected prematurely. The orbit hasn't had a chance to circularize, so Jeb is coming home early.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot26.png
Shortly after firing the separatrons to slow down, Jeb turns the space craft retrograde to increase drag for aerobraking. While he didn't get to orbit Kerbin this time, he's excited to go up again.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot28.png
Chute deployed

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot29.png

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot30.png
Welcome home Jebediah.

[Gargamel]

Did the boosters launch but not the main rocket in the failure? I love the kerbals facials expressions.

[Spike88]

Did the boosters launch but not the main rocket in the failure? I love the kerbals facials expressions.

The failure was actually because I had the staging set up incorrectly. The ship was set free from the launch pad before the engines had ignited. So they fell into the pad. If I had activated the engine stage fast enough, it could've been avoided, but I just changed it so the engines fire and then the pad lets go.

Although in one of the Kutnik preparation launches I set the boosters to decouple at the same time the launch stands let go, so the boosters flew straight into the main body of the rocket.

Mission Artemis 2:
I have updated the rocket to the KR-1B version. Has increased RCS thrusters to make gravity turn easier(and less likely to spin out of control).

I've also changed the naming conventions slightly. Instead of adding MK to the name, I'll donate minor variations in the rockets using the Alphabet. Starting with A and working through Z. If I ever get to the point where I need to go past Z(I highly doubt it), I'll start again at ZA and working my way through ZZ.

Anyways, onto Artemis 2.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot31.png
Nice shot of Mun coming over the horizon.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot34.png
Deploying the solar panels in orbit

Now that I'm in orbit, I'd like to do an EVA, however the sun is setting, so I'll continue to orbit Kerbin until sunrise.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot36.png
Sunrise!

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot37.png
First Kerbal to leave the confines of a Space ship(although he's the only Kerbal to be in a space ship, but who cares).

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot38.png
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxLacN2Dp6A

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot39.png
Trying to re-board the vessel, Jedediah is accidentally launched into space. But is able to return to the pod.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot40.png
Safe and sound, time to prepare for re-entry. However as the space center is hours away from Sun down, I continue to orbit the planet until sunrise.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot44.png
Punching in the de-orbit burn into the computer.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot45.png
Retracting solar panels for re-entry(although they're going to be lost when the pod detaches from the ship)

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot46.png
Initiating burn

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot47.png
...And running out of fuel early

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot48.png
Using the retro rockets on the pod to further slow down

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot50.png
After a smooth re-entry, we come down 34KM from the Space Center. A little far out, but at least we made it safely.

It wasn't until I jettisoned the last stage that I realized I forgot to get instrument readings from the Graphrotron. Ah well.

Next up on the Agenda:
Sending Probes to Mun, Minimus, Eve, and Duna.
Practicing Orbital Docking in Preperation for a manned mission to Mun.
Launching various satellites into the orbit of Kerbin.


I'm thinking of installing the GPS mod that let's you create a GPS system by naming your ships with the GPS prefix. I'm also thinking of installing the ISA mapping mod once it's updated to .18 and flying satellites around the planet to take pictures.

[RedMenace]

Hey Spike, how'd you get your antennas on your satellite that far up and still face backwards? I can only place them on the southern hemisphere of the sat and get them to face that way.

[Spike88]

Hey Spike, how'd you get your antennas on your satellite that far up and still face backwards? I can only place them on the southern hemisphere of the sat and get them to face that way.

If you hold shift while hitting the WASDQE keys, you can rotate your parts in increments.

[RedMenace]

If you hold shift while hitting the WASDQE keys, you can rotate your parts in increments.

Ah, thanks. I was wondering what "secret" controls the ship-builder has.

[Spike88]

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot54.png

After much Trials and tribulation, Probius 1 makes it into a Munar Orbit.

Probius 2 and 3 are scheduled to launch with Minimus and Eve targets.

[Spike88]

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot55.png
Probius 2 in an Orbit around Minimus. Shortly after transmitting this photo, the probe spontaneously combusted. We have no clue why(I accidentally hit End Flight).

[Spike88]

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot57.png

Probius 3 reaches it's orbit around Eve. The journey took 340-ish days(just under a year) and a lot of guess work. I could've probably cut the time in half had I realized the best way to work the flight planning system. As the satellite was pretty much on it's own propulsion around the time it encountered Eve, I had to Aerobrake.

After a burn to mostly circularize the orbit, the tanks were just about empty(could probably fine tune the orbit a tad more before running out, but what's the point?)

[AriesRCN]

awsome posts, i have barely managed to land a probe on the mun. Pressed the wrong button once and sent that lander nearly back into space.

never made it to eve yet

[Spike88]

Escape Tower Prototype -
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot59.png

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot60.png
A simple push of the abort button launches the capsule in the air away from the rocket.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot61.png
Deploying the chutes


Mission Kermini Prototype -
In preparation for a Munar landing, the Kerbols are going to practice docking in space. Kermini 1 is going to go into orbit first and Kermini 2 will try to rendezvous with it. First however, we have to work out the proper launch vehicle.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot63.png
KR-3A Kermini Prototype 1 sits on the launch pad seconds before launch.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot65.png

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot66.png
The ship ran out of fuel before completely circularizing it's orbit.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/Kerbal%20Space%20Agency/screenshot67.png
The drogue shoots slowing the ship down in the atmosphere.

While this mission did not succeed in Orbiting Kerbin, it's given us some insight into the alterations we can make to the rocket design to better meet our goal.

[Spike88]

Going to restart this AAR from where I left off. As my save is propbably incompatible with .19(specially since I threw in a lot of mods) I'm going to work my way back up the Kermini part without documenting it, and start documentation from that point on.

Edit: Here's a picture of the Kostov I's(Sputnik Analogue, name thanks to Lionclaw) launch vehicle returning to Kerbin:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot6-2.png

[Spike88]

Kerbin Atmospheric Test

With future manned missions planned, the scientists at the space center decide to send up a probe to measure heat values. While Jeb has already been up into space. The other astronauts are a bit weary of being blown to bits by the re-entry heat.

The XR-1 Re-Entry Probe was therefore drafted and launched:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot1-2.png
The rocket sitting on the launch pad

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot3-3.png
Looks like we'll be getting a Solar Eclipse during this launch.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot5-3.png
First time I've seen one of these

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot7-2.png
Shortly after launch. Reminds me a bit of Majora's Mask(although I haven't played it)

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot8-2.png
The first test turned out to be a failure. The second stage engine wasn't strong enough to get the probe into the upper atmosphere.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot9-1.png
Here's the gravity turn for the second try.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot12-1.png
Shortly before Re-entry

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot13-1.png
During Re-entry. The probe actually has a heat shield, but due to a manufacturing error, the decoupler that is supposed to separate the battery portion from the probe was welded to the heat shield.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot14-1.png
The probe has made it through the atmosphere. It only has minutes to live. R.I.P. Probe.

The scientist responsible for recording the data fell asleep. So sadly, we're going to have to launch another probe to capture the data.


I'm going to experiment with the Deadly Re-entry mod. I might throw it in if I like it. Will add a challenge to the missions.

[NeonSamurai]

If you are going to use space planes, you may want to mod a nose cone or something to act as a heat shield. I think the mod works by only heating the exposed leading edge, but not 100% sure.

[Spike88]

If you are going to use space planes, you may want to mod a nose cone or something to act as a heat shield. I think the mod works by only heating the exposed leading edge, but not 100% sure.

I've read that space planes tend to explode with Deadly Re-entry, but you can adjust the severity of the heat through a setting menu, maybe I'll turn down the heat for space planes. Just about to test the re-entry now.

Edit: Messing around with Deadly Re-entry mod before deciding to continue the AAR.

The next mission will be Gemini-esque. Getting two probes into orbit, and rendezvousing them.

[Spike88]

Kermini I & II
Mission Goal: To rendezvous two space craft in orbit, and successfully dock them together. Upon Success further missions will be launched to continue practice rendezvous in preparation for a Munar landing.


http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot0-2.png (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Tetsou88/media/screenshot0-2.png.html)
Kermini I, ready to launch


http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot2-3.png (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Tetsou88/media/screenshot2-3.png.html)
The crew of Kermini I. Jebediah, Aldbart and Bob.


http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot4-2.png (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Tetsou88/media/screenshot4-2.png.html)
Gravity turn.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot6-3.png (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Tetsou88/media/screenshot6-3.png.html)
Shortly after the Jettison of the first stage.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot11-1.png (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Tetsou88/media/screenshot11-1.png.html)
Jettisoning the Escape tower.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot16-1.png
We are now in a circular orbit.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot17-1.png
Close up of the Kermini Service Module.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot18-1.png
The Crew of the Kermini II. Neddin, Bill, and Barbin.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot20-1.png
Due to timing the launch of Kermini II, this is it's location shortly after Circulization of it's orbit.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot21-1.png
Coming in closer.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot22-1.png
At this point, we cut off the main engine, and maneuver using RCS

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot23-1.png
Mission Control, we have contact! (Didn't realize how strong the docking ports were going to be).

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot24-1.png
Beautiful Sunrise

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot25-1.png
After enjoying a few *drinks* in space together, Kermini II undocks from Kermini 1 and prepares to de-orbit.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot26-1.png
De-Orbit burn.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot27-1.png
Night Re-entry(Turned off Deadly Re-entry heat for now)

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot31-1.png
Kermini I does a couple more orbits until the sun rises over KSP. We want to de-orbit in the sunlight so the press can get some good pictures.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot32-1.png
Ejection of the heat shield and simultaneous deployment of parachutes.



http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a108/Tetsou88/screenshot33-1.png
Jeb posing for the headlines.

With this mission a complete success, I'm going to launch a couple more to practice rendezvousing. Ideally I'd like to make a copy of the Apollo mun landing with a separate lander. Further missions will also utilize the Angus(Agena) Unmanned Target Vehicle(AUTV) to practice rendezvousing with an object that doesn't have other Kerbals in it.

Note: This was my first Rendezvous in game. :woot:

*KSA doesn't not endorse drinking on the job.

Edit: Had to cut a shot due to the 20 image limit.

[NeonSamurai]

I've read that space planes tend to explode with Deadly Re-entry, but you can adjust the severity of the heat through a setting menu, maybe I'll turn down the heat for space planes. Just about to test the re-entry now.

Edit: Messing around with Deadly Re-entry mod before deciding to continue the AAR.

Ya they tend to blow up, mostly when ascending. Haven't encountered any menu for it in game, and there are no settings to edit out of game.

Plus after some testing I found that the mod heats any edge where the reentry effect is being generated

[Spike88]

Ya they tend to blow up, mostly when ascending. Haven't encountered any menu for it in game, and there are no settings to edit out of game.

Plus after some testing I found that the mod heats any edge where the reentry effect is being generated

Alt+D+R (order you hit the keys matters) brings up the menu. It just lets you change the numbers it uses to heat by.

[Spike88]

R&D has reported that we will have plant-able flags in the near future. So the mission to Mun will be held off until then.