Kerbal Space Agency - An AAR

[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:

[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:

The rocket sitting on the launch pad


Looks like we'll be getting a Solar Eclipse during this launch.


First time I've seen one of these


Shortly after launch. Reminds me a bit of Majora's Mask(although I haven't played it)


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.


Here's the gravity turn for the second try.


Shortly before Re-entry


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.


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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.



Kermini I, ready to launch



The crew of Kermini I. Jebediah, Aldbart and Bob.



Gravity turn.


Shortly after the Jettison of the first stage.


Jettisoning the Escape tower.


We are now in a circular orbit.


Close up of the Kermini Service Module.


The Crew of the Kermini II. Neddin, Bill, and Barbin.


Due to timing the launch of Kermini II, this is it's location shortly after Circulization of it's orbit.


Coming in closer.


At this point, we cut off the main engine, and maneuver using RCS


Mission Control, we have contact! (Didn't realize how strong the docking ports were going to be).


Beautiful Sunrise


After enjoying a few *drinks* in space together, Kermini II undocks from Kermini 1 and prepares to de-orbit.


De-Orbit burn.


Night Re-entry(Turned off Deadly Re-entry heat for now)


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.


Ejection of the heat shield and simultaneous deployment of parachutes.




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.

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

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

[NeonSamurai]

Originally Posted by Spike88

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]

Originally Posted by NeonSamurai

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.