Search the Community

It began, like so many others: A small solid rocket booster, attached to a command pod, a parachute, and some science gear. But we are moving past that, because that's how every space program starts. We are moving on to something else, something... different. Chapter 1: Who said that we can't have rocket planes? "I don't think this will work. I mean, it's so off balance! How can you have a rocket engine on such a small plane!" The engineers pleaded with the design team on a cold morning. "Well, if we don't try it, we won't know if it works or not. It's better to try and have a chance at success than not trying at all", one of the designers, Kroslev, said to the skeptical team. "Ok, we'll give it a go, but if this doesn't work then I'm not being held accountable for it" the lead engineer said. Approximately 7 hours later, the small craft was ready. "This is Kami Kerman, requesting takeoff for test flight, over" "Tower to Kami. You are clear to takeoff. We wish you luck, over" "Roger that, Kami out" As Kami began to touch different buttons, turn dials, and so on, she said a prayer. And then she flicked the 'FIRE ENGINE' switch https://photos.app.goo.gl/R2UNf5YfwMqUM3s48 A massive kick rocked the small plane, giving Kami a jolt. If it were not for the safety harness that she was contained in, she could of been easily thrown out of the cockpit by the force. She flew higher and higher, faster and faster, until the fuel was empty and the engine stopped. https://photos.app.goo.gl/YJDwMBdPsrDyY3FP9 Now she just needed to land it. In flight, the Dotso-1 was incredibly stable and responded easily to the controls. But without thrust and with the center of mass changed as a result of all fuel being used up, it was incredibly nose heavy. https://photos.app.goo.gl/tu8UjcdCFyVPYXWU7 It appeared that she would hit the ground hard, but could relax as she heard the sound of parachutes deploying. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Wh1rztdyHGRxhgsx8 After landing, and taking some readings and doing experiments, she made her way out of the Dotso-1, proceeded to plant a flag, and was promptly transported back to the KSC https://photos.app.goo.gl/pMVVjrvSkFBauXD26 She never looked so thrilled and excited in her life. No doubt that this first flight would serve as a basis to develop bigger, better, and faster things.