Talverd
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Posts posted by Talverd
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STS - 61-D, August 18th - August 29th, 1984
Power TowerSkylab 11:
Expanding Skylab's power output has always been a priority of NASDA. Ever since it's near-disastrous launch in '73 the station has been operating minus one solar panel, a configuration that has severely hampered any plans for future expansion. The solution for this roadblock is the "Power Tower," a large module chock-full of batteries and topped with two massive solar panels. The added power generation will make it possible for the addition of more scientific modules, meeting NASDA's original goals for Skylab expansion. In order to actually assemble the tower, MMUs will be used due to the awkward location of its attachment point on top of the SDA. While this has been called risky by some, the Arcarm simply does not have the range to safely extract the tower and berth it.
Crew:
Commander: Gus Kerman
Pilot: Trabas Kerman
Mission Specialist: Conrad Kerman
Mission Specialist: Walter Kerman
Mission Specialist: Colby Kerman
Mission Specialist: Layne Kerman
Orbiter: OV-103 "Intrepid"
"Liftoff of Space Shuttle Intrepid! Expanding Skylab and our horizons."
"Houston - Intrepid, roll program."
"Intrepid - Houston, nominal SRB separation. You're looking good and are right on the money." "Roger Houston."
OMS -2 & Skylab rendezvous burn (OMS - 1 not photographed)
Intrepid returns to Skylab once again
Shortly after arrival the EVA team suits up and begins preparations for the EVA. This will be the first 3 Kerbal EVA on the Space Shuttle Program.
First up is Walter Kerman who climbs into one of the MMUs with a docking probe.
Layne Kerman follows after, hopping into the backup MMU. He quickly detaches from the payload bay and begins his way up to the two ATM panels.
After some finicking, the two ATM panels are successfully stowed. Layne returns to the payload bay.
Meanwhile, Colby is heading to dock with the power tower for extraction.
Successfully extracted. Walter will dock with the other side and the pair will begin moving it up towards the SDA.
Darkness soon falls on them but the pair decide to push on after briefly arguing with mission control.
After a few orbits, Layne oversees the solar arrays extension. (Unfortunately I don't have an image of successfully berthing the power tower due to computer issues.)
Successful rollout of both solar arrays, Skylab is now ready for expansion!
Photo of Mission Specialist Gus Kerman, taken by Colby Kerman.
The crew spend the next several days getting the kinks of the system and cataloging items in the on-going long duration exposure experiment.
A second EVA is planned to leave a micrometeorite detector on top of the ATM.
Walter Kerman to emerge from Skylab's airlock shortly.
Walter would have to abort this EVA before being able to visually inspect the station for damage due to expected loss of suit pressure below his waist. No further EVAs were to be conducted until a reason could be determined on the ground.
Finally, it's time for Interpid and her crew to return to Earth.
Undocked.
STS-61-D concluded, welcome home Intrepid!
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Hey all, my KSP is bugging out whenever I try to land the shuttle. If I cant fix it, Im going to upload a half post tonight and the rest tomorrow when I fix the issue.
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I am back. Mission post will be up tonight.
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Hey all, bit of an update here. I'm taking a vacation from CD until the 18th, STS-61-D should be up then. In the mean time, have a tidbit of lore about the upcoming Akermian flag change.
Wall of text so I'll spoiler it
Spoiler
National Flag of the United States of Akermia (1984 - 2003)
In 1965, the United States saw the implementation of the Commonwealth system. Another layer of government was added on top of the states, grouping them together through regional and cultural similarities. Though this was intended to lighten the load on the federal government, it most cases it did quite the opposite. Things like elections, economies and state borders were all things that were affected or called into question by the introduction of this new system. Some states even protested the change, refusing to acknowledge the commonwealths as they believed them to infringe upon their status as states.
Overall the system was a very mixed bag. It was beneficial to some regions of the U.S., like the mid-Atlantic states but a detriment to others like the southwest. Regardless of its shortcomings, it was propped up by congress and limped along for over 19 years. As the years dragged on, so did opposition to the system. In 1984, it finally came to a head and a nation wide referendum on the continuation of the commonwealths was held alongside the presidential election. As the votes were tallied, it became clear the experiment would not survive. With over 92 million votes counted, 66.9% of Akermians voted in favor of repealing the Commonwealth Act of 1965.
One of the big things to come out of the reorganization of the country was the change in design of Old Glory. The stars were reduced from 28 to 15 as the commonwealths took the place of the states. With them gone, the flag would need to be changed once again. The flag would not return to its pre-commonwealth 28 star design as several new states joined the union during that 19 year period. Instead it would have 37 stars. 32 stars in the circles representing the contiguous 32 states, 4 in the corners representing the 4 non-contiguous states and a single star in the center for the federal government.
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STS - 61-C, July 4th - July 11th, 1984
Military BusinessDCSC-II:
In order to further fulfill NASDA's obligations to the Department of War, STS-61-C will launch a pair of classified USAF/DOW communication satellites. The pair are a part of the Defense Communication Satellite Constellation - II, otherwise known as DCSC-II. This family of commsats seeks to improve Akermian military communication across the globe and are very advanced, lending to their classified nature. As this is a military mission, it again necessitates the presence of two USAF payload specialists. This flight also marks the last space flight of Munbro Kerman, a veteran of the Minerva, Athena and Shuttle programs. His contributions to each program undeniable, the agency wishes him a bright future in retirement.
The debate about a potential dedicated USAF orbiter has seen increased interest lately, especially around the launch of STS-61-C. Even some in NASDA are supporting the Air Force's bid to acquire a shuttle, viewing it as the preferable option to the USAF using the more civilian orientated orbiters for military purposes. While president Dortmund has stated he has no intention of allowing the USAF to fly an independent shuttle, it may not matter. 1984 is an election year and with election day fast approaching, it's looking to be a blowout for conservative-militarist challenger Wilson Kerman. Wilson has stated his support for the military calling for more funds to be allocated for the expansion of each branch. While he has not explicitly said anything about the orbiter, it is believed this will be included in the Air Force's budget expansion if he were to win.
Crew:
Commander: Stevens Kerman
Pilot: Poole Kerman
Mission Specialist: Munbro Kerman
USAF Payload Specialist: Cooper Kerman
USAF Payload Specialist: Carter Kerman
Orbiter: OV-101 "Freedom"
Freedom - Ready for launch!
"Roll program!"
OMS-1
OMS-2
Freedom on-orbit. Crew will wait an orbit before opening up the payload bay.
One orbit later, doors are opened.
2 orbits pass before the satellite train is deployed.
"Freedom, go for tilt-table rotation." "Roger Houston, go for tilt-table rotation."
"Houston, there's an issue here.. uh.. we've got no movement from the tilt-table, doesn't appear to be responding to inputs." "...Roger. Give us a moment, we'll get back to you."
"Freedom - Houston, we're getting strange readings from the left actuator motor in the ASE... We can't do anything down here about it but flight says EVA-1 could be moved up to tomorrow for inspection and possible repairs."
"Rog."
As time drags on, USAF Payload Spec. Carter & Cooper don their suits and prepare for EVA.
Cooper Kerman expected to emerge shortly.
Cooper steps out into the vacuum of space.
Cooper makes his way to the faulty ASE.
Cooper is joined by Carter
The pair photographed by MS Munbro
The two spend the next several orbits working on fixing the issue.
Even working throughout the dark.
Carter Kerman taking a short break to inspect the satellites.
Cooper heading back to retrieve a tool left in the airlock. The pair were able to find the issue and are working on fixing it. A small hydraulic line had come loose and was leaking. Due to the location of the leak, it is luckily able to be fixed on-orbit.
Carter saying hi to Poole.
Eventually, after hours of strenuous work the issue is fixed and the IUS is able to be rotated. The pair return inside and the IUS is prepared for departure.
"All right, second times a charm.."
"Alright Houston, nominal rotation to 51.1 degrees. Lookin' good to cut it loose."
"Good sep."
The pair of DCSC-II satellites and their IUS.
IUS ignition
DCSC-II Satellite
Freedom's mission is now complete. It will spend the next several days in orbit before returning home.
Time to go home.
Freedom in the HAC.
An overzealous astronaut gives Freedom a low pass as the orbiter touches down.
Freedom returns home after successfully deploying its payload, despite the issues faced in space.
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STS - 61-B, June 10th - June 17th, 1984
Expanding The ArrayGRCA - 2:
As the shuttle program pushes forward, its needs expand. Flying a profile that will become more common in the coming years, STS-61-B will deliver another portion of the Geostationary Relay & Communications Array into orbit. This array is meant to provide constant non-interruptible communications to all future crewed flights. It's existence is instrumental to virtually all of NASDAs long term goals, such as returning to the Moon and traveling beyond. intrepid will carry another satellite alongside GRCA-2, the Shuttle X-ray Astronomy Satellite. It was constructed by the SXO company as part of NASDA's PHOENIX program. Future missions will carry similar satellites, though they will be flown in various different configurations.
In other news, a final decision was made on the upcoming CEV of Skylab. The Space Exploration Advisory Council overruled President Dortmund, pushing for the block order of several Unity spacecrafts from the USFR. Like stated before, there are hopes this decision will help de-escalate current international tensions and open up more opportunities for joint cooperation between the two superpowers. Extensive modifications will have to be made to allow the vehicle to properly fit inside the orbiters payload bay but these changes are already well documented and NASDA is confident they can have it done by late 1984 to early 1985.
Crew:
Commander: Deke Kerman
Pilot: Sally Kerman
Mission Specialist: Mike Kerman
Mission Specialist: Eugene Kerman
Mission Specialist: Bruce Kerman
Mission Specialist: Charlie Kerman
"We have liftoff of Shuttle Intrepid."
"Lookin' good on the roll, Houston!"
STS-61-B also has the honor of having the first live broadcast during launch. This practice was extremely well received by the public and as such this would become a normal occurrence on future shuttle missions.
"Intrepid - Houston, you are negative TAL. Abort mode ATO.
"External tank is loose, preparing for OMS-1."
OMS-1
OMS-2
Intrepid is now in orbit.
After an orbit, the payload bay is opened.
GRCA-2 & SXAS
Several orbits pass due to technical difficulties with the Inertial Upper Stages' tilt-table, though the crew is able to resolve the problem. GRCA-2 is ready for deployment!
"Houston, we've cut the uh, satellite lose.. It's drifting away, everything looks good."
The crew of Intrepid waves goodbye to the departing satellite.
Cutting through the dark.
Next up - the deployment of SXAS.
SXAS is released, lookin' good!
SXAS fully deployed.
It's cold up here.
GRCA's IUS ignites it's first motor, burning for GEO.
GRCA-2 fully deployed. Systems checks show it is fully functioning.
Now, time for Intrepid to come home. The orbiter was origianlly intended to land at Edwards but the weather forced ground control to go for a Kennedy landing.
Another one for the books, Intrepid returns once again.
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Okay I am back, had to get surgery to fix my broken ankle as I took a tumble down my stairs. I will try to get STS-61B out tomorrow, thanks for your patience.
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Hi all! I'm feeling a lot better and actually feel like doing KSP stuff again. I also have a lot more free time now so I'm going to try to churn out at least three of this a week! In the meantime, have a little teaser for the future.
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STS-61-A, February 9th - February 16th, 1984
Satellite Fixin'Solar Activity Observer:
Launched in mid-1979, the Solar Activity Observer was intended to investigate Solar phenomena. Unfortunately, shortly into its mission, its attitude control system failed due to an electrical fault. This lead to the satellite being unable to perform virtually all of its scientific ventures due to it no longer being able to maintain its orientation to the Sun. In order to save it and prepare it for a potential future rescue mission, it was put into standby mode in early 1980. This extremely long time spent in standby mode has rendered several scientific experiments and instruments in-operable. STS-61-A will be SAO's saving grace. The mission will carry an entire replacement for the satellites failed avionics and control systems as well as replacements for the malfunctioning instruments. It's expected that this servicing mission will add nearly 6 additional years to the mission.
Crew:
Commander: Huey Kerman
Pilot: Reed Kerman
Mission Specialist: MacArthur Kerman
Mission Specialist: Murray Kerman
Mission Specialist: Merriman Kerman
Orbiter: OV-104 "Voyager"
Voyager on the pad.
Liftoff!
"Coming up on SRB burnout and separation.."
"Ground indicates we have nominal SRB separation, Voyager continuing to burn for orbit."
"External tank now being jettisoned. Voyager will ride its 2 smaller OMS engines into orbit."
OMS - 1 (OMS-2 not photographed)
Voyager on-orbit
Voyager's payload bay has a layout similar to STS-9, with the addition of two MMUs.
Rendezvous burn.
Coasting.
Crew gets its first look at the SAO from about 400-500m away.
Voyager begins station keeping at 150m. MacAthur & Merriam don their EVA suits and head to the airlock.
After sometime, MacArthur emerges and makes his way to the MMU 01. MMU 01 is fitted with a capture device similar to the one used on STS-51-A, though much improved.
MacArthur in the MMU.
He is joined by Merriam who takes his place in MMU 02. He will rescue MacArthur if his MMU is to fail.
MacArthur's MMU is cut loose and he begins checking his systems. Everything appears nominal and he is given the go-ahead to begin the capture procedure.
Departing Voyager
"Houston, I'm approaching the satellite, about 50m out."
"I am now station-keeping with the satellite. I'm gonna start moving closer here in a moment."
"MacArthur, you are clear to move forward with capture." "Roger Houston, uh - Gonna go ahead and get on with it."
"So close.."
"Houston, we have a satellite."
"We copy Mac, go ahead and make sure you can move properly with it." "Uhh, everything looks good on my end. I can't see infront of me but at least I can turn my head."
Returning to safety.
"We have capture inside the payload bay! How 'bout that, Houston?"
MacArthur backs his MMU up and stows it. The next phase of the mission is the repair work which will be carried out in 4 EVAs over 5 days.
Merriam approaching SAO on EVA-2.
Merriam & Murray working with various systems on EVA-3.
Merriam in the payload bay after wrapping up final checks on EVA-4. Photo by Cdr. Huey.
The next few hours are spent running one last series of diagnostic checks and preparing for redeployment.
Everything looks good in the end and SAO is redeployed.
Time to go home!
Welcome back to the KSC, Voyager!
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61-A will be up tomorrow, having massive issues with KSP again
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STS-51-G, November 2nd - November 10th, 1983
Moving ForwardStrengthening Bonds:
Following in the footsteps of STS-8, STS-51-G will be carrying two more Huwako series probes into orbit for the Kalionian Republic. Huwako 3 & 4 will join Huwako 1 & 2 in geostationary orbit, providing more communication links for the fledging Kalionian Space Agency. Freedom will also be carrying the first "Shuttle Pallet Satellite," a scientific probe bus built around the frame of a shuttle payload bay truss. It will be deployed and left in orbit for approximately 2 years and will be recovered by a future mission. After its recovery, it will fly into space again and the process will be repeated. STS-51-G will also carry the first astronaut from the United Isles into orbit, Julry Kerman.
STS-51-G was originally a routine Skylab mission, though this was scrubbed and the payload re-manifested due to to issues with the Skylab docking adapter and the move-up of the second ones launch. This flight now carries the original payload of STS-51-E.
Crew:
Commander: Lisdas Kerman
Pilot: Neil Kerman
Mission Specialist: Barry Kerman
Mission Specialist: Langer Kerman
Mission Specialist: Hancal Kerman
Mission Specialist: Julry Kerman (VSFA)
Orbiter: OV-101 "Freedom"
Smile!
"We're showing green across the board..uh - Freedom is still GO at t-minus 15..."
"Confirmation that the excess hydrogen turnoff systems have activated... t-minus 7-"
"We show main engine start..."
"Freedom is up, uh, proceeding nominally. Expecting roll-maneuver shortly.."
"Freedom - negative return."
"We're coming up on..(garbled) separation."
"Freedom - Houston, we're showing good SRB separation. No anomalies." "Houston - Freedom, uh, roger. Getting a bit shaky up here."
"Freedom is now separated from it's external tank and should be proceeding with OMS -1... standby one."
"Houston, this is Freedom, nominal OMS-1 burn and coasting to OMS-2." "Roger Freedom, have some fun up there!"
OMS - 2
Crew wait one orbit before opening the doors.
Freedom's payload bay is opened.
The crew now begin on-orbit activities.
First up, deployment of Huwako - 3. After a day in orbit, the spin-up mechanism meant to spin-stabilize the satellite after deployment is activated.
Huwako - 3 sailing away from Freedom
Next up is Huwako - 4, though this will come later.
Freedom plunges into darkness once again.
After another few orbits, the sunshade covering Huwako - 4 is opened.
Huwako - 4 is then spun-up and deployed. Deployment proceeded nominally but was not visually documented due to issues with the IMAX camera onboard. (KSP died.)
Moving onto the SPS, some systems onboard are showing minor issues and need to be fixed. This necessitates an EVA by Hancal and Julry Kerman.
Hancal Kerman steps out and ventures over towards the malfunctioning satellite.
Julry makes her way outside too. Hancal tries to chase down a dropped tool.
The crew spend the next two and a half hours trouble-shooting the faulty systems.
Hancal Kerman with the SPS.
Finally, just after the 4 hour mark, everything appears green. The pair pack up their gear and return to the airlock, ready for a rest.
After double-checking everything and re-affirming that everything is functioning properly, the SPS is prepared for deployment. Mission specialist Barry Kerman takes control of Freedom's Arcarm and begins the process.
"Neil, does that look affixed to you..? It isn't lined up properly but it's showing a good connection." "I believe we may be fine, if sensors are showing a good connection it's gotta be right. Cut 'er loose.
The satellite is removed from the orbiters cargo bay.
Photo of the SPS, taken by Mission Specialist Langer Kerman.
"Beautiful view! Goodjob Barry!"
After successfully repositioning the SPS, it is detached and begins to float away from Freedom.
The Shuttle Pallet Satellite Free-flying.
Photo from Cdr. Lisdas
With all primary mission goals achieved, it is time for Freedom to return home.
Shutting the payload bay doors and beginning descent checklist.
De-orbit burn.
"Well, Freedom, it looks like you're well on your way now! Hopefully see you down in approx. 28 minutes."
Munbro & Jeb Kerman seeing Freedom down in their T-38, gear down to match the relatively low speed of the orbiter.
Footage from the chase plane. (Thank you @Kolbie5874!)
"Touch! Okay we got nose coming down at 10 ft. 9ft. 8ft. Holding at 8ft. 6ft. 4ft. 2ft.-"
"Nose down."
Freedom ends another extremely successful mission, pushing the envelope and expanding Akermia's horizons.
Post-Mission Briefing:
First of all, I apologize for the week delay. For starters, I took a short break to focus on other stuff, then it turned into more than a few days, and then I got COVID which pretty much killed my motivation to do... really anything. I am still sick and feel awful, but I am glad I was able to get this one out to you.
I also would like to use this to discuss the future of Chasing Dreams; In order to speed up the process of getting to the super fun missions, a few missions might get skipped over if I deem them too... boring? I guess? A majority of them would be simple satellite deployments similar to this one, as long as they aren't unique enough. You would not believe how many barrel-sats the early shuttle program launched IRL, and that's something I am fine with skipping over. For skipped missions, I will include a brief description of what they were, what orbiter flew, and the payload they delivered as to avoid confusion and maintain continuity. Catch you on the flippity-flip, as a regional manager of a mid-range Pennsylvanian paper-supply company would say.
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On 5/7/2022 at 4:49 PM, Ashiepoppy said:
Awesome as always Talv, I do wanna ask for the source of:
The SRB and RS-25 plumes
and
The way the payloads tilt upwards from the payload bay before deployment.
SRB plumes are from lemon cup, they're buried somewhere on the shuttle adventures thread I'll see if I can grab a link in a bit.
Truthful was correct with the SSME plumes.
As for the tilt-table, it's a kitbash of near future exploration stuff.
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I got COVID guys :^(
I'll try to get STS-51-G up soon, just dealing with this whole sickness thing. Coughing like hell, tired, the works.
EDIT: Scratch that, can barely keep my eyes open.
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Awesome to win, congratulations to the other winners!
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STS-51-F, August 15th - August 25th, 1983
Work To Be DoneSpacelab 2:
First flown on STS-10, Spacelab's debut was more so a test-flight than an actual operational science mission. There were several experiments onboard, but nothing of major value. Spacelab 2 is different, it is fully loaded with science equipment and experiments and will act as the orbiting laboratory Skylab and the planned future space station hope to be. However, back on the ground, Spacelab has received various amounts of criticism usually boiling down to "Why Spacelab if we have Skylab?" The answer to this simple: Skylab simply isn't ready to receive large scale science projects and won't be until at least late 1984. Anything larger than the currently on-going long duration microgravity exposure experiment will have to wait.
This flight will be the last of Pathfinder for some time, as it will be undergoing scheduled maintenance and receiving various system improvements and other upgrades. This is expected to last until mid 1985, though with the expansive tear-down required it could stretch on for even longer.
Crew:
Commander: Nick Kerman
Pilot: Raald Kerman
Mission Specialist: Wilwin Kerman
Mission Specialist: Dave Kerman
Mission Specialist: Ally Kerman
Mission Specialist: Jedcan Kerman
Mission Specialist: Herwin Kerman
Orbiter: OV-102 "Pathfinder"
"10, 9, 8, 7, 6 - Go for engine start..."
'We have confirmation all three engines are running - 3, 2, 1.."
"Solid rocket motors burning, Pathfinder lifts off the pad."
"Roll program."
OMS 1 & 2.
Spacelab 2's vacuum-exposed scientific pallet.
The crew spend the next 9 days in orbit conducting experiments in various fields, from measuring how dust storms effect the climate in certain regions to studying the Earth's ionosphere.
Photo of an aurora by Cdr. Nick Kerman.
Photo from Pathfinder's flight-deck by Pilot Raald.
Everything is going as planned and the crew are having no issues.
Mission Specialist Jedcan takes a photo of himself, the aft flight-deck and Spacelab.
Photo of Pathfinder taken on-orbit by ████████
Finally, it's time to come home.
De-orbit burn.
Spinning around.
Into darkness.
Touch!
STS-51-F comes to a very successful conclusion. Well done Pathfinder!
The Sun rises on Pathfinder and her crew - welcoming them back to Earth.
Post-Mission Briefing:
Thank you for voting me Mission Reports TOTM!!! It really means a lot since I'm putting a lot of effort into these missions!
In other news, I'm going to try to get 51-G out today but it might slip to tomorrow due to me being kind of busy, we'll see!
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51F and 51G will be out sometime today, busy doing some other stuff rn.
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STS-51-E, June 13th - June 20th, 1983
Replacing The ReplacementSkylab 9:
Since it's delivery to Skylab, the shuttle docking adapter has had its fair share of issues. When the crew of STS-5 first tried to access it, there were issues pressurizing the vestibule between the shuttle and Skylab. It wasn't extremely serious and was eventually able to be fixed but there was minor concern this could repeat on future missions. On STS-7, it did. The crew once again had issues in pressurizing the transfer area and were forced to delay their entry into the station by over 2 hours. It also appeared there was a short somewhere inside the modules internals causing the lights to flicker occasionally, as reported by STS-51-A. After continually giving astronauts trouble, NASDA had heard enough. The decision was made to send up the secondary docking module early to take it's place. While this was going to happen anyway, it was significantly earlier than planned.
The current docking adapter will be moved to the ventral port on Skylab's MDA remotely, freeing up the forward port for docking. This move means the top port which was intended for the upcoming power tower will become inaccessible, though this isn't much of a concern considering the secondary adapter has virtually the same thing. Originally tasked with deploying two weather monitoring satellites STS-51-E's payload has been altered and re-manifested to include the new docking adapter, bumping the deployment of the satellites to STS-51-G.
Crew:
Commander: Jeb Kerman
Pilot: Bill Kerman
Mission Specialist: Bob Kerman
Mission Specialist: Hanmin Kerman
Payload Specialist: Barry Kerman
Orbiter: OV-103 "Intrepid"
Intrepid
"We are go at t-minus 15, 14, 13.."
"...10, 9, 8, 7... go for engine ignition."
"All engines burning! T-minus 4, 3, 2, 1.."
"We have a liftoff at 14:34 eastern standard time.."
"Intrepid now rolling onto the proper alignment."
"We got a roll program."
"Intrepid - you are go at throttle up." "Roger go at throttle up."
"External tank cut loose, Intrepid now moving away to begin OMS-1 burn."
OMS-2 and Skylab rendezvous burn.
Payload specialist Barry Kerman will now use the arm to berth the adapter to Intrepid's docking system.
Rotating to align the two ports.
"Houston - Intrepid, we we have capture."
Onwards to Skylab!
Visual of the Station acquired.
Commander Jeb moving the shuttle closer.
"Houston - Intrepid, we have a docking. Whew." "We copy your docking.... welcome to the station, enjoy yourselves."
Everything proceeds without a hitch; the module and vestibule is pressurized, the lights seem to be fine and the crew are able to access the main portion of the workshop.
The first Shuttle - Skylab adapter, now docked to the port meant for possible rescue missions during the Athena days. It will serve as a temporary docking adapter for whichever crew escape vehicle is chosen until it's eventual disposal. It will be replaced by an airlock meant to reduce the danger of using the one embedded in Skylab.
As the days drag on, the crew records observations of the materials and substances left behind on the station by Skylab 8. A few samples like seed bags are taken and stored in Intrepid. The crew also attempts to locate what is causing the electrical fault in the old docking adapter, though their efforts are unsuccessful.
The Sun sets on Skylab and Intrepid.
On mission day 6, the crew are gathering their things and returning to Intrepid.
Before they leave, Intrepid's RCS systems are used to boost Skylab.
The crew say goodbye to their temporary home, ready to return to their real homes.
Photo of Skylab taken by mission specialist Hanmin.
De-orbit and re-entry will be mostly in the dark.
Burning for Edwards.
Scorching heat. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get any screenshots of approach and landing due to some "technical difficulties." (My KSP died while they were in atmosphere and deleted the craft so I had to cheat the landing."
Main gear touchdown.
Wheel stop - STS-51-E is concluded.
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Thanks! I'll see if I can break up the repetitiveness of the screenshots these next few missions.
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STS - 51-D, April 24th - May 2nd, 1983
VoyagerRads & Radar:
STS-51-D marks the maiden flight of yet another orbiter, OV-104 "Voyager." It get its name from the first Akermian ship to fully circumnavigate the globe. Voyager will be carrying two very unique payloads, a radar imaging fixture named Shuttle Radar Imaging System (SRIS) and the Earth Radiological Observer. The Earth Radiological Observer, as the name suggests, is a satellite meant for measuring the amount of radiation around the Earth and documenting any fluxes. It will be recovered by a later flight and returned to Earth. SRIS, on the other hand, will be used to study various geomorphic features such as fault lines, folds, outcrops and dunes. It will also be used for minor oceanography purposes. STS-51-D will land at the Kennedy Space Center.
Crew:
Commander: Hendan Kerman
Pilot: Wehrely Kerman
Mission Specialist: Valsen Kerman
Mission Specialist: Madrigh Kerman
-Payload Specialist: Gusgun Kerman
Payload Specialist: Diemy Kerman
Orbiter: OV-104 "Voyager"
Voyager is GO for launch!
"We have a liftoff! 24 minutes past the hour, Voyager spreads its wings and begins its endeavor into space!"
Go Voyager!
"Going for roll program."
Voyager from CCNS ground tracking cameras. (Thank you Kolbie5874 for the edit!)
Coming up on SRB separation.
OMS -1 & 2
Voyager is in orbit and ready to begin its primary mission.
Crew will wait 2 orbits before beginning deployment of ERS.
Cruising through the darkness.
Emerging into the light.
The Earth Radiological Observer being prepared for deployment.
She's cut loose!
ERS fully deployed.
Next up is SRIS. It will need to be rotated into position by payload specialist Gusgun.
SRIS fully deployed and ready to begin scanning.
A ship like no other.
After several days and thousands of images, SRIS is ready to be refolded and stowed.
Down and locked, ready to go home!
Closing up Voyager.
Getting orientated.
De-orbit burn.
Feeling the Sun's warmth.
Feeling the heat.
Gliding in.
Voyager complete it's first flight flawlessly, proving she is ready to join the ranks.
-
WOOOOOO, super excited for this!
-
STS - 51-C, March 25th - March 31st, 1983
Top SecretA Brewing Storm:
The Kennedy Space Center is once again bustling with activity ahead of the launch of Freedom. STS-51-C is yet another controversial within NASDA, but the countdown clock still ticks on. This mission will deliver a highly-classified Department of War "Checkmate" spy satellite into orbit. It will then be boosted by it's Inertial Upper Stage to geostationary orbit. The classified nature of the mission and the knowledge required to safely operate and deploy the satellite necessitates the two Kerbals assigned as payload specialists be of significant rank in the military. This mission will land at the Kennedy Space Center.
The future of DOW and USAF payloads onboard the shuttle is starting to come into question. There have been high-level talks in the Airforce pondering the possibility of ordering an orbiter of their own. This is a rather large development as it would mean the Airforce would have direct access to space without having to crack deals with NASDA. It would also mean DOW and USAF payloads could be flown by this orbiter instead. As this would be Airforce venture, NASDA would have no say or jurisdiction over what missions the shuttle would fly or what payloads it would deliver. A fine line lies ahead for the Akermian space program, one that must be walked extraordinarily carefully.
Crew:
Commander: Dillian Kerman
Pilot: Sherry Kerman
Mission Specialist: Madvis Kerman
DOW Payload Specialist: Scott Kerman
DOW Payload Specialist: Matson Kerman
Orbiter: OV-101 "Freedom"
Left to right, front to back: Dillian Kerman, Sherry Kerman, Madvis Kerman, Scott Kerman, Matson Kerman
"We have boosters lit, Freedom now moving off the pad."
"Freedom now rolling onto the proper alignment."
"Freedom - you are negative return." "Roger negative return."
OMS - 1
Checkmate 1 will be deployed on the third orbit.
Freedom and Checkmate 1
The abnormally large reflector array seen on top of Checkmate was cause for concern for some. There was worry that it would not be able to stay structurally sound during the IUS burn and that it would break away. These concerns were dismissed by upper management in the Department of War as they were fully confident in the engineering of the satellite.
Preparing to begin release.
All set for deployment.
Checkmate 1 deployed.
Drifting away from Freedom.
Checkmate 1 fully deployed.
The primary mission goal is achieved. The crew spend the next few days working on secondary objectives.
During this flight, minor issues with the fuel cells cropped up once again. They were not operating at peak efficiency.
While this wasn't entirely mission threatening as the flight is short, it prompts NASDA to begin inspecting the other orbiters fuel cells. This causes minor delays in the flight scheduling.
Adrift above the Earth.
After several days, it's time to return home.
A photo of Freedom in the HAC (Heading Alignment Cone) taken from the ground.
"Touch, main gear coming down at 10, 9.."
"Houston - We are down and stopped. Good to be back." "Uh, we copy you down. We'll meet you on page 20, welcome back.
-
STS - 51-B, March 1st - March 6th, 1983
Becoming RoutineSolar Power & Satellites:
STS-51-B certainly has a crammed payload bay, as it will be carrying 2 more Omni series satellites into space as well as several experiments and even a prototype solar array. The solar array in question is an experimental design meant for use on the future "Permanent Orbiting Space Station." STS-51-B will test it to see how it handles in space and future variants of this array will also be tested on Skylab's in-development power tower. In the rear of the payload bay is several experiments meant to be run in the vacuum of space. These will be operated by a two person EVA on the third day of flight. In addition to all of this, there are also two MMU's onboard. STS-51-B will not be landing at Kennedy and will instead land at Edwards.
Crew:
Commander: Valentina Kerman
Pilot: Obbro Kerman
Mission Specialist: Samcal Kerman
Mission Specialist: Ragun Kerman
Mission Specialist: Seanlong Kerman
Mission Specialist: Ercan Kerman
Orbiter: OV-103 "Intrepid"
Left To Right: Valentina Kerman, Odbro Kerman, Samcal Kerman, Ragun Kerman, Seanlong Kerman, Ercan Kerman.
"Liftoff of Intrepid on it's 6th mission to space!"
Intrepid
OMS - 1 (OMS - 2 not photographed)
Ready to begin on-orbit activities.
First up - the deployment of the two comm-sats.
Spin-up of Omnisat 7.
Deployment.
Omnisat 8
Deployment.
First objectives completed, next up is the solar array roll-out.
Successful deployment! Everything looks green.
Certainly an odd sight, but one that could become common place in the future. There have been several proposals to replace the orbiters fuel cells with roll-out solar panels in the past and certainly more will be made in the future. This would require virtually an entire overhaul of the orbiter and ungodly amounts of money, though. Maybe someday.
Photo from Cdr. Valentina
The two Kerbals who will be conducting the upcoming EVA are Samcal & Ragun.
Preparing to exit the orbiter.
Samcal is out.
Ragun joins her shortly. This marks the first all-female EVA.
Shortly after exiting, Ragun is instructed to strap into the MMU and inspect the solar array for any damage.
"Houston, everything seems fine here. There are some scratches but I don't think this was caused by orbital debris. Coming back down now."
Ragun stows the MMU.
After nearly 5 and a half hours outside, both Kerbals return to Intrepid.
Preparations are being made to stow the solar array.
It has been stowed. Ready to go home!
Touchdown!
Another one for the books. This marks the second to last flight before the maiden flight of OV-104 "Voyager."
-
STS - 51-A, January 8th - January 19th, 1983
Practice Makes PerfectSkylab 8:
STS-51-A will be Intrepid's first visit to Skylab as well as marking the first time an orbiter other than Pathfinder has made the trip. Intrepid will be carrying the PLM filled to the brim with experiments meant to be left onboard Skylab for upwards of 5 years. This lengthy duration is meant to see how various seeds, materials and other things react to long periods of exposure to microgravity. The MMU will also see further tests on this flight, as a newly designed capture fixture similar to the one used on STS-9 is attached to the front of it. A small target satellite will be deployed from the payload bay and the MMU user will track it, capture it and dock it to Skylab's ventral port. This will further demonstrate the MMU's versatility and reliability. If the weather holds out, it will also be the first mission to land at the Kennedy Space Center instead of Edward's Airforce base.
As it stands, Shuttle - Skylab is in a tough spot. The shuttle's limited time in space means the station can only be crewed for very short durations, especially when compared to the previous Skylab missions during the Athena days. The leading proposal to solve this issue is the purchase of Unity spacecrafts from the Union of Socialist Federative Republics. It has proven itself to be very reliable and is capable of staying months in space provided it has alternate ways to generate power. It would also serve as a goodwill gesture and could serve as a bridge to bring the two super powers closer together. The decision will be made at a later date, though, as the president has expressed concern and wishes to keep anything related to this program in-house.
STS-51-A was originally designated STS-41-F but was delayed from November 1982 to January 1983 due to faulty engine sensors and fuel cell issues.
Crew:
Commander: Thomsby Kerman
Pilot: Domon Kerman
Mission Specialist: Henbo Kerman
Mission Specialist: Virtop Kerman
Mission Specialist: Kerger Kerman
Mission Specialist: Barson Kerman
Orbiter: OV-103 "Intrepid"
Left to right: Thomsby Kerman, Domon Kerman, Kerger Kerman, Virtop Kerman, Barson Kerman, Henbo Kerman.
Jumping straight into it, liftoff!
Intrepid from ground cameras.
OMS - 1 (OMS - 2 not photographed)
Skylab rendezvous burn.
Intrepid's arrival at the station.
Beginning docking procedures and proceeding towards Skylab.
Proceeding nominally.
Soft-capture ring extension.
Soft-capture.
We have docking!
Crew begin transfer into Skylab.
EVA will begin shortly. In order to provide easy access to the stowed MMUs, Kerger and Virtop will exit through the PLM tunnel airlock.
Kerger steps out.
Kerger boards MMU 01, note the grapple fixture.
Virtop steps out.
Virtop boards MMU - 02 and remains there until Kerger stows the MMU again. This is incase something were to go wrong and Kerger needed to be rescued.
The capture practice satellite. A small box full of avionics, batteries and fuel. It is a very primitive and simplistic satellite that will fly 150m away from the station and wait for retrieval.
Watching as it moves away.
Once it is far enough away, Kerger begins moving towards it.
Inspecting
"Houston, uh, we have a satellite!"
Returning.
Accidently forgetting the docking target was there, Kerger docks the satellite in the incorrect orientation.
It doesn't matter though and the testing is complete.
Returning to the payload bay.
MMU stowed.
Kerger and Virtop return to Intrepid.
Even though some minor issues cropped up with the MMU, the trial is regarded as a major success. The MMU is ready to begin actual operations. The practice satellite will be undocked and deorbited remotely at a later date.
After a 9 days on the station, their main objectives are finished. Preparations are made to undock on flight day 10.
Farewell, Skylab.
Weather at the KSC appears to be nominal, Intrepid is GO for landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility.
"Wheel stop." "We copy, welcome back to Kennedy, Intrepid!"
Post-Mission Briefing:
Sorry for the delays! I encountered a really nasty bug that wouldn't let me launch crafts from the VAB. Also didn't mean to upload this half finished, lol. STS-51-B will be up tomorrow.
"Chasing Dreams" - A Kerbalized KSRSS Shuttle Program
in KSP1 Mission Reports
Posted · Edited by Talverd
STS - 61-E, September 20th - September 30th, 1984
For Sale
Recovery:
STS-61-E is the Space Shuttle program's most ambitious mission yet, setting out to deploy two commsats and then moving onto recover two more for return to Earth. Voyager will deliver WCom 15 and Huwako 9 (KSA) to orbit. After this mission goal is met, Voyager will then rendezvous with Huwako 5 for recovery and then move onto AZIC-9. These two satellites will be refurbished and reflown on later missions, though they will not be launched aboard the space shuttle. The MMU will see extensive use on this flight, being instrumental to assisting the recovery of the two satellites.
Crew:
Commander: Neil Kerman
Pilot: Deke Kerman
Mission Specialist: Huey Kerman
Mission Specialist: Mike Kerman
Mission Specialist: John Kerman
Orbiter: OV-104 "Voyager"
"..All systems look green. Coming up on GOX arm retract here shortly, t-minus 3 minutes and 58 seconds..."
"GOX arm now moving back.."
"T-minus 15, 14, 13, 12, 10...Excess hydrogen burn off systems online.."
"T-minus 8, 7, go for main engine start.."
"We have main engine start.."
"Liftoff! Liftoff of the 26th space shuttle mission."
"Coming up on SRB separation."
After recovery, excessive burn through on the O-Rings of the SRBs was noted. This event nearly lead to the total loss of vehicle and crew.
OMS-1
OMS-2
"Voyagers payload bay doors now open, proceeding with primary mission objectives."
First objective is the deployment of Huwako 8, a commsat for the KSA built by Western Communications.
"Spin-up started, deployment proceeding nominally, Houston..."
"We've got nominal deployment."
Huwako 8 burning it's apogee kick motor.
"Everything with Huwako 8 went smoothly. WCom 12 deployment is still on-schedule for deployment in the coming days."
"Alright Houston, we're still go for deployment of WCom. How are things looking down there?"
"We read you Neil and we don't have any issues on our side. Go for deployment of WCom."
"Rog."
"Make sure you get it on the IMAX, Huey!"
"I got it."
WCom 12 deployment.
WCom at GEO.
"Voyager - Houston, we're good to move onto recovering AZIC and Huwako. Plugging in the burn now."
"Houston, we have visual of Huwako. She looks good."
"Huey and Deke in the airlock now, should be stepping out any second now."
Deke making his way to the MMU with the TPAD attachment. Huey will standby waiting in the secondary MMU for potential rescue operations.
"Alright, I'm moving outside the bay. I have a good vis. on Huwako. Making my way out there now."
"Uh Houston.."
"Go ahead."
"I'm seeing a problem here..."
"And that would be, Deke?"
"Huwako is spinning, faster than expected."
"...."
"Is it manageable?"
"I think I can get it. I'll try to match it's spin."
"Alright, here we go.."
"Houston, we have a satellite!"
"Good going, Deke! We'll see you back here soon!"
"Good show."
Huey now moves to assist Deke, installing a grapple fixture to the front of Huwako.
There was an issue with the grapples in the orbiters payload bay. I had to relaunch so thats why the pallets look a bit different.
AZIC-9 rendezvous burn.
Similar setup to before instead Huey will be the one recovering the satellite instead of Deke.
Huey leaving the orbiter's bay.
"Alright Huey, let's wrap this up and get on inside. I'm getting hungry."
Recovered satellites photographed by Mission Specialist John
Time to return to Earth
Welcome back, Voyager, Huwako and AZIC!