Odin Munar Progam - Odin 20 Part 1

[Xeldrak]

The Seer 2 probe touches down on the Mun!

Like it's predecessor the Seer 2 probe was sent on its way onboard a Naglfar-Logi booster. The probe did not enter a parking orbit but headed directly toward the Mun, accelerated by the Logi second stage. After a one day cruise phase, the Seer 2 was decelerated by the twin engines of the Logi stage above the target zone in the northern part of the East Crater. The last part of the decent was controlled by the probe itself.

A little over one day after liftoff, the probe touched down softly in its target area on the Mun.

 

 

 

 

Edited November 30, 2015 by Xeldrak

[Xeldrak]

We are very sorry to announce that Jebediah Kerman died during a routine test of the Odin capsule snack-reheating-microwave (SRM) today. He was our fines pilot and will forever be remembered as the single member of the Odin I Mission.

The next Odin launches are postponed indefinitely wile the SRM and the Odin Spacecraft is redesigned. Since three unkerballed Odin missions (SO-201, SO-202, and SO-203) have allready occurred, the next mission, the first unmanned Sleipnir V test flight (AS-501) will be designated Odin IV.

Edited August 6, 2015 by Xeldrak

[Xeldrak]

The Seer probe launches remain unaffected by the Odin I tragedy. Seer 3 just landed on the Mun after a perfect launch and an uneventfull cruise to the Mun. It landed in a small but prominent Midland Crater on the northern hemisphere of the Mun.

 

 

Edited November 30, 2015 by Xeldrak

[Xeldrak]

While the Odin program is still in crisis, the search for landing sites continues: Seer IV has just landed on the Mun!

This is the fourth time a Naglfar-Logi booster has carried one of the Seer probes to the Mun. A minor malfunction during engine seperation was the only problem during launch.

One day later the probe landed on the Mun. It touched down in a region called the "Northern Basin", right in middle of a impressive crater that can be seen in the transmitted images.

 

 

Edited November 30, 2015 by Xeldrak

[Xeldrak]

The Seer program continues - Seer V touches down in the Southwest Crater.

The Naglfar-Logi booster once again put the probe on a direct trajectory to the Mun. After a one day cruise, the Logi stage decellerated the probe close to the Munar surface before it was dropped. Using it's own enines, the Seer V then decended to the munar surface. This was the first probe to land on the Mun's southers hemisphere.

 

 

Edited November 30, 2015 by Xeldrak

[Xeldrak]

Quote

Wernher von K.: 'Gene!'
Gene K.: 'Yes?'
Wernher von K.: 'GENE!'
Gene K.: 'Yes, Wernher what is it?'
Wernher von K.: 'It's boring! All zese probes. Zey go to ze Mun, zey land. Oh! Ve landed in a crater! Oh! Ve landed on a mountain!'
Gene K.: 'Well, Werher, in the case...'
Wernher von K.: 'Nozing explodes! No nu spaceships! No Kerbal ins space! So boring!'
Gene K.: 'Wernher.....the first Sleipnir V is on it's way to the KSC.'
Wernher von K.: 'VHAT? ZIS IS GREAT! OH, GENE! *runs out of the room* GUNTHER! ZE ROCKET IS COMMING!'

Today the penultimate Seer probe landed on the Mun: Seer VI

After a rather eventless journey to the Mun, the Logi stage decelleratet the probe one day and four hours after launch, so that it would decend to the surface. It touched down in the designated target area in the munar Midlands.

 

 

 

 

Edited November 30, 2015 by Xeldrak

[Xeldrak]

The first, unmanned test flight of the Sleipnir V launch vehicle: Odin IV

Shortly after sunrise the mighty engines of the Sleipnir V fired for the first time at the KSC. It was the maiden flight of the S-IC first stage and S-II second stage.

 

The huge first stage fired for 1 minute and 20 seconds and lifted the rocket through the thickest part of the atmosphere. After first stage separation, the new S-II stage took over, lighting up it's five skipper engines. The S-II stages fired for another minute, easily lifting the craft into the vacuum of space. The allready tested S-IVB stage was then used to lift the apoapsis to incredible 11,000 km. This way the capsule can reenter at trans-munar speeds. To further approximate a reentry from the mun, the CSM's engine was activated near the apoapsis to lift the periapsis to 30 km. This happened about one day after launch. Another day later the craft was again close to Kerbin. The service module was shed and the capsule entered the atmosphere. Thanks to the heat shield and parachutes the capsule splashed down safely, two days and one hour after launch.

The test was a complete success - every system and subsytem of the booster and the Odin spacecraft worked just at intended.

Edited November 30, 2015 by Xeldrak

[Xeldrak]

Quote

Gene K.: 'Wernher?'
Wernher von K.: 'Vhat is it Gene,? Ve are very busy.'
Gene K.: 'Err...we still have a probe to launch?'
Wernher von K.: 'Vhat probe? Ve are assembling ze MEM - ve got no time for ze probes'
Gene K.: 'The Seer VII probe, Wernher. The booster is already getting checked out.'
Wernher von K.: 'Probes...Probes...who cares about probes? Just launch it and put it down somewhere!'
Gene K.: 'You don't care?'
Wernher von K.: 'No! Now leave, Gene. And launch ze probe! We need a clear launchpad!'

The final Seer probe: Seer 7

The final probe of the Seer program has completed it's mission. The booster worked just fine - as always. After a rather boring cruise to the Mun, the Logi stage decelerated the probe enough to let it land on it's own. The probe touched down in the munar Highlands. Another milestone in our nations journey to the Mun!

 

 

Edited November 30, 2015 by Xeldrak

[Xeldrak]

The first flight of the Odin Munar Excursion Module (MEM): Odin V

The launch vehicle for the Odin V mission is the Sleipnir IB. It is the smaller cousin of the mighty Sleipnir V but still able to put the MEM into orbit around Kerbin. Since the MEM legs were not used in this test, they were not installed.

The rocket launched just after sunrise and worked perfectly, inserting the second stage and MEM into orbit around Kerbin. The MEM then separated and fired it's descend engines several times. 42 minutes into the flight the MEM performed the "fire in the hole" test: firing it's ascend engine just before seperating the descend stage. After all tests were done the ascend engine was fired another time for reentry. The MEM burned up in the Kerbin atmosphere.

 

 

Edited November 30, 2015 by Xeldrak

[Xeldrak]

The second and final unkerballed test of the Sleipnir V: Odin VI

Once in orbit, the objective of this mission was to send the CSM and a mockup MEM on a trans-munar trajectory. However, the Mun was not in position for a trans-munar flight and the CSM engine was used to simulate a "direct-return" abort, droping the apoapsis to about 2,800 km. On the return leg, the engine fired once more to accelerate the craft to simulate the nominal munar return trajectory. One hour, 25 minutes after launch the capsule splashed down in the ocean.

 

 

Edited November 30, 2015 by Xeldrak

[Sharkman Briton]

Good luck with this! Good read, don't worry if you're not getting any replies, you're doing it great!

[Xeldrak]

Ah, thank you I was a little worried if anyone is reading this at all.

I appreciate any comments from you guys

[Sharkman Briton]

Yeah, very surprised theres little to no comments other than the updates and this, good luck.

[Wallygator]

It's all good stuff. Keep up the good work! I'm prevented from giving you more rep at the moment.

[Xeldrak]

Valentina said:

Day 1: This is super exiting! Docking practice was awesome. Space is just great.
Day 3: Seems like there was a small miscalculation. We are running low on snacks.
Day 4: I just ate the last snacks. Bob and Bill were rather irritated.
Day 6: All science experiments are done. Time to slack.
Day 7: We are mostly reading books now. Space is a little boring right now.
Day 8: Bill started chewing the book he brough. I think he is missing the snacks.
Day 9: Bill and Bob don't talk anymore. Bob is only caring about his thesis he is writing.
Day 10: Bob accidentally jettisoned his thesis while using the toilet. Tensions are running high.
Day 11: Finally! The mission is over! Time to fire the retros!

The first manned space mission of the Odin program: Odin VII

This mission was commanded by Valentina Kerman' date=' her crew are Bob and Bill Kerman. Their mission was an 11-day Kerbin-orbital test flight to check out the redesigned Block II Odin Command/Service Module with a crew on board. It was the first launch of a Sleipnir IB vehicle to put a crew into space, the first three-person space mission.

The rocket launched succesfully from the KSC and put the Spacecraft into a 101 km x 97 km around Kerbin. After one orbit of systems checking the S-IVB was seperated. Another orbit later the service propulsion system (SPS) was activated and the CSM reaproached the S-IVB stage. The crew then practiced a simulated Munar Module rendezvous and docking.

The Odin hardware and all mission operations worked without any significant problems, and the SPS, the all-important engine that would place the craft into and out of munar orbit, made several firings. After eleven days in space the capsule reentered and splashed down in close proximity to the KSC.

Contrary to popular belief the astronauts did not have to swim to the coast.

 

Edited November 30, 2015 by Xeldrak

[Sharkman Briton]

Awesome! Now stuffs gettin done!

[Xeldrak]

The second kerbaled spaceflight in the Odin space program and the first kerballed spacecraft to leave Kerbin orbit: Odin VIII

In it's first kerballed launch the Sleipnir V booster worked flawlessly, using it's first two stages to put the Odin craft into orbit. After two orbits of system checking the S-IVB fired up to put the craft on a trajectory to the Mun. Once on it's way the third stage was separated aswell and the CSM was on it's own from then on.

The journey to the Mun took one day. Due to orbital mechanics the Munar Orbit Injection (MOI) had to take place behind the Mun and therefore out of contact with the ground station. Once the craft reappeared from behind the Mun tensions in the ground control center relaxed, the craft was in a perfect munar orbit. Bob Kerman, the crew scientist, started at once to make observations of the Mun - looking especially at future landing sites.

After over 20 hours in munar orbit and after witnessing a stunning Kerbin-rise the crew fired up the CSM engines once more for the Trans-Kerbin Injection (TKI). Once again the engine worked flawlessly and put the craft on the intended return path.

Another day later the crew shed the service module as they closed in on Kerbin. The capsule hit the upper regions of our atmosphere with an unthinkable speed of over 3200 meters per second. Once again radio contact seized as hot plasma engulfed the capsule. But the tried and tested heat shield protected the brave crew and three days and three hours after launch the capsule splashed down into the Kerbin ocean. The crew is safe and sound back on Kerbin!

 

 

Edited November 30, 2015 by Xeldrak

[Xeldrak]

The third kerballed mission in the Odin space program and the first flight of the Command/Service Module (CSM) with the Munar Excursion Module (MEM): Odin IX

The launch itself was almost uneventful, the Sleipnir V booster worked as expected. A small explosion occured during first stage separation that did not influence to remaing ascend. After orbital insertion the crew spent one orbit with system checks before separating the CSM and preparing for MEM extraction. The CSM turned around, docked with the MEM and used it's RCS to pull it away from the S-IVB stage.

The next day was spent with checks of the MEM and several test firings of the Service Propulsion System (SPS). On day two board engineer Bill Kerman entered the MEM to power up it's systems. Pilot Valentina Kerman followed and after several more checks they undocked and took the MEM on it's first kerballed flight. They moved about two kilometers away before heading back to again dock the two spacecraft.

Day three started with another test firing of the SPS. After moving to a higher orbit the MEM undocked again and Valentina and Bill took it on a more thorough test ride. Using the MEM descend engine they moved over 30 kilometers away from the CSM. On their return leg they seperated the ascend stage of the MEM and used it's engine to dock with the CSM. Valentina and Bill Kerman then did another EVA to transfer back to the CSM.

After undocking from the ascend stage the crew spent eight more day in space, testing their equipment, navigation and the SPS. On the eleventh day the SPS fired one last time to intiate reentry. The capsule separated from the service module and splashed down close to the KSC only ten minutes later.

The mission was the second manned launch of a Sleipnir V rocket and it proved the MEM worthy of kerballed spaceflight. Further tests on the Odin 10 mission will prepare the MEM for its ultimate goal, landing on the Mun.

 

Edited November 30, 2015 by Xeldrak

[Xeldrak]

The final rehearsal, the fourth kerbaled mission in the Odin space program and the second to orbit the Moon: Odin X

The Sleipnir V booster worked flawless during the ascend and put the Odin craft into a 108km x 104km orbit around Kerbin. After two hours of system checks it was time for Trans-Munar Injection (TMI). The S-IVB stage fired up and put the craft a free return trajectory to the Mun. Shortly after completing the burn, the CSM separated, turned around and docked with the MEM. It then used it's RCS to pull the MEM away from the spent stage.

After a one day trip to the Mun the Service Propulsion System (SPS) fired up and put the spaceship into a 52kmx47km munar orbit. After serveral orbits around the Mun checking systems Commander Valentina Kerman and Munar Module Pilot Bill Kerman entered the MEM and activated it's systems. They then used the MEM's RCS to pull away from the CSM and intiate a simulated landing. Using the descent engine they lower the MEM orbit to a point where powered descent would beginn. But instead of landing on the Mun, they jettisoned the descent stage and used the ascend engine to rendezvous with the CSM. After five hours of thorough testing the ascend stage docked with the CSM and Bill and Valentina again entered the Command Module.

After undocking the crew spent another day in munar orbit before they again fired up the SPS for the trans-kerbular injection. The engine worked as expected and put them on perfect return trajectory.

Another day later the capsule spashed down on kerbin after five days in space. The crew returned savely back to Kerbin and now ready for the big mission!

 

 

Edited November 30, 2015 by Xeldrak

[Xeldrak]

The spaceflight that turned Valentina into the first Kerbal on the Mun: Odin XI

The mightly Sleipnir V booster carried the three Kerbonauts into orbit without any incidents. A small problem that led to explosive first stage separations in the earlier flights had been fixed. Once in Orbit the crew spent just 30 minutes on system checks before Commander Valentina received a go for Trans-Munar Injection. At T+37 minutes the S-VIB stage fired and put the craft on a free return trajectory to the Mun. Shortly after TMI the CSM turned around to dock with the MEM and pull it away from spent the S-IVB stage.

After their voyage to the Mun the Service Propulsion System fired while the craft passed behind the Mun and injected it into a almost circular 60kmx55km orbit around our grey companion.

The Kerbonauts spent serveral orbits around the Mun with system checks, they also spent time eating snacks and taking a nap. Once rested Commander Valentina and Munar Module Pilot Bob Kerman entered the MEM and prepared it for the munar landing. A short while after they undocked und lowered their orbit, leaving Command Module Pilot Bill Kerman behind.

One hour later the MEM entered the final stage of it's decent. After tipping upright Commander Valentina lead the MEM to a safe landing location since the original location turned out to be on a slope.

A few minutes later Bob and Valentina donned their spacesuits. Valentina left the MEM first, slowly climbing down it's ladder to the munar soil. With the words "One small step for a woman, but a giant leap for Kerbalkind" she stepped onto the Mun.

Bob follower shortly thereafter. Together they first set up the Odin Program flag near to the MEM and then set up the EOSEP. EVA continued for over two hours before Val and Bob returned to the MEM. They enjoyed another nap time before they fired up the asecent stage, returning them to the Command Module.

After just one orbit they redocked with the CSM and transfered back into their old craft. They then jettisoned the ascend stage and fired up the SPS to return them to Kerbin. One day later the Service Module was separated as they approached the Kerbin atmosphere. The command capsule's heatshied protected the crew as they were engulfed by hot plasma.

Four days and 39 minutes after launch the Odin XI CM splashed down, return it's crew safely back home.

 

 

Edited November 30, 2015 by Xeldrak

[Sharkman Briton]

Yeah! Nice one!

[Xeldrak]

The sixth manned flight in the Odin program and the second to land on the Mun: Odin XII

The Sleipnir V rocket worked flawlessly during it's ascend into Kerbin orbit. Once in orbit the crew jettisoned the S-II stage and started system checks on the remaining space craft. Since the crew is by now well versed in their procedures, they could initiate the trans-munar injection after about an hour in orbit. A few minutes after the burn the crew extracted the MEM and pulled it away from the S-IVB stage. Time for a nap and a few snacks while drifting toward the Mun.

Almost exactly one day after launch the Crew fired the SPS to inject the spacecraft into munar orbit. A few minor course corrections were necessary during the munar approach as the Seer III probe landed at a higher latitude than the guys at Mission Planning remembered. Once again Val and Bob entered the MEM to decent to the munar surface. They lowered the MEMs orbit, therefore they were soon speeding a low altitude above the munar ground at incredible speed. Using the descent engine Val and Bob decelerated the MEM on it's final approach to the midland crater. Thanks to careful timing and Valentinas flying skills they touched down softy and within walking distance of the Seer III probe just a few minute later.

The crew used their time on the Mun for two EVAs. During the first one, immediately after landing, Val first set up the Flag while Bob started deploying the OMSEP. Once done with the flag Val helped with the second experiments package. Both then went to the Seer III probe to inspect it and take some parts back to the MEM for later analysis on Kerbin. Time was late by now, so they both went back into the MEM for a little nap. On their second EVA Bob and Val studied several of the surrounding rocks, taking probes and pictures. After finishing their second trip it was almost time for liftoff - the Sun on the Mun was about to set.

After almost one day on the munar surface Val fired the ascend engine of the MEM and headed back for orbit. Since the landing site was nowhere near the munar equator a few maneuvers where needed to match the CSM's orbital plane and to catch up with it. Nonetheless the crew was united again a little later. After committing the ascend stage to a crash on the munar surface, the SPS was fired up again and the crew returned back to Kerbin. Four days and one hour after liftoff the crew splashed down safely in the kerbin ocean.

 

 

Edited November 30, 2015 by Xeldrak

[Gaarst]

Great mission recreation and report !

Now considering making one myself

[Xeldrak]

Thanks It's fun and while doing this I leaned quite a lot about the apollo program I didn't know. Like what an ullage engine is ^^

[Xeldrak]

Odin XIII Mission Transscript said:

CMD: "KSC, say....did you send us a spare pair for fuel cells?"
KSC: "Negative, 13. We allready told you, we can't send additional stuff. Neither snacks nor fuel cells."
CMD: "Copy, KSC."
KSC: "13, why do you ask?"
CMD: "Errr....KSC, I think we have a problem."

The seventh manned mission in the Odin space program and the third intended to land on the Moon: Odin XIII

During liftoff the mighty Sleipnir V worked flawlessly as always. Five minutes after launch the Odin spacecraft had entered 99.5 km x 92.3 km orbit around Kerbin. The experienced crew started system checks to make sure that everything was ready for their trans-munar injection. After three orbits all checks where completed and Odin XIII was go for TMI. The S-IVB engine fired and put the crew on the desired trajectory. Once the burn was completed the crew started preparations for the transposition and docking maneuver. The CSM separated from the remaining craft, turned around and docked with the MEM. The CSM used it's RCS to extract the MEM and to put a safe distance between the spent stage and itself.

Four hours into the flight and well on their way to the Mun the crew heard a loud bang accompanied by fluctuations in electrical power during their snack break. The crew initially thought that a meteoroid might have struck the MEM. While the Crew was still trying to find out what happened, Bill Kerman saw the spacecraft's main energy source, it's twin fuel cells, it's main battery and RCS-Fuel supply floating past his window. After making sure that KSC had not sent a spare pair of fuel cells the crew was forced to shut down the CM completely to save it for re-entry, and to power up the MEM to use as a "lifeboat." However, as the MEM has only place for two Kerbals, Bill had to don his spacesuit and cling to the ladder.

It seems however, that Bill was mesmerized by the sight of the approaching Mun an soon let go of the ladder. Thankfully the craft and Bill where already on a free return trajectory to the Mun. The craft passed behind the Mun and some time afterwards Bill was responsive again. He reapproached the Spacecraft and entered the shut down Command Module to refill his RCS reserves before clinging back onto the ladder. Now that Bill was holding on to the craft again the crew could use the MEM's descent engine for some course corrections.

After two days the craft finally came close to Kerbin again. The first step of reentry preparations was to separated the service module, using the MEM'S RCS to pull away from it. The crew entered the capsule and started a complete power-up from scratch of the completely shut-down Command Module, something never intended to be done in-flight. Once this was completed, the MEM was undocked and the crew was ready for reentry.

Two days, one hour and three minutes after liftoff the capsule splashed down in the seas of Kerbin. The crew was safely back home on their beloved home planet.

 

 

Edited November 30, 2015 by Xeldrak