Brave New World - Stories of the Kerbal Space Center [I'm as surprised as you are that it's back}

[RocketSquid]

Is there a mod list?

[RocketSquid]

Please don't die!!!

[galaxyguy]

this  should continue pleeeeeeeassssse

[RA3236]

What happened to this thread? @Daelkyr

[Daelkyr]

Kerbal Space Program Begins Construction on Moho II

Work on Third Rocket Begins

By Walter Kerman - The Daily Planet - Eelops 46, 720

 

Three days after Moho I’s historic two kerbal flight around Kerbin, the Kerbal Space Center (KSC) begins construction on the second rocket in the Moho program, Moho II. In addition, construction on an additional rocket featuring to Moho Mk 1/Mk 1-85 command capsule has begun construction in the Vehicle Assembly Building. This unprecedented construction schedule has caused much excitement on the purpose of this “third” rocket.

Gene Kerman, Flight Director, was on hand to answer questions about the aggressive schedule. Gene stated that the Moho II was being built to achieve high Kerbin orbit and long duration space flight. “We need to be sure that the advancements made by the KSC will reach further than just low orbit around our planet”, Gene said. He also stated that Moho II would have several new experiments from Dmagic Orbital Sciences (DOS), a terrestrial bound supplier of laboratory equipment looking to expand into space.

When questioned about the additional rocket being built in parallel to Moho II, Gene said that an interested “third party” was assisting with the addition kerb hours needed to perform both tasks. When asked if this rocket was Moho III, Gene simply stated that it would be “a rocket for people”. No other information was given for this cryptic third rocket.

 

Moho - Lower Stage

Contributed by LInus Kerman, Head of Applied Science

Part of the versatility of the Moho series of rockets is found in the lower stage rocket stack. A new diameter of Liquid Fuel Oxygen (LFO) rockets was created to assist in lifting the heavier command capsule and upper stage into orbit. The 1.875m diameter tanks sport the same modular design as our 1.25m tanks so we can tweak the fuel profiles as missions call for them.

In addition to the new 1.875m tanks, the Moho series is currently using the new HGR FG-90 LFO engine for its lower stage lifting. This twin engine design, a first for the space program, offers an incredible amount of lift and power from launch pad to jettison. It includes a gimble system to add in flight control during its burn time. While we are working on more specialized 1.875m engines for future missions, the HGR FG-90 makes up for its workhorse nature in sheer versatility.

When combined, the lower stage, upper stage, and command capsule of the Moho series will be an incredible asset to space exploration.

[Daelkyr]

Sorry for the long delay. Between writers block on Moho II and the holidays, this project got lost in the shuffle. I'm working on the next few entries and hope to have them up today and tomorrow.

[Angelo Kerman]

Arg, now I gotta do the artwork for the MOLE lab. Coding is done, just need to do the artwork. Either that or the DenEye inline telescope...

Edited January 27, 2016 by Angel-125

[RocketSquid]

THANK YOU!! So glad this is back!

[max_creative]

This is really cool!

[Daelkyr]

Moho II Begins 3 Day Space Mission

Kerbonauts to Explore "High Space"

By Walter Kerman - The Daily Planet - Kerlon 9, 720

In what is hoped to be kick-off a series of firsts, Moho II launched from the Kerbal Space Center (KSC) just before noon. The first rocket launched from the KSC in the month of Kerlon, the rocket carried "First Four" veteran Valentina Kerman and rookie pilot Hudley Kerman into low Kerbin orbit. Powered by a new 1.875 m lower stack and assisted by two BAAC "Thumper" solid rocket boosters [SRB], the deafening roar of the rocket was heard up and down the coast as a sea of onlookers watched to highly anticipated flight. The lift-off went went smoothly, with the SRB's separating without issue. However, at 62 km up, the gimbal on the HGR FG-90 main engine failed. This hardware failure prevented the powerful twin nozzle engine from directing its thrust to aid in steering the rocket on its journey to orbit. The failure was not deemed mission critical and Moho II successfully made it into orbit without further incident.

In a departure from previous reports on KSC launches, the Moho II did not splash down after a few hours of flight. Moho II's mission is two-fold. First, after spending a few hours ensuring that the craft is fully functional, Valentina Kerman and Hudley Kerman will re-ignite their LVT-909 engine and push their capsule to a "high Kerbin" orbit of 350 km above the planet. They will spend two hours circling the globe from that never before reached vantage point, perform several science experiments, and conduct an EVA. After all mission objectives are completed, they will then lower the Moho II capsule back to a low Kerbin orbit of 90 km and spend an additional two days orbiting the planet.

Bobak Kerman, Mission Controller and Skyler Kerman, Public Relations were on hand to discuss the unique goals of Moho II's mission. Bobak stated that Moho II was originally only to be a "high orbit" mission. "We need to get solid data about how our systems will function when they get farther away from Kerbin," he said. "Right now, we can still get anyone with a strong enough portable radio to send a quick message to our capsules. We need to get answers on actual ranges for telemetry, radio, and hardening of our systems."

Skyler Kerman spoke of the decision to extend Moho II's mission with a long duration orbit. "We didn't make this decision lightly," Skyler explained. "We have already stated that our 'BIG' goal after orbit was exploration of Mun. And a journey to it would take at least three days." She stated that a discussion with all of the department heads and Valentina and Hudley was conducted before the decision for the long duration goal was included. "We would never had done this if we were not 100% certain of mission success." Bobak added that Valentina was the biggest advocate for the long duration addition to the mission profile.

When asked why Hudley Kerman was put on the roster for Moho II instead of "First Four" kerbonaut Bill Kerman, Bobak explained that the decision was based on KSC needs. "We love Bill," Skyler said. "But simulation experience only goes so far. Moho II will give Hudley a chance to have real space experience with one of our most veteran pilots. It was a decision that everyone felt good about."

At press time, Moho II had finished it's of two burns to place it into "high Kerbin" orbit.

 

Profile of a Kerbonaut

Bill Kerman has been called the original "rocket kerbal". Growing up in a rural part of the continent, Bill was never content with local livelihoods such as farming or mining. As a tween, Bill watched a film in school from the venerable physicist Wernher von Kerman on the laws of motion and was entranced by Wernher's description of theoretical 'rocket propelled' vessels. Spending the summer pouring over every book on mechanics and physics his library carried or could order, the D+ student quickly rose to the top of his kohort in school. But while his grades achieved lift-off, he gained his most fame and notoriety for forming the Kerbin Interplanetary Rocket Society.

This group of like-mined kerbits designed, machined, and built ever increasing sizes of rockets. Launching them from the back of trucks or cleared out fields, Bill lead the group (after being its founding member and driving force) to launch a sounding rocket so large, it reached the upper atmosphere. This fame got the attention of several universities. But his attempt to make high quality rocket fuel to launch a (self-admittedly) crudely designed capsule into space caused an explosion that destroyed his barn and caused cows to dry up across the county.

Offered the choice of jail time or a scholarship and probation as an assistant to Wernher von Kerman, Bill made the sensible choice and began his career in rocketry in earnest. Bill's original designs for his space capsule eventually became the RT-5 and RT-10 solid rocket boosters that helped put the Kerbin series of rockets into space. As well, Bill holds several patents for Liquid Fuel/Oxidizer engines and was lead designer on the LT-V30 that put Kerbin VI into orbit.

[Angelo Kerman]

I love how Bill turned his space capsule design into a solid fuel booster.

[Daelkyr]

12 minutes ago, Angel-125 said:

I love how Bill turned his space capsule design into a solid fuel booster.

He's really a great engineer. But not the best when it comes to the kerbal part of kerbbed flight.

[Daelkyr]

Moho II Returns from Space

Valentina Kerman and Hudley Kerman Set Record Time in Orbit

By Walter Kerman - The Daily Planet - Kerlon 11, 720

The Kerbal Space Center (KSC) waited anxiously for the return of Valentina Kerman and Hudley Kerman from their marathon three day orbit around Kerbin. The kerbonauts aboard Moho II reported that all systems were nominal. Mission control waited until Moho II was once again over the KSC (an event it had performed scores of times) to give the command for Valentina Kerman to ignite the LT-V909 engine a final time and lower Moho II back into Kerbin's atmosphere. The Mk1/1-85 capsule slammed into the atmosphere and the familiar glow of plasma enveloped the kerbonauts as they used Kerbin's air to slow their descent enough to release parachutes and safely splashdown in the ocean.

Rescue and Recovery vessels were on hand to retrieve the two kerbonauts. Both Valentina and Hudley were reported to have some difficulty exiting the capsule. Both were said to be in high spirits but seemed physically exhausted. The kerbonauts where taken back to the KSC for medical observation. The effects of extended time in space on the kerbal body is still a relative mystery. At press time, both kerbals have been reported to show much improvement and their condition on recovery is believed to be due to a relative lack of physical activity for their three days spent in space.

Valentina Kerman, a "First Four" kerbonaut, and newest member of the kerbonaut corp Hudley Kerman became the first kerbals to reach "high orbit" around the planet. Defined as any altitude above 349 km but still within Kerbin's gravitational sphere of influence, Moho II spent two hours at 351 km gathering data, testing systems, and recording telemetry. An immediate concern was the lose of signal with the KSC once Moho II went above 150 km. Valentina decided not to circularize her orbit and when Moho II returned to below 150 km heading towards its periapsis [lowest point of orbit], a discussion with Bobak Kerman, Mission Controller determined that their tracking station and Moho II's Communitron-16 antenna were simply to weak to communicate at such a great height. Once the problem had been determined to be non-optimal but not mission critical, the decision was made to finish circularizing high orbit for two hours.

While at their new altitude, various science experiments were performed. However, the planned EVA on Kerbin's night side did not go as planned. After Valentina exited the capsule and used her MMU [monopropellant movement unit] to travel a small distance from Moho II, the lack of light from Kerbol made in almost impossible to find the capsule again. Valentina experienced a harrowing seven minute EVA, four minutes longer than planned, as Hudley left the confines of the Mk1-85 laboratory extension and entered the Mk1 command unit it turn on the capsules exterior lighting so Valentina could find her way back.

Once the EVA had been performed, Moho II lowered its orbit back to 92 km for the remainder of their three day flight. The remainder of their stay in orbit was without incident. The kerbals performed long duration experiments that seem almost un-scientific. They tested the ability to prepare meals in space, use the restroom in space, and sleep in space. The biggest complaints for each kerbonaut were a lack of entertainment (books and other forms of reading material were not included due to weight concerns) and the inability to bathe.

Gene Kerman, Fight Director; Bobak Kerman, Mission Controller; and Skyler Kerman, Public Relations spoke after the return of Moho II. Skyler said that the long duration flight of Moho II showed the true mastery of space travel that the KSC was developing. "It really cannot be understated what an accomplishment this is. We have proven that long term kerbbed flight is possible." Gene went on to congratulate Valentina and Hudley on their manley-ian efforts with both the high orbit and long duration missions. "Val[entina] and Hudley both pushed the boundaries of what was once thought possible for spaceflight," Gene said. Bobak concluded the discussion on the mission by thanking all of the KSC mission control and ground crew that tirelessly supported the kerbonauts on their three day journey. "I only feel sorry for Gus [Kerman, Head of Operations]. I don't envy him the job of cleaning up the capsule," Bobak joked.

While the rumored Moho III rocket finished completion just before the launch of Moho II, the KSC's vehicle assembly building has been working at breakneck speed to complete the first rocket for the Muna program, Muna I. The first unkerbbed probe to be used by the KSC is rumored to be built in conjunction with Probodobodyne. When asked when images of Muna I  would be made available, Gene Kerman said that once all proprietary systems had been work with "partners", that he would reveal the new rocket. All questions about the rumored Moho III were asked to be held until after Muna I's launch.

The Muna Program

The Kerbal Space Center (KSC) has been preparing for the announced Muna Program with a first for space flight. Muna I, the first rocket for the Mun program will not be piloted by a kerbonaut. Instead, this vessel will be controlled remotely by a probe core. This automated device will allow scientists, engineers, pilots, and mission control at the KSC to monitor and explore Kerbin's nearest celestial neighbor without risking the lives of brave kerbonauts in this most unknown of enviroments.

The Muna I will be equipped with numerous scientific instruments, cameras, extra batteries and a new Comms DTS-M1 antenna manufactured by Ionic Symphonic Protonic Electronics. Linus Kerman, head of Applied Sciences explained the need for this new piece of equipment. "Originally, Muna I had been equipped with the Communitron-16, like all of our kerbbed vessels to day," said Linus. "But the discovery of that antenna's range limit three days ago with Moho II, we knew we needed to either expand the range of our tracking station or get a better antenna. The Comms DTS-M1 is the strongest system currently available." LInus continued by explaining that probe cores needed constant communication with the KSC to receive new commands for their missions and to send back telemetry and scientific data.

The first kerbal-made vessel to Mun is set to launch latter in the month. For the first time, kerbals will send something beyond the orbit of our planet.

Edited March 25, 2016 by Daelkyr
Added fluff.

[RocketSquid]

Hold on... How did they get into the Moho? It's to tall to just climb it!

[Daelkyr]

1 hour ago, RocketSquid said:

Hold on... How did they get into the Moho? It's to tall to just climb it!

@RocketSquid It's implied that the Kerbal Space Center has a crawler, crane, rolling scaffolding, etc.

[Daelkyr]

MUNA I CRASHES!

First Un-Kerbbed Launch Spirals Out of Control, Splashes Into Ocean

By Walter Kerman - The Daily Planet - Kerlon 14, 720

Two days after the triumphant return of Moho II, the Kerbal Space Center (KSC) rolled it's first un-kerbbed rocket onto the launchpad. Muna I, designed to perform a flyby of Mun, ran through several last minute checks as it sat, waiting for the countdown to reach zero. The brains of the probe, a Stayputnik Mk1 manufactured in partnership with Probobodyne, was described by Linus Kerman, Head of Applied Science, as "the most advanced remote computer available." The launch was delayed until noon as Muna I's batteries were fully charged and overcast sky cleared up. As the skies cleared, Bobak Kerman, Mission Controller ordered the countdown to resume and at zero, Muna I launched into the skies.

The activity in mission control was a buzz of excitement. Gene Kerman, Flight Director and Bobak Kerman both monitored the various stations calling out telemetry data, probe performance, and flight paths. The rocket rose quickly, passing 500 m then 1000 m without problem. However, at 2000 m the rocket showed an odd wobbling. Flight path technicians reported that the rocket was traveling too shallowly. At the same time, probe performance technicians reported that Muna I was behaving erratically and any attempt to correct course was exasperating the situation. The atmosphere in mission control went from apprehensive excitement to something close to absolute panic as the situation rapidly deteriorated.

At 4000 m, Muna I began to spiral rapidly in the sky. Bobak Kerman ordered probe control to cut power to the HGR FG-90 engine and attempt a series of short burns to try and correct the stricken craft. Unfortunately, this action only succeed in causing the struggling rocket to begin falling directly towards the KSC. Bill Kerman, "First Four" kerbonaut ordered a final burn course that forced the rocket to fall away from land and explode in the ocean off the KSC launchpad. After the cacophony of alarms and panicked voices that filled mission control, the silence following the rocket impact was deafening. As the news bullpen was escorted from mission control, Gene Kerman said a single sentence: "Lock the doors."

Hours after the near catastorphe that was the launch of Muna I, Gene Kerman, Flight Director and Skyler Kerman, Public Relations allowed a small press conference. Skyler began with comments congratulating the KSC on ensuring that the launch problems caused no harm. "I can assure you that when it was determined that Muna I's flight was not going to follow as planned, all priority was taken to keep kerbals safe", Skyler continued. "We pride ourselves on being the standard on which safety is set, and this misstep proves it." When asked what would have happened if Muna I had crashed on land, Skyler side-stepped the question be re-iterating that such a outcome "would have been prevented at all costs."

Gene Kerman fielded questions on what went wrong with the Muna I launch. He explained that the new technology had been thoroughly tested in simulations. "We know that new hardware as complicated as Muna I pose unique challenges," Gene explained. "We had seen some difficultly in lift-off but we believed that we had eliminated them with training and an aggressive launch profile." When asked if Probobodyne's Stayputnik was the source of the failure, Gene was adamant in defending the KSC's partner. "We had Probobodyne in the highest regards. They designed our probe core to exacting standards that we ourselves set. If there are any shoulders to lay blame on, it is ours."

Skyler Kerman was quick to point out that the success rate of the KSC fair outweighed the problems. "We have have put numerous kerbals into space. Set several firsts in space exploration. And we have brought every kerbonaut that have left our launchpad home safely." Skyler continued by reminding the gathered press and officials that space exploration will always have risks. But that the KSC would continue to put safety first. When asked when the next launch for the Muna or Moho program would happen, Gene Kerman said that the Moho III launch would happen as planned in two days. He added however, that a Muna II, would be placed on hold pending a full investigation of the Muna I launch.

 

Muna I

By Linus Kerman, Head of Applied Sciences

The design of Muna I is a major leap in space exploration. While the Kerbal Space Center (KSC) has had many successes with our kerbbed flights in the Moho and Kerbin programs, the fact remains that as we turn our gaze to Mun and bodies farther away, we can't always send kerbals first. We will need to gather data, science, and information about what we're getting our kerbonauts into. To that end, the Muna program isn't just about exploring Mun, but about testing un-kerbbed probe cores.

Muna I will be "brained" by a Stayputnik Mk1. probe core designed in partnership with Probobodyne. The KSC has signed an exclusive contract with Probobodyne to design a series of probe cores, of which the Stayputnik is the first. The basic "proof of concept" core will allow the KSC to remotely control a rocket and send back science and telemetry data to Kerbin. Probe cores do need a continuous connection to the KSC and we will be improving antenna range technology as we continue our space exploration.

The rocket that will carry Muna I to Mun is a variant of our successful Moho program launch system. Because of the lightness of the Muna I, the rocket will not use solid rocket boosters but will retain the 1.875 m lower stack powered by an HGR FG-90 engine and and upper stage 1.25 m stack powered by a LT-V45 engine. Once in orbit, Muna I will push itself into a flyby of Mun powered on a LT-V909 engine. Using tested technology for the rocket with the new probe core ensures that we only have to worry about one aspect of the launch.

The mission profile of Muna I will be to fly by Mun and collect any data we can. If we can achieve munar contact while still having enough fuel, the mission will be extended to push into a unstable orbit to collect additional data and then crash into Mun. All of these goals, if met will allow us to move closer to landing kerbals on Mun.

Spoiler

This was a hard mission for me. I' had spend $2000 in simulations learning how to fly Muna I into orbit without using SAS. That's 20 times for those who don't use KCT. And then, when it's time for the big show... BOOM! I really almost crashed it into the VAB, but was able to get the damn thing over the ocean in time.

The only good thing, is I can definitively say that Bob wasn't flying it this time.

 

[RocketSquid]

Do you have RT, antenna range, or is the range restriction story-only

[Nahim]

On 07/12/2015 at 6:42 PM, Daelkyr said:

So, while I have lots of photos per mission, they're not all the "action shots" I'd love to have.

 

Do you ever hear about "artistic impression"?

 

Lovin the report so far! Pretty Spacey-Age-like!

[Daelkyr]

40 minutes ago, RocketSquid said:

Do you have RT, antenna range, or is the range restriction story-only

I use AntennaRange. I love that mod.

[Nahim]

may i propose an "Direct Ascent" for your Munar Fly-by mission?

 

Is better when flying low tech vehicles that does not have SAS on their hardware.

 

Just whait until Mun be at more or less 45° from the launchpad and burn straight up. 

Edited March 26, 2016 by Nahim

[RocketSquid]

17 hours ago, Daelkyr said:

I use AntennaRange. I love that mod.

Okay. I wasn't sure, since I haven't used either.

[Daelkyr]

[Fixed it. For the most part.]

Edited April 15, 2016 by Daelkyr
Fixed my save

[Angelo Kerman]

Well bummer! Maybe you can copy parts over to a new save and hyperedit what you need.

[Daelkyr]

1 hour ago, Angel-125 said:

Well bummer! Maybe you can copy parts over to a new save and hyperedit what you need.

I hadn't thought of that. I'll have to see what I can re-create. I was really liking this career.

[Daelkyr]

MInister of Transportation Calls Hearings on Space Safety

Billionaire Tito Kerman to Conquer Space

By Walter Kerman - The Daily Planet - Kerlon 15, 720

The Kerbal Space Center (KSC) has become a hive of activity in wake of the Muna I rocket crash. A day after the highest profile accident since the ill-fated launch of Kerbin VI, Mondale Kerman, Minister of Transportation of the Kerbin Republic has subpoena numerous department heads to testify about the safety of space travel. Witnesses include Gene Kerman, Flight Director; Werhner von Kerman, Head of Research and Development; Linus Kerman, Head of Applied Science; Jebediah "Jeb" Kerman and Bob Kerman, "First Four" kerbonauts. While these kerbals were heading to the capital to participate in a series of hearings, Skyler Kerman, Public Relations and Bobak Kerman, Mission Controller were on hand to make statements. Standing behind a lectern in front of the Vehicle Assembly Building the two kerbals discussed the upcoming flights for the KSC. 

Skyler Kerman began by curtailing discussions on Muna I. "The Minster of Transportation has asked that neither we or our partners discuss the Muna I incident until after the hearings scheduled for today are concluded," Skyler said. "We will comply with these requests as well as the invitation of several of our staff to attend the hearings and provide perspective on the situation." Skyler than reiterated the stellar record of safety that the KSC has maintained in it's kerbbed space flight programs. "We have every confidence that any 'missteps' will only improve the safety and reliability of space exploration for years to come."

When asked if there were be a suspension of flights pending the conclusion of the hearings, Bobak Kerman said no. "We have a scheduled launch for our tested Moho rocket tomorrow." He explained that the hearings were only to investigate the Muna I and did not reflect upon the concurrently running Moho Program. "If we didn't have confidence in Moho III, than we wouldn't be allowing Tito Kerman to hitch a ride." The gathered press exploded with questions about the video game mogul. Skyler Kerman, seeming put out about Bobak's announcement quickly fielded questions. Moho III would be a joint venture between the KSC and Tito Kerman's new company, Kerbal Space Tourism. The Moho III rocket was funded entirely by the billionaire, who has deep connections with several ministers in the capital. Moho III would be a four hour orbital mission to prove that a civilian with light training could take a "sightseeing" tour in space.

A final announcement from Bobak Kerman was the recruitment of another pilot to the growing kerbonaut corp. Theodan Kerman, a test pilot had joined the ranks of the KSC program and was slated to enter orbit with Hudley Kerman on Moho IV. This mission would be a polar orbit of the planet to perform detailed orbital telescope observations of Kerbin and to see if future polar launches would be feasible. Production of the Moho IV vehicle had begun production hours before the crash landing of Muna I.