A Kerbal Apollo - An individual take on manned Apollo missions

[Zaphod12]

A Kerbal Apollo - An individual take on manned Apollo missions

Since the Apollo program is my favorite part of historical manned space exploration, I have decided to play some Apollo missions on KSP (You might be aware of this if you have been following the What did you do on KSP today thread, but I am redoing this, this time with pictures and somewhat more detailed descriptions). I only intend on playing the manned missions, so flight tests like Apollo 6 will not be included (This means that I will begin with Apollo 7) and also, these missions will not be exact recreations, albeit I will do their rough objectives. (Apollo 8 for example will still be a Munar orbit mission)

I also consider to include some of the cancelled missions (Perhaps Apollo 18 and 19, which means some additional Mun exploration), so this will not be just a purely historical recreation of the Apollo missions. The Skylab and ASTP missions will also be included, since I consider them parts of the core Apollo program as well, due to their use of Apollo hardware.

Meet the Apollo Kerbonaut Group 1:

- Pilots: Jebediah Kerman, Herfrid Kerman, Dooddon Kerman, Theoler Kerman, Buremy Kerman, Rocan Kerman, Melney Kerman, Geofcal Kerman, Samsel Kerman

- Engineers: Bill Kerman, Haldos Kerman, Ludbree Kerman, Sigble Kerman, Jensey Kerman, Rodous Kerman, Mind Kerman, Jenlock Kerman, Newdan Kerman, Harmon Kerman

- Scientists: Bob Kerman, Gilely Kerman, Ribley Kerman, Harlong Kerman, Bartgel Kerman, Hanton Kerman, Duwig Kerman, Aldrick Kerman, Macdon Kerman

Mods used in this savegame:

Bluedog Design Bureau (For the Apollo, Skylab and Saturn parts)

Kerbal Attachment System (For the containers to carry mission equipment)

Kerbal Inventory System (For the inventory inside the LEM containing equipment)

Surface Experiment Pack (For the surface experiments used on the Munar surface)

Tantares (For the Soyuz parts used in ASTP)

USI Exploration Pack (For the rover)

DMagic's Modlets (For several minor modlets)

Modular Launch Pads (For the Saturn IB/Saturn V launch towers)

Final Frontier (For the ribbons for the Kerbonauts)

 

Feedback is welcome

 

Edited July 16, 2018 by Zaphod12

[Zaphod12]

Apollo 7 (Description of the real mission)

Apollo 7 would be the first manned Apollo mission, due to Apollo 1 ending in a tragic accident several weeks before launch. It was a simple Kerbin orbit mission to test the spacecraft's performance in preparation for more ambitious missions.

Basic info:

Launch vehicle: Saturn IB

Type: Low Kerbin orbit mission

Crew: Herfrid Kerman (Commander/CSM Pilot, first spaceflight), Jensey Kerman (Flight Engineer, first spaceflight), Harlong Kerman (Scientist, first spaceflight)

Launch date: October 11, 1968 (Dates go by Kerbin days, not by Earth days)

Duration: 8.78 Kerbin days

Landing date: October 19, 1968

 

Pictures:

The Saturn IB carrying Apollo 7 on the launchpad. (Yes, I am aware that the actual mission didn't launch from the 'milkstool', but I was too lazy to make a smaller pad for just this one mission)

Apollo 7's liftoff from Launch Complex 39 at the Kerbal Space Center.

The CSM in Kerbin orbit.

An inside look into the CSM, showing 2 of the 3 happy kerbonauts.

Apollo 7 shortly before splashdown, with the Mun and Minmus visible in the background, a sign of the great things to come...

Edited July 24, 2018 by Zaphod12

[Zaphod12]

Apollo 8 (Description of the real mission)

Apollo 8 was the first ever manned flight to the Mun, orbiting it many times before successfully returning. It also was the first manned flight of the Saturn V rocket.

Basic info:

Launch vehicle: Saturn V

Type: Munar orbit mission

Crew: Rocan Kerman (Commander/CSM Pilot, first spaceflight), Haldos Kerman (Flight Engineer, first spaceflight), Bartgel Kerman (Scientist, first spaceflight)

Launch date: December 21, 1968

Duration: 4.54 Kerbin days

Landing date: December 25, 1968

 

Pictures:

Launch of Apollo 8 from the Kerbal Space Center.

Trans-Munar injection.

Separation of the S-IVB stage, which includes the adapter that will soon hold the Lunar Module (LM).

Apollo 8's CSM after successful insertion into a low Munar orbit.

The rise of Kerbin on the horizon, a play on the famous Earthrise photo taken on the real Apollo 8 mission.

The Mun and Kerbin, after the burn that would take the crew back home.

Apollo 8, shortly before it's nighttime splashdown, with the Mun visible in the background.

Edited July 24, 2018 by Zaphod12

[Zaphod12]

Apollo 9 (Description of the real mission)

Apollo 9 was a mission to test the CSM+LM docking and rendezvous procedure that would be used in Munar landings in Low Kerbin orbit.

Basic info:

Launch vehicle: Saturn V

Type: LKO test of CSM and LM

Crew: Samsel Kerman (Commander/LM Pilot, first spaceflight), Harmon Kerman (Flight Engineer, first spaceflight), Buremy Kerman (CSM Pilot, first spaceflight)

Launch date: March 3, 1969

Duration: 5.98 Kerbin days

Landing date: March 9, 1969

 

Pictures:

Launch of the Saturn V.

The CSM and the LM after separating from the S-IVB.

The LM in LKO.

A picture of Kerbin, taken inside of the LM.

The LM's ascent stage, docked to the CSM after completing it's seperate mission.

 

Apollo 10 (Description of the real mission)

Apollo 10 was a mission to test the CSM+LM docking and rendezvous procedure that had been previously tested on Apollo 9, but this time in a low Munar orbit, essentially being a Mun mission just short of a landing.

Basic info:

Launch vehicle: Saturn V

Type: Munar orbit test of CSM and LM

Crew: Billy Kerman (Commander/LM Pilot, first spaceflight), Rodous Kerman (Flight Engineer, first spaceflight), Dooddon Kerman (CSM Pilot, first spaceflight)

Launch date: May 18, 1969

Duration: 5.06 Kerbin days

Landing date: May 23, 1969

 

Pictures:

Apollo 10, in-flight shortly after liftoff.

The CSM and LM, on their way to the Mun.

The LM in orbit around the Mun.

The Mun, as viewed from inside the LM.

The CSM, on it's way back home to Kerbin after completing it's burn.

A happy Rodous Kerman during an EVA.

Edited July 24, 2018 by Zaphod12

[Zaphod12]

Apollo 11 (Description of the real mission)

Apollo 11 was the spaceflight that landed the first two Kerbals to walk the surface of another celesial body, Jebediah and Bill Kerman, on the Mun's surface, where they remained for 3½ hours before taking off again.

Basic info:

Launch vehicle: Saturn V

Type: Munar landing

Crew: Jebediah Kerman (Commander/LM Pilot, first spaceflight), Bill Kerman (Flight Engineer, first spaceflight), Theoler Kerman (CSM Pilot, first spaceflight)

Launch date: July 16, 1969

Duration: Mission: 4.64 Kerbin days ; Munar surface stay: 3½ hours

Landing date: July 21, 1969

 

Pictures:

The Saturn V with Apollo 11 before launch.

Apollo 11's launch from the KSC.

The LM performing it's deorbit burn to bring it down to the Munar surface.

The descent, viewed from the interior of the LM.

The Eagle has landed.

One small step for a Kerbal, one giant leap for Kerbalkind. (The kerbonaut in this picture is a proud and happy Jeb)

A group shot of Jebediah (left) and Bill (right) Kerman.

The LM during it's ascent back into Munar orbit.

 

Edited July 24, 2018 by Zaphod12

[Zaphod12]

Apollo Kerbonaut Group II

We announce that a new batch of kerbonauts have joined the Apollo program to partake in manned exploration of space. They will join their colleagues of the original group in future missions, starting from Apollo 13.

 

- Pilots: Johnberry Kerman, Dudbles Kerman, Enald Kerman, Fernard Kerman, Dilfield Kerman, Hudny Kerman, Lanfal Kerman

- Engineers: Gergar Kerman, Sidnand Kerman, Jonberry Kerman, Calford Kerman, Joepont Kerman

- Scientists: Billy-Bobmore Kerman, Derrigh Kerman, Chadke Kerman

Edited July 17, 2018 by Zaphod12

[Zaphod12]

Apollo 12 (Description of the real mission)

Apollo 12 was the sixth manned mission in the Apollo program and the second manned Mun landing. It also was the first mission to install a Surface Experiment Package (SEP) on the surface, including a magnetometer, a interior heat probe, a passive seismic experiment and a laser reflector used to measure the exact distance between the Mun and Kerbin.

Basic info:

Launch vehicle: Saturn V

Type: Munar landing

Crew: Melney Kerman (Commander/LM Pilot, first spaceflight), Ludbree Kerman (Flight Engineer, first spaceflight), Geofcal Kerman (CSM Pilot, first spaceflight)

Launch date: November 14, 1969

Duration: Mission: 6.39 Kerbin days ; Munar surface stay: 5 hours, 50 minutes

Landing date: November 20, 1969

 

Pictures:

Launch of Apollo 12 at evening.

The LM, shortly after landing in the Lowlands.

Ludbree Kerman, the flight engineer, with the SEP after finishing work. The LM is also visible in the background.

The CSM after leaving the Mun's SOI, with Kerbin visible.

Apollo 12 after splashdown.

Edited July 24, 2018 by Zaphod12

[Zaphod12]

ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING APOLLO 13

On our most recent mission, Apollo 13, there has been an explosion in the Service Module, forcing the crew, consisting of Herfrid Kerman, Mind Kerman and Johnberry Kerman, to rely mostly on the Lunar Module for electricity and fuel. This meant that the Mun landing had to be cancelled and that the crew flew past it, on a highly elliptical Kerbin orbit stretching almost to Minmus. Due to the LM descent engine having been used to set the Apollo command module on a reentry trajectory, the crew managed to safely return home.

However, as our engineers are investigating the source of the incident, the program has been put onto a temporary hold and some major changes have been announced, also due to recent budget constraints:

- The Apollo 20 mission will be cancelled, the Apollo 19 mission will undergo a review by Kongress while Apollo 18 will definitely stay in our schedule.

- The Apollo Applications Program, a program for more extensive use of Apollo hardware, will be cancelled due to budget cuts, the exception to this will be the Skylab space station program, which will be unaffected by these changes.

- Apollo 15, rather than Apollo 16, will be the first mission to carry a lunar rover, due to the aforementioned cancellations, thus allowing for better exploration even despite the cutbacks.

The mission report for Apollo 13 will follow shortly, thank you for your attention.

 

- Wernher von Kerman, Space Program Administrator

Edited July 16, 2018 by Zaphod12

[Zaphod12]

Apollo 13 (Description of the real mission)

 

Apollo 13 was the seventh manned mission in the Apollo program and the third intended to land on the Mun. After a oxygen tank exploded in the Service Module, the landing had been canceled and eventually, the crew returned safely. The mission was the Apollo mission that reached the biggest distance from Kerbin, with it's apoapsis being halfway between the Mun and Minmus.

Basic info:

Launch vehicle: Saturn V

Type: Munar landing (Intended)

Crew: Herfrid Kerman (Commander/LM Pilot, second spaceflight), Mind Kerman (Flight Engineer, first spaceflight), Johnberry Kerman (CSM Pilot, first spaceflight)

Launch date: April 11, 1970

Duration: Mission: 8.10 Kerbin days ; Munar surface stay: N/A

Landing date: April 19, 1970

 

Pictures:

Launch of Apollo 13 in the morning.

Mind Kerman inspecting the damaged SM on a EVA.

Apollo 13 passing by the Mun, it's original target.

The command module and the still-docked LM, after separation of the service module.

The Apollo 13 command module before splashdown.

Edited July 24, 2018 by Zaphod12

[Zaphod12]

Apollo 14 (Description of the real mission)

 

Apollo 14 was the eighth manned mission in the Apollo program and the third to successfully land on the Mun. It also was the final mission that didn't carry a Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV). Like Apollo 12, it carried a Surface Experiment Package (SEP), including a passive seismic experiment, a laser reflector, a solar wind detector and a gravity scanner.

Basic info:

Launch vehicle: Saturn V

Type: Munar landing

Crew: Buremy Kerman (Commander/LM Pilot, second spaceflight), Jenlock Kerman (Flight Engineer, first spaceflight), Dudbles Kerman (CSM Pilot, first spaceflight)

Launch date: January 31, 1971

Duration: Mission: 4.40 Kerbin days ; Munar surface stay: 1 day, 1 hour, 8 minutes

Landing date: February 3, 1971

 

Pictures:

Launch of Apollo 14.

LM during descent to the Munar surface.

Buremy Kerman on the Munar surface.

Apollo 14, after splashdown.

Edited July 24, 2018 by Zaphod12

[Zaphod12]

Apollo 15 (Description of the real mission)

 

Apollo 15 was the ninth manned mission in the Apollo program and the fourth to successfully land on the Mun. It also was the first of the so-called "J missions", which carry a Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) and focus more on scientific exploration than on archieving historical firsts.

Basic info:

Launch vehicle: Saturn V

Type: Munar landing

Crew: Samsel Kerman (Commander/LM Pilot, second spaceflight), Haldos Kerman (Flight Engineer, second spaceflight), Enald Kerman (CSM Pilot, first spaceflight)

Launch date: July 26, 1971

Duration: Mission: 5.97 Kerbin days ; Munar surface stay: 1 day, 2 hours, 18 minutes

Landing date: August 1, 1971

 

Pictures:

Apollo 15's launch.

The Saturn V, shortly after liftoff.

The LRV on the Mun, during an excursion to a nearby crater.

Samsel Kerman, after unboarding the LRV.

The kerbonaut looking over a large crater.

The CSM and the LM docked, after ascent from the Munar surface.

Edited July 24, 2018 by Zaphod12

[Zaphod12]

Apollo 16 (Description of the real mission)

 

Apollo 16 was the tenth manned mission in the Apollo program and the fifth to successfully land on the Mun. It was the second "J mission", carrying a Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) and a Surface Experiment Package (SEP).

Basic info:

Launch vehicle: Saturn V

Type: Munar landing

Crew: Billy Kerman (Commander/LM Pilot, second spaceflight), Joepont Kerman (Flight Engineer, first spaceflight), Lanfal Kerman (CSM Pilot, first spaceflight)

Launch date: April 16, 1972

Duration: Mission: 5.05 Kerbin days ; Munar surface stay: 4 hours, 56 minutes

Landing date: April 21, 1972

 

Pictures:

Launch of Apollo 16.

Insertion into Munar orbit.

After landing in the East Crater.

Portrait of Billy Kerman in front of a large crater.

The LRV, on it's way back to the LM.

Launch of the LM's ascent stage from the Munar surface.

The LM and CSM, during the docking procedure after returning from the Mun.

Seperation of the Service Module before re-entry.

Edited July 24, 2018 by Zaphod12

[Zaphod12]

Apollo Kerbonaut Group III

We announce that a new batch of kerbonauts have joined the Apollo-Skylab program to partake in manned exploration of space. They will join their colleagues of the original group in the Skylab program.

 

- Pilots: Lorim Kerman, Dangard Kerman, Milfal Kerman, Eilry Kerman (female)

- Engineers: Kirson Kerman, Derfrey Kerman, Shelmy Kerman, Lemmore Kerman

- Scientists: Fredberry Kerman, Theous Kerman, Kerbin Kerman, Engar Kerman

 

ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING APOLLO 19

The NASA review board has ruled that the budget, having been cut back drastically, is put to better use into preserving the entirety of the Skylab program than into investing into a eigth Mun landing.

It is announced that the Apollo 19 mission is hereby cancelled, with Apollo 18 being the final mission.

Edited July 22, 2018 by Zaphod12

[Zaphod12]

Apollo 17 (Description of the real mission)

 

Apollo 17 was the eleventh manned mission in the Apollo program and the sixth to successfully land on the Mun. It was the third "J mission", carrying a Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV). It also was one of two Apollo missions to carry a scientist in place of a flight engineer to the Mun.

Basic info:

Launch vehicle: Saturn V

Type: Munar landing

Crew: Dooddon Kerman (Commander/LM Pilot, second spaceflight), Bob Kerman (Scientist, first spaceflight), Fernard Kerman (CSM Pilot, first spaceflight)

Launch date: December 7, 1972

Duration: Mission: 7.42 Kerbin days ; Munar surface stay: 1 day, 2 hours, 13 minutes

Landing date: December 14, 1972

 

Pictures:

Launch of Apollo 17 at night.

During Munar orbit insertion.

The Munar surface, as seen from inside the LM.

The two kerbonauts beginning their excursion with the LRV.

Dooddon Kerman, after the final excursion with the LRV.

Docking of the CSM and LM ascent stage.

Splashdown on Kerbin's surface.

Edited July 24, 2018 by Zaphod12

[Zaphod12]

Apollo 18 (Description of cancelled Apollo missions)

No patch available

 

Apollo 18 was the final manned Munar landing and the first to land on the far side of the Mun, requiring the use of an relay satellite. It was the fourth "J mission", carrying a Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV). It also was one of two Apollo missions to carry a scientist in place of a flight engineer to the Mun. It marked the end of the phase of manned Munar exploration, being succeeded by the Skylab program.

Basic info:

Launch vehicle: Saturn V

Type: Far side Munar landing

Crew: Geofcal Kerman (Commander/LM Pilot, second spaceflight), Ribley Kerman (Scientist, first spaceflight), Hudny Kerman (CSM Pilot, first spaceflight)

Launch date: March 4, 1973

Duration: Mission: 6.31 Kerbin days ; Munar surface stay: 1 day, 58 minutes

Landing date: March 10, 1973

 

Pictures:

Launch of Apollo 18 at morning.

The LM, after landing on the rim of a massive crater.

The eager kerbonauts, getting ready to explore their surroundings.

The huge crater, near which Apollo 18's LM landed.

The LM taking off from the surface, for the final time in the program.

Apollo 18's CSM departing from the Mun, saying goodbye for a final time.

Edited July 24, 2018 by Zaphod12

[HansonKerman]

Ooh, this seems interesting, gonna read it when the pics load.

[Zaphod12]

THE SKYLAB PROGRAM

                         

After the successful conclusion of the Apollo program to explore the Mun in the name of Kerbalkind, we are proud to announce the successor project, Skylab.

The Skylab program seeks to study the performance of the Kerbal body in long-duration stays in space by sending missions to the Skylab space station, the core asset of the program, which will consist of an modified S-IVB (Third stage of the Saturn V), emptied of fuel and already outfitted, as two stages are entirely enough for a LKO launch. Formerly part of the Apollo Applications Program, Skylab was the only AAP program to survive the budget cuts unscathed, due to it's scientific importance. Therefore, existing Apollo hardware will be utilized for this program, including the Saturn V formerly intended for the now cancelled Apollo 20 mission, that is being modified for launching this new station as we speak.

We hope that the experiences gained from this program will help Kerbalkind in reaching for more ambitious targets in the future, which are farther away from home than just the Mun.

 

- Wernher von Kerman, Space Program Administrator

Edited July 17, 2018 by Zaphod12

[Zaphod12]

Skylab (Description of the real mission)

Skylab was the Kerbal's first space station. It's main purpose was to study the effects of long-duration stays in space on Kerbonauts. It's launch also was the only ever flight of the Saturn INT-21, a two-stage variant of the Saturn V.

Basic info:

Launch vehicle: Saturn INT-21

Type: LKO

Crew: Unmanned

Launch date: May 14, 1973

Re-entry date: November 28, 1975

 

Pictures:

Skylab's launch on the only Saturn INT-21 to fly.

Skylab in orbit, after launch and with solar panels deployed.

 

Edited July 24, 2018 by Zaphod12

[Zaphod12]

Skylab 2 (Description of the real mission)

 

Skylab 2 was the first manned mission to the Skylab space station, which had been launched earlier. It carried a three-kerbal crew to the station and successfully carried out several experiments, massively contributing to knowledge regarding the effect of long-duration missions.

Basic info:

Launch vehicle: Saturn IB

Type: LKO mission

Crew: Melney Kerman (Commander/CSM Pilot, second spaceflight), Shelmy Kerman (Flight Engineer, first spaceflight), Aldrick Kerman (Scientist, first spaceflight)

Launch date: May 25, 1973

Duration: 22.89 days

Landing date: June 17, 1973

 

Pictures:

Launch of Skylab 2 from the KSC.

Skylab 2, docked to Skylab.

Skylab 2, after undocking.

Edited July 24, 2018 by Zaphod12

[Zaphod12]

Skylab 3 (Description of the real mission)

 

Skylab 3 was the second manned mission to the Skylab space station. The crew carried out numerous experiments in many fields such as medical science and solar observations.

Basic info:

Launch vehicle: Saturn IB

Type: LKO mission

Crew: Theoler Kerman (Commander/CSM Pilot, second spaceflight), Newdan Kerman (Flight Engineer, first spaceflight), Henbald Kerman (Scientist, first spaceflight)

Launch date: July 28, 1973

Duration: 51.72 days

Landing date: September 18, 1973

 

Pictures:

The Saturn IB on the launchpad, before launch.

Launch.

Seperation of the S-IVB stage of the Saturn IB.

During docking with Skylab.

Newdan Kerman during an EVA.

Newdan Kerman in front of the Apollo Telescope Mount, used to observe solar activity.

Edited July 24, 2018 by Zaphod12

[CobaltWolf]

Very cool, glad I decided to poke my nose in this section of the forums today!

I wonder why your Skylab solar panels aren't working, the BDB plugin should automatically flip them so they are pointing the same direction.

[Zaphod12]

17 minutes ago, CobaltWolf said:

Very cool, glad I decided to poke my nose in this section of the forums today!

I wonder why your Skylab solar panels aren't working, the BDB plugin should automatically flip them so they are pointing the same direction.

Oh, I have no idea...

Then again, the real Skylab lost one solar panel too, so it isn't that big of an issue.

[Zaphod12]

Skylab 4 (Description of the real mission)

 

Skylab 4 was the third manned mission to the Skylab space station. It also was by far the longest mission involving an Apollo spacecraft, having an record-breaking duration of roughly 86 days.

Basic info:

Launch vehicle: Saturn IB

Type: LKO mission

Crew: Milfal Kerman (Commander/CSM Pilot, first spaceflight), Lemmore Kerman (Flight Engineer, first spaceflight), Duwig Kerman (Scientist, first spaceflight)

Launch date: November 16, 1973

Duration: 85.84 days

Landing date: February 10, 1974

 

Pictures:

Launch from the Kerbal Space Center.

Approaching Skylab.

The CSM, docked to the station.

Landing during a Munar eclipse.

Edited July 24, 2018 by Zaphod12

[Zaphod12]

Skylab 5 (Description of the real mission proposal)

No patch available

 

Skylab 5 was the fourth and final manned mission to the Skylab space station. It finished the experiments left behind by Skylab 5 and also prepared Skylab for de-orbit, as all tasks of the station's operation had been successfully completed.

Basic info:

Launch vehicle: Saturn IB

Type: LKO mission

Crew: Lorim Kerman (Commander/CSM Pilot, first spaceflight), Kirson Kerman (Flight Engineer, first spaceflight), Kerbin Kerman (Scientist, first spaceflight)

Launch date: April 27, 1974

Duration: 28.73 days

Landing date: May 26, 1974

 

Pictures:

Nighttime launch of Skylab 5.

A final view of Skylab from the interior of the command module, after undocking.

Splashdown in the sea, not too far from the KSC.

Edited July 24, 2018 by Zaphod12

[Alpha 360]

This would be extremely interesting if you suddenly changed the course of history and added in the plans for Mars, Venus and the outer solar system developed by Werhner Von Braun. 

But you have done a great job portraying the Apollo missions! Congratulations!

Happy Explosions!