"Chasing Dreams" - A Kerbalized KSRSS Shuttle Program

[Talverd]

I probably will not be submitting my work to SOCK recolored, as I don't think Invader would even want the tiled texture since it's pretty crudely made. Maybe someday, though. 

Oh neat, a third page. 

[Talverd]

STS-51A will be up tomorrow, can't wait to share it with you. 

[Talverd]

 STS - 51-A, January 8th - January 19th, 1983
Practice Makes Perfect

Skylab 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. 

Edited April 16, 2022 by Talverd

[Talverd]

 STS - 51-B, March 1st - March 6th, 1983
Becoming Routine

Solar 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." 

 

 

[Toasty Dyna-Soar]

Truly beautiful photos+story, can't wait for the next!

[Talverd]

  STS - 51-C, March 25th - March 31st, 1983
Top Secret

A 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. 

 

[Talverd]

STS - 51-D, April 24th - May 2nd, 1983
Voyager

Rads & 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. 

 

 

Edited April 25, 2022 by Talverd

[Jacktical]

This is your best mission yet!

Just a little tip to make them even better, u should try holding down the middle mouse and dragging to move the centre focus, it makes the shots a lot more varied  

[Talverd]

Thanks! I'll see if I can break up the repetitiveness of the screenshots these next few missions.  

[Talverd]

STS-51-E, June 13th - June 20th, 1983
Replacing The Replacement

Skylab 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.

Edited April 27, 2022 by Talverd

[Talverd]

51F and 51G will be out sometime today, busy doing some other stuff rn. 

[Talverd]

STS-51-F, August 15th - August 25th, 1983
Work To Be Done

Spacelab 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! 

 

 

 

[AstroEvada]

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.

[TruthfulGnome]

3 hours ago, Ashiepoppy said:

The SRB and RS-25 plumes

For  the SSME: 

 

Edited May 8, 2022 by TruthfulGnome

[Talverd]

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. 

Edited May 9, 2022 by Talverd

[Talverd]

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. 

[Jim123]

13 hours ago, Talverd said:

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. 

Feel better soon! Looking forward to seeing your next post on the Shuttle!

[Autochrome]

14 hours ago, Talverd said:

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. 

Yeah, I understand. I've had COVID before, and it sucked. Rest well and get better soon!

[Adiri]

On 5/8/2022 at 5:24 PM, Talverd said:

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. 

If you want to get the Lemoncup plumes you can just grab SWE since it’s now included

Edit: get better soon, sorry you got Covid

Edited May 10, 2022 by Adiri

[Talverd]

STS-51-G, November 2nd - November 10th, 1983
Moving Forward

Strengthening 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.

[Talverd]

61-A will be up tomorrow, having massive issues with KSP again 

[Talverd]

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!

 

 

 

Edited May 16, 2022 by Talverd

[Talverd]

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. 

 

 

[Jim123]

Sounds good! Glad your feeling better! That teaser looks really good! Do you ever find it weird in KSRSS that the scale of earth is smaller especially during launch? 

Edited May 21, 2022 by Jim123

[AstroEvada]

SHUTTLE-C?