"Chasing Dreams" - A Kerbalized KSRSS Shuttle Program

[DG1]

Wonder what other payloads the shuttle will launch for the DoW  

[Talverd]

Hi all, I'm still alive. Working on STS -7 right now, I just got a bit busy doing other stuff for a bit. 

[Talverd]

STS - 7, August 12th - August 18th, 1981
Out With The Old 

 

 

Skylab's Restoration:

While Skylab isn't the oldest station in orbit, it is certainly beginning to show its age. Starting construction in 1968 and launching in 1973, a majority of the systems onboard are outdated. In order to resolve this issue,  STS - 7 will deliver several replacements to key systems inside the station and as well as a large amount of consumables intended for future long-stay missions.  STS - 7  will carry the cargo in the Pressurized Logistics Module, a reusable cargo module purpose built for the Shuttle-Skylab program.  This mission will also host the first spacewalk from Skylab since 1974. The one-Kerbal EVA will perform a visual inspection of the outside of the station up close and report any issues found.  This is the last planned Skylab mission until late 1982 and also the last flight before the maiden voyage of OV -103 "Intrepid."

Crew:

STS - 7 marks the first time a woman has commanded a shuttle mission.

Commander: Gillock Kerman

Pilot: Trabas Kerman

Mission Specialist: Ceri Kerman

Mission Specialist:  Desbro Kerman

 

Left to right: Gillock Kerman, Trabas Kerman, Ceri Kerman, Desbro Kerman. 

 

Liftoff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ET Sep.

 

OMS 1 (OMS 2 not photographed.)

 

 

 

Pathfinder with the Pressurized Logistics Module (PLM).

 

Skylab rendezvous burn.

 

 

 

Braking burn.

 

Visual of Skylab.

 

Moving forward.

 

 

 

Soft-capture.

 

Hard-capture, Pathfinder has docked to Skylab for the second time. 

 

 

 

After one orbit, the hatch to Skylab is opened and the crew begins transfer into the station.

 

Contents from the PLM are transferred into Skylab and the crew begins the long process of replacing older systems while the Extravehicular Mobility Unit is prepared for use by Duddan Kerman.

 

 

 

Skylab's airlock hatch. Trabas Kerman is expected to emerge shortly. 

 

Trabas steps outside.

 

First EVA photo taken. 

 

Trabas begins moving around the stations exterior, climbing upwards towards the ATM.

 

 

 

Peeking above.

 

 

 

Another photo from Trabas' EVA.

 

Trabas begins utilizing his MTP (Manned Thruster Pack) to perform obversions of the rear of the station. He would later note the systems delayed control systems as well as the very limited fuel. This system is planned to be replaced by the MMU (Manned Maneuvering Unit).

 

 

 

After 2 hours outside, Trabas returns to the hatch and climbs back inside. 

 

The crew will spend a total of 10 days at Skylab. 

 

 

 

After undocking, Pathfinder will spend another 2 days in orbit. 

 

 

 

Undocking & Skylab departure. Farewell!

 

 

 

Closing up the doors.

 

De-orbit burn. Reentry was not photographed.

 

Gliding.

 

 

 

A bit high.

 

Main gear touchdown.

 

Nose gear touchdown.

 

Another successful landing, welcome home once again Pathfinder. 

 

Post-Mission Briefing:

Sorry for taking so long! I got caught up with some other stuff that I had to take care of.  If you're wondering what's up with the shuttles texture, I edited it to match the Columbia/Challenger tiled look instead of having the thermal blankets. I hope you like it because I certainly do.

Edited April 2, 2022 by Talverd

[DG1]

Spectacular mission, lovely photos talv!

[Jacktical]

Love the custom textures  

[pTrevTrevs]

Yeah, those textures are great! I hope you'll consider making them available for download.

[Talverd]

A taste of what's to come 

[Talverd]

STS - 8, December 29th - January 4th, 1981 - 82
International Cooperation

Intrepid's debut: 

The rollout of the space shuttle is beginning to become a common sight at Cape Kennedy, with most getting used to the spectacle. However, todays rollout is different from the norm. Instead of Pathfinder returning to the pad once again for another flight, OV-103 "Intrepid" sits in its place. Named after a famous Akerimian scientific vessel from the early 1800's, it is the second space-worthy orbiter to join NASDA's shuttle fleet. Its first voyage into space is certainly one of significance, as it will carry the first non-Akerimian payload to be launched on the shuttle. The payload in question is a pair of geostationary communications satellites named Huwako 1 & 2 from the Kalionian Republic. STS-8 will also be the first mission to conduct an EVA from the orbiter itself and the first to carry the Arcadian developed robotic manipulator system.  The external tanks weight has also been significantly reduced through various means, allowing the orbiter to carry heavier payloads in the future. 

Crew:

Commander: Layne Kerman

Pilot: Raywise Kerman

Mission Specialist: Bob Kerman

Mission Specialist:  Jack Kerman

Mission Specialist:  Valentina Kerman

 

Left to right: Layne Kerman, Raywise Kerman, Bob Kerman, Jack Kerman, Valentina Kerman.

 

"Liftoff of Shuttle Intrepid and it's mission to strengthen our relations on Earth and in space!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OMS - 2. (OMS - 1 not photographed.)

 

"Intrepid"

 

 

 

 

 

Huwako 1.

 

Huwako 1 spin-up and deployment.

 

Huwako 2.

 

Huwako 2 deployment.

 

Huwako 1/2.

 

 

 

Following the deployment of both satellites, Bob Kerman and Jack Kerman begin preparations to exit the orbiter and begin their 2 hour EVA.

 

Bob emerges from the shuttle's airlock.

 

Bob & Jack working in the payload bay, one hour into their EVA.

 

 

 

 

 

Bob trailing behind Jack on their way back to the airlock.

 

 

 

 

 

Preparing for de-orbit burn & re-entry. 

 

Retro burn.

 

 

 

 

 

Re-entry. Due to game issues, there is a massive skip between screenshots as runway approach was not photographed.

 

Touchdown. 

 

Intrepid's maiden voyage is concluded, welcome to the fleet! 

 

Post-Mission Briefing:

Before anyone mentions it, I am aware that the shuttle in real life was not capable of flying over a new years due to computer issues. Just imagine that this issue doesn't exist in this. Also, please excuse any spelling mistakes as I am writing this while I am very tired. 

 

[DG1]

beautiful mission

[Talverd]

STS - 9, March 3rd - March 8th, 1982
Return To Sender

Space Trucking: 

On October 27th, 1977, GWO - 2 (Geostationary Weather Observer) lifts off from LC-17B onboard an Aquarius 2914 rocket. Everything during the launch proceeded nominally until it came time for the satellites kick-stage to begin its burn. For unknown reasons, it failed to ignite and left the satellite stranded in an unusable low orbit. In order to further prove the space shuttles capabilities, STS-9 has been tasked with recovering this satellite and returning it to Earth for refurbishment and possible re-use. This will be the first mission to use the robotic manipulator arm to achieve mission goals as well as the first to return a payload to the Earth. 

Crew:

STS - 9 will have the first female EVA participant. 

Commander: Matney Kerman

Pilot: Desbro Kerman

Mission Specialist: Obbro Kerman

Mission Specialist:  Gidon Kerman

Mission Specialist:  Merwin Kerman

 

Left to right: Matney Kerman, Desbro Kerman, Obbro Kerman, Gidon Kerman, Merwin Kerman.

 

Liftoff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OMS 1
 

OMS 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rendezvous burn.

 

 

 

Fine-tuning encounter with RCS.

 

Ditto.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo of GWO - 2 taken by Cdr. Matney

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After capture, GWO - 2 will be lowered toward the payload bay for ease of access by upcoming two-Kerbal EVA.

 

 

 

Obbro and Merwin emerge from Intrepid and begin making their way towards GWO - 2.

 

Inspecting GWO -2.

 

 

Oddbro begins retracting GWO - 2's antennas and other fixtures. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GWO - 2 is released from the arm and guided into the grapple mechanism by the two Kerbals.

 

Capture.

 

Merwin holding onto GWO - 2.

 

 

 

The capture system is rotated downwards to allow clearance for the payload bay doors to be shut. 

 

Oddbro & Merwin posing with their captured satellite. 

 

After successful capture and stowage of the satellite, the two make their wake back inside, 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closing up shop.

 

 

 

Retro burn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Welcome home, Intrepid. We'll meet you on page 41." 

 

Edited April 3, 2022 by Talverd

[TruthfulGnome]

My favourite mission so far!

[Talverd]

I changed the patch for CD, I like this one better. 

[Tundra]

Very Nice!   Looks Stunning!   I do have two suggestion though.    ~One, are you using BenJee's Historical EVA suits mod?       ~Two, up where you list the names it would be nice if you also said which shuttle is flying for the mission.    

 

I think that this is a very good combination of mods, one that I've wanted to do but never have, and that it produces a very real looking mission and makes it spectacular to read and look at.    

 

Also, here's the MMU from Cormorant Aeronology but updated by yours truly to work in the latest version, would glitch out before and sometimes explode   :   https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QbGaIIeWI6S3YPDUALbeSYfudJjQc8Q5?usp=sharing

 

To be honest it wasn't that much work and you will probably have to change the file destination in the CFG file to get it to work.   

[Talverd]

 

STS - 10, March 29th - April 5, 1982
A Lab...In Space!

Spacelab: 

After the conclusion of the Athena lunar missions and the agency's focus being re-shifted back to LEO, NASDA managers were concerned with the lack of concrete plans for early scientific missions utilizing the shuttle. In 1973, a call was put out for proposals to be made that would address this issue. Several were submitted, but the one that piqued interest the most was a proposal by the VSFA (Valropan Spaceflight Administration). Consisting of a laboratory capable of storing numerous experiments and an external pallet for mounting additional experiments, it was exactly what they were looking for. In early 1974 an agreement between the two agencies was reached. In exchange for crew slots on future missions, the VSFA would provide it's "Spacelab" laboratory module for use on the space shuttle. STS-10 will be the first flight of this Spacelab as well carrying the first Valropan astronaut to go to space. While primarily meant as a demo flight to show the capabilities of the lab, there is still science to be done. Inside of the module are various experiments from universities and colleges from around the United States and a few from the Valropans. 

Crew:

Commander: Munbro Kerman

Pilot: Jeb Kerman

Mission Specialist: Tanlock Kerman

Mission Specialist:  Haldin Kerman

International Mission Specialist:  Rorick Kerman - VSFA

 

Left to right: Munbro Kerman, Jeb Kerman, Tanlock Kerman, Haldin Kerman, Rorick Kerman.

 

"Liftoff of Shuttle Pathfinder!"

 

 

 

"Roooolllin'!"

 

 

 

 

 

OMS -2 (OMS 1 not photographed.)

 

 

 

 

 

Opening up the payload bay. Crew will soon open the passage way into Spacelab and begin work in the laboratory. 

 

 

 

Photo from Cdr. Munbro of the view from Pathfinders aft-deck.

 

 

 

Spacelab carries numerous experiments from prestigious universities and other educational facilities from across the United States. 

 

Without Spacelab, it would be extremely difficult to conduct these experiments on the shuttle. There is hope that Spacelab flights can become routine, giving NASDA a flowing revenue stream.. however minor it might be. 

 

While Spacelab is currently crucial for scientific ventures, there is hope to eventually phase it out in-favor of something domestically produced. Converting the PLM from the Shuttle - Skylab program into a similar laboratory is already being discussed, though the funding for this project is iffy at best. If anything is to come of it, it will be far down the line. 

 

 

 

Photo from IMS Rorick.

 

The experiments onboard STS-10 are not limited to being inside the laboratory itself. Behind it sits a pallet chock-full of experiments meant to be ran in the vacuum of space. 

 

Photo from Jeb Kerman.

 

 

 

Closing up and preparing to go home.

 

De-orbit burn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pathfinder returns safely once more,  STS - 10 is concluded.

 

 

Edited April 5, 2022 by Talverd

[Talverd]

13 hours ago, Tundra said:

Very Nice!   Looks Stunning!   I do have two suggestion though.    ~One, are you using BenJee's Historical EVA suits mod?       ~Two, up where you list the names it would be nice if you also said which shuttle is flying for the mission.    

 

I think that this is a very good combination of mods, one that I've wanted to do but never have, and that it produces a very real looking mission and makes it spectacular to read and look at.    

 

Also, here's the MMU from Cormorant Aeronology but updated by yours truly to work in the latest version, would glitch out before and sometimes explode   :   https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QbGaIIeWI6S3YPDUALbeSYfudJjQc8Q5?usp=sharing

 

To be honest it wasn't that much work and you will probably have to change the file destination in the CFG file to get it to work.   

Hi, yes I am using Benjee's suits however I have edited the Cdr. EMU to have blue stripes instead of red stripes.  As for listing the orbiter, I like this idea! I'll be sure to include on future flights. The MMU is already in my game and Im playing an older version so I don't have the issue of it exploding. 

Edited April 5, 2022 by Talverd

[Talverd]

STS-11 will be up either later today or tomorrow. I am taking a small break to focus on a Mars mission cinematic I've been itching to make for awhile. I'll see you soon! 

 

Edited April 6, 2022 by Talverd

[Talverd]

 STS - 11, June 11th - June 15th, 1982
Do You Read?

 

 

GRCA:

The Geostationary Relay & Communications Array or GRCA, is a planned constellation of numerous geosynchronous satellites meant to improve communications and support all future crewed flights in LEO and beyond. The first of these, GCRA-1, will be launching on STS-11. It will be carried into a low orbit and then boosted higher by it's Inertial Upper Stage or IUS. STS-11 is also quite unique from the previous missions in regards to it's external tank. On previous missions, especially STS-5, there was a worrying amount of damage present on the shuttles heatshield. Investigation into this phenomenon proved it to be related to foam shedding from the external tank, an issue NASDA engineers had hoped they'd solved when the decision was made to keep the tank painted white.  However the issue persisted and the decision was made to further coat the most vulnerable parts of the tank in additional layers of stronger bonding paint, as strengthening the orbiters heatshield itself would be extremely difficult.  This was made possible by the newly introduced lightweight external tank and many were confident that this extra weight wouldn't majorly affect any future payloads. 

Crew:

Commander: Kerdun Kerman

Pilot: Kathley Kerman

Mission Specialist: Bilbro Kerman

Mission Specialist:  Jenden Kerman

Mission Specialist:  Fredlan Kerman 

 

Left to right: Kerdun Kerman, Kathley Kerman, Billbro Kerman, Jenden Kerman, Fredlan Kerman.

 

Intrepid and it's new Aquarius blue external tank. 

 

Liftoff!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OMS - 1

 

OMS - 2

 

 

 

Opening her up.

 

Intrepid & GCRA-1

 

GRCA-1

 

GRCA & it's ride to GEO are lifted into position for deployment. 

 

Photo by Fredlan Kerman

 

Preparing for deployment.

 

Deployment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With it's primary mission completed, Intrepid spends the next 3 days in orbit performing small-scale experiments stored on the mid-deck. 

 

The original mission briefing called for an EVA but due to suit issues this was cancelled. 

 

Adrift above the Earth.

 

Prior to closing the payload bay doors, the tilt-table is rotated back into launch position.

 

Closing up the doors.

 

 

 

Preparing for de-orbit burn.

 

De-orbit burn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STS-11 is concluded. This marks the second to last flight before the first orbital flight of OV-101 "Freedom." 

Edited April 8, 2022 by Talverd

[Aviation365]

@Talverd Very cool thread, looking forward to what you make. What did you happen to use for the IUS tilt table? It looks rather nice.

[Talverd]

5 hours ago, Aviation365 said:

@Talverd Very cool thread, looking forward to what you make. What did you happen to use for the IUS tilt table? It looks rather nice.

Near future exploration tubes & probe buses 

[Jim123]

Looks really nice, Did you have to do any tweaking or anything special to get Edwards to work for KSRSS?

[Talverd]

 STS - 41-D, August 9th - August 14th, 1982
Western Communications

 

WCom:

As the shuttle continues to make great strides forward, many commercial partners are itching to have their satellites and other payloads flown aboard. One of these companies with a vested interest in the program is Western Communications. They've worked with NASDA before and their specialty in GEO communication satellites is certainly beneficial to the agency. The first commercial payload flown onboard the shuttle will be a pair of their newest satellites, WCom-8 and WCom-9. Many in the agency look forward to this mission as it opens the door for many commercial ventures in the future.  This mission also marks the  switch over to the program year numbering scheme. Due to a high number of expected flights (and a fear to use the number 13), NASDA managers thought it best to do away with the sequential numbering scheme for the foreseeable future. 

Breaking it down as to avoid confusion:

STS - Space Transportation System

4 - Fourth operational year of the program.

1 - Designates the launch site, 1 is Kennedy 2 is Vandenberg

D - Designates the scheduling sequence, goes through Z. 

Crew:

Commander: Neil Kerman

Pilot: Ednand Kerman

Mission Specialist: Luwise Kerman 

Mission Specialist:  Cerlong Kerman 

Mission Specialist:  Gerski Kerman

Orbiter:  OV-103 "Intrepid" 

 

Left to right: Neil Kerman, Ednand Kerman, Luwise Kerman, Cerlong Kerman, Gerski Kerman. 

 

Liftoff.

 

"We're rolling." "Roger roll." 

 

 

 

 

 

OMS -1 (OMS-2 not photographed.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preparing WCom 8 for deployment.

 

She's away! 

 

Proceeding nominally. 

 

WCom 9 will be deployed one orbit after 8. 

 

Deployment of WCom 9 goes less than swimmingly and the kickmotor fails to ignite hours later. It will have to be rescued by another flight. 

 

The crew spend the rest of their short flight performing their duties. 

 

 

 

Preparing to go home. 

 

De-orbit burn. 

 

Getting toasty. 

 

Visual of Edwards. 

 

 

 

 

 

Another happy landing! 

 

 

 

Post-Mission Briefing:

Looking forward to the next flight where my favorite orbiter flies and I get to use the MMU! I'll see you then! 

 

14 hours ago, Jim123 said:

Looks really nice, Did you have to do any tweaking or anything special to get Edwards to work for KSRSS?

Yeah but my friend made the configs for me. 

[Talverd]

 STS - 41-E, September 20th - September 27th, 1982
Let Freedom Ring

 

Ramping Up:

Originally built as a prototype for the Landing & Approach tests portion of the shuttle program, Freedom now sits atop LC-39A ready to begin it's first endeavor into space. The name Freedom is unique among the other orbiters as it does not come from a historical vessel or aircraft, it comes from the idea of freedom itself. Breaking free from the chains of Earth; allowing Kerbalkind to have the freedom to breach into the great unknown. The first orbital flight of OV-101 certainly has a packed schedule. STS-41-E is carrying 3 commercial satellites and will be the first flight to demonstrate the use of the Manned Maneuvering Unit. The MMU is expected to become a staple of the shuttle program, as its uses ranging from satellite recovery to station building are extremely valuable to NASDA. The three satellites carried on board this mission are WCom-10 and OmniSat 2 and 3. STS-41-E is also the last scheduled shuttle landing at Edwards Airforce Base before the first landing back at the Kennedy Space Center.

 

Crew:

Commander: John Kerman

Pilot: Nick Kerman

Mission Specialist: Admore Kerman

Mission Specialist:  Finlay Kerman

Mission Specialist:  Steffen Kerman

Orbiter:  OV-101 "Freedom"

 

Left to right, front to back: John Kerman, Nick Kerman, Admore Kerman, Finlay Kerman, Steffen Kerman. 

 

"T-minus 7 minutes and 20 seconds, crew arm now retracting.."

 

"GOX arm now being retracted, we are still GO at T-minus 2 minutes and 14 seconds."

 

"Ground launch sequencer is go for auto-sequence start. GO at T-minus 30."

 

"T-minus 10, 9, 8, 7, 6.."

 

"Go for main engine start; 4, 3, 2,1.."

 

"Liftoff of Space Shuttle Freedom, slipping the surly bonds of Earth for the first time!"

 

 

 

"Roll program." "We copy your roll, Freedom. Godspeed."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MECO and ET seperation.

 

OMS -1 

 

OMS - 2

 

Beginning on-orbit activities.

 

 

 

WCom-10 sits in the rear of the payload bay. OmniSat 2 & 3 are inside the two sunshields. Wcom-10 will be the first deployment. 

 

WCom-10

 

Deployment of WCom-10.

 

 

 

Crew will wait a day to release both OmniSats. 

 

 

 

 

 

Omnisat 2

 

Spin-up and deployment of Omnisat 2.

 

Crew will wait 2 orbits before beginning deployment sequence of OmniSat 3.

 

OmniSat 3. 

 

Deployment.

 

 

 

Next up is the EVA phase of the mission. Admore Kerman will step outside of Freedom and strap into one of the MMU's outside. There are two for redundancy.

 

Admore emerges and begins making his way to the MMU.

 

Admore preparing to detach the MMU. 

 

Away.

 

Admore will spend the next half hour performing various maneuvers inside the confines of the orbiters payload bay, assuring all systems and translation controls are performing nominally. 

 

Moving to the rear of the orbiter.

 

Admore photographed by John. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After double-checking everything, Admore begins to leave the safety of the shuttle's payload bay.

 

 

 

He is now the first truly untethered spacewalker. While the MTP allowed users to maneuver freely without the use of a tether, it was never used this far away from a spacecraft.

 

Admore Kerman adrift above the Earth.

 

Admore when interviewed would later state that while he looked lonely out there, "I couldn't hear myself think. Houston was constantly asking for O2 and fuel updates, Steffen was asking when it was his turn, it was a mess."

 

"I wouldn't trade it for anything, though. The experience was awe-inspiring."

 

After some time, Admore returns to Freedom.

 

 

 

MMU stowed.

 

Climbing back inside. 
 

The sun sets on a very productive mission.

 

After a few more days, Freedom is prepared for re-entry and landing. 

 

Retro fire.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Freedom touches down safely. The old bird proves she's capable. 

[TruthfulGnome]

Freedom my beloved

[Jim123]

Those tiles and NASA and USA/Flag logo look really nice. Ever considered publishing it or sending it to SOCK recolored or something? Nice missions and Content by the way!

[TruthfulGnome]

1 hour ago, Jim123 said:

NASA and USA/Flag logo look really nice. Ever considered publishing it or sending it to SOCK recolored

Just use ConformalDecals for those.