Beyond: Kerbalkind's History of Space Exploration

[Kerbalsaurus]

YEAR 3, DAY 318 - LIBRA 4 RETURN

Crew: Ronvin, Milberry

After just three days in space, the crew of Libra 4 undock from Kerman Station and head back down to join their friend Felix. The Libra Orbit has proven itself to be quite the reliable vehicle. Maybe Libra 2 was a bit of hiccup, but hey, no one died! Beyond has now officially entered the Libra Orbit into its catalog of functioning ships, and in the future we hope the Libra Orbit will become a regular vehicle for both commercial and official flights of the Beyond program.

Re-entry

Contact!

Libra 4 fully brakes on the runway, and is rolled back into the SPH for inspection and refurbishment. Congratulations to the crew of Libra 4!

Edited October 29, 2023 by Kerbalsaurus
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[Kerbalsaurus]

YEAR 3, DAY 322 - NEW PARTNERSHIPS!

Beyond is excited to announce its newest commercial partners: SkyFall Industries and CalSpace! They have submitted two modules for Kerman. SkyFall has presented us with their Centrifuge Module, and CalSpace has presented us their Habitat and Power Utility Module (HPUM). Together, these modules will expand Kerman Station, and turn it into a huge powerhouse and testbed of some of the most advanced technology ever conceived! Beyond sends a huge thank you to @SkyFall2489 Kerman and @TwoCalories Kerman for their submissions!

X

X

[TwoCalories]

6 minutes ago, Kerbalsaurus said:

Beyond is excited to announce its newest commercial partners: SkyFall Industries and CalSpace! They have submitted two modules for Kerman. SkyFall has presented us with their Centrifuge Module, and CalSpace has presented us their Habitat and Power Utility Module (HPUM). Together, these modules will expand Kerman Station, and turn it into a huge powerhouse and testbed of some of the most advanced technology ever conceived! Beyond sends a huge thank you to @SkyFall2489 Kerman and @TwoCalories Kerman for their submissions!

We at CalSpace are extremely excited and proud to be able to work with such a prestigious organization. I, Calor E. Kerman (AKA @TwoCalories Kerman), CEO of CalSpace, would also like to personally congratulate you and Beyond for the successful return of Libra-4.

[SkyFall2489]

1 hour ago, Kerbalsaurus said:

Beyond is excited to announce its newest commercial partners: SkyFall Industries and CalSpace! They have submitted two modules for Kerman. SkyFall has presented us with their Centrifuge Module, and CalSpace has presented us their Habitat and Power Utility Module (HPUM). Together, these modules will expand Kerman Station, and turn it into a huge powerhouse and testbed of some of the most advanced technology ever conceived! Beyond sends a huge thank you to @SkyFall2489 Kerman and @TwoCalories Kerman for their submissions!

SkyFall Industries is honored to have a partnership with Beyond. We wish you luck in your explorations.
Our shuttle is still having problems, though. Like melting.

[Watermel00n]

7 hours ago, Kerbalsaurus said:

Beyond is excited to announce its newest commercial partners: SkyFall Industries and CalSpace! They have submitted two modules for Kerman. SkyFall has presented us with their Centrifuge Module, and CalSpace has presented us their Habitat and Power Utility Module (HPUM). Together, these modules will expand Kerman Station, and turn it into a huge powerhouse and testbed of some of the most advanced technology ever conceived! Beyond sends a huge thank you to @SkyFall2489 Kerman and @TwoCalories Kerman for their submissions!

Welcome SkyFall and CalSpace to the team! We wish you better luck than us, like the time our RBS crashed on its second flight. Speaking of which, we haven't seen it in a while...

Edited October 30, 2023 by Watermel00n

[Kerbalsaurus]

4 hours ago, Watermel00n said:

Welcome SkyFall and CalSpace to the team! We wish you better luck than us, like the time our RBS crashed on its second flight. Speaking of which, we haven't seen it in a while...

Oh, you’ll see it soon. The RBS will soon become one of the most important rockets in Beyond’s arsenal.

[Kerbalsaurus]

YEAR 3, DAY 328 - AURORA 2

CREW

COMMANDER: Seefield Kerman

MLV PILOT: Jully Kerman

MISSION SPECIALIST: Bill Kerman

The next Aurora mission sets off today, bound for the Mun. The mission in total will last six days, with the landing crew spending a total of two days on the surface and completing two EVAs. Also, one might notice the new launchpad. Or launchpads. Yes, that's right, we've gotten the old KSC back? But where did it go? Well, you see, when Beyond entered its slump, one of Kerbin's most notorious thieves appeared: The Great Building Bandit! He's known for his ability to snatch up entire buildings from their foundation, never to be seen again. But after a year of investigation, police where able to find him and the many buildings he's stolen. We have more facilities again! This means we're capable of many missions at once, and this will allow Beyond to progress even faster than usual.

Now, what launchpad is this mission taking off from? This launchpad is the mighty LC-39B, used during the Minty Missions. Aurora 2 itself will further prove the capabilities of Beyond, and provide valuable insight into long term spaceflight, especially on another world. The command module on orbit will meanwhile photograph the surface of the Mun, finding areas that could be worthy for the setting up of a surface base. That's a lot of word, but I'm feeling very talkative right now.

"Engine ignition..." - Gene Kerman

"Liftoff on Aurora 2, carrying Kerbalkind's dreams of the stars with it!" - Gene Kerman

"Clean booster sep, KSC!" - Seefield Kerman

"KSC to Aurora 2, we confirm you have entered orbit."

Picture-perfect liftoff! Aurora 2 enters LKO without a hitch. Shortly afterwords, preparations begin for the TMI burn. Before long, it's time to head off to the Mun!

About 30 minutes after the burn is finished, transposition and docking takes place, and the crew can now sit back, rest, and prepare for their activities at the Mun.

Aurora 2 spends the next day drifting through empty space. The crew spend the time resting and playing board games and such. Once the time comes for, the crew immediately get back into position. A lot of work has to be done.

"MESU. Go for MOI." - Seefield Kerman

The crew spend one more orbit getting ready for the trip down, and then one after the other Jully and Bill enter the MLV. The lander spaces itself from the command module, and then begins its way down to the Munar surface.

"1km till contact. Beginning puffs." - Jully Kerman

"Contact!" - Bill Kerman

Aurora 2 is now safely sitting on the Mun! 20 more minutes are spent aboard the lander, as the crew perform science experiments and suit up for EVA. Jully is the first out of the lander.

"It's beautiful mission control! Just like I remember it!" - Jully Kerman

"Alright Bill, watch your step." - Jully Kerman

"I know what I'm doing." - Bill Kerman

The crew find a good spot to plant their feet, and then pose for the ceremonious flag planting.

Afterwords, the real work begins. Bill sets out from the lander in search of rocks, while Jully performs experiments, collects surface samples, and other stuff that kerbonauts do. In total, 3 hours are spent on the Mun's surface. When the crew are radioed that it's time to board the lander, Jully is the first back on.

Unfortunately, a faulty spacesuit cancels the second EVA. The crew sit inside the lander for the next two days, analyzing science and such, while Seefield photographs the Mun and Kerbin. Shortly after Kerbol sets, Aurora 2 is back in the skies, making its way to the command module.

The flag, miraculously, survives.

"Aurora 2, you are go for orbit." - Gene Kerman

Aurora 2 begins the burn to make its way back to the command module, at this point a fairly routine task.

And docked! The crew transfer over into the command module, and buckle in for the return trip to Kerbin.

Once Aurora 2 has left the Mun's SOI, the lander is ditched. This prevents debris buildup and the lander safely burns up in Kerbin's atmosphere.

"Service module sep confirmed!" - Bill Kerman

"I see the lander burning up above us. Boy, what pretty fireworks!" - Seefield Kerman

Aurora 2 safely splashes down in the ocean, and them mission comes to an end. Another 6 days, another successful mission. The success of the Aurora Program has brought back renewed excitement in Beyond from the public. The future goals of the Aurora Program, while still lofty, now seem attainable. And we just can't wait for the future.

[Kerbalsaurus]

As you can see, I got a lot more experimental with this chapter. What do you think? Anything I could change or add?

[Toaster355]

35 minutes ago, Kerbalsaurus said:

As you can see, I got a lot more experimental with this chapter. What do you think? Anything I could change or add?

I did indeed notice, and I liked almost everything!

The only suggestion I may have would be to change the crew list to something like this:

__________

Crew

• Commander Seefield Kerman
• MLV Pilot Jully Kerman
• Mission Specialist Bill Kerman

 

Also I find it strange that your vertical screenshots are still in 1080p but look smaller than mine. I think it might be because you make a space right before placing another screenshot?

 

Quick test to see if it's the same way for me:

Nope... Mine still look larger? Strange

Edited November 7, 2023 by Toaster355

[TwoCalories]

45 minutes ago, Kerbalsaurus said:

As you can see, I got a lot more experimental with this chapter. What do you think? Anything I could change or add?

I'd suggest centering the images and captions, instead of having them stuck to one side. Looks a little bit neater in my opinion.

So instead of this:

4 hours ago, Kerbalsaurus said:

"Aurora 2, you are go for orbit." - Gene Kerman

It'd look more like this:

Spoiler

"Aurora 2, you are go for orbit." - Gene Kerman

Also, I'm not sure if you just meant storytelling techniques, but for the gameplay side of the report, maybe consider packing some Breaking Ground surface experiments. It gives the crew a bit more to do on the surface, as well as giving the landing sites that kind of campsite feel, with experiment kits scattered about.

[Toaster355]

1 hour ago, TwoCalories said:

I'd suggest centering the images and captions, instead of having them stuck to one side. Looks a little bit neater in my opinion.

So instead of this:

It'd look more like this:

  Hide contents

"Aurora 2, you are go for orbit." - Gene Kerman

Also, I'm not sure if you just meant storytelling techniques, but for the gameplay side of the report, maybe consider packing some Breaking Ground surface experiments. It gives the crew a bit more to do on the surface, as well as giving the landing sites that kind of campsite feel, with experiment kits scattered about.

I already told him about that, but he seems to want to keep it to his more cinematic thread. He might think that Beyond is a more casual thread for him to do what he does however he wants.

Breaking ground surface experiments are also a good idea though!

[Kerbalsaurus]

9 hours ago, Toaster355 said:

I did indeed notice, and I liked almost everything!

The only suggestion I may have would be to change the crew list to something like this:

__________

Crew

• Commander Seefield Kerman
• MLV Pilot Jully Kerman
• Mission Specialist Bill Kerman

 

Also I find it strange that your vertical screenshots are still in 1080p but look smaller than mine. I think it might be because you make a space right before placing another screenshot?

 

Quick test to see if it's the same way for me:

Nope... Mine still look larger? Strange

Thank you! And I like that suggestion for the crew list! As for the screenshots, I’ve sizes them down. At the max size it really drains the quality from them, and makes them all grainy.

8 hours ago, TwoCalories said:

I'd suggest centering the images and captions, instead of having them stuck to one side. Looks a little bit neater in my opinion.

So instead of this:

It'd look more like this:

  Reveal hidden contents

"Aurora 2, you are go for orbit." - Gene Kerman

Also, I'm not sure if you just meant storytelling techniques, but for the gameplay side of the report, maybe consider packing some Breaking Ground surface experiments. It gives the crew a bit more to do on the surface, as well as giving the landing sites that kind of campsite feel, with experiment kits scattered about.

I put them on the side because, as Toaster said, this is a more casual thread. And I would have the experiments, but the cargo bay would be too heavy for the Eve III. It’s already cut pretty close. But the experiments will be on future flights.

[TwoCalories]

Since craft submissions were accepted for Kerman Station expansions, does that mean that craft submissions are open again? Or was that a one-time thing?

[SkyFall2489]

48 minutes ago, TwoCalories said:

Since craft submissions were accepted for Kerman Station expansions, does that mean that craft submissions are open again? Or was that a one-time thing?

I’m pretty sure only for Kerbin Station modules.

[Kerbalsaurus]

9 hours ago, TwoCalories said:

Since craft submissions were accepted for Kerman Station expansions, does that mean that craft submissions are open again? Or was that a one-time thing?

Exactly what SkyFall said. The submissions were just a one time thing.

[Dunas Only Moon]

hey, im back, and oh my god has this thread gotten bigger. someone recap me....
 

Spoiler

i cant go away for 2 months without losing all touch with this thread, thats how efficient kerbalsaurus is.

 

[TwoCalories]

19 minutes ago, Dunas Only Moon said:

hey, im back, and oh my god has this thread gotten bigger. someone recap me....
 

  Reveal hidden contents

i cant go away for 2 months without losing all touch with this thread, thats how efficient kerbalsaurus is.

 

Here's a few major things that've happened with Beyond and the Secret Space Program:

• Nova 4 - First space tourist (Tito Kerman)
• Aurora 0, a test flight for the Aurora program.
• Some updates on The Secret Space Program.
• Parts one and two of Aurora 1, Beyond's return to the Mun.
• The Secret Space Program begins a new mission.
• Tourist Felix Kerman does the world's first "space jump".
• Some new commercial partners to expand Kerman Station

So that's just about everything.

Edited November 10, 2023 by TwoCalories

[Kerbalsaurus]

21 minutes ago, Dunas Only Moon said:

hey, im back, and oh my god has this thread gotten bigger. someone recap me....
 

  Reveal hidden contents

i cant go away for 2 months without losing all touch with this thread, thats how efficient kerbalsaurus is.

 

Ay, welcome back man! @TwoCalories beat me to updating you (they ninja'd me), but that's everything important so far. They did leave out one key detail though, which is that the Apteryx 9 has been cancelled after the failed flight of Kiwisat 2. Other than that, that's everything important so far!

[TwoCalories]

5 minutes ago, Kerbalsaurus said:

which is that the Apteryx 9 has been cancelled after the failed flight of Kiwisat 2.

Wait, what?

Dang. The Apteryx-9 was one of my favorites in this save.

Edited November 10, 2023 by TwoCalories

[Kerbalsaurus]

3 minutes ago, TwoCalories said:

Wait, what?

Dang. The Apteryx-9 was one of my favorites in this save.

Yeah, unfortunately. Well, not cancelled per say. Grounded, according to what @Royalswissarmyknife said.

On 9/24/2023 at 11:35 AM, Royalswissarmyknife said:

We have developed further plans for the Munar mission but it Requires the AKS (Advanced Kick Stage) to be finished development first.

We are diverting all resources into fixing the interstage and upgrading the second stage for Munar flights.

Also I forgot to mention we have grounded the Apteryx-9 as of now.

we are racing to find a fix.

[Royalswissarmyknife]

1 hour ago, Kerbalsaurus said:

Yeah, unfortunately. Well, not cancelled per say. Grounded, according to what @Royalswissarmyknife said.

I'm hoping to get Apteryx-9 ready to fly again today or tomorrow. 

Real Life + Computer Troubles got in the way.

Spoiler

It can now carry around 2 Tons to LKO. 

 

[Royalswissarmyknife]

KerbalX - Apetryx-9B Kiwisat-Geo-1

We have fixed what we suspect to be the main cause of the failure of the Kiwisat-2 mission.

We also Uprated the engines on the first and second stage along with stretching both.

[Kerbalsaurus]

12 hours ago, Royalswissarmyknife said:

KerbalX - Apetryx-9B Kiwisat-Geo-1

We have fixed what we suspect to be the main cause of the failure of the Kiwisat-2 mission.

We also Uprated the engines on the first and second stage along with stretching both.

It looks really cool! And I like the new look of Kiwisat. I will download it when I’m no longer on my phone (yes, I’m typing this on my phone right now).

[Kerbalsaurus]

I can't belive I forgot to say something, but it's been a busy day today.

Today is in fact the one year anniversary of Beyond! What a huge thread it's become! It was originally just a way for me to catalog my progression throughout my save game. If you look at the earliest post, and then compare to the most recent one, you can see the huge changes this thread has gone through. And boy, has this thread's seen a lot. So many good mission reports have come and gone, and a whole new game was released (to a mixed reception)! I'd like to thank everyone who's followed this thread, especially @2009Tartigrade who's followed since page 2, @Dunas Only Moon, @fulgur , @Watermel00n, and @Royalswissarmyknife with their craft submissions to this thread, @TwoCalories and @SkyFall2489 for their most recent submissions, and @Toaster355 for their suggestions on how to make the thread more pleasing to the eye. This thread wouldn't be what it is without the support and advice from all of you guys. Thank you all so, so, very much. I don't have any special mission to show, but I will share with you all the inspirations to thread.

Actually, there's only one inspiration to it. While it does bare some uncanny resemblance to Starbound - A JNSQ Adventure, it was not at all an inspiration. In fact, it's not even from the forums at all. This thread is inspired by @Saybur Stuff's mission blog Kerbal States. It dates back all the way to 2016, and is great reading material if your stuck in a hospital waiting room (that's where I discovered it). I suggest you go check it out.

Once again, thank you all for the support you've shown this thread. And I just can't wait to continue it into the future with you all, show you as the stories of the Beyond and the SSP continue. See you all in the next chapter!

[TwoCalories]

1 hour ago, Kerbalsaurus said:

I can't belive I forgot to say something, but it's been a busy day today.

Today is in fact the one year anniversary of Beyond! What a huge thread it's become! It was originally just a way for me to catalog my progression throughout my save game. If you look at the earliest post, and then compare to the most recent one, you can see the huge changes this thread has gone through. And boy, has this thread's seen a lot. So many good mission reports have come and gone, and a whole new game was released (to a mixed reception)! I'd like to thank everyone who's followed this thread, especially @2009Tartigrade who's followed since page 2, @Dunas Only Moon, @fulgur , @Watermel00n, and @Royalswissarmyknife with their craft submissions to this thread, @TwoCalories and @SkyFall2489 for their most recent submissions, and @Toaster355 for their suggestions on how to make the thread more pleasing to the eye. This thread wouldn't be what it is without the support and advice from all of you guys. Thank you all so, so, very much. I don't have any special mission to show, but I will share with you all the inspirations to thread.

Actually, there's only one inspiration to it. While it does bare some uncanny resemblance to Starbound - A JNSQ Adventure, it was not at all an inspiration. In fact, it's not even from the forums at all. This thread is inspired by @Saybur Stuff's mission blog Kerbal States. It dates back all the way to 2016, and is great reading material if your stuck in a hospital waiting room (that's where I discovered it). I suggest you go check it out.

Once again, thank you all for the support you've shown this thread. And I just can't wait to continue it into the future with you all, show you as the stories of the Beyond and the SSP continue. See you all in the next chapter!

Congratulations! Here's to many more years of Beyond to come!