Beyond: Kerbalkind's History of Space Exploration

[Royalswissarmyknife]

11 hours ago, Kerbalsaurus said:

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).

I should also probably mention that its A Keostationary Satellite.

[Toaster355]

5 hours 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!

Sweeeeet dude. Happy anniversary!
And thank YOU again for supporting my threads too.

Here's to another year of Beyond!

[Kerbalsaurus]

YEAR 3, DAY 340 - UPDATES ON THE AURORA PROGRAM

Today the UKA has come out with a press statement about the Aurora Program. Uh oh! The government saying something about an expensive program? This can't be good. Everyone braces for the worst. But what's said is in fact the exact opposite of what was expected. The statement goes as follows:

"Kerbalkind has put tons of money into the funding of the Beyond program and the endeavors of space exploration. In just three years we've conquered every corner of our own planetary system. And then we suddenly stopped. The Aurora Program shows that we are in fact still capable of deep space exploration. However, its goals are only set for the Mun. Today, we will expand our goals with the inclusion of Minmus expansion too, as well as increased funding into research of deep space stations and surface bases. We've always dreamed of our civilization spreading across the Kerbolar System. Well now is the time we begin working towards it."

This stuns not just the public, but everyone working for Beyond. On the one hand, they now have better job security. On the other hand, they now have to work towards setting up infrastructure capable of sending Kerbals to Minmus. Proposals are made that will include the hardware of the minty program, revitalizing infrastructure already in orbit, but it's decided that new spacecraft will have to be assembled. Of course, all this money can't just come out of nowhere. Funding has to be pulled from one program to fund the goals of the Aurora Program, and unfortunately the program targeted is the shuttle program. The ambitious, massive payload carrying Kitsu sadly has to be shelved. But a brand new reusable spaceplane dubbed Orca goes into development, targeting to be done sometime early next year. We can leave the heavy stuff up to the private sector. The plane wil be launch atop and RBS, which Beyond hopes will replace the now outdated Eve II. Exciting times are certainly ahead!

However, many have pointed out the strange surge of interest the government now has for the Aurora Program. Just a few months ago, Kongress was constantly complaining that the program costed too much. Now all of the sudden it’s progress, progress, progress? Many speculate that perhaps the government has interest in it for some other secret project. But what do these people know? What, is the UKA running some secret space program? Fat chance! These Kerbals are written off as conspiracy nuts. Who could be so skeptical of this much excitement!

Edited November 17, 2023 by Kerbalsaurus

[Royalswissarmyknife]

Can we use Restock+ for submissions?

[Kerbalsaurus]

9 hours ago, Royalswissarmyknife said:

Can we use Restock+ for submissions?

Yes

[Kerbalsaurus]

KIWISAT-G1 - YEAR 3, DAY 351

After a brief hiatus, Kiwi Tech is back in the picture! After recalling all Apteryx-9 rockets when Kiwisat 2 had a staging failure, the Apteryx-9B was created. Harder, better, faster, tougher, the Apteryx-9 can carry a max of 2 tons to LKO! A considerable upgrade from the original 600kg. On the top is a satellite meant to be put into a keostationary orbit. However, since this is only a test flight, the spacecraft will not be going that high. This will be a flight to test the capabilities of the rocket and main satellite, and thus will not enter a keostationary orbit. Instead, its apoapsis will reach that height, putting Kiwisat-G1 into a highly elliptical orbit.

"The brand new Apteryx-9B rises into the sky, its signature smokeless flame following!"

"Altitude 10km, trajectory looks good."

"Stage 1 sep confirmed, standby for igniton... and ignition. Stage 2 performing nominally."

"Kiwisat-G1 is go for orbit!"

"Payload separation! Kiwisat-G1 orbit confirmed!"

Sorry for the spam of shots, I just really like the look of this satellite. Well done @Royalswissarmyknife!

Kiwisat-G1 enters orbit in a picture-perfect liftoff! Meanwhile, EDL teams on the ground take control of the second stage. Because a probe core is onboard the second stage, it can de-orbit itself and burn up in the atmosphere. This prevents debris buildup, kessler syndrome, and saves my PC.

"Stage 2 burn up confirmed. Keep our skies clean, Kerbin."

Back to Kiwisat, the spacecraft prepares for the burn to a keosynchronous altitude. This will push the little engine on the aft of the spacecraft to its limit. The long burn begins.

"Alright everybody, halfway done... Sooo... anyone here from out of town?"

"We're all from out of town, Gene."

And the burn is complete! Kiwisat-G is added to the catalog of functioning spacecraft! Many communication companies have already been throwing money for a chance to use a Kiwisat. Space is no longer a place of mystery and intrigue. Now the common Kerbal has access to the stars, and the utilizing of it by companies certainly means rapid growth is just around the corner!

"Great job, everybody! Drinks on me!"

[Kerbalsaurus]

HABITAT AND POWER UTILITY MODULE - YEAR 3, DAY 372

Kerman Station will be seeing a new arrival soon! Today, sitting on LC-39A is Cal Space's Habitat and Power Utility Module (HPUM)! HPUM is a highly advanced, state of the art module with two huge solar wings that can power all of Kerman Station, as well radiators to keep the station cool. The module will also contain many things that will bring comfort to both the crew and tourists on board Kerman Station! Also, this launch will mark the return of the RBS! Beyond put in orders for two new rockets. But where's the second rocket? Well, in the background, you can see the second RBS with Expedition 5 on board! And flip around...

There is in fact another rocket! This is a habitat module, due to launch a week from now. More details when the mission comes. The fuel tanks of the mighty RBS are filled, and the countdown starts.

"T -15 seconds and counting."

"T- 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, ignition sequence start..."

"4, 3, 2, 1..."

"Liftoff! Liftoff on the HPUM habitat!"

"RBS is lookin' good, continuing pitch program."

"Go for orbital insertion."

"Orbital entry in established."

HPUM is now in a stable parking orbit. It'll remain in orbit as systems are checked before docking. Meanwhile, the RBS's EDL team prepares for the landing of the booster. Now, I'd like to say we practiced the re-entry procedure...

...

Surprisi- I mean expectedly, the RBS survived re-entry! However, the landing isn't quite over yet. While re-entry is quite hairy, the real challenge is actually getting the booster safely on the ground. The EDL team is now on high alert.

"All chutes on RBS deployed."

"On final approach, beginning engine puffs."

"Safe touchdown confirmed, I repeat a safe RBS touchdown is confirmed!"

The RBS has performed its second successful landing! Hope is reinvigorated for this groundbreaking rocket, and Beyond hopes that re-usability is the path space travel goes in the future.

***

Meanwhile, back in orbit, the HPUM continues its journey to Kerman Station. Now being push by an interval tug stage, the module burns to rendezvous with Kerman Station. And before you can say we're here...

We're here! Following is perhaps the world's most stressful docking ever. I know the solar panels shouldn't have been deployed, but I screwed up with the action groups and now it's stuck like this.

"Hard dock confirmed with Kerman Station! Now switching control over to the Kerman Station control team. Signing off."

In a single click, Kerman Station has had a HUGE expansion in size. After docking, Danfal Kerman steps out to inspect the spacecraft.

"Good Kracken that is a big module. Cool lookin' though!"

Once the module is confirmed to be in perfect operating condition, Danfal heads over to the lab module for a fairly difficult job. She will have to remove the solar panels on it, which will make way for future space station plans. What plans exactly? Be on the lookout for a future announcement.

"I call top bunk!" - Debo Kerman

"What do you mean bunk? We sleep on walls!" - Danfal Kerman

[TwoCalories]

It was an absolute pleasure working with @Kerbalsaurus and Beyond on the HPUM (which is actually nicknamed the Power Tower for easier radio communications). I must say, the orientation Beyond worked out looks a lot better than the one we sim-tested at CalSpace. We at CalSpace hope to be able to participate again wherever we can!

[Kimera Industries]

"Hmm, how to land a heavy booster without a complex landing maneuver?"

*At the same time*

"Sir, we have several hundred parachutes we have to use on the next mission before their warranty expires!"

Cool-looking rocket and awesome space station.

[Royalswissarmyknife]

On 11/20/2023 at 6:25 PM, Kerbalsaurus said:

KIWISAT-G1 - YEAR 3, DAY 351

After a brief hiatus, Kiwi Tech is back in the picture! After recalling all Apteryx-9 rockets when Kiwisat 2 had a staging failure, the Apteryx-9B was created. Harder, better, faster, tougher, the Apteryx-9 can carry a max of 2 tons to LKO! A considerable upgrade from the original 600kg. On the top is a satellite meant to be put into a keostationary orbit. However, since this is only a test flight, the spacecraft will not be going that high. This will be a flight to test the capabilities of the rocket and main satellite, and thus will not enter a keostationary orbit. Instead, its apoapsis will reach that height, putting Kiwisat-G1 into a highly elliptical orbit.

"The brand new Apteryx-9B rises into the sky, its signature smokeless flame following!"

"Altitude 10km, trajectory looks good."

"Stage 1 sep confirmed, standby for igniton... and ignition. Stage 2 performing nominally."

"Kiwisat-G1 is go for orbit!"

"Payload separation! Kiwisat-G1 orbit confirmed!"

Sorry for the spam of shots, I just really like the look of this satellite. Well done @Royalswissarmyknife!

Kiwisat-G1 enters orbit in a picture-perfect liftoff! Meanwhile, EDL teams on the ground take control of the second stage. Because a probe core is onboard the second stage, it can de-orbit itself and burn up in the atmosphere. This prevents debris buildup, kessler syndrome, and saves my PC.

"Stage 2 burn up confirmed. Keep our skies clean, Kerbin."

Back to Kiwisat, the spacecraft prepares for the burn to a keosynchronous altitude. This will push the little engine on the aft of the spacecraft to its limit. The long burn begins.

"Alright everybody, halfway done... Sooo... anyone here from out of town?"

"We're all from out of town, Gene."

And the burn is complete! Kiwisat-G is added to the catalog of functioning spacecraft! Many communication companies have already been throwing money for a chance to use a Kiwisat. Space is no longer a place of mystery and intrigue. Now the common Kerbal has access to the stars, and the utilizing of it by companies certainly means rapid growth is just around the corner!

"Great job, everybody! Drinks on me!"

Dont know how I missed this but the launch looked great!

Spoiler

Can we get your mod list so we know what mods we can use?

 

[Kerbalsaurus]

7 minutes ago, Royalswissarmyknife said:

Can we get your mod list so we know what mods we can use?

I can’t give my whole list unless you want a whole novel, but parts mods I have are as follows:

ReStock+, Stockalike Station Parts Redux, all near future mods, Planetside  Exploration Technologies, and Modular Launch Pads.

[Watermel00n]

We be working on a little something...

[Kerbalsaurus]

EXPEDITION 3 RETURN - YEAR 3, DAY 372

CREW

• COMMANDER: Debo Kerman
• MISSION SPECIALIST 1: Danfal Kerman
• MISSION SPECIALIST 2: Albert Kerman

"Expedition 3 re-entry course set for KSC coast CAPCOM." - Debo Kerman

"Roger that, Expedition 3. Krackenspeed." - Gene Kerman

After half a year in orbit, the time comes for expedition to fire its engine back for home. Coming back with it is mounds of data, each important for advancement both in space and on Kerbin. Among the most important samples are the crew themselves. Medics, physicians, and scientists will examine the crew to understand how long term exposure to radiation and microgravity, both of which are important for future domestic and interplanetary expeditions, effect a Kerbal. The crew do not look forward to what the word "examine" entails. The RE-J10 fires retrograde, bringing Expedition 3 back home.

"Main chute deploy. Man, it's good to be home." -  Debo Kerman

[Watermel00n]

Concept Shuttle RBS-C "Capricorn" on the Launch Pad in one of the flight sims.

Cost per Launch: 30K Max

Cost per Kerb: 1.8K Max

kerbalx link if you really want this goofball shuttle

Edited November 25, 2023 by Watermel00n

[Kerbalsaurus]

'HOPE' HABITAT MODULE - YEAR 3, DAY 373

Today is an exciting day, as Kerman Station will see yet another module added! Under contruction since the launch of Expedition 4, the Hope hab module will bring some much needed room to Kerman Station. On it is also room for further expansion, and for the addition of another airlock. Kerman Station is rapidly taking form!

It's also a rather... melancholic day for Beyond. Hope will be the last flight of the mighty Eve II rocket. The Eve II has perhaps been Beyond's most successful rocket, flying countless mission with no failures. However, as rockets and payloads are advancing, the Eve II is rapidly becoming obsolete. The reusable RBS is just as powerful as the Eve II, and cheaper to launch. Most if not all of the engineers who have worked on the Eve II are watching the launch today, to say goodbye to the rocket they have worked wit for so long.

"Successful liftoff on the Eve II! And krackenspeed! Thank you for the many successful years of service." - Gene Kerman

"We are go for orbital insertion." - Bobak Kerman

Shortly after entering orbit, the module preps itself for a rendezvous with Kerman Station. After a few orbits and a plane change, the Hope module fires its engines for the space station.

"MESU, and we are now on our way to Kerman Station" - Gene Kerman

"Final docking procedures in place. Docking port alignment 0.0^o, approach velocity .5 m/s."

Unfortunately, I did not get any pictures of the full assembly of Kerman Station. I did press the F1 key, but I must've not pressed hard enough or accidentally deleted the picture. Either way, the docking was a success, and Kerman Station is finally, FINALLY symmetrical again.

Edited November 26, 2023 by Kerbalsaurus

[Watermel00n]

1 hour ago, Kerbalsaurus said:

However, as rockets and payloads are advancing, the Eve II is rapidly becoming obsolete. The reusable RBS is just as powerful as the Eve II, and cheaper to launch. Most if not all of the engineers who have worked on the Eve II are watching the launch today, to say goodbye to the rocket they have worked with for so long.

Farewell Eve II, you served us well.

[Kerbalsaurus]

I designed a new seal for Beyond, as the old one was literally just the Retro flag but recolored and "BEYOND" written over KSP. What do you think?

[Kimera Industries]

Much better. Reminds me of the NASA wormball, retro and futuristic at the same time. I love logos with simplistic, clean lines and this is literally that. However, if you squished them a bit closer, you could fit the star from the old logo (maybe just as a small yellow-white circle), showing how it will go beyond and to the stars, and not just to the moons and stuff. All in all very nice.  

[Kerbalsaurus]

8 hours ago, Kimera Industries said:

Much better. Reminds me of the NASA wormball, retro and futuristic at the same time. I love logos with simplistic, clean lines and this is literally that. However, if you squished them a bit closer, you could fit the star from the old logo (maybe just as a small yellow-white circle), showing how it will go beyond and to the stars, and not just to the moons and stuff. All in all very nice.  

Thank you! And I will add the star, just in a different area.

[Royalswissarmyknife]

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.

Update of the Munar mission: We have completed the design of the orbiter and are doing simulations on it to verify its design. It should be ready today or tomorrow.

UPDATE: Kapstone is ready KerbalX - Apetryx 9B Kapstone

 

Spoiler

Soon™

 

Edited November 30, 2023 by Royalswissarmyknife
used™️ instead of™

[TwoCalories]

On 11/28/2023 at 6:58 PM, Kerbalsaurus said:

I designed a new seal for Beyond, as the old one was literally just the Retro flag but recolored and "BEYOND" written over KSP. What do you think?

Amazing! So, will this replace the current Beyond flag or is it just going to replace the seal?

[Kerbalsaurus]

6 hours ago, TwoCalories said:

Amazing! So, will this replace the current Beyond flag or is it just going to replace the seal?

Just the seal.

[Kerbalsaurus]

EXPEDITION 5 - YEAR 3, DAY 374

Routine mission baby!

CREW

• COMMANDER: Seefield Kerman
• MISSION SPECIALIST 1: Jedsted Kerman
• MISSION SPECIALIST 2: Dalong Kerman

Two new modules have been sent up to Kerman Station, but they're not all that special if there's nobody to enjoy them. Expedition 5 will be the first Expedition launched atop the RBS, which we hope will become a regular thing. Other than that, there isn't really much to say. It's just a routine mission to Kerman Station, not all that special. The only special thing is this is a crew of mostly rookie Kerbonauts, all from the Aurora class. Everybody but Seefield (Aurora 2) has never been to space before. And they're very excited to head up and explore Kerbalkind's new cosmic home. Anyways, off with the mission!

"Pitch program going fine, mission control. The RBS is quite the smooth ride!" - Seefield Kerman

"Expedition 5, you are go for orbital insertion." - Gene Kerman

"Orbital entry established." - Seefield Kerman

"Roger that, Expedition 5. Switching RBS control over to EDL."

RBS descends flawlessly, and now has a landing record of 3-1! With every launch, the RBS becomes a more and more reliable vehicle. This rocket has a bright future here at Beyond.

Back in orbit, the mission is proceeding as planned. Kerman Station is set as the target for Expedition 5, and it begins it's rendezvous maneuver with the space station.

This is the only picture of it. After entering physics range, the game crashed, and I had to boot KSP up all over again, and redo the whole docking maneuver. I was hyper focused on getting the docking done, and got no screenshots until after the fact.

"Mission control, this is station commander. The crew of Expedition 5 are settled into the space station, and we're about to enter a rest period." - Lebro Kerman

"Roger that, Kerman Station. Goodnight, we'll continue monitoring you from down here." - Gene Kerman

"Roger, goodnight. Kerman Station signing off.

[Kerbalsaurus]

I have updated the seal to include the star! Also, we now have a huge suite of insignia for Beyond, which I will show below.

Flag and Seal of Beyond

Flag of the United Kerbin Administration

[Kimera Industries]

Looking good!