Beyond: Kerbalkind's History of Space Exploration

[Kimera Industries]

6 minutes ago, Kerbalsaurus said:

Although still unsure, some say they could hear the faint sound of a memorial trumpet playing

Once, my friend pretended to be dead and we held a funeral for him on the spot. I played Taps.  

RIP Sumerki.

Edited April 4 by Kimera Industries
I spy with my little eye... a new page!

[Toaster355]

4 hours ago, Kerbalsaurus said:

SUMERKI DE-ORBIT - YEAR 4, DAY 55

MISSION OBJECTIVE: De-orbit the Sumerki Module aboard Kerman Station.

LAUNCH VEHICLE: Reusable Booster System

It's a bittersweet day at Beyond today. Coming down from orbit is the Sumerki Module, the second module launched to Kerman Station. The module wasn't designed to have a docking port at the back, and instead has an airlock. Due to this design, the module simply gets in the way of expansion at Kerman Station. So, we have to destroy it. That's what Kerbals do best anyways. How are we getting the module down though?

Well, as cheaply as possible of course! Our engineers simply took the standard orbital tug, and attached a claw to it. And since mission control needs some name to identify the craft with, it has simply been named by the engineers as Dave. Dave will firmly secure itself to the back of the module, set some distance between the module and the station, and then burn back to Kerbin. The burn has to be carefully calculated, as if we don't pay attention the module may end up destroying a small town or knocking down quite a few skyscrapers. The safest place for the module to land is in the middle of the ocean. Now, enough with the yapping, let's get flying.

"Liftoff on Dave, heading up to de-orbit the Sumerki Module." - Kraft Kerman (Flight Director)

"We are go for our orbital insertion burn." - Kraft Kerman

Once Dave is in orbit, control of the RBS is handed over to EDL teams on the ground.

Parachutes are deployed in their standard fungal formation.

"Successful touchdown of the RBS!" - Jill Kerman

Back in orbit, mission control is preparing Dave for the rendezvous maneuver for Kerman Station. Not much to say here really.

"Dave is now en-route to Kerman Station." - Kraft Kerman

Dave braking to match velocities with Kerman Station.

Now that Dave is moving alongside Kerman Station, it's time for the docking, or rather grabbing procedure. The crew on board Kerman Station close up and shut down all of the systems on Sumerki, and then give mission control the all clear to grab onto Sumerki.

"Systems reading Dave has grabbed onto Sumerki, Kerman Station please confirm." - Kraft Kerman

"Kerman Station confirms." - Seefield Kerman (Station Commander)

"Roger, you are go for Sumerki undock." - Kraft Kerman

"Go for de-orbit burn. So long, Sumerki." - Kraft Kerman

Once the burn was finished communications with Dave and the Sumerki Module were cut. Although still unsure, some say they could hear the faint sound of a memorial trumpet playing (this was later found out to be Mark taking trumpet lessons down the hall. We told him not to do this at work!).

Flame textures go brrrr

Roughly the final resting place of the module. So long, Sumerki.

That orbital tug looks pretty familiar... 

[SkyFall2489]

On 4/4/2024 at 6:53 AM, Kerbalsaurus said:

SUMERKI DE-ORBIT - YEAR 4, DAY 55

MISSION OBJECTIVE: De-orbit the Sumerki Module aboard Kerman Station.

LAUNCH VEHICLE: Reusable Booster System

It's a bittersweet day at Beyond today. Coming down from orbit is the Sumerki Module, the second module launched to Kerman Station. The module wasn't designed to have a docking port at the back, and instead has an airlock. Due to this design, the module simply gets in the way of expansion at Kerman Station. So, we have to destroy it. That's what Kerbals do best anyways. How are we getting the module down though?

Well, as cheaply as possible of course! Our engineers simply took the standard orbital tug, and attached a claw to it. And since mission control needs some name to identify the craft with, it has simply been named by the engineers as Dave. Dave will firmly secure itself to the back of the module, set some distance between the module and the station, and then burn back to Kerbin. The burn has to be carefully calculated, as if we don't pay attention the module may end up destroying a small town or knocking down quite a few skyscrapers. The safest place for the module to land is in the middle of the ocean. Now, enough with the yapping, let's get flying.

"Liftoff on Dave, heading up to de-orbit the Sumerki Module." - Kraft Kerman (Flight Director)

"We are go for our orbital insertion burn." - Kraft Kerman

Once Dave is in orbit, control of the RBS is handed over to EDL teams on the ground.

Parachutes are deployed in their standard fungal formation.

"Successful touchdown of the RBS!" - Jill Kerman

Back in orbit, mission control is preparing Dave for the rendezvous maneuver for Kerman Station. Not much to say here really.

"Dave is now en-route to Kerman Station." - Kraft Kerman

Dave braking to match velocities with Kerman Station.

Now that Dave is moving alongside Kerman Station, it's time for the docking, or rather grabbing procedure. The crew on board Kerman Station close up and shut down all of the systems on Sumerki, and then give mission control the all clear to grab onto Sumerki.

"Systems reading Dave has grabbed onto Sumerki, Kerman Station please confirm." - Kraft Kerman

"Kerman Station confirms." - Seefield Kerman (Station Commander)

"Roger, you are go for Sumerki undock." - Kraft Kerman

"Go for de-orbit burn. So long, Sumerki." - Kraft Kerman

Once the burn was finished communications with Dave and the Sumerki Module were cut. Although still unsure, some say they could hear the faint sound of a memorial trumpet playing (this was later found out to be Mark taking trumpet lessons down the hall. We told him not to do this at work!).

Flame textures go brrrr

Roughly the final resting place of the module. So long, Sumerki.

Is the SkyFall Industries Centrifuge Module likely to be decommissioned as well?

[Kerbalsaurus]

32 minutes ago, SkyFall2489 said:

Is the SkyFall Industries Centrifuge Module likely to be decommissioned as well?

Yes, unfortunately.

[SkyFall2489]

10 minutes ago, Kerbalsaurus said:

Yes, unfortunately.

it's okay - again, there's definitely some in-lore reason that could be provided
perhaps the motor broke down due to mechanical wear?
SkyFall Industries might attempt to build a second one - I'll stress-test the thing much better this time.

[Kerbalsaurus]

6 hours ago, SkyFall2489 said:

it's okay - again, there's definitely some in-lore reason that could be provided
perhaps the motor broke down due to mechanical wear?
SkyFall Industries might attempt to build a second one - I'll stress-test the thing much better this time.

Maybe you could try one of the small inflatable centrifuges from Stockalike Station Parts Redux, especially since inflatable module technology is about to be introduced.

[Kimera Industries]

2 hours ago, Kerbalsaurus said:

Stockalike Station Parts Redux

If you want centrifuges to feature in future builds and as a major part of the story, this is definitely the way to go.

[SkyFall2489]

16 hours ago, Kerbalsaurus said:

Maybe you could try one of the small inflatable centrifuges from Stockalike Station Parts Redux, especially since inflatable module technology is about to be introduced.

maybe - I have an idea for another rigid centrifuge design. This one will only use one robotic part.

I'm thinking about having a single long arm with cabins on the end, using one of the launch vehicle's stages as a counterweight. To avoid putting torque on the station, I'll use 2 sets of ion engines to accelerate and decelerate the centrifuge. This way, the only robotic part will be a single large rotor.

[Kerbalsaurus]

1 hour ago, SkyFall2489 said:

maybe - I have an idea for another rigid centrifuge design. This one will only use one robotic part.

I'm thinking about having a single long arm with cabins on the end, using one of the launch vehicle's stages as a counterweight. To avoid putting torque on the station, I'll use 2 sets of ion engines to accelerate and decelerate the centrifuge. This way, the only robotic part will be a single large rotor.

How large is this arm going to be exactly? Because Kerman Station is only so large and since I plan on putting the next centrifuge on where the current one is, if the arm is too long it will take out a solar panel on HPUM.

Edited April 7 by Kerbalsaurus
Typos

[SkyFall2489]

9 hours ago, Kerbalsaurus said:

How large is this arm going to be exactly? Because Kerman Station is only so large and since I plan on putting the next centrifuge on where the current one is, if the arm is too long it will take out a solar panel on HPUM.

I'm unsure - the radius could be up to 5m. The arm will have to be oriented vertically in the fairing - I should do some math and figure out how many Gs I want the thing to have.
Most of the small SSPXR centrifuges run less than 0.2G, or about 2 m/s^2. At 5 RPM, this requires a 7m long arm, but at 10 RPM, this requires a 2m long arm. What was the rotation speed of the SSPXR centrifuges again?

Visually, I doubt it will hit the solar panels though.

 

NOTE: Gravity scales linearly with the radius and with the scale of the rotational speed. The formula is A = R * W^2, where A is in meters per second per second, R is in meters, and W is in radians per second. 1 G is approximately 10 m/s^2.

EDIT: built an early prototype of the thing - it ended up being about 6m in radius.

Edited April 8 by SkyFall2489

[SkyFall2489]

If possible, when launching the tug to deorbit Centrifuge I, could you put a second tug on the same rocket to help with docking Centrifuge II? With my current design, it's not gonna be easy to get the thing to dock on its own

[Kerbalsaurus]

24 minutes ago, SkyFall2489 said:

If possible, when launching the tug to deorbit Centrifuge I, could you put a second tug on the same rocket to help with docking Centrifuge II? With my current design, it's not gonna be easy to get the thing to dock on its own

I’m not launching another tug to Kerman Station, as the centrifuge can be de-orbited on monoprop alone (I added a few extra tanks to it, as I never trust myself docking or maneuvering anything).

[Kerbalsaurus]

CELESTIAL LOUNGE - YEAR 4, DAY 62

MISSION OBJECTIVE: Dock Kimera Industries' Celestial Lounge to Kerman Station

LAUNCH VEHICLE: Reusable Booster System

With room cleared on Kerman Station, it's now time for the first expansion module to go up. This module is the Celestial Lounge by @Kimera Industries, and it's certainly a unique module. The module is a massive glass observatory, which provides a 360^o view of the skies above our homeworld! Tourists and kerbonauts alike will be drawn to the module for the stunning views of Kerbin it provides, tourists especially. Crews on board hope that this will at least limit the amount of times tourists get in the way of their work. As usual, the RBS will flying this mission. It's the only Medium Launch Vehicle we have, and it's reusable. As the name would obviously suggest.

"Liftoff of the Celestial Lounge!" - Bobak Kerman (Flight Controller)

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

"Handing control of the RBS over to EDL teams." - Silverstein Kerman (BOOSTER)

"Another successful landing for the RBS!" - Jill Kerman (Head of EDL)

While EDL guided the RBS to a safe landing, back in orbit mission control continues docking operations for the Celestial Lounge. First, they set up a rendezvous maneuver, and roughly two orbits later the module is on its way to Kerman Station!

"Successful startup of the LV-909." - Chris Kerman (Engines)

The Celestial Lounge hovers above Kerman Station, awaiting its next command.

Control of the module is then handed off to Kerman Station, where Coremy will guide it in to dock to the aft docking port of the station. However, it will still be monitored by mission control in case of an emergency. This remote control technology is relatively new, but will be useful in the future for the construction of AMRO and other deep space missions.

"Hard dock with Kerman Station confirmed!" - Coremy Kerman

Another successful mission! The Celestial Lounge adds an awesome new flavor to the space station, and the views it provides are absolutely incredible! Thank you to @Kimera Industries for their amazing module and congratulations on a successful launch! Beyond hopes to continue our partnership far into the future!

Edited April 15 by Kerbalsaurus
Spelling, grammatical, and phrasing fixes.

[Kimera Industries]

20 hours ago, Kerbalsaurus said:

The module is a massive glass observatory, which provides a 360^o view of the skies above our homeworld!

For some reason, when you put it that way it reminds me of this:

Congrats on the successful launch! I'm glad the Lounge wasn't too much trouble.

[Kerbalsaurus]

5 hours ago, Kimera Industries said:

For some reason, when you put it that way it reminds me of this:

The space station is about to be attacked by a deep space leviathan.

[Kimera Industries]

20 hours ago, Kerbalsaurus said:

The space station is about to be attacked by a deep space leviathan.

"Detecting high parts count space station in the area. Are you sure whatever you are trying to dock is worth it?"

[Kerbalsaurus]

'NADUT' MODULE - YEAR 4, DAY 65

MISSION OBJECTIVE: Dock the Nadut Module to Kerman Station

LAUNCH VEHICLE: Reusable Booster System

With the Celestial Lounge now in Orbit, it's time for the next planned expansion module to go up. This is the Nadut Module. Nadut is definitely one of the most interesting modules that Beyond has ever built, as it's the very first habitable inflatable module. This is experimental technology, so the module is very small, but this experiment could be important for future interplanetary missions for lightweight habitats and inflatable rings. Other then that, there's not much else to write home about with this module. Just a hab, not too indifferent.

"Liftoff on the Nadut Module, on its way to Kerman Station!" - Gene Kerman (Flight Director)

"Nadut orbital entry is established." - Gene Kerman

"Copy, handing over control of the RBS to EDL teams." - Silverstein Kerman (BOOSTER)

"We report loss of signal with the RBS. Dispatch recovery teams immediately." - Jill Kerman (Head of EDL)

Unfortunately, the RBS was coming in just a little too fast, causing the parachutes to be shredded when they deployed. Almost all of the rocket was destroyed on impact, in a massive explosion felt by several towns nearby. Administrations senses a hefty lawsuit coming in their direction.

Back in orbit, Nadut is guided to Kerman Station by its ground teams. A rendezvous burn is made with the tug stage, the tug burned to match velocities with Kerman Station, and then module was ejected from the tug to move in to dock at Kerman Station. One painful docking process later and...

Nadut is docked to Kerman Station! It's a great new addition to the station-scape, and once it's inflated, the crew on board Kerman Station describe it as being quite roomy. However, Kerman Station does have one issue: it now has no airlock! However, the Hope habitat module does have a docking port on the side for a future airlock. So, work has begun on a new small airlock module. However, that's quite a few flights away. A little bit more housekeeping has to be done at Kerman Station, as well as some routine satellite flights, and then a new airlock will be launched.

***

Hey, sorry it's been almost a month since the last update. I've just felt really uninspired to write or play KSP, and Cities: Skylines is a vortex. The roads call for me. That's my excuse for not writing this or CKR at all. Anyways, I'm back I suppose, so, more updates! Yay! Also, sorry this update is written so weird I legitimately got 0 sleep last night. My eyes burn right now.

Edited May 15 by Kerbalsaurus

[Kerbalsaurus]

'SKYFALL' DEORBIT - YEAR 4, DAY 66

The sky is falling!

MISSION OBJECTIVE: Deorbit the Skyfall Centrifuge Module

LAUNCH VEHICLE:  N/A

"Starting deorbit procedure on Skyfall." - Chris Kerman (Engines)

Unfortunately, even after so little use, the Skyfall module has to be de-orbited. The module was a very unfortunate victim of a micrometeorite strike, and is now rendered inoperable. Given the gross amount of monoprop added to the module, it can de-orbit itself without the aid of a tug. Everyone both on station and on the ground is sad to see this module go down, as it was perhaps one of the coolest on station. However, we do have Skyfall Industries' new Centrifuge module to look forward too.

Going out of character for a second to show just how  badly clipped everything is. Curse you Kracken!

Approximately the final location of the module.

[Kerbalsaurus]

THE SECRET SPACE PROGRAM - YEAR 4, DAY !̶̨̛̤̰͈̥̫̯͎̻̘͕̭͎̣̠̠̯̩̦̫̣̦̤̼̯̿̏̈͛̐̉̈́̀̈̾̓̈́̊̃̈́̒̚̚̕͠*̶̬̺̜͎̳̠̦̗͕̝̠̖̭̝̟̝̠̻̭͉͛̂̈́́͒̽́̀̈́͌̑̂͝ͅ@̸̢̧̢̨̻̟̱̖̤̠͉̠̪̮̭̝̯͚̝̠̺̗̤̪̠̔͋͐́̔̈̒͋͂̾̍͂̋̔̎͒̎͘ͅ^̴̨̧̧̛͕̦̱̜̩̗͎̲̰͔̤͎̪͔̪̭̬̤̈́̾͆̾̑̃̔͠$̶̢̛̭͉̳̭̤̹͔̝͔͌͐͗̿̈́̽́̔͐̑̿͊́̓̍͆̈́͗́̐̄͜͝͠͠͠͝͝͝@̶̦͇̮̠͍̬͙̻͕̞̭̠̅̾̀̍͜

MISSION OBJECTIVE: Send crew to the Secret Space Station

CREW: [NO DATA AVAILABLE]

It's ya boy [REDACTED] back with another update at Kerbin's most secret of space programs. The Dessert Launch Center (DLC) has had some extreme overhauls recently, including the construction of a much more streamlined VAB. Instead of rocket parts being built is separate buildings and then assembled on the launchpad, it can all be built and assembled right there, and then rolled out. Also, the launch control center is no longer a small tower, but now a full fledged center for launch control. And new barracks have been constructed, which I must say are pretty snazzy, especially for a crumby government facility.

Now, onto the important part. This mission will be sending a new crew to Triple-S (as most of us on base call the space station), where they will continue to monitor the Mun and signals coming from it. A recent burst of energy has been detected from the surface, higher than anything we've seen. Almost like something has just come through the portal. Rumors have also spread that they'll be working on an unmanned lander mission that will investigate the structure further, but truthfully we have no idea. Sure, shipments have arrived at base, but these could just be for any old satellite launch too. I don't have clearance to enter the VAB, and those who do are ordered not to talk about what's happening inside. Hmm...

The new crew who I still don't know the names of make their way to orbit.

"Proceeding with orbital insertion burn." - Unknown Commander

"Burning for Triple-S." - Unknown Pilot

Now we sit and listen. For any little sound movement or smell coming from the Mun. We finally have eyes up there again, and I will do as much as I can to tel you what those eyes see.

What secrets do you continue to hide?

Edited May 17 by Kerbalsaurus

[Kerbalsaurus]

NOVA 5 - YEAR 4, DAY 71

CREW: Marsha Kerman

MISSION OBJECTIVE: Send Marsha to Kerman Station aboard Winter Owl's MLO

LAUNCH VEHICLE: Reusable Booster System (L00ntech)

Marsha climbs the launch tower to the top, ready to begin the greatest getaway she's ever been on. Due to the lack of an airlock on Kerman Station, she will unfortunately not be able to go on EVA. However, she's says that simply being on a space station is already enough. At this point, the RBS and MLO have proven themselves to be very reliable vehicles, so there isn't much for Marsha to worry about. Now, I'm sure you're wondering what here travel itinerary will look like. And if you're not, too bad. On this flight, Marsha will spend around 10 days in space. On board the space station, she will star in a promotional video to gain more public support for the program, and then kinda just take in the novelty of being in space after that.

"Liftoff on Nova 5, carrying Marsha to Kerman Station!" - Gene Kerman (CAPCOM)

"How are you feeling up there, Marsha?" - Gene Kerman

"It's a little... shakier than I thought." - Marsha Kerman

"What'd you expect, a river ride? A nice, luxurious, first class plane flight?" - Gene Kerman

"Actually, yes." - Marsha Kerman

"Where do they find these people." - Gene Kerman

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

"Stable orbit confirmed." - Gene Kerman

"Handing control of RBS over to EDL." - Silverstein Kerman (BOOSTER)

"Successful touchdown confirmed." - Jill Kerman (Head of EDL)

Now, back to orbit. The standard rendezvous routine takes place. Orbital plane adjustment (pictured above), and then burning for Kerman Station, burning to slow down at Kerman Station, and then docking. We'll just show you pictures.

"We are now on our way to Kerman Station." - Gene Kerman

"Hard dock confirmed! Welcome to Kerman Station, Marsha!" - Gene Kerman

When the hatch opens, Marsha is greeted by everyone on board the station. She's shown around, but quickly loses here focus when she's brought to the celestial lounge. She settles in for her 10 day stay, while we on Kerbin prepare for some exciting new developments...

***

Fun fact, I started writing this yesterday to celebrate Boeing  Starliner's first crewed launch, but then of course it had to be postponed. So here's a private spaceflight update not realted to any current events. Oh, and for those who don't know, Starliner is supposed to launch again on Tuesday at 4:43pm EST.

[dsplaisted]

11 minutes ago, Kerbalsaurus said:

Oh, and for those who don't know, Starliner is supposed to launch again on Tuesday at 4:43pm EST.

LAUNCH: ULA Atlas V Boeing Starliner Crewed Flight Test (kennedyspacecenter.com) Now on next Saturday.

[Kerbalsaurus]

PIONEER 2 - YEAR 4, DAY 75

MISSION OBJECTIVE: Orbit Eve's moon Gilly

LAUNCH VEHICLE: N/A

Nothing much to write home about here. Halfway to Eve, Pioneer 2 performs a midcourse correction burn to adjust it's encounter with Eve. In just over a 100 more days, we'll be in Eve's SOI! However, many more interesting things are happening on the other side of Kerbin...

Edited May 19 by Kerbalsaurus

[Kerbalsaurus]

EXPLORER 2 - YEAR 4, DAY 75

MISSION OBJECTIVE: Orbit Duna's moon Ike

LAUNCH VEHICLE: N/A

After 176 days of coasting through space, Explorer 2 arrives at Ike! Pictures during approach show Ike is very much like the Mun, gray and drab, but strangely not pockmarked. Why is this? It's size and proximity relative to Duna mean is should be covered in craters, yet the surface is smooth as ice. This what science is for. Let's get to orbit!

"Orbital insertion burn going well, engine showing no issues." - Chris Kerman (Engines)

"Ike orbit confirmed!" - Gene Kerman

We've done it again! Another celestial body explored! Data immediately starts flowing back! Ike is certainly an interesting moon. It's orbit and shape suggest that it's in fact not a captured asteroid, but maybe formed from Duna, much like the Mun and Minmus. This wouldn't explain why it's so absurdly sized. The probe will continue study and explore Ike, providing tons more data in the meantime. Science!

[Kerbalsaurus]

KIWISAT-G4 - YEAR 4, DAY 77

MISSION OBJECTIVE: Launch the Kiwisat-G spacecraft into a Keosynchronus orbit for a private customer.

LAUNCH VEHICLE: Apteryx-9B

"All systems GO for launch on the Apteryx-9B." - Kraft Kerman (Flight Director)

We return to LC-41 for yet another Apteryx-9B launch, one of the most reliant rockets in Beyond's arsenal. On board is Kiwisat-G4, a keosynchronus satellite that private customers can buy out. This launch will be just like all the others, the rocket will go up and deliver its payload. I really don't have anything else to say but this.

"And we have liftoff on the Apteryx-9B, carrying Kiwisat-G4." - Kraft Kerman

"Successful stage 2 separation confirmed." - Silverstein Kerman (BOOSTER)

"Copy that BOOSTER, we are go for LV-909 startup." - Chris Kerman (ENGINE)

"Kiwisat-G4 orbital entry is established." - Kraft Kerman

Kiwisat-G4 makes its way to Keosynchronus orbit.

"Kiwisat-G4 has reached its target orbit, handing control of the satellite over to customer. Another successful launch everyone!" - Kraft Kerman

Stage 2 burning up on re-entry.

[TwoCalories]

<<CALORIES SPACE EXPLORATION INITIATIVE>>

While the CalSpace CS-38 Talon was a great first step into the aerospace industry, the Talon came with quite a few issues. Yes, it was difficult to control due to the noodle thin delta-wings and the asymmetrical payload hardpoints, but it was also u g l y. So, the CalSpace engineering team got to work. It took over a hundred Funds and several cups of coffee to create, but we're happy to present our next airplane: the CS/T-77 Teal Hawk!

Photos of the CS/T-77's prototype model.

The CS/T-77 Teal Hawk possesses many improvements over its predecessor. It started out as an evolution of the CS-38 Talon, but it quickly turned out that the airframe had to be redesigned from the ground up to get in all the necessary improvements, including enhanced stability, improved maneuverability, increased payload, and more added safety measures. It also (finally) has a second seat, so newer pilots can sit in the back and watch a more seasoned Kerbonaut do their work. While it now has flaperons and one less engine, we assure you that the vessel is even higher performance than before.

Also, all the screenshots are of a prototype. The production model features a shortened fuselage, modified flaperon placement, slightly enlarged wing tips, and an improved EJECT (Emergency JEttison of Cockpit Trigger) system.

One thing to note: due to a bug with Airplanes Plus, the plane may swerve on takeoff slightly because of the landing gear. To combat this, use minor yaw inputs (by minor, I mean even just slightly tapping A or D) and try to clear the runway ASAP. Takeoff speed is in the ballpark of 70 m/s.

Currently, the only option for a loadout is two drop tanks and a Type-3 Science Glider that can be released above any terrain. It has no engine or landing gear, but has a parachute, a grip pad on the belly, and some small wings.

Releasing the science glider over some mountains. The hardpoints are interchangeable, so the Teal Hawk can wear three drop tanks or three gliders, though we're not sure why you'd need three gliders.

If you look closely, you can see the orange and white parachute deployed as the glider descends.

Our in-house test pilots pushed the airframe to its limits around the local mountains.

The drop tanks can decouple in the event of an emergency.

The pilot takes the Teal Hawk to Mach 1. You can only do this in a completely clean configuration (no drop tanks or glider on the hardpoints).

The Teal Hawk lands in its speed brake configuration (air brake, flaperons/inner flaps deployed. The brakes make you lose a lot of speed fast, so take that into consideration where landing.

Safety is CalSpace's number one priority, so we've made modifications to our patented EJECT system. Now the EJECT system is certified to work while at high speeds. Just don't eject at low altitudes or while inverted/pointing nose down. Warranty void if the Abort action group was not binded prior to flight.

Simulated rendition of the ejection procedure. A drogue chute deploys from the cockpit module so that it can slow down while the two crew bail.

CalSpace felt an evolved aircraft was necessary as it will not only be more modifiable but will gather more flight data for our future projects thanks to its increased capabilities. One final note: remember to add the tailcode onto the plane as shown, with a flag, the airbase two-letter code, aircraft modex number, and the space program roundel.

Also, thanks to the modifications, Atmospheric Autopilot is no longer a practical necessity, but still recommended. Also, Airplanes Plus and Near Future Exploration parts are used in this vessel.

KerbalX link: KerbalX - CS/T-77 Teal Hawk + Science Glider

Edited June 3 by TwoCalories
Also worth mentioning this plane is based of the T-7 Red Hawk, but I took a few liberties of my own. The name is inspired by the Red Hawk as well, obviously.