Blue Moon: European Lunar Exploration

[Kerbalsaurus]

For years now, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has been the leader of lunar exploration. From the Apollo Program to the Artemis Program, they've led development on and around the Moon. The European Space Agency (ESA) was now going to make a move. Using what they've learned from their operations with NASA for the Artemis Program, the ESA has created the Aurora Program, which will bring the first independently launched Europeans to space and the Moon. However, they lack quite a lot of the hardware needed for a lunar program.

Digging through some back lot in Korou, they came across an idea for an advanced crew vehicle, called the Advanced Crew Transportation System (ACTS). Conceived when France pushed the ESA for a crewed launch vehicle, it never actually got off the ground (quite literally). It didn't even pass through the concept phase! But it was the only idea the ESA had for a lunar crew module, so they‘ll get to work on that.

With the spacecraft issue solved, now it comes to a launch vehicle. What were they going to use? The ESA has decided to use its premiere launch vehicle, the Ariane 6-4. It’s powerful enough to lift ACTS into orbit. To the Moon? Well, they'll cross that bridge when they get to it. The ESA immediately gets to work on building the spacecraft and a stack, due to launch around 2027.

Final design for ACTS and its Ariane 6-4 stack.

Here's my attempt at an alternate future, using old and new concepts created by the ESA, with my own little creative touches. The reason it's called an alternate future is because the ESA is definitely not going to launch crewed lunar missions, considering their activities with NASA and the Artemis Program. It's really just fun to speculate and create. The next post will be the launch of a test vehicle for ACTS, or Aurora 1.

Edited April 7, 2023 by Kerbalsaurus
Typos and Such

[Kerbalsaurus]

FEBRUARY 18^TH, 2027 - Aurora 1

After 3 years of work, the first ACTS-Ariane stack is done. The ACTS command pod is meant to be re-usable, which will allow more frequent launches to take place, as well as greatly lower the cost of the program. The Ariane 6 isn't really much, simply just a normal Ariane 6 built to accommodate a Launch Escape System.

Now, the mission profile of Aurora 1 isn't really that spectacular. It's only an orbital test flight of the ACTS spacecraft. The spacecraft will stay in LEO for a day, before burning back for Earth and splashing down somewhere around Spain.

Liftoff!

Main Engine Startup

Now in a higher part of the atmosphere, the fairing is deployed and the ACTS spacecraft deploys it's solar panels. As you can see, the spacecraft is very similar to Orion in it's shape and function. The ESA knew Orion worked well, so they simply used a similar systems to Orion.

Orbital insertion burn.

The ACTS actually preforms quite well. Very minor problems happen in orbit, but the spacecraft still preforms it's tasks and tests with little flaws. After a day in orbit, the spacecraft orients itself retrograde to begin the return back to Earth.

Splashdown off the coast of Spain.

Edited April 4, 2023 by Kerbalsaurus

[Kerbalsaurus]

AUGUST 4^TH, 2027 - AURORA 2

With the success of Aurora 1, the ESA readies the next mission of the Aurora Program: Aurora 2. Aurora 2 will be the first lunar mission of the Aurora Program. It will flyby the Moon to test it's various deep-space systems, as well as lunar navigation systems. When it reaches it's apogee, it'll burn retrograde to re-enter Earth's atmosphere, to be recovered somewhere in the north Atlantic.

Now, the launch vehicle. The Ariane 6 is a very powerful rocket, but not powerful enough to launch a crewed spacecraft to the Moon. The ESA's engineers figured out a solution to this problem though. They've decided to add a new stage to the Ariane 6, the Aurora upper stage (AUS). This stage will give ACTS the power to actually get to the Moon. The rest of the flight will be ACTS coasting through deep space. With mission briefing out of the way, let's get flying.

SRB sep confirmed

Stage 2 engine startup

Orbital insertion burn

There was one issue during launch. As it turns out, the standard Ariane 6-4 stack isn't powerful enough to carry ACTS and the AUS all the way to orbit, leaving the AUS to put Aurora 2 into LEO. This wasted a lot of fuel, which could've put the mission into severe danger. Luckily, the AUS still had enough fuel to fire for the TLI burn, but this is something to work on in the future.

AUS separation

Aurora 2 drifts off into deep space, the first lunar voyage of the Aurora Program.

Closet approach to the Moon

De-orbit burn

Now Aurora 2 simply has to coast back to Earth. ACTS has to do one more test flight before finally launching up crew. The next flight of the program, Aurora 3, will be an uncrewed lunar orbital test flight, due launch early next year.

French naval vessels quickly pick up ACTS

[AtomicTech]

Can't wait to see where this goes!

[Kerbalsaurus]

JUNE 27^TH, 2028 - AURORA 3

A cool night breeze blows over the coast of Korou, but this is no time to relax. Today, Aurora 3 will take push the ESA to it's limits, and take the ACTS on its first lunar orbital flight.

Originally aiming for a January launch, things took a little bit slower than expected. Some of our scientists announced their concerns with the Ariane 6-4 stack not being able to fully carry the ACTS-AUS into orbit. So the ESA asked Arianespace to maybe make a new variant of the Ariane 6. Luckily, Arianespace was willing to help. They designed the new Ariane 6-6, a new variant of the Ariane 6 capable of lifting the weight of ACTS-AUS into orbit, without the AUS having to put ACTS into orbit.

For the ACTS vehicle itself, better communications compared to earlier variants. Aurora 2 had some issues with communications out by the Moon, so a new high-gain antennae has been added.

Liftoff!

Stage 2 ignition

The Ariane 6-6 stack preforms flawlessly! The rocket lifts off with no issues, and successfully puts the ACTS-AUS into LEO. A little victory for the ESA. Next up is the most important part of the mission: the TLI burn.

Success! Aurora 3 is due to arrive at the Moon within 3 days. During that time, a few little tests will be done in deep space. These will test avionics and communications systems. really though, all the ESA has to do is just wait.

The Moon slowly approaches Aurora 3. The ESA prepare it for the most important part of the flight, orbiting the Moon. One issue during the lunar orbital insertion burn, the ESA may have been a bit too on point with their transfer window. Aurora 3 does its burn during a total lunar eclipse, making it very hard to tell where the spacecraft was oriented (seriously, I was very disoriented doing this. Curse you EVE!).

Lunar orbit is confirmed! This is a HUGE milestone for the ESA, and a major stepping stone to Europeans on the Moon. Wait, hold up. A new world, Europe, and colonization? Sounds familiar... nah, it must be my imagination.

After a day orbiting the Moon, collecting science and whatnot, Aurora 3 begins the Trans-Earth injection.

Service module separation

Aurora 3 splashes down somewhere off the coast of China. Have fun with diplomacy, Europe!

[Kerbalsaurus]

DECEMBER 23^RD, 2028 - AURORA 4

Today is perhaps one of the most important days in European history, as Europe is about to launch their first humans into space. While many Europeans have been sent into space before, they were all sent aboard either NASA's space shuttle or aboard the Russian Soyuz. If all goes well, the ESA will be the 4^th country to independently launch humans into space. Who are these humans, exactly? Well, let's go ahead and meet them!

First, we have our mission commander. He's french pilot named Martin Berthelot. He's been an astronaut for quite a long time, and flew on a Dragon crew vehicle back in 2025 for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. Next, we have another Frenchmen, a scientist and our mission pilot Alfred Lacroix. This will be his first flight into space. Our next astronaut is a German engineer named Bernhard Segebahn, who has a few flights in the Commercial Crew Program under his belt. Finally, we have our British mission specialist and experienced astronaut Regina Harrell. She's flown on an Artemis flight already, and while not stepping foot on the Moon, she has spent quite a bit of time on the Lunar Gateway. These will be Europe's first independent astronauts.

Going back to the Ariane 6-4 for an orbital flight.

Liftoff!

Stage 2 startup

Orbital insertion burn.

The ESA has done it! They've become the fourth agency to launch humans into space! This is huge success for the Aurora Program, as the ESA has now proven that they're capable of crewed spaceflight, and are now less of a starving organization then they were before. The EU now actually kind of cares about the ESA. However, the ESA doesn't just want to get to orbit. British astronaut Regina Harrell will preform the ESA's first independent EVA. This will also be a test of the ESA's new lunar-rated spacesuit.

"Alright, I'm stepping out of the capsule now... wow, this is beautiful."

EVA cameras snap this picture (ignore the shadow glitch)

After around 30 minutes on EVA, Regina gets back aboard the capsule. The mission isn't just over yet. Aurora 4 will remain in orbit for just over1 day, before burning retrograde back for home.

A new age of exploration has begun for Europe.

[AtomicTech]

52 minutes ago, Kerbalsaurus said:

DECEMBER 23^RD, 2028 - AURORA 4

Today is perhaps one of the most important days in European history, as Europe is about to launch their first humans into space. While many Europeans have been sent into space before, they were all sent aboard either NASA's space shuttle or aboard the Russian Soyuz. If all goes well, the ESA will be the 4^th country to independently launch humans into space. Who are these humans, exactly? Well, let's go ahead and meet them!

First, we have our mission commander. He's french pilot named Martin Berthelot. He's been an astronaut for quite a long time, and flew on a Dragon crew vehicle back in 2025 for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. Next, we have another Frenchmen, a scientist and our mission pilot Alfred Lacroix. This will be his first flight into space. Our next astronaut is a German engineer named Bernhard Segebahn, who has a few flights in the Commercial Crew Program under his belt. Finally, we have our British mission specialist and experienced astronaut Regina Harrell. She's flown on an Artemis flight already, and while not stepping foot on the Moon, she has spent quite a bit of time on the Lunar Gateway. These will be Europe's first independent astronauts.

Going back to the Ariane 6-4 for an orbital flight.

Liftoff!

Stage 2 startup

Orbital insertion burn.

The ESA has done it! They've become the fourth agency to launch humans into space! This is huge success for the Aurora Program, as the ESA has now proven that they're capable of crewed spaceflight, and are now less of a starving organization then they were before. The EU now actually kind of cares about the ESA. However, the ESA doesn't just want to get to orbit. British astronaut Regina Harrell will preform the ESA's first independent EVA. This will also be a test of the ESA's new lunar-rated spacesuit.

"Alright, I'm stepping out of the capsule now... wow, this is beautiful."

EVA cameras snap this picture (ignore the shadow glitch)

After around 30 minutes on EVA, Regina gets back aboard the capsule. The mission isn't just over yet. Aurora 4 will remain in orbit for just over1 day, before burning retrograde back for home.

A new age of exploration has begun for Europe.

Woohoo! Another entry! 

[Kerbalsaurus]

2 hours ago, AtomicTech said:

Woohoo! Another entry! 

Haha, thanks! I’m surprised I’ve been able to keep this consistent, considering I haven’t had much time to play KSP. Glad to see some people are following, though!

[Kerbalsaurus]

JULY 15^TH, 2029 - AURORA 5

Today is the day. The ESA will finally go beyond Earth, and send their first humans to the Moon. While they won't land there, they will orbit the Moon for a day before heading back to Earth. While orbiting the Moon, and EVA will be done to collect science and to see how the ESA's lunar rated suit behaves in deep space.

Now, of course, we need to know who's flying the Mission. First we have our mission commander, Maya Charlier, a Belgian scientist who's pent time aboard an American space station. Next, we have a French pilot named Olivia Clement, who's never actually been to space, but was the backup crew for Aurora 4. Then, we have our mission specialist Mike Smits, an engineer from the Netherlands. Finally, we have Roberto Montanari, an Italian astronaut who will preform the EVA above the Moon.

ESA scientists are somewhat worried about this flight. While most of it may be irrational, they're afraid of a mission failure that could kill the crew. The ACTS spacecraft is a perfectly safe spacecraft, so the fears are unfounded, but you can't blame them for being scared. The ESA's budget is already quite slim, but a loss of the crew could very well have the organization shut down. Nonetheless, the ESA is go for launch.

Liftoff!

SRB sep

LES sep and fairing ejection

Aurora 5 makes it to LEO, but the mission isn't quite done yet. Next is a life critical moment, the TLI burn. The crew have to get the burn just right or they risk being flung out into deep space, never to return again. Calculation have been mapped out exactly, and checked again and again. After 1 orbit of the Earth, the crew begin the ESA's first journey to the Moon.

"You are go for TLI!"

They did it! The crew are now successfully on a path that will take them to the Moon! Aurora 5 will coast for three days, and the crew will preform tests of it's human-rated, deep space systems. Good luck, Aurora 5!

After 3 days of coasting, Aurora 5 feels the pull of the Moon's gravity, and descends toward it. This is another life-critical moment in the mission. If the crew miss the the burn, they will be flung into solar orbit by the Moon's gravity. Not good. If the engine fires too early, the crew will loose a lot of fuel. If the fire too long, the crew will impact the surface of the Moon. While the ESA does want to land on the Moon, they'd rather do it when the crew are alive.

The burn is a success! Mission control rejoices, as the ESA has proven itself capable of lunar orbit! After one and a half orbits around the Moon, Roberto Montanari steps out of the ACTS, and becomes the first independent European astronaut to do an EVA above the Moon.

"I couldn't help but stare at it," he said in later interview. "I was staring at something very few people ever get to stare at, and something almost no Italians get to stare at."

He spends around 1 hour on EVA, before boarding Aurora 5 again. The mission orbits the Moon for around 1 day, before the crew preform the Trans-Earth Injection burn.

Heading home

Re-entering Earth's atmosphere.

Due to a malfunction in the parachute deployment system, both the droguechutes and parachutes open at the same time. While it doesn't threaten the crew, it does make the landing coordinates a little more off than expected.

[Kerbalsaurus]

NOVEMBER 7^TH, 2029 - DELIVERY OF ELLV-1 TO THE MOON

During the time Aurora 5 was being built and finalized, the ESA was preparing it's lunar lander, the European Lunar Landing Vehicle 1 (ELLV-1). It's a mouthful and a very uncreative name, but it does get the job done. The lander is built to be used multiple times, perhaps even indefinitely, but the issue is we can't really refuel it. We'll really have to figure out a solution.

The lander itself can be considered a heavy duty lander, as the lander itself has a wide, tall design with a fairly heavy cockpit. It's designed to land 3 people on the Moon, allowing for a less lonely and more exciting excursion for the astronauts. We won't spoil too much though. That's for the actual landing.

Liftoff!

Orbital insertion burn

TLI burn

The stage is now set for the crew of Aurora 6 to set foot on the Moon.

[Kerbalsaurus]

JANUARY 1^ST, 2030 - AURORA 6

To celebrate the new decade, the ESA launch Aurora 6 to begin it with a high note (better than last decade's start). All the world watches as the ESA begins its first Moonshot attempt. After almost after almost 6 years of testing, proving, and considering, the ESA will finally just do. This will be a formidable flight, but those who fly on it will go down in history. Who are these people being talked about, exactly? Well, let's meet them!

First is our mission commander, a French pilot named Élisabeth Neuville. If all goes according to plan, the first European on the Moon will be her. Next, we have our pilot, a man from the Netherlands named Levi Michiels. He will remain on ACTS while the crew do their surface activities. Then, we have Patricio Vega, a Spanish engineer and one of out mission specialists. And finally, we have Sotiria Antonis, a Greek scientist an a mission specialist. She will preform experiments and collect surface samples on the surface. These ladies an gentlemen, will be the first Europeans to go to the Moon!

The world watches as the countdown starts going down to zero. The crew are nervous as ever, as they're about to pull off one of the most difficult journeys a human could ever take. But mission control re-assures them that they're in the most capable hands they could be in, including they're own.

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

Ignition sequence start, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...

We have liftoff! Liftoff on the Ariane 6, carrying Europe to the Moon!

Fairing sep and LES ejection

Aurora 6 is now in orbit!

After 8 minutes, the crew of Aurora 6 arrive in a parking orbit. The crew check systems, again and again, wanting this flight to go as perfectly as possible. With virtually nothing wrong with the spacecraft, the crew are given the go for TLI.

AUS at full power

The crew now coast for 3 days towards the Moon. The crew don't really report anything new, just kind of waiting. But the excitement builds the closer they get. And finally, they arrive.

With Aurora 6 successfully in low lunar orbit (LLO), the hard part begins. Anticipating that the lander will not be in position long enough for a lunar transfer window, the ESA put it into a higher lunar orbit than the ACTS spacecraft to allow for a quicker approach to the spacecraft. Aurora 6 changes it orbital plane to match it to that of the ELLV-1, and then fires its engines to rendezvous with it.

Successful docking to the ELLV-1!

After one more orbit of the Moon, getting the ELLV-1 online and checking its systems, the crew board the lander, and fire retrograde down towards the Moon that eagerly awaits to greet them.

De-orbit burn

Flight Verbal Log

Élisabeth Neuville: Mission Control, I'm getting a warning light. Are getting the same thing?

Mission Control: Uh, that is affirmative, Aurora 6. We're also getting a warning light. Apparently, there's been a malfunction with your automatic landing system.

Élisabeth Neuville: What?!

Mission Control: This extremely threatening to the mission. We may have to abort the landing.

Élisabeth Neuville: No way. We've come this far. We're not giving up now. Switching to manual control.

The suicide burn begins. Mission control holds their breaths, and the crew stare intensely at their instruments and out windows.

"Almost there..." - Élisabeth Neuville

"Kourou, this Aurora 6. We have touchdown!" - Élisabeth Neuville

Mission control erupts into a frenzy of cheers! They have they're own astronauts sitting on the surface of the Moon! The world breathes a sigh of relief. It was a very tense time during touchdown. With manual control enabled, there was a huge fear that there was now a large area for human error. But Élisabeth's ability to remain calm saved their hides. Mission Control sends a little bug fix to the craft, and Patricio quickly installs it. The crew suit up, depressurize the capsule, and Élisabeth steps out of the door.

"On the stepping pad now, beginning to climb down the ladder." - Élisabeth Neuville

"Wow, is this pretty. At the ladder's base now. Stepping off the ladder." - Élisabeth Neuville

"That's one fine gray footprint" - Élisabeth Neuville

All of Europe now erupts into cheers! One of their own people are standing on the lunar surface! The EU has become the second power to put a man on the Moon, over 60 years after the U.S.A. Next to come out of the lander will be Patricio Vega.

"Alright, careful. We don't want to trip and fall, do we?" - Élisabeth Neuville

"I know, I know. Be extra careful." - Patricio Vega

Finally, Sotiria Antonis steps down the the ladder.

Patricio gets the flag of the EU ready to be planted, with the very ominous plaque.

The crew mess around and play around the landing area for a little while, before they head out far beyond the landing site to find rocks worthy of researching.

After 2 hours walking, working, and playing on the lunar surface, the crew board back onto the ELLV-1, and spend around 21 more hours aboard the lander.

The crew analyze the data they picked up from the lunar surface, and store the rock samples in various little pockets and pouches. They spend one last resting period on the surface, before firing their engines to return back to lunar orbit.

Liftoff from the Moon

Aurora 6 adjusts its orbital plane to match it with the ACTS, and burn to return to their main spacecraft.

ELLV-1 arrives at ACTS

Aurora 6's crew is reunited. Everyone gets back onboard the ACTS, abandon the lander, and return back to Earth.

Aurora 6 gets some wonderful fireworks to celebrate their return!

Parachute deployed

Touchdown in the American dessert. Sorry America!

The U.S. was no longer alone on the Moon. A new age of lunar exploration has begun. It's time for the blue Moon.

[Kerbalsaurus]

Here's all of the craft thus far for you to use:

Aurora Orbital Crew Vehicle (Aurora 1&4): https://kerbalx.com/Some_KSP_Player/Aurora-Orbital-Crew-Vehicle

Aurora Lunar Crew Vehicle (Aurora 2, 3, 5, & 6): https://kerbalx.com/Some_KSP_Player/Aurora-Lunar-Crew-Vehicle

ELLV-1 (Aurora 6): https://kerbalx.com/Some_KSP_Player/ELLV-1

Enjoy!

[Kerbalsaurus]

Sorry not much of a move has been made on this thread, I'm just lacking in inspiration. The main reason is that the ELLV-1 isn't reusable, and I have to launch another lander. Which is already a pain in my... backside.

[Kerbalsaurus]

SEPTEMBER 27^TH, 2030 - ELLV-1 (2) LAUNCH

Once again, the ESA delivers their Moon lander too... the Moon. They want Aurora 7 to be the exact same flight plan as Aurora 6, just in a different landing site than last time. The ELLV-1 is not intended to be a re-usable lander, and with no infrastructure around the Moon to refuel it, the only option the ESA has is to simply launch another lander. After several delays building the lander and rocket, the lander is ready to launch 9 months after the first European Moon Landing.

Stage 2 ignition

Orbit achieved.

TLI burn

Lunar braking burn

With everything in place, Aurora 7 is good for launch in 6 months.

[Kerbalsaurus]

JUNE 19^TH, 2031 - AURORA 7

The ESA sets out to redo the mission plan of Aurora 6, just to prove that their technology is reliable. But one thing that was proved from last flight was that the Ariane 6 is old now. No more are in production. As payload sizes increase, the Ariane 6 becomes more and more obsolete. This may be the last manned flight of the Ariane 6, and perhaps its last use in the Aurora Program. The ESA needs to make a new design. A better design. A new design has already been in the works. The ESA has told the public to be on the lookout for that...

Now, to talk about the flight itself. The flight plan is the same as last time. Go to the Moon, land on it, and return back to Earth. Simple as that. Let's meet the crew who will preform Europe's next Moon flight. First, we have a French astronaut named Laure Guillory. She's an experienced commander, having flown on a mission to one of NASA's space stations. Next, we have German astronaut Matthias Maurer, who's flown to the ISS before on SpaceX's Crew-3 mission. Then, we have a Danish mission specialist named Hilmar Davidsen. He's a new pilot on this flight, and this will be his first spaceflight. Finally, we have a surprise guest aboard a flight. A Chinese pilot named Zhihao Hsu. China had come to the EU, asking if maybe they could buy a seat on Aurora 7. Their lunar program hadn't been doing well, with several setbacks. They had only just launched their Long March 7. Now, China's about to have their first man on the Moon.

Ignition!

Liftoff!

Booster sep

Stage 2 ignition

Orbital insertion burn

With Aurora 7 in LEO, all of the usual things take place. Solar panels are deployed, ground stations are connected to, and other such things (what did Apollo do in this case?). Maneuvers are set up, and the crew start their TLI burn.

TLI burn

The crew separate the AUS, and coast for 3 days towards the Moon.

Lunar braking burn

When in orbit, the crew decide to get a shot similar to the Earthrise picture taken by Bill Anders around 75 years ago. When taken, the public calls it "Earthrise II". Not a creative name, but good enough for what it emblemizes. The crew set up their maneuvers to dock with the ELLV-1.

Within 40m of the lander

After one more orbit of the Moon, the crew transfer over into the ELLV-1. The descent down to the lunar surface is quite smooth. so smooth I forgot to get a screenshot of it. At least the initial descent. But I did get screenshots of final approach.

Touchdown!

Laure Guillory steps out of the lander, and begins her climb down the ladder. After she steps foot on the Moon, she's quickly followed by Hilmar Davidsen and Zhihao Hsu. Laure plants the flag of the EU, and the crew pose for the flag shot.

Hilmar spots something interesting out in the distance, and goes to check it out. Turns out, it's a very large rock.

He decided it'd have some value to science, and he decided to get a sample of it.

The crew spend about 4 hours walking around on the lunar surface. But before they know it, they have to get back inside of the lander. One by one, they climb up the ladder back inside the spacecraft.

They spend another day on the surface, resting and getting lander systems online. And not long after all systems are active, the crew fire their engines for liftoff back to ACTS.

Liftoff!

The crew dock with ACTS, turn all of the lander's systems off, and then separate the lander. Aurora 7 then burns its engine for Earth.

Drogue deploy

Main chute deploy

Touchdown in the Accona Desert!

[Kerbalsaurus]

AUGUST 4^TH, 2031 - NEW PROGRAM ELEMENTS

The brand new pieces of the Aurora Program have been announced! Here are some info graphics made by the ESA to explain what each thing is.

Damn it Imgur, why did you compress them so much?

[Kerbalsaurus]

NOVEMBER 27^TH, 2031 - CONCORD SPACE STATION

The ESA prepares the Ariane 7 for its maiden flight: the launch of Concord Space Station. Concord Space Station is not projected to be too big. Just big enough to support crew for at least 3 months, as well as a robust landing system. The main core module is built by several nation, but each module of the space station will be built by individual nations. The planned modules so far are to be built by France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy, and the lander will be built by Arianespace (much like the last one). Now, the Advanced Aurora Upper Stage (AAUS) will not be done in time for this flight. The original AUS can still support the space station, though. The world watches as the ESA's most powerful rocket lifts off from Kourou.

The Ariane 7 sits on the pad

Liftoff!

Booster sep (where's the sun flare?)

Orbital insertion burn

With the space station in orbit, preparations begin to send it to the Moon. Solar panels are deployed, systems are started up, and a maneuver is set up for the Moon. After 1 orbit of the Earth, the main engine of the Ariane 7 starts up and burn for the Moon.

Lunar braking burn

Concord successfully enters low lunar orbit! The ESA prepares for the launch of the station's first crew.

Edited May 12, 2023 by Kerbalsaurus

[Kerbalsaurus]

FEBRUARY 6^TH, 2032 - AURORA 8

With Concord Space Station now in low lunar orbit, all we have to do is send crew. Who are the crew who will fly this flight? Well, first we have Leland Royle, an English astronaut  who will be the pilot for this flight. Next, we have another guest pilot: Savva Krupin. She will in fact be the first Russian to ever fly to the Moon. Russia approached us shortly after China, with the same proposal. We of course excepted. We know we haven't exactly been friends with Russia in the past, but the ESA is dedicated to the peaceful exploration of space. It doesn't matter politics says, space is for all of humanity, not just singular nations. Then, we have Hedvig Vik, a mission specialist who will in fact be the first Norwegian to go the Moon. And finally, we have Annelie Bergfalk. She's our other mission specialist, who is from Sweden.

This flight will be the first crewed flight of the Ariane 7. This will really push the ACTS to its limits. Let the mission begin!

SRB separation.

Main engine startup

Orbital insertion burn

Once in orbit, the crew begin the usual pre-lunar checklist. Deploy solar panels, check comms systems, and all of that good stuff.

TLI burn

The crew now sit back as Aurora 8 coasts towards the Moon.

The Crew now begin their 3 month stay aboard Concord Space Station. During their mission, the UKSA's new habitation and logistics module will be launched to the space station, as the crew would very much enjoy having extra space to move around in.

[Kerbalsaurus]

APRIL 8^TH, 2032 - UKSA HABITATION AND LOGISTICS MODULE (HLM)

It's time for the first contribution to the space station... the logistics module! Built by the UKSA, this brand new module will increase the living area of Concord. This is a welcome addition by the crew. The module will, of course, be launched atop an Ariane 7, the third launch of its career. In fact, large portion of the Ariane 7's launches will be for space station servicing. Tangents aside, it's time to fly.

Liftoff!

TLI burn

Lunar braking burn

Rendezvous burn

The HLM has docked to Concord! The crew are very happy to have the extra room inside of this cramped little space station.

[Kerbalsaurus]

So I've been thinking about the lander for the space station recently, and I;m wondering what I should do for it. Should I make an ELLV-2 or use an ESA crewed spacecraft proposal called the Smart Upper Stage for Innovative Exploration (SUSIE). This is a planned crewed spacecraft by the ESA as Arianespace's competitor to Starship. Maybe it could be used as a test on the Moon or something.

Article about it: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Smart_Upper_Stage_for_Innovative_Exploration&useskin=vector

[Kerbalsaurus]

May 10^th, 2032 - Aurora 8 Returns

After 3 months aboard the CSS, Aurora 8 prepares to make it back to Earth. The crew board the ACTS, undocks from Concord, and begins the journey home.

Rather ironically, I forgot to get a picture of them actually burning to get home.

Aurora 8 ends with a perfect splashdown into the Atlantic Ocean, not far off the coast of French Guiana. Europe celebrates the safe return of their pioneers!

[Kerbalsaurus]

October 17^th, 2032 - 'Joueuse' Module

Ah, 2032. So far it's been the ESA's busiest year. It would be more busy if France would hurry up the development of their module. CNES sort of dragged their feet in building this addition to the space station, but they have it done before the end of 2032, which was the deadline, so they're off the hook. As for the module itself, it's a small habitation module that will go directly opposite of UK's Logistics Module. An Ariane 7 is rolled out to the launchpad, and the Joueuse module begins its journey to the Moon

Once in orbit, engineers discover that there's actually quite a bit of fuel left in the Ariane 7's second stage. Enough to preform the TLI burn in fact. Mission control gives this a go, and the TLI burn is done with a slightly different engine than usual.

Afterwords, the AAUS is separated, carrying the Joueuse Module the rest of the way to the Moon.

Lunar circularization burn

Joueuse has successfully connected with the CSS. However,  on might notice a small issue with the space station. There's no airlock! The module to be launched will be Germany's module, which, thankfully, will also be an airlock module.

[Kerbalsaurus]

January 4^th, 2033 - 'Tor' Airlock Module

Germany has so kindly built an airlock for CSS, which will be flying to the Moon today. While no damages were done to Concord during Aurora 8, repairs definitely have to be done this mission. The station needs to be maintained after all. The module was done being built in November, and was shipped to Korou and put on an Ariane 7 stack. It was actually quite a streamlined process, all things considered.

See, I'd get formulaic here, but I feel these posts are getting repetitive.

TLI burn

Orbital insertion burn

With the airlock module attached, one more launch is needed before we're ready to send crew back to the space station.

[wli0526]

On 4/1/2023 at 11:12 PM, Kerbalsaurus said:

For years now, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has been the leader of lunar exploration. From the Apollo Program to the Artemis Program, they've led development on and around the Moon. The European Space Agency (ESA) was now going to make a move. Using what they've learned from their operations with NASA for the Artemis Program, the ESA has created the Aurora Program, which will bring the first independently launched Europeans to space and the Moon. However, they lack quite a lot of the hardware needed for a lunar program.

Digging through some back lot in Korou, they came across an idea for an advanced crew vehicle, called the Advanced Crew Transportation System (ACTS). Conceived when France pushed the ESA for a crewed launch vehicle, it never actually got off the ground (quite literally). It didn't even pass through the concept phase! But it was the only idea the ESA had for a lunar crew module, so they‘ll get to work on that.

With the spacecraft issue solved, now it comes to a launch vehicle. What were they going to use? The ESA has decided to use its premiere launch vehicle, the Ariane 6-4. It’s powerful enough to lift ACTS into orbit. To the Moon? Well, they'll cross that bridge when they get to it. The ESA immediately gets to work on building the spacecraft and a stack, due to launch around 2027.

Final design for ACTS and its Ariane 6-4 stack.

Here's my attempt at an alternate future, using old and new concepts created by the ESA, with my own little creative touches. The reason it's called an alternate future is because the ESA is definitely not going to launch crewed lunar missions, considering their activities with NASA and the Artemis Program. It's really just fun to speculate and create. The next post will be the launch of a test vehicle for ACTS, or Aurora 1.

Where is the Rules?

Edited July 2, 2023 by wli0526

[Kerbalsaurus]

19 hours ago, wli0526 said:

Where is the Rules?

Rules?