[On Indefinite Hiatus] "Terras Irradient" | NASA Returns To The Moon and Beyond

[AdrianDogmeat]

LDM-1 - PART II | LUNAR OPERATIONS

 

Following a successful separation event, Odysseus is on its way to the Moon to conduct various tests of Propulsion, Guidance and Communication systems. It will stay on a lunar orbit for 45 days - about the same length as two full moon orbit cycles around Earth

 

Coast Phase

 

 

Lunar Orbit Insertion

 

 

Odysseus in Low Lunar Orbit (LLO)

 

 

Second Orbit Pass

 

 

Earthrise

 

 

Last Orbit Before Moon Departure

 

 

[Switchover to Mission Control]

"All Systems Good, Inititating Moon Departure Profile"

 

 

"Two Good Engines, Guidance System reports Nominal telemetry"

 

 

"Separation Right on Time, Starting up Reserve Fuel Cells"

 

 

Ten Minutes Before Earth Entry Interface

 

 

Earth Entry Interface - Loss of Communication

 

 

Peak Entry Heating

 

 

Entry Heating Subsiding, Comms Restored

 

 

Parachute Deployment

 

 

Splashdown - Southwest Pacific Ocean

 

 

Post-Flight Analysis:

     LDM-1, as with all previous missions was a resounding success, verifying all systems required for Future Lunar Operations by testing Odysseus CEV extensively in and around the Earth-Moon System. This marks the first time an American crewed spacecraft successfully entered Lunar Orbit since Apollo 17

This flight also marks the partial decommissioning of Saturn III, being replaced by Saturn III+, an improved version of the latter allowing even more payload to be launched into Low Earth Orbit, Lunar Orbit and Beyond

The next step in America's continued Space Exploration Program would be the extensive testing of the Human Landing System (HLS) verifying its capability to lift crew in-and-out of the Earth-Moon System 

A Personal Annoncement:

2 pages? What an achievement, most of my forum threads died short of completing a full page

I just want to say: Thanks to everyone who interacted with/followed this Forum Thread, y'all give me enough motivation to continue forward with this Alt-Hist Thread

Edited April 23 by AdrianDogmeat

[Falcon Aerospace]

1 hour ago, AdrianDogmeat said:

LDM-1 - PART II | LUNAR OPERATIONS

 

Following a successful separation event, Odysseus is on its way to the Moon to conduct various tests of Propulsion, Guidance and Communication systems. It will stay on a lunar orbit for 45 days - about the same length as two full moon orbit cycles around Earth

 

Coast Phase

 

 

Lunar Orbit Insertion

 

 

Odysseus in Low Lunar Orbit (LLO)

 

 

Second Orbit Pass

 

 

Earthrise

 

 

Last Orbit Before Moon Departure

 

 

[Switchover to Mission Control]

"All Systems Good, Inititating Moon Departure Profile"

 

 

"Two Good Engines, Guidance System reports Nominal telemetry"

 

 

"Separation Right on Time, Starting up Reserve Fuel Cells"

 

 

Ten Minutes Before Earth Entry Interface

 

 

Earth Entry Interface - Loss of Communication

 

 

Peak Entry Heating

 

 

Entry Heating Subsiding, Comms Restored

 

 

Parachute Deployment

 

 

Splashdown - Southwest Pacific Ocean

 

 

Post-Flight Analysis:

     LDM-1, as with all previous missions was a resounding success, verifying all systems required for Future Lunar Operations by testing Odysseus CEV extensively in and around the Earth-Moon System. This marks the first time an American crewed spacecraft successfully entered Lunar Orbit since Apollo 17

This flight also marks the partial decommissioning of Saturn III, being replaced by Saturn III+, an improved version of the latter allowing even more payload to be launched into Low Earth Orbit, Lunar Orbit and Beyond

The next step in America's continued Space Exploration Program would be the extensive testing of the Human Landing System (HLS) verifying its capability to lift crew in-and-out of the Earth-Moon System 

A Personal Annoncement:

2 pages? What an achievement, most of my forum threads died short of completing a full page

I just want to say: Thanks to everyone who interacted with/followed this Forum Thread, y'all give me enough motivation to continue forward with this Alt-Hist Thread

Is there a download link for the CEV? I forgot to download it when it was up.

[AdrianDogmeat]

12 minutes ago, Falcon Aerospace said:

Is there a download link for the CEV? I forgot to download it when it was up.

It's from this mod

But since the link's down I reuploaded it:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x7zTbvOafXOcEEurSa717x5zuZfU_ONc

Edited April 23 by AdrianDogmeat

[Falcon Aerospace]

3 minutes ago, AdrianDogmeat said:

It's from this mod

But since the link's down I reuploaded it:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x7zTbvOafXOcEEurSa717x5zuZfU_ONc

Thanks

[AdrianDogmeat]

Here's a small teaser into what's coming next:

Spoiler

[AdrianDogmeat]

A GIANT LEAP FORWARD

 

As part of NASA's Fiscal Year 2004 Report, New Funding was allocated to expand the scope of the on-going Selene Program after realizing that China still doesn't have a defined Human-Rated Lunar Infrastructure, as indicated by classified documents, from being merely a second Apollo-style Lunar Landing "Boots On The Ground" attempt into a more fleshed-out Science Exploration Program involving the Original goal of establishing a human presence on the moon since the Apollo days, alongside Expanding Humanity's Scientific Endeavour by building Orbital Outposts in Low Earth Orbit and Beyond to serve as Staging Areas for Future Missions (Like Long-Duration Stays on a Space Station)

Of course, none of that would be possible without improving Previous Mission Infrastructure, most notably the Saturn III Rocket - While Powerful enough for single-launch Lunar Missions (As demonstrated since 1998), It can't launch a Heavy Payload into Low Earth Orbit without compromising Performance, That's one of the main reason why the existing Saturn III will be replaced by the more powerful Saturn III+, Improving multiple aspects such as:

- Engine Performance (STME-X)

- Guidance Systems

- First Stage Tanks (10m Extension)

It was under the curtains for a while until recently, Design Documents were published 3 months after LDM-1 revealing the new and improved Saturn III+

 

Maximum Payload to Low Earth Orbit Comparison 

 

Upper Stages Technical Comparison Document

 

 

Alongside Saturn III+'s reveal, A New Space Station was revealed soon after, aiming to serve as an Orbital Outpost for future missions. Derived from Previous Proposals for Space Station Freedom and Cancelled ISS moodules and proposals from International Partners like ESA and JAXA, The New Space Station under the name "Aquarius" is planned to enter Full Operational Status by 2012 

Three Proposals were sent Pending Approval by all 3 sides (NASA, ESA and JAXA)

 

Option A: Space Station Aquarius - Baseline

 

Option B: Space Station Aquarius - Extended Proposal

 

 

Option C: Space Station Aquarius - Free Flyer Derived From The Previous Proposal

 

 

With the afromentioned recent developments and the change of direction, The First Moon Landing Mission is delayed to to NET 2010 to facilitate the transition from previous Saturn III Infrastructure and Operations to Saturn III+ Production and Operation, Implementing changes to modernize the Human Landing System [HLS], alongside the future development and assembly of Space Station Aquarius

Farewell Statement:

All Missions moving forward will no longer fly on Saturn III, So it's time to Bid Farewell to the venerable rocket that defied the odds, Set America's footing back into Space following a 30-year gap in Lunar Operations, Inspired a New Generation of Space Explorers and Served as a Test Platform for Crew-Rated Spacecraft Such as Odysseus.

Edited September 9 by AdrianDogmeat

[Dr_Scrublord]

Remarkable work! All of this is such high quality... Looking forward to how the story continues

[AdrianDogmeat]

On 5/17/2024 at 9:19 AM, Dr_Scrublord said:

Remarkable work! All of this is such high quality... Looking forward to how the story continues

Thanks, I've got some interesting stuff to show later down the line

[AdrianDogmeat]

For anyone's who's currently following this forum thread: it's not dead (yet)
I just need to come up with a script for the next post, which is the hardest part of creating new posts

[Kerbalsaurus]

43 minutes ago, AdrianDogmeat said:

For anyone's who's currently following this forum thread: it's not dead (yet)
I just need to come up with a script for the next post, which is the hardest part of creating new posts

You said it. Writing and summarizing a mission is surprising difficult, especially when it’s hard to get an idea of what your audience is thinking.

[AdrianDogmeat]

41 minutes ago, Kerbalsaurus said:

You said it. Writing and summarizing a mission is surprising difficult, especially when it’s hard to get an idea of what your audience is thinking.

Especially when you try to cross-reference it with real-life economics and engineering plans, and even launch narration scripts

[Jebs Piloting Skills]

On 1/24/2024 at 1:38 PM, AdrianDogmeat said:

LUNAR EXPLORATION PLANS MOVING FORWARD

 

Now with a reliable launcher that can lift heavy payloads to the moon exceeding Saturn V's payload capacity, the next logical step was to source out a lander for near-future use on Selene crewed lunar expeditions, returning America and by extension Humanity to the moon after nearly 40 years of hiatus

Immediately after CFT-2 post-flight analysis, NASA started looking for competitors to build a two-stage lander similar in vein to Apollo Lunar Module as part of two contracts:

- Lunar Crew Access Vehicle [LCAV]

- Cargo Lunar Delivery System [CLDS]

As part of the contract, three teams sent over their proposals:

- National Team (Aerojet, Rocketdyne, Rockwell International, Lockheed Martin)

-Northrop Grumman

- Boeing

 

After further review of all three proposals, National Team was selected to provide crew and cargo capability for both LCAV and CLDS and was awarded $4.3 Billion for both contracts, with development immediately starting on lander design as early as 1999 with a projected finishing date of NLT Nov 2002

NASA however realized that crewed landings will start later than expected due to some budget problems, the delay caused by CFT-1's stage separation anomaly. Due to this Lunar Landing was delayed to NET 2004. While this might sound bad on NASA's end, it will allow the National Team to have more time to test different systems required for future lunar landings including:

- Flight Computers

- Descent and Ascent Engines

A press conference was held between July 24, 2002 and July 25, 2002, revealing certain key elements of the lunar program, the highlight of the show however was the release of National Team Human Landing System [NTHLS] design schematics, including both cargo and crew landers

National Team Cargo Lander Schematic, July 24, 2002

 

National Team Crew Lander Schematic, July 25, 2002

 

 

 

 

NEXT LAUNCH: SELENE-1 UNCREWED FLIGHT TEST

what mods are you using for this?

[AdrianDogmeat]

1 hour ago, Jebs Piloting Skills said:

what mods are you using for this?

All of them

Spoiler

 

[Jebs Piloting Skills]

3 hours ago, AdrianDogmeat said:

All of them

  Hide contents

 

then will you tell me which ones i am missing, i will upload a folder of my game on google drive. later though

edit: i have the link to the folder now, here it is.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1YNLK4elzGNxlWdhm7CakYUlOgtGTvwD1?usp=drive_link

Edited June 15 by Jebs Piloting Skills

[AdrianDogmeat]

ANOTHER MAJOR STEP FOR HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT

 

After extensive reviewing of all 3 proposed options from an economic and practical standpoint for Space Station Aquarius by all sides involved in the project (being NASA, ESA, JAXA and their respective sub-agencies [e.g Thales Alenia...]) they all agreed to go with Option A being the most viable out of the rest. Following this, construction began on Space Station Aquarius in late 2004, with a scheduled completion date of early 2006 with a projected launch date of Q3 2006.

To facilitate launches to Low Earth Orbit required for Station Operations and Crew/Cargo Rotations, alongside providing a launch system for National Security payloads, a new Saturn III+ variant was devised, removing excess hardware required for Lunar Missions in order to provide a platform capable of building out Space Stations and Interplanetary Transfer Vehicles.

NASA will now have a dedicated launcher for both LEO operations and Cislunar/Interplanetary operations under a new series of rockets called the Saturn III+ 100 Series in order to distinguish between the previously flown Saturn III+ 200 Series

Alongside having a dedicated LEO lifter, Odysseus CEV now has a LEO Ferry variant similar to the cancelled Boeing X-38 CRV [Crew Return Vehicle], and can be launched on multiple rockets including existing ones like Atlas V or Delta IV. Some modifications were made like eliminating the need for a long-duration cryogenic second stage while implementing new improvements such as:

- Automated Docking System

- Improved Communications Systems 

- Advanced Cryogenic Propulsion System (Developed by Rockwell Int.)

 

Saturn III+ 100 Series Document

 

 

Detailed Poster for Odysseus CEV

 

 

After both documents were made public, behind-the-scenes development had already started on Odysseus Crew Exploration Vehicle to retrofit it for use in Low Earth Orbit. Same with the core module of Space Station Aquarius.

If all goes well, both should be finished NLT Q1 2006 with a projected launch date of NET August 2006.

Edited June 23 by AdrianDogmeat
Spelling fix

[AdrianDogmeat]

SATURN III+ | SPACE STATION AQUARIUS [SSA-1]

 

After a year of preparations and pre-intergration checks for Space Station Aquarius, Saturn III+ will spread its wings for the first time with countless improvements on its belt, these include (but are not limited to):

- First Stage Redesign and Extension

- Improved Engine Performance

- Increased Payload Capacity to LEO and Lunar Orbit

- Introduction of a lighter variant (S-III+ 100) to serve as a Cargo Launch Vehicle for Future SSA Servicing Missions

- Redesigned Second Stage Engines and Tankage

This mission will mark the first time a Space Station was launched on top of a Super-Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle since Skylab-1 in 1972 while also being the heaviest controlled payload ever launched on a rocket from U.S. Soil at a staggering 96 Tons. Space Station Aquarius will also hold the record for the largest single-launch station ever launched from any country.

This mission will indeed break multiple records while proving Saturn III+'s reliability and resilliency in the process

 

Joint Rockwell - Lockheed Saturn III+ Poster

 

Mission Profile:

    SSA-1 will follow a LEO trajectory unlike its predecessors for the first time since 1998, inserting Space Station Aquarius [Space Station Beta] into a 150km by 164km with an inclination of 46.5°, verifying and testing various systems most notably being Propulsion and Flight Hardware. This will be the last time a Saturn III/III+ will fly with 5 engines on a mission to Low Earth Orbit and will be phased out in favor of a lighter load of 4 engines on Future 100-Series

It will launch on July 20th, 2006, coinciding with the 37th anniversary of Apollo 11's liftoff from Kennedy Space Center

 

Saturn III+ Viewed from an HH-60 "Pave Hawk" on Station near CCAFS, FL

 

 

"Coming up on a go for auto-sequence start in ten seconds"

[...]

"And we have a go for auto-sequence start, Onboard Computers have primary control

of all the vehicle's critical functions T-minus twenty-two seconds"

 

 

"Ten Seconds"

[...]

"We have a go for Main Engine Start.. six, five, four, three, two, one.."

 

"Booster Ignition and Liftoff of Space Station Aquarius As we continue to

Expand our presence in Space"

 

 

"Two Thousand Miles per hour, Altitude one-mile, downrange three-and-a-half miles

from the Kennedy Space Center"

 

 

"All systems remaining go for Aquarius"

[...]

"Altitude seven miles [...] Speed sixteen-hundred miles per hour.. Downrange eight miles

from the Kennedy Space Center"

 

 

"Altitude nineteen miles"

[...]

"Speed three thousand five-hundred miles per hour.. already twenty-five miles

northeast of the Kennedy Space Center"

 

 

"Booster Officer confirms clean separation of the two solid rockets.. Saturn III+'s engines

now powering the second stage"

 

 

"Good Aerocover Caps Separation"

[...]

"Speed now fifty-one hundred miles an hour, altitude sixty miles.. downrange ninety miles

from Kennedy Space Center"

 

 

"Standing by for Main Engine Cutoff"

 

 

"Booster Officer confirms Main Engine Cutoff"

 

 

"Second Stage Separation Confirmed"

[...]

"Station Aquarius now on orbit on its own"

 

 

[Switchover to Mission Control at Houston, TX]

"Good Solars, Good power output"

 

 

"Station now in Vertical Position"

 

 

"All Systems report nominal readings, Station's now entering the dark side of the Earth"

 

 

Post-Flight Analysis:

     SSA-1 has now proved the reliability of the new Saturn III+ 100 Series by reaching all mission milestones, breaking multiple records in the process:

- First Superheavy payload launched out of the United States since Skylab-1

- First Wide-Diameter Station since Skylab

- Heaviest Payload delivered to Low Earth Orbit [96 tons] breaking the Soviet Union's former record [80 tons]

- Second Largest Operational Station

Though moon landing plans are still there with the required hardware to do so, it somewhat took a backseat in favor of expanding U.S. presence in Low Earth Orbit to eventually serve as a staging area for future Lunar missions and potentially Mars/Other Interplanetary missions

A new program for Station Resupply Missions is well underway, inviting multiple private companies to participate as well with their own proprietary hardware under the name Advanced Commercial Resupply Services [ACRS-1]. Initial contenders are:

- Boeing Space Division

- Rocketplane Limited, Inc [Kistler]

- Lockheed Martin Subsidiary

- Rockwell Aerospace Incorporated [Branch of Rockwell International]

Other International Partners will provide their own resupply programs, mostly being JAXA, ESA, UKSA and their subsidiary companies

Edited June 25 by AdrianDogmeat

[AdrianDogmeat]

Hey uh quick announcement to whoever still follows this forum thread:

Recently members of the moderation team have raised concerns about the possibility of forums being shut down indefinitely due to Private Division and Intercept Games being laid off and closed indefinitely after the whole KSP2 debacle.

What this means is that this thread (and countless others) is at the risk of getting wiped out completely, and I don't know if I should continue posting or not, knowing at any moment 7 months of hard work would be inaccessible.

Unless the executives at Take-Two Interactive step in and actually find someone to buy the KSP IP, this will be the end of forums as we know it today.

 

So TL:DR: This could be the end of this forum thread and the entire KSP ecosystem, and there's nothing I can do about it

Thanks to everyone who viewed, liked and shared my posts here on this thread

Here's one final pic I have for this thread:

(I know it didn't have to end like this)

Edited July 8 by AdrianDogmeat

[starship26]

noooooo

[Lonelykermit]

15 hours ago, AdrianDogmeat said:

 

Recently members of the moderation team have raised concerns about the possibility of forums being shut down indefinitely due to Private Division and Intercept Games being laid off and closed indefinitely after the whole KSP2 debacle.

 

 

And here's me thinking it couldn't get any worse

[AdrianDogmeat]

Well forums are still up so I don't know for certain if they're going down or not

[DeadJohn]

On 7/8/2024 at 7:24 PM, AdrianDogmeat said:

Recently members of the moderation team have raised concerns about the possibility of forums being shut down

It's just a "possibility" because the moderators have been ghosted. Their usual contacts might be fired and no one new has contacted them. AFAIK no one at Take2 has threatened to shutdown the forums but there's total silence from Take2.

No one has threatened to kill the forums, but it's a possibility.

Edited July 11 by DeadJohn

[Noobly]

Love this!

[AdrianDogmeat]

Something of a Statement, I guess...

 

I don't know if I should continue this thread or not

- On one hand, writing multiple paragraphs-long scripts for posts is tedious and demotivating

- On the other hand, I really liked how everything turned out (Saturn III, Space Stations...etc)

Besides I found myself enjoying building other stuff in KSP, hell playing games outside of KSP. That and the forums dying for hours on end every 2-3 days really hampers with my motivation to do stuff

[AdrianDogmeat]

I figured out how to continue this timeline:

- The only thing holding me back was how to build space stations without involving robotics (Because we all know how bad KSP's robotics are), so expect a post or two in the coming weeks

[AdrianDogmeat]

Oh hey forums are back online

As for the lack of posts, it's mostly due to a lack of motivation combined with real life circumstances