The Icarus Program (End of Chapter 17)

[Drethon]

Chapter 17 Part 4

    As the rescue rockets maneuvered to rendezvous with the stranded Kerbals, Bob noticed one more rocket moving to the pad.
    “Gene,” asked Bob curiously. “What is the rocket arriving at the pad now?”
    “Oh, just a little something I wanted to launch,” grinned Gene. “Our Minmus science return probe has enough range to go out and visit Kebol’s SOI. Let us see what is out there.”
    Bob’s eyes widened with excitement as realization dawned. “You mean... you’re launching a mission beyond Kerbin’s SOI?”
    Gene nodded. “That’s right.”
    “Awesome!” Bob exclaimed, with atypical enthusiasm.

    “Jeb,” said Gene. “Please launch our Kerbol science rocket.”
    “On it,” Jebediah had barely had time to catch his breath after the final stranded Kerbal had reentered Kerbin, but he was never too tired to fly a rocket. Exhausted or not, Jebediah sent the commands with practiced precision and the rocket roared off the pad.
    “Such a tiny little probe, and a big TWR,” Bill grinned as the rocket accelerated upward. “That thing has TWR of 3 just sitting there on the pad, climbing to 5… 6, 7.5 at burnout. Faster than a holiday firework!”
    “Jeb,” said Gene as Jebediah focused on the controls. “You know how you normally complete the gravity turn to get the highest orbital velocity at an apoapsis just above the atmosphere.”
    “Yeah?” asked Jebediah as he prepared to start to circularize the orbit.
    “We don’t need to orbit this probe,” said Gene with a small grin. “Just point the rocket prograde and keep the throttle firewalled.”
    Jeb paused to glance at Gene. “Full throttle all the way up?”
    “Yep,” grinned Gene.
    “We have plenty of thrust on this rocket,” said Bob with a smile of his own. “We just need to build up enough velocity relative to Kerbin.”
    Jebeidah turned back with a broad smile as he held the rocket on its course, throttled to full. “No holding back, this is my kind of launch!”
    “That rockets going up like it's got something to prove!” whistled Bill. “No hesitation, nearly orbital velocity and still breathing atmosphere!”
    “The rocket is glowing like a rocket on reentry,” Bob squinted at the screen. “The probe core would melt down if the atmosphere was not thinning.”

    A minute later and the rocket’s apoapsis was outside of Kerbin orbit, aimed squarely for Kerbol’s SOI.
    “Two minutes and forty five seconds,” Gene noted from the mission control clock. “And just twelve days before the probe leaves Kerbin orbit. So little time for such a large distance.”
    “That is how you go somewhere in a hurry,” Jebediah leaned back in his seat, satisfied with a job well done.

Edited January 12 by Drethon

[Drethon]

Chapter 17 - Part 5
    This is Walter Kerman reporting. Today, the Icarus Program faced yet another busy and eventful day, yet again yet again working tirelessly to recover stranded Kerbalnauts scattered across Kerbin orbit. The day started with anticipation of the Rockomax Conglomerate and Goliath National Products latest large space expedition, following their previous success to orbit the Mun after their first attempt led to the Icarus Program’s first large rescue effort. The excitement quickly turned to major concern at the unexpected failure of a second Rockomax/GNP mission, again stranding multiple Kerbalnauts. Icarus program rescue rockets were launched in rapid succession, with meticulous coordination to rendezvous with each of the stranded Kerbalnauts.
    Unlike the previous, more complicated recovery effort, this latest incident did not result in any Kerbals being stranded beyond Kerbin's orbit, making today’s recovery operations relatively straightforward in comparison. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Icarus Program, every stranded Kerbalnaut was brought home safely.
    As a result of the successful rescues, the Icarus Program has enjoyed the addition of another new group of recruits to its ranks. The added expertise of these Kerbals is expected to drastically expand the capabilities of the Icarus Program. Allow me to introduce the newest addition to the Icarus Program:

Melfal Kerman: A skilled lander pilot, Milfal led Rockomax’s efforts in development of moon landers. Her expertise will be instrumental in allowing the Icarus Program to further refine its lander designs, and spearhead the development of lander advancements.
Megdas Kerman: A renowned mineral scientist with a passion for exploration, Megdas brings a wealth of knowledge to the program. Her ongoing research into orbital mineral scanners is expected to unlock new possibilities for resource identification and extraction.

Maberry Kerman: As a seasoned field geologist, Maberry’s sharp eye and experience with geological collection will be a major boost to the Icarus Program’s science gathering efforts. She is excited to pass on her knowledge to the Icarus Program’s team of Kerbalnauts.
Seanory Kerman: Actively pursuing the latest research in atmospheric physics and stellar observations. Seanory will help the Icarus Program with improvements in atmospheric flight and deep space navigation.
    Upon arrival at the KSC, the new recruits were swiftly debriefed and given time to recover from their harrowing experiences in space. Soon after, each was presented with their own, high-performance KT-38 trainer aircraft. These sleek, trainer aircraft will aid the new recruits in their duties, which include visiting various supplier sites to develop and integrate new hardware for the space program. The recruits wasted no time in taking to the skies for a series of test flights, demonstrating both their skills and eagerness to contribute to the Icarus Program’s mission.

    Meanwhile, sources within Rockomax Conglomerate have informed this reporter of a significant shift in the aerospace giant’s operational strategy. Following the recent costly failures, leading to the need for rescues by the Icarus Program, the Rockomax Conglomerate and Global National Produces partnership plans to scale back its ambitious multi-Kerbal missions. They aim to prioritize single-Kerbal missions in the near future, a calculated move to minimize risk and potential setbacks.
    This decision appears to be a direct response to the growing trend of rescued Kerbals joining the Icarus Program, often humorously referred to as “recruitment missions” by the KSC team. While the day’s rescue operations were another resounding success for the Icarus Program, questions linger about the growing frequency of these rescue missions and the long-term sustainability of the Rockmax Conglomerate and Goliath National Products space operations, even with their planned shift in strategy.
    Until next time, this was a Walter Kerman report.

 
    A little while after the day’s rescue operations had wrapped up, mission control had settled into an uncharacteristic calm. The room which had been bustling with activity only hours earlier was now a quiet haven. Most of the team had cleared out, eager to catch some much needed sleep after the grueling efforts. Since the rescue operation was flown with empty probe-operated capsules, CAPCOM’s role had been minimal during the operation, allowing Bobak Kerman to rest earlier. Now refreshed, Bobak was in charge of the skeleton crew monitoring systems in mission control.
    The dimly lit room was filled with the low hum of monitors and the occasional beeping of status alerts. With little activity on the ground, Bobak had spent much of the shift chatting with Julul, stationed aboard the KSS Ranger, currently in low Kerbin orbit. The conversation was a welcome relief from the previous intensity within mission control.
    “Are you keeping in shape,” asked Bobak as he scanned over the indicators on the console before him. The Ranger was the only active mission at the moment, so there was very little status to monitor. “I hear that floating around in space is fun, but does not help much with maintaining muscles.”
    “We have a treadmill and an exercise bike on board to keep us in shape,” Julul’s voice responded. “I’ve mostly been using the bike, but let me tell you, it’s not the same as biking in gravity.”
    “How’s that?” Bobak was curious.
“The bike comes with a harness to keep us from floating away while we pedal,” Julul’s tone had a slight grimace. “It does the job, but the thing gives me sore muscles in places I’ve never felt from biking on Kerbin.”
    “Sounds like a design by Bob, does the job but does not account for ease of use,” Bobak frowned. “Though what alternative do you have to use the bike?”
    “We’ve got cleats that lock into the pedals and the ceiling is close enough to balance with our hands, making the harness unnecessary,” Julul’s voice sounded amused. “Quite often I do the opposite, use my hands to pedal and push against the ceiling with my feet. It wasn’t in the user manual but whatever works. Looks ridiculous though.”*
    “So you really have to rethink how you do everything up there?” Bobak smiled at the mental image.

    “Yeah,” Julul’s voice shifted to slight annoyance. “Just putting on socks up here is a workout. Any motion of sitting or bending over while putting them on is worse than doing situps in full gravity.”**
    “Sounds like a lot to put up with.” Bobak wondered if being up in space was worth all the trouble. “Ever feel like it isn’t worth the hassle?”
    “No,” Julul responded quickly and firmly, but with an unmistakable warmth. “All just minor annoyances, really. Floating around up here in the microgravity, playing zero-g games, there is nothing like it.         And the view…” a note of awe crept into her voice. “The view up here is incredible. I wish you could be up here to share it with me. The stars are brighter and sharper than anything you’ve ever seen, and Kerbin is spread out, moving along below us. You really see how lucky we are with Kerbin as our home. I would not trade this experience for anything, even if I will be happy to walk on grass again.”
    Bobak smiled, her words painting a vivid picture in his mind. “Sounds like you’re having the time of your life up there.”
    “I am,” Julul said softly, and for a moment, the quiet hum of mission control seemed to fade away as Bobak shared in her wonder.

    * Pete Conrad liked pedaling on the bicycle ergometer on Skylab with his hands. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19840017669/downloads/19840017669.pdf pages 300, 301.
    ** Astronauts on skylab reported straining stomach muscles while on Skylab. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19840017669/downloads/19840017669.pdf 322.
 

OOC: So in spite of being pretty busy with everything, I seem to be getting inspired with writing ideas.  So you all will get a few parts that were planned to be posted separately compressed together.

[Drethon]

Chapter 17 - Part 6

    “Preflight complete, and the tower has cleared us for takeoff,” reported Lizfal, working through the now familiar cadence of preflight operations. “Is the test equipment ready?”
    “All systems go,” responded Tanbree, a clear hint of excitement in her tone. “Looking forward to seeing how well this thing works.”
 
    Lizfal advanced the throttles, then released the brakes, unleashing the full power of the test aircraft. The twin high bypass turbofans roared to life, their thrust propelling the prototype down the runway with rapid acceleration. These engines, optimized for efficiency and extended loiter times, were not as fast as the Panthers they had tested in the past, but their raw power at takeoff was an exhilarating tradeoff. The aircraft quickly accelerated through rotation speed, lifting off the runway smoothly and climbing to cruise altitude.
    “I appreciate you coming along to operate the experimental equipment,” said Lizfal once the initial climb was complete. “It’s not terribly complicated, but I prefer to keep my focus on flying when I’m in the pilot’s seat.”
    “Happy to help,” responded Tanbree warmly. “Your assistance with the Probodobodyne project was invaluable. I am sure whatever you are working on now is equally as important. This test is related to the radiation mapping by the recent Kerbol probe?”
    “Yep!” said Lizfal. “We plan to perform magnetometer scans alongside the radiation scans to better map the radiation environment in the Kerbin SOI. We will slowly spiral the new  probe from LKO to HKO to capture data over the full orbit at various altitudes.” Lizfal was quiet for a few minutes as the aircraft progressed through the flightplan. “Entering the test holding pattern. Deploy the equipment when ready.”
    “Deploying,” Tanbree confirmed, entering control panel commands to activate the test magnetometer.

 

    “I enjoy the night flights,” said Lizfal conversationally, banking the aircraft into the next racetrack curve. “But usually we fly during the day so a chase airplane can keep an eye on the experiment. Why did you suggest flying the magnetometer in the dark?”
    “This magnetometer is much more sensitive than standard aircraft mounted ones,” said Tanbree distractedly as she monitored the readings. “That is why the magnetometer is mounted on a plastic boom and calibrated for all of the aircraft’s metallic parts. We will adapt for solar radiation in orbit, but for testing the accuracy, it is better to avoid any solar interference.” Tanbree was quiet as she examined the data.
    After a few minutes, Tanbree spoke with some concern. “This is unfortunate, the measurements are coming up with some anomalies. I have to ask, there have been no deviations from the planned holding pattern?”
    “Nope, I’ve been right over the racetrack pattern” said Lizfal. “I even double checked the flight timing against my watch.”
    “No flight deviations to explain the anomalies,” mused Tanbree. “I wonder if… wait, you have a watch?”
    “Sure,” said Lizfal. “I like to have something to compare against the flight equipment to ensure accurate timing.”
    “That explains it,” sighed Tanbree. “Everything is calibrated for what metal we cannot shield in the aircraft, but the calibration did not include a watch not attached to a fixture.* We will have to return to base to drop off the watch or recalibrate.”
    Lizfal did not respond immediately, instead Tanbree was hit by a sudden blast of wind. Tanbree gasped and instinctively reached for the ejection handle, her heart pounding, before catching sight of a small object tumbling away outside the canopy. It gleamed briefly in the moonlight as it disappeared into the darkness. A moment later everything quieted back to normal cockpit noises.

    “Wha… what…” Tanbree stammered. “Did you just throw your watch out of the aircraft?”
    “I didn’t want to fly back,” said Lizfal matter-of-factly. “We would need to refuel and perform maintenance. The aircraft wouldn’t be available for a couple of nights. Besides, they just released the next generation of the kWatch. I’ve been wanting to upgrade. How are the readings?”
    Tanbree snapped her mouth shut against her intended response and went back to monitoring the test readings. “All readings within tolerance. From this data, the magnetometer is ready for deployment.”
    “Great!” exclaimed Lizfal. “Let me know when you have all the readings you need, and we will head back to base.”
    Shaking her head with a bemused smile, Tanbree returned to her work. In the quiet hum of the cockpit, the test flight carried on.

    * Sure in the real world this is an issue for much more sensitive devices than basic magnetometers, but things are stretched a little in KSP. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/08/210826090845.htm.

 
    Bob steered the rover carefully over the uneven highland terrain, the suspension was designed for lower gravity environments, so he proceeded somewhat slowly. Only a little further, he thought, just enough to put the rover out of direct line of sight from the tracking station.
    A few minutes driving down the hill to the grasslands and he felt he had travelled far enough. Bob shut down the rover and deployed the outriggers to stabilize the rover. He adjusted the mounted RA-2 antenna, aiming it back toward KSC, then scanned around the sky for a few minutes. He could pick up faint signals, but nothing strong enough to decode the signal from the noise.
    “Bob to mission control,” Bob called into the radio. “I am in position and ready to begin the test.”
    “Copy you are in position, Bob,” crackled Bobak’s voice from mission control. “We are realigning the tracking station antennas now. Expected the antennas to be on target in one minute.”
    Bob realigned the RA-2 antenna and watched the timer tick down on his watch. As the time ticked down the signal level increased, and at precisely one minute the signal level peaked. Bob reached for the radio when he noticed something unexpected in the signal.
    The signal was not the repeating test signal he was expecting, more like a hastily encoded data broadcast. Curious, Bob routed the signal through a simple PSK demodulator and characters started to scroll across the display.
    “Snacks…,” Bob read to himself, brow furrowing. The sequence appeared to be restarting. “If you are… receiving… this message.” The string of characters continued building, and as more characters appeared his eyes widened in disbelief. “We are stranded…” An SOS signal? Thought Bob as he continued to read. Possibly reflected off the ionosphere? “On Minmus.” On Minmus?! “Please send snacks!”
    Bob stopped and stared at the console in amazed silence. That could not be… then he looked at the whole message again.
    “If you are receiving this message. We are stranded on Minmus. Please send snacks.”
    Bob activated the radio and said in a dry tone. “I got your message loud and clear, Jeb.”
    “If you could read the whole message with the signal bounced off Minmus,” Bobak’s voice was laced with amusement and Jebediah’s laughter could be heard in the background. “Then two RA-2s can definitely handle communications between Kerbin and Minmus with enough signal to support Kerbal operational safety margins.”
 
    “Agreed,” said Bob. “The Icarus Program is ready for missions to Minmus.”

End of Chapter 17