KSTS-Mission Chronicles

[Yukon0009]

As you can probably tell, this series is inspired by angel-125's KSOS Mission Chronicles.

But with a stock space shuttle.

KSTS-1

The Kerbin Shuttle-Transporting System lifts off for the first time! Onboard are interpid kerbonauts Jeb, Bill, Bob and Lanfield, at the helm of the shuttle Freedom.

Freedom flies up, with the help of it's massive side boosters.

The shuttle has ditched it's side booster. But what's this? Oh no, the shuttle has lost a wing! KSC is not amused.

Freedom continues into orbit.

Jeb goes on EVA to inspect the damage. Yup, that's the wing gone.

Freedom does a de-orbit anyways, with the help of it's Orbital Maneurvering Engine.

Freedom reenters. Mission controllers are now desperately trying to bring the shuttle under control.

Luckily, the orbiter has parachutes in case this sort of thing happens.

The orbiter is nearly completely destroyed, but thankfully the cockpit survived.

KSTS-2

With the lessons learned from KSTS-1, KSTS launches with a completely new orbiter and crew: Dercan, Patfield, Elliot and Thompble aboard space shuttle Resolute.

KSTS-22 lifts off the pad.

Thankfully the booster separated without incident.

Resolute enters orbit and ditches the main booster.

This time the Orbiter is intact. Patfield approves of Dercan's piloting.

Resolute de-orbits.

Entry. Mission controller are on pins and needles now.

Overshot the runway! And Resolute is no fancy glider. This only means one thing: Ocean ditching.

Dercan desperately attempts to slow down using the remaining fuel onboard.

Splashdown. Only the SSMEs are destroyes, luckily.

To be continued

[Sampa]

Very interesting story! Can't wait to see what you do next with this!

[Yukon0009]

Space Station Aries

Regardless of the status of the shuttle program, the Government has made the decision to launch a Space Station.

Aries Space Station on launch.

Entering orbit.

Next, a couple of modules were sent up by rocket. Original planes used the KSTS as a lifter vehicle, but the Shuttle had not proved 100% reliable yet.

A hab module and docking node delivered to the Aries station, along with it's tug.

Orion CTV-1

The Aries was launched unmanned, so some crew need to get up there.

The CTV separated from the main booster stage, crewd by Lanfield, Patfield and Dercan.

Awaiting the rendesvous maneuvers.

CTV-1 closes on Aries.

Docked.

KSTS-3

The bug in KSTS-2 had hopefully been worked out, and this mission was to test the redesigned Shuttle Adamant.

Liftoff.

The main booster and SSMEs push Adamant into orbit.

The cargo bay doors are opened to prevent overheating, and the rendesvous procedures are started.

Although it's dark, the shuttle closes on the Aries.

Docked.

To be continued