The next generation of rockets to be tested at the Kerbal Space Centre has been branded the X-Series. At a press release earlier today, it was revealed that the new propulsion system has moved towards liquid fuel, instead of the solid-fuel boosters we have been use to so far.
Gene Kerman stated:
'With liquid fuel we have the ability to throttle the engine, instead of the all-or-nothing we've seen with the SRB's. It means the system is more complex and more expensive, sure. But we have more power and that all-important control. It's a necessary step in the development process, and we look forward to the results.'
After the conference the first of the new series, X-1, was cleared for launch. Once again the crowds gathered around to see the awe-inspiring events unravel.
In appearance, the X-Series looks impressive. X-1 stood a lot taller than any of the R-Series. Three control fins sat above a sizable new LV-T30 motor. It's mission was akin to R-1 - just a simple test of it's flight capability. Everyone looked on as the countdown started. X-1's engine fired on the launch pad for ten seconds before it was released into the clear sky.
X-1 leaving the launch pad and leading the next generation of rocketry
Another advantage of the liquid-fuel is the longer endurance. The former RT-10 boosters were good for about 30 seconds, but X-1 had enough fuel for a few minutes. Everything appeared to be going smoothly until T+1:31 when a series of small bangs was heard. A few seconds later, klaxons began wailing around the complex. A sudden hubbub of chatter rose from the crowds as we waited for an explanation. Expecting for a sudden evacuation of the facility, a voice came over the PA system stating that X-1 had suffered a critical failure, but there was no need for alarm. A few moments later, people watched in horror as the rocket fell back from the sky and exploded on land, north of the complex.
'That was close,' Gene said in a later interview. 'No one saw that coming. I mean, this is what testing is all about, but to have the thing crash onto land? We need to rethink some stuff. Thank God for the safety perimeter is all I can say.'
Enlarged view of the engine-less X-1 as it fell back to Kerbin
Luckily, no one was injured from any falling debris. It was later said that the speed of the rocket through the lower atmosphere was faster than first thought. The drag caused damage to control surfaces and ripped off aerials that provided control for the rocket as the vehicle approached 400m/s. At T+1:31 the rocket began to take damage and spin. Luckily, the engine was shut down before a total loss of control just 9 seconds later. The spin was so ferocious that it ripped the engine away from the fuel tank. X-1 impacted the ground with a great explosion at T+2:03.
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