Dubbed 'phase-two of phase-three', this next series of launches cranks up the program with Unity XX leading the way. From now on, the pilots of the proven Mk1 Command Pod will spend a much longer duration in space. This necessitated the development of a larger service module that is able to supply the brave Kerbals with the air and energy they need to stay alive as well as additional fuel for the craft.
Unity XX with it's new service module that will support the
astronaut for days instead of hours
'When we head to the Mun, we will need a module that is capable of carrying all the supplies needed to sustain the voyaging Kerbals for the entire trip,' said Gene Kerman. 'The service pack we use at the moment is only good for a few hours. We need something that will last several days. And these next missions will test the endurance of our technology in the Unity project.'
It is down to Tomdun Kerman to test this next episode aboard Unity XX. The mission is to simply test the serviceability of the 'life-support' module as well as seeing the effects of a Kerbal in space for at least three days. Until now, Kerbals had only spent hours in space. The new propulsion system of the service module needed to be tested also. And once Tomdun had completed RCS thruster testing in his parking orbit of one-hundred kilometers, he had to raise it to one-hundred and twenty. This was achieved with just two firings of the service-modules' main engine.
Tomdun will remain in orbit for another day ensuring that the systems aboard the craft are working correctly. If all is well, the mission parameters will extend for additional tasking.
'Right now, Tomdun is floating up there nicely and enjoying the ride,' said Gene. 'If all remains well by tomorrow morning, then Unity Twenty-One will launch for a rendezvous mission. It is important that we can prove one craft can rendezvous with another. And Tomdun will make a perfect target for the next pilot to aim for.'
In addition, a new launch-vehicle contractor is at work. Instead of developing their own rockets, new rocket design and engineering has been handed out to KW Rocketry. This new company will handle the remaining Unity flights and possibly the hardware needed for the next project. Management at KSC has stated that more powerful rocket motors and larger fuel tanks were needed and it will be easier to buy technology rather than divide their own resources to combat this requirement. The press were told that even though the existing Osprey rocket was able to carry the additional weight of the new service-module, it didn't leave much elbow space for any further development. KW Rocketry's Arke I launch vehicle (which is the same class as KSP's Osprey IA) offered a little more breathing room. So it was decided that production would cease and the KW's Arke would be used instead.
Unity XX on the launch-pad atop the new rocket. KW Rocketry's
new Arke I launch-vehicle will be the main-stay for
the remaining Unity missions
If the new service module continues to operate according to it's designs, tomorrow will see the launch of Unity XXI. This will lead to the first ever rendezvous mission between two vehicles in space.
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