EVE AND IKE DECLARE WAR ON OUR PROBES!

After the Horizon II probe left Kerbin for Eve, it dropped a lander into the atmosphere of our closest planetary neighbour to discover the surface. The probe was designed to last for several months. However, the contact was lost with the probe merely days after it made its pioneering landing onto the surface. The orbiter, however, is still working. And the staff at the KSC have recently released images that could possibly explain the cause of the loss lander.

'At first, we thought the high temperatures and pressures on Eve were to blame,' said a spokesman of the project. 'Then the orbiter sent us back images of the planet. As it turns out, Eve is currently going through a planetary-wide storm, and we are sure this is the cause. How a storm on this scale can even come about, we simply don't know. And we are unsure how long it will last or whether communication with the lander can be regained if and when the storm passes.'

The latest image from the Horizon II orbiter shows a planet-wide storm

on Eve that completely obscures the surface

Tree-huggers that have devoted their life to the supposedly spiritual nature of Eve have taken a different view:

'The majestic Eve is upset that she has been violated by this probe,' said one of the spiritual leaders. 'We are in communication with Eve, and she does not appreciate this intrusion. It's a sign to stay away. Admire from a far, not from within. She hints of death on her surface if we venture there.'

As if this wasn't enough, the Endeavor probe at Duna has suffered a similar fate. In fact, there are a few red faces from the team at the KSC. As it turns out, Duna's moon, Ike, has devoured the orbiting probe.

'You have to understand that Ike is a very large moon in comparison to Duna,' said one of the project leaders. 'This means that the gravity of the moon can grab the probe and pull it in quite easily. That is to say, it has a large sphere-of-influence. We already had to make one correction to the probes orbit so it would miss Ike, but in the end Ike caught us my surprise and it is thought to have crashed into it's surface.'

The last image taken by the Endeavor Probe shows Ike a 

little too close for comfort

The Endeavor probe was designed to operate in Duna's orbit for years to come. It was future proofed with a large fuel tank and a generous array of communication abilities so it can act as a relay for future missions once its primary goal had been served. However, Ike was apparently too impatient and hunger got the better of him before the orbiter even had a chance to complete it's primary task.

It didn't take long for the jokes to circle around:

We can only hope that the Aquarius project enjoys much better luck than the two latest interplanetary missions.

AQUARIUS VII LAUNCHES KERBALS TO ORBIT

KSP - Year 4, Day 187

The Eos rocket successfully carried three Kerbals to orbit to test the new CSM. This marked the first manned launch of the new Aquarius hardware. The astronauts were Team Bravo, which consisted of Flight Commander Charlie Kerman, with Tomdun and new rookie Wehrdun. The crew spent ten hours in orbit testing the systems of the CSM. This is where the true test of the fuel cells and life-support systems occurred. Thankfully, everything functioned as it should.

Aquarius VII launches for the orbital mission 

The rocket motor of the SM was given a test run, too. The parking altitude of one-hundred kilometers was changed to three-hundred kilometers. The restart function was what was most important here, and it delivered. However, for the Eos rocket to get the heavy CSM to orbit, the SM had to be short-fueled. This meant limited engine testing could take place. However, all areas were covered and the mission was deemed a success.

A photograph from within the new three-man CM showing 

a wonderful view of Kerbin below

In addition, the second-stage booster of the Eos rocket (which is the same model used for the third-stage of the Selene rocket) can be remote controlled by both Mission Control and the CSM. This facility was tested and the booster was commanded to de-orbit back into Kerbin's atmosphere.

A snap of the interior of the new CM. Every astronaut has sung praise

on the amount of room compared to the previous Unity capsule

A unique image taken from the ground of the

 Command Module during re-entry

Due to the success of this mission, it is believed that the Eos rocket has little further use, and all subsequent missions will be conducted using the Selene launch vehicle.

AQUARIUS HARDWARE BEGINS TESTING

KSP - Year 4, Days 11 - 171

The beginning of a new year marks the beginning of a new project for the staff at the Kerbal Space Center. The Aquarius project is the one we have been waiting for - the mission that will put a Kerbal on the surface of the Mun. Although there has been no official date set yet, it is speculated that we will be putting footprints on the Munar surface by the middle of next year.

Three new astronauts have joined the team that will begin the initial phase of testing in preparation for the first Mun landing. In a remarkable photograph of the Aquarius crews, scale props of the spacecraft that will be used are set behind the astronauts.

A press photograph of the astronauts with scale models of the vehicles

that will be taking the Kerbals to the Mun and back.

From let to right:

Team Bravo - Tomdun, Charlie (Cdr), Wehrdun

Team Alpha - Bob, Jebediah (Cdr), Bill

Team Charlie - Hantry, Lanmore (Cdr), Kenford

For the moment, the testing of the hardware that will be used for the Aquarius missions is now underway. The launch escape system was up first. Initially, launch-pad firings were put through their paces before airborne tests took place. Three official missions took place: LES1, LES2 and, you guessed it, LES3. 

Our first look at the new Command Module. It is large enough

to comfortably carry three Kerbals to the Mun back

The Launch Escape System (LES) successfully carries the Command

Module to safety

The second and third missions took place on top of a new rocket designed to take the new Command Module to the edge of the atmosphere. LES2 was an abort test at 70km, which is where our atmosphere runs out and the vacuum of space begins. LES3 was a hyper-sonic test to ensure the escape system could pull the command module to safety at maximum speed.

Using seven solid-fueled rocket boosters and one sustainer,

the LES is tested at orbital height and hyper-sonic speeds

All three missions were a success and the system was deemed satisfactory. The next phase was the testing of the new Launch-Vehicles that will be used. The size of these machines had the reporters with their jaws on the floor. There seemed to be no smooth progression of LV development. The staff at the KSC went from 'big' and straight up to 'gigantic', skipping out 'large', 'extra-large' and 'enormous' completely.

KW Rocketry, which is the contractor for supplying the KSP with Launch-Vehicles, were required to supply two variants for use in the project. The first is the Eos, which is the smaller of the two vehicles. The first stage utilises existing technology by strapping several boosters together. The upper stage, however, is a completely new concept. KW Rocketry teamed up with Kerbchem Industries to fulfill the requirements. The Eos is capable of taking the new Command and Service Module or the Munar Module to orbit around Kerbin. But to get both the CSM and MM to the Mun, the mighty Selene will be used.

A scale comparison of the Launch-Vehicles. Falcon and Arke were used

in the Unity Project. Eos and Selene, built for the Aquarius Project, cast 

shadows over their smaller cousins. A Kerbal is stood far left for scale

Five unmanned tests have been carried out of all the hardware to be used in the Aquarius project following the initial LES missions. These were necessary to clear the vehicles safe for Kerbal flight.

The first mission was dubbed 'Aquarius Flight 101', and was a test of the Eos

Launch Vehicle and durability of the Command Module. The Service Module

was simply a boiler plate (indicated by its red livery)

AF102 was an all-up test of the CSM and to test of the Command Pod at re-entry

AF103 tested the Munar Module in Kerbin orbit

AF103 races up toward the clouds

An artists representation of the Munar Lander in flight. The image shows the

separation test of the upper stage.

During the live Mun mission, the descent stage of the Munar Module will remain on the Mun's surface to save weight. The descent stage would normally have legs for landing, but this mission deemed it pointless to fit them as there was no landing.

Two further missions were flown, but this time using the Selene Launch-Vehicle. However, the press were not permitted to the launch to image the enormous rocket at launch. AF104 was an orbital test that put an unmanned CSM into a high orbit. The third stage then fired to propel the CSM back to Kerbin at Munar re-entry speeds. However, a failure in the SM engine meant the correct speed could not be attained. Although, 3000m/s was achieved and was deemed close enough. A parachute failure caused the CM to crash into the ocean and was destroyed on impact.

An unofficial image of the AF104 being taken to orbit by the Selene rocket

A camera was fitted to the CM of AF104 and captured this image of Kerbin

at its peak altitude and sent back to Mission Control

An artists impression of the CM during re-entry

A final unmanned mission, AF105, was a live flight to the Mun. However, the mission was designed as an abort test, in which the SM fired its engine to return the craft to Kerbin before it even got to the Mun. This was to simulate an emergency return. The mission was a success with the CM returning to Kerbin at Munar re-entry speeds. The parachute, this time, successfully opened.

The first manned test that took place was somewhat uneventful. A live CSM was mounted on top of an Eos rocket where a system test was conducted. Flight Commander Lanmore Kerman, with Hantry and Kenford, took the helm for the first manned mission. In addition, this was the first Aquarius mission to been named in a different format. Instead of Aquarius Flight 106, it was instead named Aquarius VI. Every subsequent mission is expected to follow this trend. The mission consisted of RCS testing, fuel-cell testing (which are used to generate power for the craft) battery testing and communications as well as life support systems. The mission was a success, and signed off the approval for Kerbal-rating the hardware.

Aquarius VI undergoes the first manned testing of it's systems

The next mission, Aquarius VII, is expected to be an all-up manned launch to orbit.

ENDEAVOR ARRIVES AT DUNA

KSP - Year 3, Day 328

The Endeavor probe has finally reached the orbit of Duna after a ninety-eight day journey. After establishing a highly elliptical orbit, the probe began taking images of the planet and its large satellite, Ike, as well as collecting science. Being a lot smaller than Kerbin, Duna has a lot less gravity but still manages to hold onto a thin atmosphere. Although dubbed as Duna'a moon, Ike is comparably large and scientists are now wondering whether to refer to the worlds as a twin-planet system rather than a planet-and-moon.

The first close-up image of Duna as Endeavor enters orbit. A

large canyon leads into what seems to be a giant crater

Ike looms into view as the probe swings around Duna

The images reveal a barren, red and mountainous world. In days gone by, it was often speculated that there may be life dwelling on the surface. But the images from Endeavor have revealed the world a seemingly lifeless place. However, with vast polar icecaps, it is a wonder if these are plains of frozen water. Their is already an excited buzz at the KSC about future roving vehicles landing on the surface to investigate.

A thin atmosphere shrouds the barren surface of Duna

Ike looks comparable to our own Mun, except the surface is darker and shows a less violent past. However, it is expected that the probe will be able to undertake some exploratory work on the satellite, too.

A scenic view as the probe passes behind Duna

Endeavor I is expected to operate for a considerable time. Even when all it's science is completed, it has the fuel and capacity to operate as a relay satellite for any future missions.

UNITY PROJECT ROUND-UP

KSP has been celebrating the success of their first manned space-program; the Unity project. What is perhaps the most amazing feat of the entire chapter is the zero-death count - not one Kerbal was lost during the dawn of Kerbal space flight. That's not to say there were no near-misses. Jeb's capsule was nearly destroyed during the first attempt of a manned re-entry. And Bob Kerman almost didn't come home after his capsule ran dangerously low on fuel. But what counts is that every single Kerbal sent up beyond our atmosphere made it back home safely.

That was largely thanks to the rigorous testing of all the launch vehicles before they were cleared safe for Kerbal flight.

'Unless we were one-hundred and ten percent sure that these things would work correctly, we didn't even consider making them Kerbal safe,' said Gene Kerman. 'Some vehicles, like the Falcon rocket, were more of a case of a correct ascent over fears of rocket safety. That's to say, the rocket was always going to work as long is it went up into the air correctly. A slight over-pitch would cause the whole damn thing to tumble. It can be that delicate. I just gotta say that it's a good job budgets are not a great concern at the moment.'

Below is a round-up of all the Unity flights. It is still unsure what will happen to Unity Twenty-Five, but we are informed that it will be made as a monument to the success of this project and put on display at the Space Center.

In total, four variants of launch vehicles were used for the project. The Sprite and Falcon were derivatives of the initial rocket development projects. However, the Osprey was an entirely new concept developed at the KSC and will (probably) forever be the most powerful rocket built by the KSP. During the mid-phase of the manned Unity vehicles, a contract was made with KW Rocketry to continue the rocket development. The Arke was the initial release and fell into the same class as the Osprey, although it was a little more powerful.

From top to bottom the Launch-Vehicles are as follows: 

Sprite, Falcon, Osprey and Arke 

And so Project Unity has drawn to a close. Jebediah, Bill, Bob, Charlie, Tomdun and Lanmore have paved the way for future Space Travel, proving that anything is possible. Every test required to demonstrate a successful Mun landing has been carried out with flying colours.

The initial photograph of the crew next to the Unity spacecraft

Rest easy, astronauts. For the real test is about to begin...

HORIZON II LANDS ON EVE

KSP - Year 3, Day 293

For the first time in the known history of Kerbal space exploration, a probe has landed on an atmospheric planet and sent back pictures of the surface.

After fifty days of travelling to the mysterious world, the second Horizon mission fired its engine and made the burn that would put it into orbit around the second planet. Twelve days later, the lander section of the vehicle detached and performed another burn that would send it within the atmosphere of Eve. The main orbiter probe will remain in orbit to not only relay the signals from the lander, but also continue on with additional scientific research from high above the world.

An artists depiction of the lander's entry through Eve's atmosphere

It was a nervous few minutes while the probe made it's descent onto the surface of the purple planet. The atmosphere turned out to be much more dense than Kerbin's, which made the parachute over-effective.

'It just took forever to reach the surface,' said one of the the Mission Specialists. 'At first, we thought there must have been some instrument malfunction. But it turns out that Eve's atmosphere is a lot more dense than we first thought. The lander had to practically swim to the surface. Measurements of the atmosphere showed us it is nearly four times as thick as it is here.'

The first image of another planets' surface sent back

from the lander

When touch-down was achieved, the probe began immediately sending back data. The atmosphere of Eve reaches as high as 100km, whereas Kerbin's disappears at just 70km. And the gravity of Eve is nearly twice as strong as it is on Kerbin. But the most puzzling thing is the temperature. After Horizon-One discovered what is thought to be liquid water on the surface of Eve, the Horizon-Two lander returned temperatures readings of 147C on the surface. This makes it impossible for water to exist as a liquid.

An artists impression of the lander on the surface of Eve

In trying to answer some of the questions thrown up from the first mission, it seems this mission has only raised more. The probe stopped working a short time after landing, even though it was designed to operate for many weeks. The Horizon-Two orbiter remains in an elliptical orbit around the planet, and has already returned some fascinating images of the world in great definition.

The first orbital glance at Eve's atmosphere and a enormous mountain

range on the horizon. However, the mystery of the liquid is yet to be solved

Eve from the orbiters peak altitude of two-million kilometers

The next mission to Eve is yet to be discussed while all the resources of the KSC are being pulled toward the upcoming Mun landings. However, we have the imminent arrival of the Endeavor mission to Duna to look forward to.

SHOCKING NEWS - STRANGE OBJECT FOUND ON THE MUN!

Paranoia is spreading across the globe as leaked images taken by the Celestia Sixteen Mun orbiter revealed a strange object on the surface. Conspiracy theorists are stating the object is metallic in appearance and looks to be a crashed space craft.

'It's too smooth and refined to be a natural phenomenon,' said one of the conspiracy theorists. 'And it is metallic in appearance due to it's shine. Someone put it there. Whether that was us or someone else remains to be answered. It's bigger than any vehicle we've knowingly sent up there.'

 The mysterious object, which is said to be several meters across

Was this a failed test-run launch from our very own KSC? Sources have managed to unveil a classified image of the vehicle said to be used for the upcoming Aquarius Mun landings, but looks nothing like the object seen in the image. This could rule out a craft born of the KSP.

A leaked image of the supposed Mun vehicle during testing, which has 

no resemblance to the object found on the Mun

Shortly after this image was revealed, another was sent in which is supposedly taken from one of the rovers active on the surface of the Mun. It shows a structure reaching out of the surface. An anonymous caller informed us that after the structure was discovered, Mission Control was invaded by a team wearing black suits that forced the staff to shut down the rover and destroy evidence. But this is yet to be verified.

An enhanced photocopy the image sent back by the

Mun Rover, Celestia-Thirteen

Staff at the KSC were unavailable for comment about the images and whether or not the rover is still operating. Others are saying that this is a publicity stunt to try and gain maximum interest in the Mun program for additional funding.

The investigation continues.

KERBALS WALK IN SPACE!

KSP - Year 3, Day 277-289

Although at least one more mission was planned for the Unity project, this week saw a close to the very first milestone of manned spaceflight. A plethora of achievements were met with this final mission, including a Kerbal leaving the comfort of his capsule and drifting through space with nothing but his suit to shield him from the unforgiving environment.

Unity Twenty-Three, piloted by Bill, and Unity Twenty-Four, piloted by Lanmore, lifted off three days apart. One goal of the mission was to spend up to eight days in space. This is longer than a round trip to the Mun would take, ensuring Kerbal's can survive and function the duration with time to spare. In the end, Bill would spend eleven whole days orbiting our world.

During this lengthy time in orbit, Bill and Lanmore piloted their capsules and successfully docked their vessels together. This is a process that would be necessary during the manned Mun program. During the last mission, Jebediah was able to dock his craft with an automated docking vehicle. This time, two manned capsules performed the maneuver. A transfer of power and fuel took place to prove the umbilical systems between the two Service Modules. Orbital altitude changes also took place.

The next task became a monumental moment as Bill Kerman physically left his craft and performed an Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA). This was the first time a Kerbal had left the safety of their vehicle and drifted around with nothing but his spacesuit and a thruster pack. The initial walk lasted seven minutes and took place four days into the mission.

 A never-before-seen sight as Bill floats over Lanmore's

capsule in the first ever space-walk

 'It was the most unnatural feeling to let go of the capsule and free fall around Kerbin,' said Bob in a following press conference. 'But that unsettled feeling soon vanished as I begun to realise what I was achieving. The view of Kerbin was spectacular. No one has seen our world like I have.'

The mission was going so well that the second Link Docking Vehicle (LDV), which would have been used for the Unity Twenty-Five mission, was launched to join Bill and Lanmore for an extended mission. Once the LDV had made it's rendezvous, the green light for a second EVA for Bill was given. The mission was to leave the capsule and meet the LDV using the thrusters from his space suit. Lanmore remained in command of the two Unity spacecraft in case any emergency took place. The EVA was another success and the astronauts returned home after arguably the most successful Unity mission to date.

The second LDV looms into view as it approached the Unity craft

'These boys and their equipment fared better than we could have possibly hoped,' said Gene Kerman, the flight director at the KSC. 'It went so well, that we were able to extend the mission even further. Both Kerbal and machine were tested to the extreme and it couldn't have gone better. What a way to close out the Unity Program.'

Bill is seen crossing the 15m gap from his capsule to the LDV where

he successfully intercepted the automated craft

Twenty-five Unity capsules were ordered and built, but only twenty-four were used. Unity Twenty-Five is assembled and ready for launch, but it will be the only capsule not to see action. It is expected to be donated to a museum or even preserved at the very Space Center that created the craft.

A fine image of the Unity craft taken by Bill as he drifted around the 

vehicles during his second EVA. This is the first time an astronaut has captured 

an outside photo of their craft

The next phase of the Space Program has been name Aquarius and has just one goal: to put a Kerbal on the Mun.