Arrowstar
Probenaut
- Joined
- May 23, 2008
- Messages
- 1,785
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 36
Hello, everyone!
While I'm working on getting some of the more elaborate Astra Space systems online, I've set my crack team of pilots on an assignment. Their goal is to assemble in Low Earth Orbit a space station (using Greg's SSBB) that can be used as a transfer station for Earth to Moon flights. Here's what it'll look like when it's finished:
In any event, our first mission ended last night with newly-promoted First Officer Richard Travis in command of the flight. I present for your viewing pleasure some highlights of the mission:
(1) A picture of the Big Space Plane's launcher aircraft before flight. Departure is from Woomera Spaceport in Australia. This port is also Astra Space's headquarters facility.
(2) The Big Space Plane and its launcher climb in to orbit during a warm Australian morning.
(3) The Big Space Plane separates and begins quick preparations for engine ignition. Actual ignition occurs a few moments later and orbital insertion is obtained shortly after. The payload bay doors open and the RMS is placed into it's on-orbit "deployed/standby" position.
(4) Node One and it's attached radiator system are removed from the cargo bay of the Big Space Plane and carefully manuevered into position on top of the BSP docking port. The Space Plane stays only a few hours on station, just long enough to confirm all systems onboard the Node are functioning as expected. The crew then undocks and begins deorbit preparations.
(5) The Big Space Plane in a TAEM-equivilant stage of approach. Landing occured only a few minutes later at Woomera.
A successful mission!
As a note, Astra Space would like to thank Buchismo Aerospace for its wonderful feats of engineering that have allowed this project. Also, Astra Space is currently hiring both experienced and new pilots to help fulfill the goals of this project and others! See the Astra Space Employee Application for details on how to become an Astra Space pilot!
While I'm working on getting some of the more elaborate Astra Space systems online, I've set my crack team of pilots on an assignment. Their goal is to assemble in Low Earth Orbit a space station (using Greg's SSBB) that can be used as a transfer station for Earth to Moon flights. Here's what it'll look like when it's finished:
In any event, our first mission ended last night with newly-promoted First Officer Richard Travis in command of the flight. I present for your viewing pleasure some highlights of the mission:
(1) A picture of the Big Space Plane's launcher aircraft before flight. Departure is from Woomera Spaceport in Australia. This port is also Astra Space's headquarters facility.
(2) The Big Space Plane and its launcher climb in to orbit during a warm Australian morning.
(3) The Big Space Plane separates and begins quick preparations for engine ignition. Actual ignition occurs a few moments later and orbital insertion is obtained shortly after. The payload bay doors open and the RMS is placed into it's on-orbit "deployed/standby" position.
(4) Node One and it's attached radiator system are removed from the cargo bay of the Big Space Plane and carefully manuevered into position on top of the BSP docking port. The Space Plane stays only a few hours on station, just long enough to confirm all systems onboard the Node are functioning as expected. The crew then undocks and begins deorbit preparations.
(5) The Big Space Plane in a TAEM-equivilant stage of approach. Landing occured only a few minutes later at Woomera.
A successful mission!
As a note, Astra Space would like to thank Buchismo Aerospace for its wonderful feats of engineering that have allowed this project. Also, Astra Space is currently hiring both experienced and new pilots to help fulfill the goals of this project and others! See the Astra Space Employee Application for details on how to become an Astra Space pilot!
