Mission Log 5: First Kosmonauts in Orbit!
Our VRN’s newest launches, bearing specialized transcievers for relaying signals, have finally paved the way for our most ambitious plan yet: to send our first manned craft into orbit, and recover them safely.
Above-Left: The Prototype Gyrinus mk1 Orbiter, undergoing tests at thw launch facility.
Above-Right: Initial concept art of Gyrinus Orbiter (cir. 1961)
Before we send up explorers to perform complicated missions in orbit, our first priority is to test how the body responds to low-gravity environments. Therefore, over the course of three launches, our team of N.E.R.D.’s managed to develop a simplistic spacecraft which would run a test mission: - launch into orbit - perform simple maneuvers and exercises - return safely
To this end, the Gyrinus-class orbiter was crafted. The vehicle is divided into two sections: a service module, with a fuel tank and rocket engine as well as basic hardware, and a habitation module which houses the pilot and life support systems. During reentry, the habitation module decouples from the service module, thereby ensuring the pilot is not at risk from any debris caused by the module breaking apart. It is by no means a perfect ship, but it is sufficient for a test vehicle.
The initial tests of the Gyrinus vessel, unmanned, were to determine the stability of the vessel in flight as well as determine the need for separation and the vessel’s overall performance. While the first launch did land with both sections still attatched, the design team felt that a separation sequence should be installed, in case of emergencies. Considering the results of our first launch, this was a wise choice in hindsight...
Above: View from Gyrinus orbiter, credited to Val. Kerman.
The pilot chosen for this experimental flight – one Valentina “Val” Kerman, a renowned pilot and aviation enthusiast – was launched with a 3rd generation Gyrinus orbiter yesterday morning. The launch, using an updated version of the Q8 launch vehicle, was successful, and Val was able to enter orbit safely. As part of her in-flight operatiosn, she recorded her condition and even managed to test our first-generation Extra-Vehicular Activity spacesuit! Though she was tethered to her craft with a safety cord, she noted that the weightlessness she experienced was not a hindrance at all. Designs are being explored to making a more elaborate Reaction-Control suit, which would allow for actual spaceflight.
Above: Val performing the first successful spacewalk outside her vehicle.
After returning to the vehicle, Val’s vessel entered a radio dark zone, during which she noted that the orbiter’s thrust controls began malfunctioning, threatening to fling her into deep space. She managed to perform a successful deorbit maneuver, but as the vessel began to reenter, the service module began to break apart from stress. The kosmonaut’s capsule managed to separate, but the parachutes failed to deploy properly; thinking quickly, she grabbed a parachute and ejected herself from the falling module. Both Valentina and her orbiter crashed into the sea off the coast of Clover Bed spaceport; Val survived the impact, but as of this moment remains in intensive hospital care. It is undetermined as of yet whether she will remain as an active kosmonaut or not.
Despite her rocky landing, Valentina’s spacewalk has proven the capability of sending people into space. While a safer and more reliable manned spacecraft will have to be designed before further people are sent up, the data collected from Valentina’s and the othwr Gyrinus tests will no doubt pave the way for the next generation of spacecraft to be sent forth.