DSA Launch Procedure

Condensed version? This is the condensed version.

Many individuals contribute to the safe and successful launch of DSA Spacecraft. The official job titles and descriptions of each participant are listed below. If there is a shortage of manpower, one person can assume several roles.

• Launch processing system coordinator (LPS)
  1. Ensure astronaut is fully-prepared for launch
  2. Store any astronaut personal effects
  3. Escort astronaut to the vehicle
  4. Ensure astronaut maintains proper position for launch
• Flight Surgeon (SURGEON)
  1. Administer pre-launch physical
  2. Monitor astronaut health during flight
  3. Provide any post-landing treatment required
• Superintendant of range operations (SRO)
  1. Perform pre-launch range survey for hazards
  2. Control access to launch pad once fueling has commenced
  3. Ensure personnel are clear from downrange before countdown starts
  4. Visual tracking of astronauts during launch and re-entry
• Landing and recovery director (LRD)
  1. Select preferred landing site
  2. Ensure landing site is free of hazards
  3. Retrieve astronaut after landing
• Safety console coordinator (SAFETY)
  1. Before fueling operations begin:
     1. Ensure master power is off/safe
     2. Ensure all flight controller hold switches are set to hold
  2. Ensure that master power switch remains on during all stages of flight
  3. Turn master power off only…
     • … at the successful conclusion of each flight
     • … if the launch vehicle threatens populated areas; OR
     • … if a loss-of-astronaut accident occurs
• Capsule test conductor (CTC)
  1. Before fueling, ensure:
     1. Pilot's Arm Switch is safe
     2. Capsule compression piston is retracted
  2. After fueling, verify that
     1. TNT distributed to all dispensers
     2. Only one TNT has been placed in each dispenser
• Tank/booster test conductor (TBC)
  1. Craft and handle TNT
  2. Load TNT into rocket dispensers
  3. After fueling, ensure that only one TNT has been placed in each dispenser
  4. Close rocket access ports prior to launch
• Ground launch sequencer engineer (CGLS)
  1. Start the countdown
  2. Read each countdown milestone over the radio as it passes
• Launch director (LD)
  1. Coordinate between astronauts, flight controllers, and other range personnel
  2. Ensure launch procedure is followed
  3. Poll flight controllers for readiness prior to countdown start
• Spacecraft pilot (MINERVA)
  1. Name your space vehicle
  2. Familiarize yourself with the launch contingencies. You may need to execute them rapidly.
  3. Show up on time
  4. Don't be too drunk to fly
  5. Assume the position
  6. Try not to die. It looks bad for the program
  7. Steer yourself to a safe water landing, and deploy your parachute at the right time

One to two days before launch, astronauts should report to the SpaceHab for astronaut training. LPS is responsible for conducting the training. The Quarantine Area houses a complete mock-up of the Minerva space capsule. Astronauts will learn:

• The correct position for launch
• How to use the Pilot's Arm Switch
• How to receive and deploy the Parachute
• How to navigate to a safe landing

The DSA requires that all astronauts be in top physical condition prior to departure. SURGEON will administer a complete physical and ensure that the astronaut is current on all their immunizations.

At the conclusion of training, the astronaut will name their spacecraft. This is how controllers will address the spacecraft during the flight.

The next step to a successful launch is a range survey. Although the DSA's missile range is built in a remote, unpopulated area, wildlife may still pose a threat. Errant boaters need to be kept out of the blast hazard areas. It is the responsibility of SRO to ensure that nothing threatens, or is threatened by, the launch.

At the beginning of active operations, SRO will travel to the pad by boat and conduct a range survey. Any abnormalities should be reported and corrected. SRO will remain at or near the pad until boarding is complete, monitoring the area for hazards.

Although the SRO is responsible for the range as a whole, the LRD is responsible for the selection and maintenance of a safe landing site. Landing sites must be in a large body of water which is at least three meters deep throughout. Landing sites must be free of debris and tall obstructions in any direction. Care should be taken that there are no shallow areas.

When descending under parachute, the Minerva space capsule has the following flight characteristics

Given these characteristics, landing sites should be within about 160 meters of the pad—but are frequently much closer. Assuming that the spacecraft ascends straight up, calculate the deployment altitude and direction of travel after deployment which will bring the capsule back to the landing site. Leave plenty of margin. This information should be communicated to the mission planners and MINERVA.

Before fueling begins, SAFETY will ensure that the controls in the Launch Control Center (LCC) are correctly set in the safe position. SAFETY must check that:

• The master power switch is off / SAFE.
• The light above the master power switch is not illuminated.
• The countdown status indicator in the LCC is RED
• The beacon at the launch pad is RED

The master power switch must remain off for the duration of fueling. SAFETY should also toggle all flight controller hold switches to the hold position. When the switches are in the hold position, the status torches above each workstation will illuminate red.

CTC and TBC are responsible for fueling the launch vehicle. Because this is a high-risk activity, they will check each others' work. Once SAFETY and SRO have given the go-ahead, fueling may commence.

1. TBC will craft a total of twelve (12) units of TNT.
2. CTC and TBC will verify that the beacon at the launch pad is RED, then proceed to the launch pad.
3. CTC will ascend the launch pad and enter the capsule. CTC will verify
   1. that the Pilot's Arm Switch is in the SAFE position. Lamps on the capsule's control station will be extinguished; AND
   2. that the capsule compression piston is retracted. When looking down at the dispensers, a vertical stack of three dispensers should be visible. If only one ring of dispensers is visible, halt the process at once!
4. Once these checks are complete, TBC is clear to begin loading. TBC will access the launch vehicle's fueling door. The fueling door is located on Swing Arm #2, which is the second of the four swing arms up the tower. The fueling door may be opened with a lever.
5. The interior of the launch vehicle has two ladders. Each ladder leads to its own set of TNT dispensers. TBC will climb to the top of each ladder in turn. Beware of live wires.
   1. At the top of each ladder is a small alcove in which to stand. Six dispensers are accessible from each ladder.
   2. TBC must load one (1) unit of TNT into each dispenser
6. After TBC has completed fueling the dispensers, CTC will check that each of the twelve dispensers has exactly one unit of TNT loaded into it. No other items should be placed into dispensers!
7. When these tasks are complete, CTC and TBC will leave the interior of the launch vehicle. TBC will close the fuel door, and CTC will check that it has been closed.

CTC and TBC should return to the Launch Control Center when fueling is complete.

LPS is responsible for ensuring that MINERVA is ready to depart on schedule. Prior to departure, the astronaut should report to the Suit Checkout room in the basement of the SpaceHab. LPS will ensure that MINERVA has, or is furnished with, the following Minimum Equipment List:

• Space suit, with a full charge and a full supply of breathing gas
• Map of the launch site (for navigating during the descent)
• Life raft
• Rations
• Pickax (for emergency egress)
• Flares

Other equipment—especially items of high monetary of sentimental value—should be left behind. Unneeded equipment may be kept in the astronaut lodging accommodations.

At the scheduled departure time, LPS and MINERVA will depart via the SpaceHab harbor. There will be a brief press appearance at this time. After fueling operations have concluded, SRO will grant permission to approach the launch pad. LPS and MINERVA will then depart for the launch pad. Concurrently, LRD should proceed by boat to the designated landing site.

Once the astronaut has boarded the space capsule, LPS and SRO will clear the launch pad.

MINERVA should assume the launch position, as practiced. The astronaut must stand on the yellow carpet, use the [crouch] key, and move as close to the TNT Reactor Pool as possible. The astronaut must remain away from the walls of the spacecraft and stay on the yellow carpet only. See the reference photos below.

MINERVA should leave at least one open space on their hot bar.

It is the responsibility of SRO to ensure that all personnel, with the exception of astronauts, are safely away from the pad. SRO should continue to observe the range from the roof of the LCC. Once these procedures are complete, the Minerva spacecraft is ready for launch.

When the above procedures are complete, LD will poll all flight controllers and request a “go/no-go” for launch decision.

During polling, each launch controller should give a “go” or “no-go” for launch. Upon giving the “go,”

• Flight controllers will move their hold switch to the down-and-off position. The red light above the switch will extinguish.
• MINERVA should activate the capsule's flight controls by moving the Pilot's Arm Switch to ARM. Lights on the control console will illuminate.

If the controller is not physically present in the control room—i.e., they are occupied elsewhere—then an adjacent controller will operate their lever.

The LD shall poll the following stations, in order. The primary go/no-go criteria is as follows:

1. CGLS: Launch computers are ready
2. SRO: Range is clear of hazards
3. LRD: Ready to retrieve astronaut
4. SAFETY: Contingency abort systems are ready
5. TBC: Minerva booster has been fueled
6. CTC: Minerva capsule has been prepared
7. LPS: Astronaut boarding is complete
8. MINERVA: In position and ready for launch
9. LD: Controllers have followed procedures

If all flight controllers are “go”, and no red lights are visible above the controller desks, then LD should request that CGLS commence the countdown. CGLS will then:

1. Provide a pre-count to initiate the countdown on his/her “mark.”
2. Press the green “GO” button to initiate the countdown.
3. Read the countdown events listed in the section below, as they occur.

CGLS should read the countdown aloud. When reading the countdown, read the times and milestones from the following table. Both should be read as lights are extinguished. For example, read entry for “Ground launch sequence start” immediately after the first lamp is extinguished.

At any time prior to main engine start, at T- 00:19 seconds, any controller may request that the countdown be held by

1. saying “HOLD COUNTDOWN;” and
2. moving their countdown hold switch to the up-and-on position.

CGLS should acknowledge that the countdown has been held.

To resume the countdown, use the green GO button. The countdown will resume from the last milestone.

After main engine start, at T- 00:19 seconds, all holds will be considered an ABORT. To re-start from an abort condition, the master power must be cycled off, then back on again, and the full countdown must be started from the top (i.e., T- 01:50).

MINERVA may abort the launch by rotating the Pilot's Arm Switch to the down-and-off position. This action will not hold the countdown, but it will prevent TNT ignition. In the event that MINERVA requests a countdown hold, CGLS is responsible for holding the countdown.

After launch commit, no pre-launch abort is possible. Lift-off must continue. Consult the Contingencies section.

At T+ 00:00, the TNT will light. Very shortly thereafter, MINERVA will cease to be in an inertial frame of reference and become a part of the great Stellar Machinery of the Cosmos. If the astronaut is fortunate, this condition will only be temporary. The launch vehicle's computer will handle spacecraft control during this phase, leaving very little to do.

After lift-off, SAFETY must ensure that the Master Power switch remains in the ON position unless a major contingency occurs.

At lift-off time, MINERVA will receive a thrown potion of Parachute. This is an integral part of the Minerva space capsule and will be needed during the descent phase.

At T+ 01:04, the main engines will cut off. MINERVA will cease to ascend and, very shortly, will begin to descend. Very rapidly. Astronauts can expect accelerations of -32 m/s², with a terminal velocity of 78.4 m/s. Astronauts will, for a time, become the fastest-moving objects in the world. At such speeds, navigating to a safe landing site is all but impossible—the astronaut will need some way to slow down. The Parachute potion will provide the necessary air braking.

Astronauts should monitor their altimeter during the descent phase. When the absolute altitude reads 400 meters or below, deploy the Parachute by using the potion with the [Use Item] command. Dropping the potion is not sufficient—it must be used. A complicated series of pyrotechnics will prevent the resulting deceleration from having lethal effects. The Parachute may safely be deployed at any altitude. If it is deployed at apogee, however, the astronaut will be in for a long wait.

The Parachute potion is an integral part of the Minerva launch vehicle. It will not work without the rest of the vehicle.

Once under parachute, MINERVA should use the provided map to navigate to the designated landing site. The spacecraft's maneuvering thrusters and aero surfaces use an intuitive control scheme that is rather much like walking. Due to an excess of both kinetic and thermal energy accumulated during the flight, the Minerva spacecraft must land in deep water. Failure to steer to safe water will result in a loss-of-vehicle accident.

After splash-down, LRD is responsible for retrieving the astronaut and returning them back to the SpaceHab for de-briefing a post-flight PARTY. In order to avoid collision with the landing space vehicle, LRD must remain well clear of the landing site and remain stationary. LRD must not move until after spash-down has occurred—except to avoid an imminent collision. MINERVA is primarily responsible for maneuvering to avoid collisions.

At the safe conclusion of the flight, SAFETY should return the Master Power switch to the off / SAFE position.

This section list various emergency / contingency procedures.

If a launch pad fire occurs prior to launch, then the launch vehicle and immediate area must be evacuated.

1. SAFETY should return the Master Power switch to the off / SAFE position. This will abort the countdown.
2. Capsule occupant should return the Pilot's Arm Switch to the off / SAFE position.
3. Personnel at or near the launch pad should evacuate by jumping into the water.
   • Personnel near the bottom of the tower should proceed down the tower stairs.
   • Personnel near the top of the tower should use the evacuation slide. Red-and-yellow checkered carpet leads the way to the slides. To use the slide, board the minecart and press either of the two adjacent buttons. You may also jump from the slide.

If a pad fire occurs after launch, attempt to continue the mission.

If a malfunction occurs shortly after lift-off, the spacecraft may fail to clear the tower. If this occurs, the spacecraft will begin to fall rather than ascend. This is a life-threatening emergency that requires quick response.

MINERVA should use directional controls to orient themselves to the North, and maneuver to the North with maximum speed. If this is done sufficiently quickly, the spacecraft will fall in the water immediately to the north of the pad. LRD should retrieve the astronaut.

If an abort is desired during the early ascent phase:

1. Any flight controller may move their Countdown Hold switch to the on-and-lit position. This will cut off the main engines within approximately five seconds.
2. MINERVA should deploy the Parachute potion immediately. Deploying the Parachute potion will also cut off the main engines.
3. It is unlikely that the spacecraft will have sufficient energy to reach the planned landing site. If the spacecraft cannot reach the planned landing site, follow the procedure under Alternate Landing Site.

If the launch vehicle's engines fail during the ascent phase, MINERVA should deploy the Parachute potion immediately. Follow the procedure under Early Ascent Abort.

If, for any reason, the descending spacecraft is unable to reach the planned, primary landing site, a new site must be selected. Site selection is entirely at the discretion of MINERVA. Use the provided map as an aid. Ideal landing sites are discussed in Landing Site Selection. Be sure to avoid the immediate area of the tower, which is a tall obstacle. Inform LD of your decision. Astronauts should use their provided survival life raft for emergency flotation.

In the event of parachute non-deployment, don't panic. Landing may still be survivable. The spacecraft will have much less time to maneuver, and the astronaut will have much less control over the descent. Use the provided map to select an Alternate Landing Site that is nearly directly below MINERVA's present position. Once this has been done, prepare for the Ultimate Water Wedgie.

The Minerva Launch Vehicle may experience a malfunction which results in an early-flight course deviation. These deviations may place the vehicle on a path where it may impact nearby inhabited areas, such as Trigepelago or Aransas. If this event occurs, it is the sole responsibility of SAFETY protect innocent lives on the ground by discontinuing to the flight.

1. SAFETY should move the Master Power switch to the Off / SAFE position. This will abort the flight.
2. The astronaut should perform an emergency egress procedure to leave their falling space capsule. The vehicle's systems will be shut down, and the Parachute will be inoperative. Follow procedure under Parachute Non-Deployment.