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Gargamel · 03-31-14, 10:04 AM

Arc, If you're having issues with fuel economy, have you tried aerobraking into orbits?

On a entry into kerbin encounter, you can set your peri to about 45k (fold up any solar panels), and use MJ's landing predictor (show aero nodes), to estimate your api on the next orbit. Then at that api, readjust your peri to 45k again, that burn should only use a few dv. Rinse and repeat till you get a reasonable Api that you won't burn a lot of dv to circularize. I've had savings of upwards of 80% depending on the planned single manuever. Each burn, and there will be a few, should only burn a very little bit of dv each adjustment.

Every planet with an atmosphere can be orbited in this manner. A little trial and error is needed to learn the best aerobrake altitude, the KSP wiki has good info to start with.

If you are aerobraking, then maybe this can help somebody else. I use this technique even if I sent a small lander to Mun and I need to dock or have a precise landing or the return trip.

03-31-14, 10:04 AM	#337
Gargamel Lucky Sailor Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Rome Posts: 4,273 Downloads: 81 Uploads: 0	Arc, If you're having issues with fuel economy, have you tried aerobraking into orbits? On a entry into kerbin encounter, you can set your peri to about 45k (fold up any solar panels), and use MJ's landing predictor (show aero nodes), to estimate your api on the next orbit. Then at that api, readjust your peri to 45k again, that burn should only use a few dv. Rinse and repeat till you get a reasonable Api that you won't burn a lot of dv to circularize. I've had savings of upwards of 80% depending on the planned single manuever. Each burn, and there will be a few, should only burn a very little bit of dv each adjustment. Every planet with an atmosphere can be orbited in this manner. A little trial and error is needed to learn the best aerobrake altitude, the KSP wiki has good info to start with. If you are aerobraking, then maybe this can help somebody else. I use this technique even if I sent a small lander to Mun and I need to dock or have a precise landing or the return trip. __________________ Luck is a residue of Design.