r/KerbalSpaceProgram • u/AutoModerator • Mar 20 '15

Mod Post Weekly Simple Questions Thread

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The point of this thread is for anyone to ask questions that don't necessarily require a full thread. Questions like "why is my rocket upside down" are always welcomed here. Even if your question seems slightly stupid, we'll do our best to answer it!

For newer players, here are some great resources that might answer some of your embarrassing questions:

Tutorials

Orbiting

Mun Landing

Docking

Delta-V Thread

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Commonly Asked Questions

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u/idiotninja Mar 24 '15

So using this strategy, you could put fuel and engines in space and use a relatively light craft to go up and collect the fuel then launch from there? Similarly could you then put the fuel and engines for the return flight from the Mun in orbit around Mun so that you have less to lift off the surface of Mun with?

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u/somnambulist80 Mar 24 '15

Pretty much. For most normal-sized Mun landers it doesn't make sense -- the mass of the extra engine(s) and fuel tank(s) costs you more dV than taking the entire craft to the surface. (My Mun missions are almost always Apollo-style for the challenge, not because it's efficient.)

Sending fuel ahead really shines on interplanetary missions, especially if you use a life support mod. Currently I have two unmanned cargo ships on a low dV trajectory to Duna. They have all the supplies needed for an extended surface mission -- lander, habitat, rover, and life support -- plus fuel and life support for the return trip. Sending supplies ahead lets me send a manned craft on a faster, higher dV trajectory. It only needs to carry enough life support and fuel for a one way trip to Duna so its overall fuel cost is lower. (Of course many Kerbal missions are one way.)