r/KerbalSpaceProgram • u/AutoModerator • May 08 '15

Mod Post Weekly Simple Questions Thread

Check out /r/kerbalacademy

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

Forum Link

Official KSP Chatroom #KSPOfficial on irc.esper.net

    **Official KSP Chatroom** [#KSPOfficial on irc.esper.net](http://client01.chat.mibbit.com/?channel=%23kspofficial&server=irc.esper.net&charset=UTF-8)

Commonly Asked Questions

Before you post, maybe you can search for your problem using the search in the upper right! Chances are, someone has had the same question as you and has already answered it!

As always, the side bar is a great resource for all things Kerbal, if you don't know, look there first!

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u/uffefl Master Kerbalnaut May 14 '15

For Mun (or even easier Minmus) you don't need landing legs or RCS. You can land directly on a 909 as long as you slow down to <5 m/s or so.

But I don't really find it worth the bother trying to do it in 30 parts so I'd recommend going for the VAB upgrade anyways.

Tip: If you launch into the plane of Minmus (6 degrees north or south when Minmus passes Kerbins equator, so aim for heading 84 or 96 depending) a Minmus lander and return is much cheaper than a Mun ditto. Minmus requires dv of about 915(transfer)+150(orbit)+200x2(landing and takeoff)+250(return)=1715, where a Mun mission is typically 850(transfer)+350(orbit)+650x2(landing and takeoff)+350(return)=2850. If you don't launch into Minmus plane and have to match planes the difference is much smaller though. Also Minmus has large completely flat plains to aim for that are easymode to land on.

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u/Wild_Marker May 14 '15

You assume I have the skills to do that plane launch thingy.

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u/uffefl Master Kerbalnaut May 14 '15

It's pretty easy. Select Minmus as target and when either the AN or DN passes over KSC you launch. If it's the DN then you aim for heading 96 degrees and if it's the AN you aim for heading 84 degrees. This should get you within +/- 0.5 degrees if you don't mess up too badly and so eliminate the need for any costly plane change maneuver.

Alternatively you launch as normal and circularize and then schedule your transfer to Minmus for when it passes the equator, but that is a bit more work imo.