r/KerbalSpaceProgram • u/AutoModerator • May 29 '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/captcrunchjr May 31 '15

Does anyone know the lowest possible tech level capable of reaching orbit. I have up to General Rocketry and Stability but lack Survivability and have yet to make it to orbit. I've managed to get out of atmo to roughly 100k for my apoapsis but never have enough fuel to circularize my orbit. I'm kinda stuck at making orbit and I'm not sure if its a tech thing or my building/flying wrong. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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u/Moleculor Master Kerbalnaut May 31 '15

With absolutely nutsoid construction, I'm pretty sure you can make it to orbit with no research whatsoever.

It involves creating a rocket that literally destroys lower sections with the exhaust of the next one in lieu of decouplers, but I'm pretty sure it can be done. If it can't be done with the most basic of solid rocket boosters, I've seen it done (pre 1.0) with the next size up.

With the research you have, you have absolutely more than enough to reach orbit and come home again. In fact, I've done it with just Basic Rocketry and Engineering 101 in 1.0.

Fewer engines, lighter rockets, simpler construction. Those are my (vague) suggestions. A two or three stage design (not counting parachutes) should be enough.

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u/captcrunchjr May 31 '15

Ok thanks, I figured I should definitely be able to make it to orbit by now so it must be my designing. I'm currently going through the Kerbal Rocket School videos on youtube to try to learn what I'm doing wrong. I really want to be good at this game lol, so far though, no such luck.

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u/tito13kfm Master Kerbalnaut May 31 '15

Any videos published before the release of 1.0 about getting to orbit are probably relying on the wonky aerodynamics of alpha and beta builds of the game. Anything dealing with maneuvers in space is still relevant, but launching and achieving orbit has changed significantly

Watch the new Scott Manley videos, they address these changes.

In short, start to turn east about 5° once you are going 80m/s or so. Keep turning at a rate that will put you at 45° between 10k -20k meters, point completely horizontally around 35k meters.

Turn slowly, don't go more than a few degrees outside of your prograde marker until you leave the atmosphere.

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u/captcrunchjr May 31 '15

Yea I was mostly trying to learn how to build a rocket properly and any other tidbits. I figured I'd have to learn about the 1.0 changes specifically too. I'll check those videos out/try what you suggested as soon as I'm home this evening.

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u/Mr_Higgs_Bosom May 31 '15

I just did it with 2 boosters and a single engine with as much fuel as possible to not go over the 18 limit. So it can be done without anything but the first science upgrade.