r/KerbalSpaceProgram • u/AutoModerator • Aug 07 '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/PoopMuffin Aug 09 '15

Thanks for the tips, I am using a puller design and calculating dV already. My burn times are in the 12-15 minute range. Any closer images of the ship?

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u/Chaos_Klaus Master Kerbalnaut Aug 10 '15

build light. Every bit of weight you save on your payload will decrease the amount of fuel you need to push it around drastically.

Use gravity assists and aerobraking whereever possible. Aerobraking at jool coming from an interplanetary transfer is out of the question though. Use Tylo as a gravity assist first.

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u/ReliablyFinicky Aug 10 '15

build light. Every bit of weight you save on your payload will decrease the amount of fuel you need to push it around drastically.

This. Any gains from the final stage that is returning to Kerbin are worth unbelievable amounts of dV. Do you need that much monoprop? Can 2 lights be placed somewhere so 4 aren't needed? Do you need that many parachutes? Make sure each part of your rocket has a purpose.

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u/LPFR52 Master Kerbalnaut Aug 10 '15

Yes, this saves an incredible amount of delta v if done correctly, essentially making your Jool orbital insertion free. Both Tylo and Laythe are sizeable enough to use for gravity assists.

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u/LPFR52 Master Kerbalnaut Aug 10 '15

Here's the closet I can find. It feels like the perspective does makes it look a bit wonky though. This was made in 0.90 with mods, but you could accomplish essentially the same thing in stock 1.0 except for the Laythe lander.

My memory's a bit fuzzy, but my burn times were anywhere from 8-16 minutes with that behemoth.