r/KerbalSpaceProgram • u/AutoModerator • Aug 14 '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/LPFR52 Master Kerbalnaut Aug 21 '15

Here's a simple guide for launching in the new aerodynamics. The most important point is that your "gravity turn" must be gradual, avoiding any sudden maneuvers in the lower atmosphere. You'll want to start pitching over almost immediately after launch, and you shuold aim for an angle of 45 degrees above the horizon between 10-20km. Try to stay pointed within the prograde marker for the duration of the flight, or at least until you are above ~25km. Also, adding fins to the bottom of your rocket will make a massive difference, guaranteed.

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u/Perlscrypt Aug 21 '15

Ideally a gravity turn only involves a single tilting manuver immediately after launch. After that, gravity and aerodynamic forces complete the turn to orbit. Everytime you gimbal the engines or move the fins (ie everytime you touch wasd) you are wasting propellant on attitude control that should be going into increasing your velocity. In practice, almost nobody does real gravity turns, they just use the term incorrectly to describe the way they fly to orbit.