Difference between revisions of "Tutorial:Building a Lunar base"

From Kerbal Space Program Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(Lots of stuff.)
Line 3: Line 3:
  
 
=Prerequisites=
 
=Prerequisites=
Before you build a lunar base, you will need to be able to accomplish several things.  Make sure you have landed on the Mün before you attempt this tutorial.
+
[[File:Mun Rocket.png|200px|thumbnail|right|A large vehicle capable of easily landing on the Mün.]]
 +
Before you build a lunar base, you will need to be able to accomplish several things.  Make sure you have landed on the Mün before you attempt this tutorial. To the right is a vehicle that can reach the Mün with ease and return.
 
*Have landed on the Mün at least once.
 
*Have landed on the Mün at least once.
 
*Know how to use the maneuver node
 
*Know how to use the maneuver node
Line 9: Line 10:
  
 
=Step 1:  Getting to the Mün.=
 
=Step 1:  Getting to the Mün.=
Before you can even start trying to build a lunar base, you'll need to get to the Mün.  Not only that, you will need to have a spacecraft that has more than enough fuel to correct your orbit, and land.  A good way to test this is to land, take off, and land again.
+
Before you can even start trying to build a lunar base, you'll need to get to the Mün.  Not only that, you will need to have a spacecraft that has more than enough fuel to correct your orbit, and land.  A good way to test this is to land, take off, and land again.  Your vehicle can be manned or unmanned, but you'll want a vehicle that can take men to the surface.  Finally, your vehicle should be designed with extra fuel.  You want to have more than enough in the event that you miss your landing area, or something goes wrong.
  
 
=Step 2:  Preparing for the base=
 
=Step 2:  Preparing for the base=
Start preparing by completing multiple lunar landings.  You'll want to find an area that is level and has few hills (rovers don't like hills; docking ports don't either).  Once you find this area, mark it with a flag or a piece of debris.
+
Start preparing by completing multiple lunar landings.  You'll want to find an area that is level and has few hills and is relatively flat.  Your docking ports won't connect, or will be overstressed if the area you pick is not level.  Once you find this area, mark it with a flag or a piece of debris. Another good tip is to pick an area on the side of the Mün that faces Kerbin.  You'll be able to save fuel.
 +
<gallery>
 +
Mun_Landing_Burn.png|A lander coming in over a relatively flat area on the Mün.
 +
Landed_at_Mün.png|The lander on the surface.  Even though the terrain is uneven, it will be good for a base.
 +
Lunar_Base_Flag.png|Jebediah Kerman places a flag to mark our position for the base. 
 +
</gallery>
  
 
=Step 3:  Construction options=
 
=Step 3:  Construction options=
There are several options for your Mün base.  However, picking an option depends on how big you want your base and the power of your rocket.  If you want a small base, you can send it there in 1 launch. However, for larger bases, you will need a few technologiesFirst, you will need docking portsIts nearly impossible to land a large base in 1 try. You will need to launch multiple missions to connect your parts.  Secondly, you will need rover wheels to move your parts across the lunar surfaceOnce you have these 2 objects, your ready.
+
You have two options for your base.  You can put it all on one giant rocket, or you can build it in stages.
 
+
==One Stage Base==
 +
If you choose to build a one stage base you will need a rocket with a lot of powerHowever, even with the most powerful rockets, your size will be limitedThis tutorial goes more into detail with multi stage bases.
 +
==Multi Stage Base==
 +
Multi stage bases take longer to build, but they can be almost endless in size.   
 
=Step 3:  The first part=
 
=Step 3:  The first part=
 +
[[File:Starting Base.png|200px|thumbnail|right|An example of a good first stage of a base.]]
 
Start by placing a command module (without wheels) on top of a rocket.  It can be manned or unmanned, but it will need to be the basis of your base.  Connect at least 1 docking port to it.
 
Start by placing a command module (without wheels) on top of a rocket.  It can be manned or unmanned, but it will need to be the basis of your base.  Connect at least 1 docking port to it.

Revision as of 19:19, 3 March 2014

Notice

This page is under construction. More images and details will come as work progresses. Please allow time for completion before attempting this tutorial.

Prerequisites

A large vehicle capable of easily landing on the Mün.

Before you build a lunar base, you will need to be able to accomplish several things. Make sure you have landed on the Mün before you attempt this tutorial. To the right is a vehicle that can reach the Mün with ease and return.

  • Have landed on the Mün at least once.
  • Know how to use the maneuver node
  • Have a vehicle capable of carrying large payloads to AT LEAST orbit.

Step 1: Getting to the Mün.

Before you can even start trying to build a lunar base, you'll need to get to the Mün. Not only that, you will need to have a spacecraft that has more than enough fuel to correct your orbit, and land. A good way to test this is to land, take off, and land again. Your vehicle can be manned or unmanned, but you'll want a vehicle that can take men to the surface. Finally, your vehicle should be designed with extra fuel. You want to have more than enough in the event that you miss your landing area, or something goes wrong.

Step 2: Preparing for the base

Start preparing by completing multiple lunar landings. You'll want to find an area that is level and has few hills and is relatively flat. Your docking ports won't connect, or will be overstressed if the area you pick is not level. Once you find this area, mark it with a flag or a piece of debris. Another good tip is to pick an area on the side of the Mün that faces Kerbin. You'll be able to save fuel.

Step 3: Construction options

You have two options for your base. You can put it all on one giant rocket, or you can build it in stages.

One Stage Base

If you choose to build a one stage base you will need a rocket with a lot of power. However, even with the most powerful rockets, your size will be limited. This tutorial goes more into detail with multi stage bases.

Multi Stage Base

Multi stage bases take longer to build, but they can be almost endless in size.

Step 3: The first part

An example of a good first stage of a base.

Start by placing a command module (without wheels) on top of a rocket. It can be manned or unmanned, but it will need to be the basis of your base. Connect at least 1 docking port to it.