Tutorial:Building a Lunar base
Contents
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
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.
A lander coming in over a relatively flat area on the Mün.
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The lander on the surface. Even though the terrain is uneven, it will be good for a base.
Jebediah Kerman places a flag to mark our position for the base.
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 4: The first part
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. Once you have completed your first part, place it on the BOTTOM of a rocket that will take it to the Mün. See image below.
An example of a good base to start with.
An example of how the base would be on the rocket. Make sure you can just drop it off, as your rocket won't be able to balance with the base if you try to land.
Your base does not have to be manned at first, but if you want it operational when it lands, you can have it manned. However, if it's your first base, there is a good chance your first drop off is gonna fail. Be careful.
