Tutorial: Recovering Rocket Stages

The Space Shuttle and Falcon 9 v1.1 are examples of reusable or partially reusable rockets in the real world. This tutorial will explain how to recover a spent stage so you can get those extra funds!

Recovering the spent stage

Specifications

• Length: 30 minutes - 1 hour
• Difficulty: Medium
• Skills needed: Getting to Orbit, Orbital Adjustments
• For Version: Most versions since 0.20, tested in 0.90 Beta

The Problem

Many users have attached parachutes to their spent stages in the hope that it will parachute gently back to the planet. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. The game will automatically destroy any spacecraft that moves more than 2.5 kilometers away from your vehicle in the atmosphere. Thus, without mods, this feat is next to impossible to perform. The secret is to leave the atmosphere before releasing your spent stage so it isn't removed.

Ship Design

• The first stage of your spacecraft will be expendable (not reusable) because it will be separated too low in the atmosphere. I recommend using an RT-10 Solid Fuel Booster as the first stage because it is very cheap.

• The second stage will be the stage that you recover. It needs to have enough power to leave the atmosphere after being pushed some by the first stage. I recommend using four FL-T400 Fuel Tanks with an LV-T30 Liquid Fuel Engine under it. Remember to add two or more Mk2-R Radial-Mount Parachutes for recovery!

• The orbital stage will be used for orbit insertion and general maneuvering. Also this stage will contain most of your science modules. Add an FL-T400 Fuel Tank and an LV-909 Liquid Fuel Engine. Plan on attaching some SC-9001 Science Jr modules and Mystery Goo Containment Units for lots of science!

• The return stage will bring your kerbonaut home. I recommend using a Command Pod Mk1 with some Z-100 Rechargeable Battery Packs. Don't forget to add your Mk16 Parachute and a Communotron 16!

Note: In the staging sequence, where the second stage separates from the orbital stage, make sure to also deploy the second stage radial parachutes, because you won't be able to do this on the way back!

Launch Sequence

1. Launch normally, expending your first stage when it runs out of fuel.
2. Ignite your second stage. Push your apoapsis as high as possible, preferably about 160 kilometers.
3. When fuel runs out in the second stage, separate the orbital stage. Don't ignite it unless you need to push your orbit higher!
4. Go to the tracking station and control the second stage as it falls back to Kerbin.
5. Right when the second stage touches the water or land, press "Recover Vessel". If you don't do this at the exact moment the stage touches down, you may lose parts of your stage!!
6. Now switch back to your orbital stage. HURRY! Circularize your orbit and do science!
7. When you are done with science, deorbit. Try to land near the KSC for extra money!