Difference between revisions of "Tutorial:Orbital Rendezvous"

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== Introduction ==
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{{move|Tutorial:Orbital Rendezvous|this is a tutorial}}
In version 0.18 [[docking]] was introduced.  This allows two independently launched components to be intrinsically linked in orbit and allows them to function as a single structure.  Functions of such a structure can range from a stationary way point, such as a [[space station]] for refuelling to a large scale interplanetary platform that would be impossible to launch in one piece.
 
  
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In version 0.18 [[docking]] was introduced. This allows two independently launched components to be intrinsically linked in orbit and allows them to function as a single structure.  Functions of such a structure can range from a stationary way point, such as a [[space station]] for refuelling to a large scale interplanetary platform that would be impossible to launch in one piece.
  
The way this is accomplished is by linking (essentially touching) two [[http://wiki.kerbalspaceprogram.com/wiki/Parts#Docking|docking ports]] to each other, after you have moved both components into an Orbital Rendezvous. This tutorial will explain how to achieve this.
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The way this is accomplished is by linking (essentially touching) two [[Parts#Docking|docking ports]] to each other, after you have moved both components into an Orbital Rendezvous. This tutorial will explain how to achieve this.
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 +
== Specifications ==
 +
* '''Length:''' 30-40 minutes
 +
* '''Difficulty:''' Medium
 +
* '''For version:''' 0.18 and higher
  
===Specifications===
 
*'''Length:''' 30-40 minutes
 
*'''Difficulty:''' Medium
 
*'''For version:''' 0.18 and Higher
 
 
== Preparation ==
 
== Preparation ==
 
=== Payload Creation ===
 
=== Payload Creation ===
Your first order of business is to create your [[payload]], this tutorial assumes that you will already have this design started, however keep the following in mind.
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The first step is to create the [[payload]], this tutorial assumes that you will already have this design started, however keep the following in mind:
* You will need a [[http://wiki.kerbalspaceprogram.com/wiki/Parts#Docking|docking port]] on at least one point of your payload
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* A docking port is required on at least one point of your payload.
* You may want another port so that another section can be daisy chained to it a later stage.
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* Another port can also be attached so that another section can be daisy chained to it a later stage.
* You should try and keep your sections to a reasonable size (The only one worth pushing the limits on is the first section as it will not have to move once in place.
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* The sections should be kept at a reasonable size. The only one worth pushing the limits on is the first section, as it will not have to move once in place.
 
=== Tug Creation ===
 
=== Tug Creation ===
Next you will need a small [[orbital tug]] to push your payload into position. This will be mainly fuel and [[http://wiki.kerbalspaceprogram.com/wiki/Parts#Liquid_Fuel_Engines|small engine]] controlled by a [[http://wiki.kerbalspaceprogram.com/wiki/Parts#Pods|pod]].
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Next you will need a small [[orbital tug]] to push your payload into position. This will mainly be [[liquid fuel]] and a [[Rocket engine#Liquid fuel rocket engine|small engine]] controlled by a [[Command Module]].
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A small amount of liquid fuel and an adequate sized engine should be used for the payload. Only a tiny amount is required as it will only have to cover a small distance to the target.
  
You should use a small amount of liquid fuel and an adequate sized engine for the payload.  You will only need a tiny amount as it will be only to close the final distance to your target.
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More importantly [[monopropellant]] and [[RCS]] thrusters are necessary to fine tune the position and allow the docking ports to touch.
  
More importantly you will need [[http://wiki.kerbalspaceprogram.com/wiki/Parts#RCS_Fuel_Tanks|mono propellent]] and [[http://wiki.kerbalspaceprogram.com/wiki/Parts#RCS|RCS thrusters]] to fine tune your position and allow your Docking ports to touch.
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After constructing the craft, the [[mass indicator]] should be used to fine tune the RCS thrusters' positions. The thrusters should be placed symmetrically around the center of mass of the completed craft to allow linear movement without rotation while in space.
  
You should build your payload and tug, then turn on your [[mass indicator]] to fine tune your RCS position.  Ensure that both thrusters are an equal distance from the centre of mass of the completed tug/payload system to allow linear movement without rotation while in space.
 
 
== Orbital Alignment ==
 
== Orbital Alignment ==
There are four distinct stages to an orbital Rendezvous
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There are four distinct stages to an orbital rendezvous:
 
# Achieving stable orbit
 
# Achieving stable orbit
# Fine tuning orbit sync and inclination to match target
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# Fine-tuning orbit sync and inclination to match target
 
# Matching target orbit
 
# Matching target orbit
 
# Dock positioning and locking
 
# Dock positioning and locking
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=== Achieving stable orbit ===
 
=== Achieving stable orbit ===
This is covered in other [[http://wiki.kerbalspaceprogram.com/wiki/Tutorial:Basic_Rocket_Design#Quick_guide_to_your_first_orbit|tutorials and I refer you to them]]. You should however try hard to get as close your targets orbit as possible, as it will save heart ache and fuel at a later stage.
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This is covered in other [[Tutorial:Basic Rocket Design#Quick guide to your first orbit|tutorials]] and I refer you to them. It is however best to get as close to the target's orbit as possible, as it will save heart ache and fuel at a later stage.
=== Fine Tuning orbit sync and inclination to match target.
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==Go Build Baby==
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== Go Build Baby ==
 
Tada! Now you've read a full tutorial. Congratulations!
 
Tada! Now you've read a full tutorial. Congratulations!
  
 
[[Category:Tutorials]]
 
[[Category:Tutorials]]

Revision as of 18:19, 11 June 2013


In version 0.18 docking was introduced. This allows two independently launched components to be intrinsically linked in orbit and allows them to function as a single structure. Functions of such a structure can range from a stationary way point, such as a space station for refuelling to a large scale interplanetary platform that would be impossible to launch in one piece.

The way this is accomplished is by linking (essentially touching) two docking ports to each other, after you have moved both components into an Orbital Rendezvous. This tutorial will explain how to achieve this.

Specifications

  • Length: 30-40 minutes
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • For version: 0.18 and higher

Preparation

Payload Creation

The first step is to create the payload, this tutorial assumes that you will already have this design started, however keep the following in mind:

  • A docking port is required on at least one point of your payload.
  • Another port can also be attached so that another section can be daisy chained to it a later stage.
  • The sections should be kept at a reasonable size. The only one worth pushing the limits on is the first section, as it will not have to move once in place.

Tug Creation

Next you will need a small orbital tug to push your payload into position. This will mainly be liquid fuel and a small engine controlled by a Command Module.

A small amount of liquid fuel and an adequate sized engine should be used for the payload. Only a tiny amount is required as it will only have to cover a small distance to the target.

More importantly monopropellant and RCS thrusters are necessary to fine tune the position and allow the docking ports to touch.

After constructing the craft, the mass indicator should be used to fine tune the RCS thrusters' positions. The thrusters should be placed symmetrically around the center of mass of the completed craft to allow linear movement without rotation while in space.

Orbital Alignment

There are four distinct stages to an orbital rendezvous:

  1. Achieving stable orbit
  2. Fine-tuning orbit sync and inclination to match target
  3. Matching target orbit
  4. Dock positioning and locking

Achieving stable orbit

This is covered in other tutorials and I refer you to them. It is however best to get as close to the target's orbit as possible, as it will save heart ache and fuel at a later stage.

Go Build Baby

Tada! Now you've read a full tutorial. Congratulations!