Orbits are deceptively difficult. You have to build the right rocket, of course- it's quite easy to make a rocket too heavy, wobbly, flimsy, or some combination thereof to achieve one.
The second trick is figuring out how to get into one. I've built some real monster rockets, flown them the wrong way, and ended up making an 'orbit' far out enough to intersect the orbital path of Mun. If I knew how to make a proper orbit, I'd've ended up a tenth of the distance out in a fraction of the time, with about 1/6 the rocket and 1/100 the trouble.
The third, hidden trick is figuring out how to get into the *same* orbit more than once. That's where I am. I can make orbiters, and get into an orbit I can see Kearth from, but it's a miracle if I end up in the same orbit twice in a hundred tries.
After that, it's all about learning precision.
I recommend watching this video series: shows you how to make a controllable rocket, get into a tight, circular, repeatable orbit, and even perform docking maneuvers. That's a good knowledge base to work from- enough to get within spitting distance of space station construction.
My Unitarian Jihad Name is: Brother Atom Bomb of Courteous Debate. Get yours.
I've been writing a bit.
The second trick is figuring out how to get into one. I've built some real monster rockets, flown them the wrong way, and ended up making an 'orbit' far out enough to intersect the orbital path of Mun. If I knew how to make a proper orbit, I'd've ended up a tenth of the distance out in a fraction of the time, with about 1/6 the rocket and 1/100 the trouble.
The third, hidden trick is figuring out how to get into the *same* orbit more than once. That's where I am. I can make orbiters, and get into an orbit I can see Kearth from, but it's a miracle if I end up in the same orbit twice in a hundred tries.
After that, it's all about learning precision.
I recommend watching this video series: shows you how to make a controllable rocket, get into a tight, circular, repeatable orbit, and even perform docking maneuvers. That's a good knowledge base to work from- enough to get within spitting distance of space station construction.
My Unitarian Jihad Name is: Brother Atom Bomb of Courteous Debate. Get yours.
I've been writing a bit.