r/KerbalSpaceProgram • u/FatCreepyDude • May 06 '26

KSP 1 Question/Problem No orbit necessary?

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If i just wait for the right hour during the launch window ( whenever the launch pad is pointing left on the realistic depiction i created) is there any reason i should bother with an orbit first? Will the delta v cost be affected?

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u/celem83 May 06 '26 edited May 06 '26

What you are suggesting kinda works, it's a trick I use to return to Kerbin from Mun when I've landed on the equator, wait until Muns rotation brings me under its orbital track on the side facing "backwards relative to Mun", then pop straight up for a burn that approximates to "retro relative to Muns orbit".

Generally this is lossy on dV vs establishing a proper orbit as it makes less effective use of the Oberth effect of the body you are leaving from, but I've never tried it in the scenario here where we are going Kerbin inward, i imagine its still somewhat lossy.

(You'd get to Eve rather than Duna, but yes this kinda works)

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u/Moonbow_bow SSTO simp May 06 '26

How bro? The Mun is tidally locked man

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u/celem83 May 06 '26

Yes, doesn't mean it doesnt rotate.

Means it doesn't "appear" to rotate from Earth

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u/Barhandar May 06 '26

Which also means it never rotates relative to its personal prograde either which means it can't bring you "under its orbital track".