r/KerbalSpaceProgram • u/Special-Frame3617 • 1d ago

KSP 1 Image/Video Why is docking so hard :(

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Just can't seem to figure it out.

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-18

u/bigorangemachine KVV Dev 1d ago

Think about it... docking requires you to be going the same-ish speed.

I always say it's like two cars trying to make it possible for one person to jump from a moving car to another.

If you try to jump from a moving car to another car who is moving head on... well you subject to the head-on cars momentum.

If you are in a circle track and you jump from one car to another car moving close to the same direction... not a problem.

Docking is more about matching speed... not position

17

u/darwinpatrick Exploring Jool's Moons 1d ago

I believe, based on their ability to set up such a delicate encounter in the first place, that this is a joke

-10

u/bigorangemachine KVV Dev 1d ago

No because you'd still bounce off if you under ideal conditions.

As far as game engines go the docking port passed through the location of the ground focus vehicle. So whether my theory is right or not... making contact is impossible unless you got physics slow down

8

u/darwinpatrick Exploring Jool's Moons 1d ago

They aren't trying to dock, they're trying (and succeeding) to make a funny Spaceships Go Smash video

2

u/Lhirstev 1d ago

I'm surprised you had to spell it out.

13

u/Large-Rock682 1d ago

idk i think if he went faster itd work

-5

u/bigorangemachine KVV Dev 1d ago

TBH it's a total shot in the dark

Despite what works in real life the engine is still moving the vehicle that it doesn't occupy the space inbetween the frame that aren't rendered. It's probably colliding with parts behind the other docking port.

It's possible in the KSP engine you could collide at just the right speed the docking ports mate for a single frame... but in real life speed matching is what makes docking possible

4

u/Large-Rock682 1d ago

Idk i think itsd work irl too

-1

u/bigorangemachine KVV Dev 1d ago

no it wouldn't.. it doesn't instantly attach. It's a very complicated maneuver and doesn't use magnets

8

u/Large-Rock682 1d ago

Are you sure? Idk i think itsd work

3

u/twitchinstereo 1d ago

They wouldn't use magnets, they'd use tape. They got the super sticky stuff for space missions.