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Kerbal Rescues
Kerbal Space Program

Kerbal Rescues

Learn how to successfully rescue stranded Kerbals in Kerbal Space Program. This guide covers essential strategies, mission planning, and tips for bringing your brave astronauts home safely.

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Kerbal Rescues

Learn how to successfully rescue stranded Kerbals in Kerbal Space Program. This guide covers essential strategies, mission planning, and tips for bringing your brave astronauts home safely.

This guide provides an overview of how to approach and complete rescue missions in Kerbal Space Program. These missions often involve retrieving stranded Kerbals from various orbital or surface locations.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Accept the Mission: Look for rescue contracts in the Mission Control building. These will specify the target Kerbal and their location (e.g., in orbit around Kerbin, on the Mun, etc.).
  2. 2
    Design Your Rescue Craft: This is the most critical step. Your craft needs to be capable of reaching the target, safely rendezvousing and docking with the stranded Kerbal's vessel, transferring the Kerbal, and returning them to Kerbin. Key components include:
    • Sufficient delta-v for the entire mission profile.
  3. 3
    A reliable command module with enough crew capacity for your pilot and the rescued Kerbal(s).
  4. 4
    Docking ports for a safe connection.
  5. 5
    A return vehicle capable of atmospheric reentry and landing.
  6. 6
    Consider adding life support if using mods that require it.
  7. 7
    Launch and Rendezvous: Execute a successful launch to reach the target's orbit or location. Perform orbital maneuvers to match the target's orbit and then initiate a close-range rendezvous.
  8. 8
    Docking and Transfer: Carefully approach the target vessel and dock. Once docked, EVA (Extra-Vehicular Activity) your pilot to transfer the stranded Kerbal(s) to your rescue craft.
  9. 9
    Return to Kerbin: Undock from the target vessel and perform the necessary burns to de-orbit and return to Kerbin. Ensure a safe atmospheric entry and landing.
Tips
  • Always over-engineer your rescue craft. It's better to have too much delta-v than not enough.
  • Practice docking maneuvers in a safe environment (like Kerbin orbit) before attempting a rescue.
  • Ensure your rescue craft has sufficient fuel and reaction control system (RCS) power for precise maneuvering.
  • Consider the target's orbital parameters carefully to plan your intercept efficiently.
  • Save frequently, especially before critical maneuvers like docking or reentry.

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