Learn the essential steps to achieve Kerbal Orbit in Kerbal Space Program. This guide covers building your rocket, launch procedures, and orbital insertion techniques for a successful mission.
Walkthrough
- 1Rocket Design: Construct a rocket with at least two stages. The first stage should provide enough thrust to overcome gravity and atmospheric drag. The second stage needs to be capable of reaching orbital velocity. Ensure you have enough fuel and appropriate engines for both stages.
- 2Launch: Launch vertically from the launchpad. Engage your engines at full throttle.
- 3Pitch Over: Once you reach an altitude of approximately 5-10 km, begin to pitch your rocket eastwards (90 degrees on the navball). Aim for a gravity turn, gradually increasing your pitch angle as you ascend.
- 4Ascent Burn: Continue burning with your first stage until it's nearly depleted or you've reached an apoapsis of around 70 km.
- 5Stage Separation and Second Stage Burn: Separate the first stage and immediately ignite the second stage. Continue burning prograde (following the white prograde marker on the navball) until your apoapsis reaches your desired orbital altitude (typically above 70 km for Kerbin orbit).
- 6Circularization Burn: Once your apoapsis is at or above 70 km, cut the engine and coast upwards. As you approach your apoapsis, point your ship prograde again and burn until your periapsis (the lowest point of your orbit) is also above 70 km. You are now in orbit!
Tips
- Monitor your speed and altitude closely during ascent.
- A gravity turn is crucial for efficiency; don't pitch over too sharply or too late.
- Ensure your second stage has enough delta-v to achieve and maintain orbit.
- Use staging effectively to shed weight as you ascend.
- Practice makes perfect! Don't be discouraged by early failures.
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