Orbital Mechanics 101 - A Kerbal Space Program Tutorial

[pebble_garden]

Hey, everyone! I have made a 15 minute tutorial on the basics of orbital mechanics. It's a visual, uncomplicated presentation intended to help non-technical people wrap their heads around orbital navigation. I hope it helps! I recommend watching it at 720p (the highest resolution available).

Orbital Mechanics 101 (HD) (v0.18.4)
Here is my old v0.16 version. (I only include this out of historical interest.)

I have also made many other KSP tutorials. Mind you, I don't necessarily demonstrate the best or most efficent methods. I just want to give newcomers a leg up, as simply and quickly as possible.

Oh, and I've scoured the internet for the very best Creative Commons music tracks to augment the visuals, complete with a track list and download information at the end of each video. I hope you enjoy the tunes!

Maneuver Nodes (HD) (v0.19.1) - A quick, 10-minute introduction to the use of maneuver nodes.
Maneuver Nodes

Take Me To The Mun (HD) (v0.19.1) - A simple approach to reaching the Mun, complete with rocket assembly instructions.
As a playlist
Part 1 - Rocket Construction
Part 2 - To The Mun
Part 3 - Home Again

Mission To Minmus (HD) (v0.18.4) - How to reach Minmus using a nuclear-powered Phoenix-variant.
As a playlist
Part 1 - Lander Construction
Part 2 - Launch Vehicle Construction
Part 3 - Launch to Orbit
Part 4 - Transfer and Landing
Part 5 - EVA
Part 6 - Return

The Phoenix Project (HD) (V0.18.4) - A series of lessons in orbital rendezvous and docking, under a variety of conditions.
As a playlist
Part 1 - Rocket Construction
Part 2 - Launch to Orbit
Part 3 - Rendezvous (direct intercept from launch)
Part 4 - Orbital Rendezvous
Part 5 - Challenging Rendezvous (eccentric, inclined orbit)

Mun Ferry (HD) (v0.18.4) - A complete mission played at 4x speed, showing the launch and operation of a Munar Ferry, to be based at Kerbin-orbiting station Gamma.
Without commentary
With commentary

Gamma to Delta (HD) (v0.18.4) - An orbital transfer flight from stations Gamma to Delta, orbiting at 100 and 200km respectively.
Gamma To Delta

The Goddard Problem (HD) (v0.18.4) - A visual demonstration of the effect of different throttle settings/ascent profiles, showing the impact of aerodynamic resistance, gravity, fuel expediture, etc.
The Goddard Problem

I removed links to some very old KSP videos that no longer apply, but the truly adventurous can find them on my channel.

[Themohawkninja]

This should be stickied.

I now know how you do orbital inclinations. Might make Minmus missions ever so slightly easier.

[positron]

This should be stickied.

It definitely should. Anyone starting KSP with no knowledge of these concepts can get it done in fifteen minutes. I would have killed to have this tutorial a few years ago when I started orbiter 2006.
Beats reading the first half of Go Play in Space a dozen times.

[pebble_garden]

I would have killed to have this tutorial a few years ago when I started orbiter 2006.

You and me both! It took me many months to learn these concepts in Orbiter. The problem is, most of the people writing orbital mech tutorials are extremely technical. There\'s nothing wrong with that, of course. But using interactive visuals, I thought I could demystify the subject and spare newcomers some frustration.

There\'s real beauty in the way orbital mechanics work, it\'s a blend of chess and ballet. Maybe a bit of trapeze artistry as well.

Darn it, I just saw some text in the video I thought I\'d fixed. I\'ll have to reupload it. Fixed and reuploaded, relinked above.

[Vanamonde]

That\'s really excellent work, both simple and clear. Nice choice of soothing music as well. Also, I think text on the screen works better than narration. It gives the viewer more time to think about what is being said.

But am I missing something? How are you controlling throttle from the map screen?

[pebble_garden]

How are you controlling throttle from the map screen?

The throttle keys still work in the map screen. At least, they do when you have the attitude ball up. (Not sure if they work when it\'s hidden.) I\'ll have to test that.

Some things don\'t work in map view, like stage lock.

And thank you for the kind words, Vanamonde!

[Endeavour]

Great work. I wish this had been up when I first started. A well made video that every new player should watch.

[Vanamonde]

Oh. My. God. With the navball up, you can indeed control throttle from map view. How the hell did I miss that? I\'ve been playing this game every day for 2 months! Do you know how much easier my life is going to be now?

Apparently, it\'s not just newbies that can benefit from this tutorial.

[Tarmenius]

Excellent work! Simple and accurate with well-coordinated visuals. I have to agree that this should be stickied. Any plans to do more tutorials like this one?

[BillWiskins]

I concur with previous statements - and might I say, lovely choice of music there.