Nullpointer

Thanks Taki, so in short if I am behind the target drop to a lower orbit and catch up to the target. If I am ahead of the target rise to a higher orbit and let the target catch up to me. Thanks again for the speedy answer.

I have completed the contract Rescue Mission (retrieving a lost Kerbal from orbit). I have done this contract twice successfully. I was interested in a little bit more background or if someone can direct me to literature to read up on that would be great too. My question is I have only been able to complete this mission if I launch ahead of <said Kerbal), if <said Kerbal> has already passed above me and I launch, I find it impossible to maneuver to match up intercepts. However if I launch ahead of <said Kerbal> I can usually obtain intercept points, get them close enough and successfully complete the mission. My question is general around intercept points. What is a good algorithm (approach) to organizing intercept approaches such that I can get them whether I launch in advance or after a target? I guess I am just not understanding some of the math and theory behind it and would like to get more information so that I can succeed on the latter approach where the target is ahead of me. I would assume this knowledge will help me on all other aspects of the game where an intercept is required. Thank you in advance

Is it rational to have science points given based on time in space and observations conducted on the affects of long durations in space? Right now it seems contracts and performing experiments using the science modules are the only way to accumulate science points, but was curious if science points could be awarded based on time I space too.