humzaq

Thanks for the replies. So both of you believe that its slightly more efficient to enter into an orbit before landing. I also agree that it easier to land from an orbit as you can take it slow. Also, it seems that the difference in landing direct vs from orbit compared to ascending direct vs orbit is much smaller due to the required horizontal deltaV kill and the shorter descent time under gravity. So much so that landing direct vs from orbit isn't discernible. I love orbital mechanics. Thanks for improving my understanding!

Thanks for the replies. So both of you believe that its slightly more efficient to enter into an orbit before landing. I also agree that it easier to land from an orbit as you can take it slow. Also, it seems that the difference in landing direct vs from orbit compared to ascending direct vs orbit is much smaller due to the required horizontal deltaV kill and the shorter descent time under gravity. So much so that landing direct vs from orbit isn't discernible. I love orbital mechanics. Thanks for improving my understanding!

Hello, I'm sure this same question has been asked many times, but i've looked through the forums and I'm unable to find a satisfactory answer. I understand that it is better to enter into a circular orbit when leaving Kerbin rather than blasting right through to your destination due to the effects of gravity. So does this same reasoning apply for landing on a non-atmospheric surface? A direct landing will cause you to suffer gravity's effects every step of the way while an orbital landing will cause you to use deltaV to cancel out horizontal velocity. I have hundreds of hours in this game and I still have these relatively simple questions. I believe that the answer is somewhere in the middle, as eliminating horizontal deltaV is unique to landings and not ascents. Any explanations/experiences would really be appreciated!