I wasn't sure where else to put this, but I figured it might help some folks trying to set up a solid communications network. I've put together a flight plan to launch 4 satellites into (almost) perfect keo-stationary orbit with 90 degrees of separation between each, all on one mission. I think it's a little simpler than trying to launch 4 different missions and time them perfectly, as the tutorial shows. I used MechJeb to make sure I hit all the nodes correctly, so it might be a little more difficult to fly by hand. Each satellite is fitted with a Comm 32 Antenna, 2 Comm-1 short range wide angle dish, and 1 ultra-range dish, otherwise just get the delta-v however you can Quick Flight Plan Orbits represented (apoapsis, periapsis, inclination) with altitude in km. Launch from KSC at any location to (70,70,0), ∆v = ~4500 Burn at periapsis to (1,657.740, 70, 0), ∆v = 555.3 Burn at apoapsis to (1,657.740, 1,657.740, 0), ∆v = 404.6 Burn at 119º34’31â€ÂW (119.57528ºW) to (2,868.75073, 1,657.740, 0), ∆v = 125.9 Release 1 satellite at each apoapsis, burn each satellite to (2,868.75073, 2,868.75073, 0), ∆v = 113.0 Burn at apoapsis to return to atmosphere, ∆v = 340.3 Total main craft ∆v = 5926.1 Total satellite ∆v = 113.0 (each) Additionally, to self-deorbit the satellites requires an additional ∆v = 566.3 (each) KEO By placing a satellite in Keo-stationary Orbit (KEO), its position over the ground will not change. A satellite in KEO directly over the KSC will always be connected via the Comm 32 Antenna (omni-range 5 mm). A network of 4 KEO satellites 90 degrees apart will provide constant communications within the Kerbin system. Each satellite powers a 5mm antenna, 2 45 degree dishes (one each to Mun and Minimus), and an ultra-range dish for deep space missions. Concept of Flight In general, the mission will launch from KSC to a low orbit of 70km and 0 inclination (will remain 0 inclination throughout). It will then push the apoapsis to an altitude x and circularize. At a specific location y, it will push the apoapsis to KEO, such that the orbital period or (x, KEO) is 3/4th that of circular KEO and the first apoapsis is directly above the KSC. Each time the craft reaches the apoapsis, it releases a satellite. The Satellite burns to circularization at a KEO orbit. After 4 orbits, 4 communications satellites will occupy the same KEO orbit, spaced 90º apart, providing antenna communication up to ~7,000 km, constant dish communication to Mun and Minimus systems, and 4 ultra long range dishes capable of reaching anywhere in the Kerbol system. Calculating x (transfer altitude) I used Wolfram Matematica to work through the math, but I don't have the screenshot anymore. Regardless, using science! you should find that a periapsis of 1,657,740m and an apoapsis of 2,868,750m will have a period 75% of KEO (also known as 1 day or 6 hours). Calculation y (location of burn) Once in the transfer orbit (2,868.75073, 1,657.740, 0), periapsis (burn point) to apoapsis (release point) will take 0.5 periods, or 2.25 hours. The first release needs to be directly above the KSC, so the burn point must lead the KSC just right. 2.25 hours is 37.5% of a Kerbin Day, or 135º of Kerbin rotation. In the same time, the craft will cover 180º (or half) of its orbit. Therefore, the burn point must be behind the KSC by 45º of longitude. KSC location is 74º34’31â€ÂW Burn location is 119º34’31â€ÂW (119.57528ºW)
