Macjimm

You are a step ahead of me. Was hoping to start with the "shot" missions first. Just up. And then with an angle. Should be fun and educational. Initially I don't intend to steer but rather aim so I can specify a vector. Your input is helpful.

Thanks for the responses. diomedea: Appreciate the orbital math link. Reviewing it now. Spricigo: The Smart Parts mod looks as though it may work for remote control. Although perhaps kOS or MechJeb may also work. Bewing: It seems that the atmospheric effects really does complicate things. Aerodynamics has me wondering about a lot of variables that I am not sure of. You statement "Atmospheric density is a non-linear function of altitude. IRL calculations for these sorts of things use numerical simulations -- not closed-form math solutions." makes me wonder if it is possible to predict these results pre-mission? Has anyone developed some data? Tables? Could I gather enough data from test missions? Would it yield constants that could be used for rough estimates? Other questions that arise are? Are there coefficients of friction available for Kerbal? Can the variability of the aerodynamics be predicted relative to the distance from the planet? How will I determine the drag on specific ship designs? Does KSP model rotation? Will my preparations need to consider the coriolis effect and/or centrifugal forces? Does gravitational acceleration vary depending on the distance from the planet? Not posting this expecting anyone else to work it out for me. But I do wonder if anyone else is curious about these considerations or how much they have been explored.

Newbie here. I would like to start with a remote mission. Unmanned. Single simple rocket, one stage, one burn, no orbit. Before the mission I hope to calculate the results of the shot. Results: Max Distance from surface (or center of planet), or max height (altitude) Distance from launch site to landing site. Direction from launch site to landing site. Position to deploy chute (and the time after launch to deploy chute). During the mission I would like the chute to deploy remotely. Either/and/or on a timer or under certain conditons. After the mission I would like to be able to review the flight data. Results above.. Can anyone provide references for the math to predict the results? Can I deploy the chute remotely with vanilla KSP? If not which mod will allow programed triggers? Does the vanilla KSP record the results listed above? Or do I need a mod (mods).? Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to respond.