Lander testing

[spaceman1999]

So I'm building a Duna mission and want to test my lander in the kerbin system. Where would you say is a good test spot. My plan currently is to go to the mun then boost into a higher orbit then aero-brake around kerbin back to a 100km parking orbit. So who can answer first?

Edited March 13, 2015 by spaceman1999

[Superfluous J]

There is no real analog to Duna but Duna. It all depends on what you want to test.

Ideally you'd send a probe first to see how many parachutes you need, or thrust you need, etc.

(there are mod and online resources that will help, but you sound like you want to do this without their aid)

[Landge]

I test everything on Kerbin before committing to a mission.

STEP 1) Build the lander either in the VAB or SPH, depending on the configuration, and take them out on the launch pad or runway. Good way to see if you forgot ladders and such.

STEP 2) Once I'm happy with the design, I'll add on temporary boosters (if the lander can't takeoff on it's own power) for suborbital test flights. For testing parachutes and power assisted landings.

STEP 3) Once they pass that test, I'll build and test the booster stages that will take them into a stable Kerbin orbit. Then I take them to Mun or beyond.

Here's an old mission I did, all stock...

Edited for sloppy imgur frame.

Edited March 13, 2015 by Landge

[spaceman1999]

Thanks!

[kerbiloid]

HyperEdit ... edit things like speed, gravity, atmospheric pressure, time, and more.

http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/37756-0-90-HyperEdit-NEW-VERSION-Teleporter-Orbit-Planet-Editor-More

Anti-gravity room

http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/105904-Anti-gravity-room-1-11

Rover gravity manipulator

http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/105950-Rover-gravity-manipulator-1-12

[cantab]

As mentioned there's not really a more-accessible analogue to Duna. Best I can think of is to try a landing on the highest location on Kerbin you can find. The mountain range near KSC has some flattish tops, though they aren't big targets to hit.

[Vanamonde]

I test my Duna landers on Kerbin, with the rule of thumb that, on parachutes, they will fall about 3 times faster on Duna. This works well enough.

[goldenpeach]

what I do to test my lander, is simply using hyperedit to put them in the proper situation, then do whatever I want them to do.

this way, I can be 100% sure of the results

[Mallock]

what I do to test my lander, is simply using hyperedit to put them in the proper situation, then do whatever I want them to do.

this way, I can be 100% sure of the results

This. I use HyperEdit as a "training simulator" for things like this. Once I've proved out the design then I run the actual mission with no HyperEdit. This is how I kept from killing myself out of frustration when designing my 3-kerbal Eve land-and-return mission.