Need help with interplanetary missions using RT2 and IFILS

[jlcarneiro]

Hello, guys!

Due to 1.0 longer develop time, I've finally finished my tech tree and built a communication network on Kerbin+Mun+Minmus in my career save (I use RT2).

Now I'm finishing some contracts to save some money to an interplanetary mission (I'm thinking about Duna). Due to life support (I use IFILS), I was planning on setting a longer commsat network and launching an unmanned mission. Problem is, using RT2, signal delay makes this impossible (at least for me).

I'm used to use RT2's flight computer to execute maneuver nodes. But what if I need to execute more than one in a row? Or for a precision landing? And for other tasks like docking, for example?

How do you deal with this problem? Using the flight computer provided on RT2? Using MechJeb? Using kOS? Disabling delay signal?

What is the best way (easy but not immersion breaking)?

[Vanamonde]

Since your question seems to be about mod usage, this thread has been moved to Add-on Affairs.

[hab136]

>what if I need to execute more than one in a row?

You can add a delay to all commands. Calculate your maneuvers using KSP TOT (it can read your ship's position directly from the game) and then input the manuevers manaully:

1h 13m: point normal

1h 14m: burn 2.5 m/s

1h 20m: point retrograde

1h 21m: burn 73 m/s

1h 34m: point 5.2 degrees off prograde, 21.7 degrees anti-normal

1h 35m: burn 5.6 m/s

etc

You normally don't need to do that though; the only time-sensitive thing is the capture burn. Changing your inclination can wait for the next orbit (or be done ahead of time); a Hohmann transfer can wait for the next alignment, etc.

> Or for a precision landing?

http://www.reddit.com/r/KerbalSpaceProgram/comments/2g1jbd/programmed_unmanned_landing_on_ike_with_remote/

Atmospheric landings are even easier; just aim into the atmosphere and have Smart Parts pop the chutes at the right time. Trajectories is great for predicting landings.

>And for other tasks like docking, for example?

It's possible to dock with the signal delay to Duna. Not fun, but possible. "Point at target" on both sides comes in handy (TGT and GRD+), as does target relative velocity retrograde (RVEL and GRD-) to "stop" relative to your target.

With the delay to Jool.. no. You need full scripting like kOS.

[jlcarneiro]

Thanks! KSP TOT seems great (but too complex for my current level), I'll try it later...

The other tips can be used by me now. I've downloaded kOS, I'll try it.

Wish control with signal delay was implemented in a simpler way...