Is it better to use the IRSU in orbit or on land?

[Callmedave]

Ok, So i have been doing some maths to try and work out the best setup for a mining/converting and refuel station.

1 unit of ore =10kg

1 unit of ore will make 0.9 units of Ox + 1.1 unit of Lq

0.9 Ox +1.1 Lq = 10kg

So (if my maths is correct) ore is converted into Ox and Lq at the same mass. It would make sense to have a simple lander with power, a drill an ore tank and enough fuel to achieve orbit and rendezvous with your IRSU in orbit and convert the fuel there.

Am i correct?

[aleis]

Since ore and fuel are essentially equal in volume it doesn't matter where you convert it in terms of dv, as long as your not flying the refinery up and down.

On that note many people find it easier to dock in space than try precise landings.

[Reddeyfish]

Theoretically, yes. However, some people will use the IRSU to fuel their lander, because the logistics are easier that way. If your IRSU is in orbit, you have to give the lander enough fuel to land, return to orbit, and dock. Having the IRSU also makes it so that you can have smaller fuel tanks on the lander, since you can create fuel on the spot.

Edited May 15, 2015 by Reddeyfish

[Monthar]

All you have to do is land near the refinery and have a ground vehicle that can transport the fuel between the refinery and ship that needs fuel. The Kerbal Attachment System mod helps with this. With a fuel truck you don't even need to be close enough for KAS's fuel lines to reach.

[arkie87]

Since ore and fuel are essentially equal in volume it doesn't matter where you convert it in terms of dv, as long as your not flying the refinery up and down.

On that note many people find it easier to dock in space than try precise landings.

Not Volume, but Mass

On that note, that seems like an oversite? Shouldnt there be SOME waste? 50%?

[Superfluous J]

For a traveling circus type mission where you're hitting a bunch of places with an all-in-one ship, then it's a bit of a wash as you have to bring down fuel you wouldn't need if you brought the ISRU converter with you to make more fuel.

For an ISRU infrastructure, it's better to have the converter on the ground, and a ferry that takes the processed fuel up to an orbiting station.