Switching Orientation

[ansaman]

I had always wanted to change the orientation of my Mun landers, but it is not always a

simple thing given I insist on actually flying these designs to their destination. Further, any proper lander can get pretty big and heavy. Fortunately, with KW parts that go up to 5 meter diameters, I was able to do it with a 600 ton plus vehicle. It is a beast and 120 meters tall!

Even more important is the ability to change the root control part after launching. Using the "control from here" option after fairing eject makes it much easier to fly.

The happy group does not have enough fuel to return, but they have enough snacks and power (and company) to wait for supply and replacement crew members.

- - - Updated - - -

I see that this post might have properly gone to "Mission Reports," but I am not sure. Further, there is a control module attached radially to the top which takes over control after separating from the booster. It becomes VERY important to make sure that the weight distribution is symmetrical and there are enough forces from SAS to keep the whole thing from spinning out of control as it becomes very easy to create a pilot induced oscillation and lose control.

[Nothalogh]

Yeah, that would be a useful mod.

Just a right click and action group option, to set control vector to X,Y,Z + or -

[tater]

Given the covers on all the publications at the grocery store checkout, I thought this was going someplace very different than where it actually went.

[ansaman]

Given the covers on all the publications at the grocery store checkout, I thought this was going someplace very different than where it actually went.

Well you know, Kerbals go both ways: Prograde and Retrograde !

[Mat2ch]

I like to build landers with this engine configuration, too. Something different and in space I don't have to think about aerodynamic design. I always try to attach some control point on the top of the craft. Either another core or a docking port (where you can attach a space tug). For my last rover, which also uses this engine config, I used a mechjeb module. You just have to orient it right and you can have any angle of orientation. But you're right, you should be prepared to change the part from where the craft is controlled or you will not go to space...

- - - Updated - - -

Oh, one thing: Please don't use font size and font color excessively. It may look unique, but actually it's hard to read.