To re-enter Kerbin, what do I have to set the Periapsis at?

[JackBush]

I'm coming back with terribly little fuel so I'm wondering what the Pe should be so that when I get to it, gravity pulls me down?

Edited October 20, 2015 by JackBush

[capi3101]

That largely depends on where you're coming from, but I find that you seldom go wrong with 33-35k. Even if you don't come back down on the first pass, you generally will on the second, and the heat generated in the process is usually survivable. Now, if you want to be sure to get in on the first go around, go 30-33k, but be prepared to lose bits of your craft to heat; ablator or an engine on the end will mitigate that tremendously, of course.

[moogoob]

It need not be too low, but this depends on whether you're simply returning from low orbit, from the Mun or from Minmus. I usually do 15-20km.

[JackBush]

Sorry, should have told you: from the Mun.

[klesh]

Anywhere bewteen 15-30 should work depending on the mass of your vessel.

[Alshain]

35km should be fine from the Mun with no heat shield (for now, 1.0.5 may change that)

[Invader Jim]

I usually go for 40-42K and have never had a problem.

[ForScience6686]

It's dependent on mass and drag. Higher mass on a streamlined design will take longer to slow down. Chances are your ruining a fairly small ship so you shouldn't have to worry to much, just keep it pointed retrograde so you don't cook your kerbals.

[JackBush]

Thanks guys. I got it around 20k and it came in beautifully. Now to do it again and collect more science.

[Nothalogh]

I aim for 35km and do a two pass reentry

[UnknownOrbit]

Try anything under 70 if you don't slow down enough the first time you'll come back and try again and again and so on.

[OhioBob]

I usually use 42 km from LKO, 30 km from Mun/Minmus, and 25-30 km from deep space. In the later case, the faster the entry, the lower the periapsis.