Way to increase/decrease velocity while retaining orbit?

[Stevenator1]

Well, there is kind of a way to do it, but mostly in theory because I don\'t think you can be precise enough to do it in practice. Put yourself in the orbit you want but going too fast, point your nose straight toward the center of the planet, and burn precisely enough to prevent your altitude from rising, while continually altering attitude to stay pointed at the center of the planet. In effect, you\'re artificially increasing the gravity of the planet to make your chosen velocity the proper one for an orbit of that altitude.

But the one time I tried it was a miserable failure, because of course being even a little bit off either on throttle or attitude means drastically cumulative effects to your total velocity.

Though I knew of this procedure, I highly enjoy the example you used. By applying a constant force towards the center of gravity, you are 'simulating' more gravity on your craft, therefore requiring a higher orbital speed to keep the same orbit.

That is an interesting phenomenon, if you could create a mod that allowed thrusters to constantly fire in a direction with solar power, you could alter the height required for a geosynchronous orbit, based on how much thrust you apply.

In other, completely unrelated news. Watching the Roast of William Shatner. Absolutely priceless this is.

[Vanamonde]

I highly enjoy the example you used.

It occurred to me while I was posting. Relativity says acceleration is acceleration, regardless of the cause. ;D

By the way, when I was talking about how hard it was to be precise, I was thinking of my attempt to use this method to dock with another orbiting ship. It wouldn\'t be that hard to make a reasonably round orbit this way.

[rkman]

Everyone here is wrong, technically speaking.

You CAN increase your orbital speed at a given altitude.

That is, 200km orbit is NOT locked at ~2100m/s

...

Attach a rocket that points directly towards the center of kerbin (acting with gravity) and increase your rockets speed. Assuming you somehow manage to get the thrust proportions right, you can go faster and maintain orbital altitude.

Sure that works, although strictly speaking you are not orbiting while doing that maneuver.

More importantly it requires a lot more fuel than traditional orbital maneuvering.

[Ydoow]

Of course.

I never said it was practical or efficient. Just a way to do it.

Personally I would never bother with the effort, unless it was for pure fun.

[Kosmo-not]

Of course.

I never said it was practical or efficient. Just a way to do it.

Personally I would never bother with the effort, unless it was for pure fun.

I second this.

[Wigw2]

unless it was for pure fun.

It\'s been a while since I did anything in KSP for a serious purpose. It\'s usually for testing how absurd a craft can reach stable orbit. I stopped practicing for the full game a while ago, Reasoning that I\'m ready for it. I am, However, Prepared to be gravely mistaken. I\'m sure many a brave kerbal shall die under the might of my mental shortcomings.