Amateur Trying to land on Mun

[mulimulix]

I have been playing for a week or two now and can easily get into orbit and basic things like that. I have tried several times to land on the Mun, but I just can't get the right approach angle. The best I have done is land soft enough so that the capsule survives but everything else gets destroyed.

The main problem is that I always have lateral movement and can't come down vertically, so I attempt to correct this lateral movement but never can and end up eventually smashing into the surface.

I also redesigned my rocket so that I'll easily have enough fuel to make it back to Kerbin, but one step at a time.

Can anyone give me any pointers? Thanks

[Capt'n Skunky]

While you're still in orbit around the Mun, lower your orbit little by little. When you've got it down to 5km or less, burn retro until all surface speed is lost. (you can click on your speed on the nav ball and switch from orbital to surface. Once you've zeroed your horizontal speed, you will start to drop straight down. Since gravity is much weaker, you will fall fairly slow. As you get closer to the surface, start killing your vertical speed until your going really slow and you will float down to the surface.

Use MechJeb once to do this and you will see the best way to do it. MechJeb is great for learning, not just automating things.

Cheers!

Capt'n Skunky

KSP Community Manager

[mulimulix]

While you're still in orbit around the Mun, lower your orbit little by little. When you've got it down to 5km or less, burn retro until all surface speed is lost. (you can click on your speed on the nav ball and switch from orbital to surface. Once you've zeroed your horizontal speed, you will start to drop straight down. Since gravity is much weaker, you will fall fairly slow. As you get closer to the surface, start killing your vertical speed until your going really slow and you will float down to the surface.

Use MechJeb once to do this and you will see the best way to do it. MechJeb is great for learning, not just automating things.

Cheers!

Capt'n Skunky

KSP Community Manager

This makes so much sense. Thanks. I'll let you know how I go.

[Excalibur]

Also don't forget to use the Retrograde Marker in the Navball (the yellow circle with the 'X' in the middle).

Keep your nose pointed at this during final descent and you'll land with zero horizontal velocity.

If you don't know already you can hit Caps Lock for precision control - this can be invaluable when trying to land a small and agile ship.

Best of luck and feel free to PM me if you're still having problems.

[sneezedr424]

This was really helpful. I've been trying to land a TARDIS on the moon for AGES, but it would either explode or fall apart on me. usually my speed was about 20. Hopefully I will be getting the bought version soon. Thanks!