I have a problem with docking

[Zeb Kerman]

I am playing career mode (*gasp*) and most of my missions involve docking things in orbit. I have attempted the in-game tutorial, but to no avail. If I could have some sort of detailed on how to do it it will be really useful. I have levels 1-3 on the tech tree, including the docking port Jr. I can get something into LKO relatively easy, so getting something up there isn't a problem. So far nothing is in orbit (aside from empty boosters). So I will launch something specifically for this rendezvous (most likely something like Gemini 6A and 7 or Gemini 8). So again, any tips?

[Gargamel]

Give this thread a read, it might help you out some:

 

[Ron Devu]

What part of the docking procedure is causing you problems? It would help to narrow it down a bit

 

[micha]

Docking Port Alignment Indicator ftw.

 

[Superfluous J]

These have helped others in the past.

Rendezvous (getting orbits to intersect):

Spoiler

 

Approach (getting next to each other and stationary):

Spoiler

 

Docking (actually docking):

Spoiler

 

 

Edited April 1, 2019 by 5thHorseman

[Raptor42]

I use this quite simple strategy for docking. It goes as follows:

1. Rendezvous - match inclination, then play with maneuvers to get the right intercept (you can use the + and - orbit buttons when right clicking the node to schedule this properly)
2. Killing relative velocity when closest to target (distance from target is usually less than 1km)
3. Burning towards target and stopping just next to it (around 100m)
4. Targeting the actual docking port you want to use
   - if both vessels are small ships you can point them at each other and just burn towards it with one, your prograde marker on navball should be right on top of the target marker, if needed correct it using the I, J, K, L keys (this part may take some practise)  With small ships the tutorial ends here, for bigger targets (ship to station etc.) follow me!
5. Align the docking ports so they are like in the picture below: (parts next to the red lines are docking ports)
   
6. Now use IJKL to align the centre point of navball to the target marker
7. Burn towards the target and make sure your prograde marker, target marker and centre point of navball are all aligned, slowly approach the target
8. You should now be docked! Congratulations! If not return to point 5 and try again

Few last suggestions at the end: 

Actually have RCS controls on your ship, if you don't have RCS good luck with docking.
Use LOCKED camera mode, you can switch between camera modes with V.
Practise docking, it is the best way of improving in it
Put docking ports on the Normal/Antinormal sides of the station, this will make the docking port alignment much easier (as shown in the picture)

Anyways, I hope that this answer helped you in any way, shape or form.

[Stone Blue]

i use NavHUD, for the win...
 

 

[Tyko]

If you're open to mods there are a couple that make a big difference. None of these do your docking for you, it's still up to you to fly. Instead they give you more information so you can better understand what's happening and make choices.

RCS Build Aid let's you visually see how your RCS placement will affect your craft. For easy docking your best bet is to have your RCS placed so that it's balanced around your ship's Center of Mass. This way when you try to jet sideways you also don't end up accidentally spinning your ship too

Once you have your RCS balanced there are several mods that update your UI with information that help you dock.

@Stone Blue suggested NavHUD... I'd also add Docking Port Alignment Indicator - it visually shows you the relative alignment of the two ports so you can make sure they're pointing in the right direction, as @Raptor42 suggested, and then navigate to a perfect docking.

 

 

[Stone Blue]

NavHUD also shows you different icons so you can tell which directions you are moving in relative, and also has a marker for where you need to be lined up with. Its like having the navball indicators and grid, laid over the whole flight scene. Like if you were actually "inside" the navball.
However, one thing it does NOT provide are the relative distances and velocities along the three axis, like the KURS Docking Camera... I dont recall if DPAI mod displays those, tho... Its been awhile since I used it, and I have a terrible memory

[Vanamonde]

I made a trainer ship which launches as one unit and then can divide into 3, so you can practice just the last steps of docking without doing multiple launches. 

https://kerbalx.com/Vanamonde/M131-Docking-Trainer 

Might be useful? 

[Tyko]

@Vanamonde yea...nice idea    

[Dan Kerman]

Illustrated Guide to Docking