How long before a manuver node should you start burning?

[Marsboo]

Basically that. I've played the game for a while but never come up with a satisfactory answer for this question. I usually start burning so that I'll finish around when the node is but is that the best option? Is there something better?

Let me know.

[bewing]

Generally, you mostly want 50% of your burn to happen before and 50% after, so that it averages out sort of at the node. Was that enough weasel words for you? The game already takes that into account with the countdown timer -- the default is for the timer to hit zero at that "50%" point (which is adjustable). However, that 50% rule does not apply to suicide burns!

[Superfluous J]

You should test it.

• Quicksave.
• Start burning so your burn will end at the maneuver node. When you've achieved your best approximation of the correct trajectory stop, note the dV left in your ship, and restore from the quicksave.
• Start burning halfway to the maneuver node. When you've achieved your best approximation of the correct trajectory stop, note the dV left in your ship, and restore from the quicksave.
• Start burning AT the maneuver node. When you've achieved your best approximation of the correct trajectory stop, note the dV left in your ship, and restore from the quicksave.

Then you'll know

[AHHans]

10 hours ago, Marsboo said:

I usually start burning so that I'll finish around when the node is but is that the best option? Is there something better?

No, and yes! As @bewing wrote for a typical maneuver in space you want to have 50% of your burn before the node and 50% after the node. The timer that @bewing wrote about is the "Extended Burn Indicator" that can be activated in the settings menu.