Kerbonaut Rescue Mission!

Slubbermand · May 16, 2013

Hi everyone! Glad to be able to join the forum.

I currently have a Kerbonaut stranded on the mun (his spaceship fell over trying to land..), and I'm wondering if it is possible to send out a rocket WITHOUT all crew places taken, so I can bring him back. Is it possible?

Cheers

Canopus · May 16, 2013

Its very easy. Start with an unmanned probe body and then put a manned capsule on your rocket. The rocket will then have the rotation force of the capsule but will be unmanned. Welcome to the forums:)

Edit: Don't forget an RTG or solar panels!

Edited May 16, 2013 by Canopus

Slubbermand · May 16, 2013

Ok thanks for the reply!

Another thing I noticed is that RCS thrusters is not needed since rotation/translation is still possible without, so why use them? It seems like you can save both weight and drag without them.

Specialist290 · May 16, 2013

Welcome to the forums!

Another alternative might be to use the three-man pod or the two-man lander can, and EVA one of the kerbalnauts and "End Flight" on him on the launchpad.

Regardless of how you do it, be sure to keep us posted on how the rescue operation goes.

Happy landings! (...Well, happier, in this case )

BaneOfPilots · May 17, 2013

Smaller ships don't really need RCS. Bigger ships are sluggish in space though, so if you want it to be maneuverable , add some RCS ports/mono-propellant.

Slubbermand · May 17, 2013

Alright!

Great solution Specialist290, why didn't I think of that Anyhoo I'm currently testing different designs, and I'll get back to you when I've had a breakthrough!

Eric S · May 17, 2013

Another thing I noticed is that RCS thrusters is not needed since rotation/translation is still possible without, so why use them? It seems like you can save both weight and drag without them.

Rotation on all three axis is possible without RCS, but translation is only possible in the direction you have engines pointed. Without RCS, that's usually just one direction out of 6.

Slubbermand · May 19, 2013

I did it! Almost..

I succeeded in sending a rescue mission to save my kerbonaut, but since my fuel economy was not up to snuff, I now face a new challenge. Orbital rendezvous and refueling of my craft in a deeply eccentric orbit.. Yeah..

Mission highlights:

Refueling of rescue craft before leaving Kerbin orbit

On my way to the Mun

Undocking my lander

Lander on approach

Setting down about 9km from target

We have come to take you home!

After a nervewracking landing where the lander almost tipped over (thank god for ASAS!), my stranded kerbonaut was saved

After meeting up in orbit I realize too late that I don't have enough fuel to go back and the guys are now stranded until help arrives

I'll be back with a conclusion (hopefully!)