Keeping probe pointing at the surface

[Zatie12]

I've launched the first of 3 communication satellites into geostationary orbit around Kerbin. The question I have is how do I keep the satellite pointing directly downwards at the surface of Kerbin at all times?

Thanks!

[Krizzen]

As far as I know, you can't without some remote control mod or actively controlling the satellite. It can stay pointed toward your orbit normal or anti-normal. It will spin, but stay pointed in those two directions. If you're on a 0 degree inclination, orbiting the equator, you can face directly north or south on the horizon of your nav ball.

I believe this is a result of KSP's simplistic physics model during time warp. Anything above 1x and your ship rotation is halted. So, you could always face Kerbin in 1x with just the right rotational speed, but as soon as you time warp, it stops. I'd love to see this addressed in the future.

Edited May 23, 2013 by Krizzen

[Zatie12]

Okay, thanks for the info! I agree it would be nice to see this feature sometime in the future.

[TAz00]

Gyroscope mod anyone ?

[Nibb31]

MechJeb and set Smart ASS to Prograde. However, KSP always puts spacecraft in some random attitude when you reload from the Tracking Center.

[KinkyFerrets]

Gyroscope mod anyone ?

Back when electricity, probe bodies, and docking were all mod based, there was a plugin for Dynasat that kept your "top" pointed towards whatever body you were orbiting. But that was long ago, far away. Better days then. The only solar panels to be found were dynasat, and CardboardboxProcessor's KOCMOC mods, Mechanical Mouse's Kethane was all the rage, it used electricity, and his satellite pack had the first Ion engines. Good days. Good days.

[Landge]

I'd like to see the ASAS modules with right-click options to change heading settings. Point in space or horizon.

[stibbons]

RemoteTech's flight computer also has radial buttons that will keep the probe pointed toward the planet with the above caveats. Fairly sure it and MechJeb's Smart ASS have a lot in common.