Determine best height for aerobraking

[Olvirm]

How do you determine the best height for aerobraking? I always seem to be too high, even when I set a 10km periapsis over Duna for an interplanetary course I zipped right by.

[CalculusWarrior]

It depends on the planet and also the speed that you're travelling at when you hit the atmosphere.

This is a good calculator, as it tells you where to put your periapsis based on where you are right now and what speed you're travelling at.

[RatBeer]

It depends on the planet and also the speed that you're travelling at when you hit the atmosphere.

This is a good calculator, as it tells you where to put your periapsis based on where you are right now and what speed you're travelling at.

that is just what ive been looking for

[Olvirm]

does this only work once I've entered the SOI of the planet?

[AndreyATGB]

does this only work once I've entered the SOI of the planet?

yes, you're supposed to use it as soon as you enter SOI. You can adjust your periapsis from solar orbit, the game's calculations will change once you enter SOI anyway.