[Tutorial] Setting up a GPS constellation (Stock Parts + MechJeb) (video)

[ikehaiku]

Well, I've juste posted this in the Live-Mission thread as a response, but since this is a How-To video, I guess it's okay to also post it here (if it's not, feel free to snap my hands!)

So:

How to setup a GSP constellation in KSP, the whole deal with 24 satellites:

I'm using MechJeb, but you can do it with a vanilla KSP...as long as you are very, very patient (it's a tedious and monotonous task!) and be carefull with time acceleration!

And, of course, we are doing it for the beauty of it, since it is of no practical use (yet?) in the game.

[Respawn]

Great video

There is a mod for this which i found interresting. -> Forum thread (Figaro-Global-Navigation-Satellite-System)

I'm allmost done setting up my constellation.

I'm doing it slightly different though. Not the 60º orbit spread

1 equatorial orbit,

2 polar orbits 90º apart,

and 4 45º inc. orbits which intersects the the same place as where the 2 polar orbits intersect the equatorial one.

2 hour orbits, 3 satellites in each orbit 120º apart.

It looks like it should work, only time will tell

I'm not using mechjeb so the timing is abit tricky.

Looks great though.

[ikehaiku]

Thanks.

Your constellation should work I'd say, but I'm no expert...Worst case scenario, one will have ti wait a bit of time to be within sight of the satellites?

But it will make an interesting and totally rad pattern!

And hats off for setting it up without MechJeb, you're way more dedicated than I am.

[Respawn]

Turns out it worked great ^^

but coverage varies.

Equatorial regions +/- about 45º inclinations get continuous coverage of 7-9 sats at all time.

and polar regions continuous coverage of 4-6.

I have yet to experience a drop to 3 while messing around with the gps receiver. ^^

Here's a fancy screenshot taken from my mun base fuel resupply craft.

You can see the constellation in the background. (almost edge on, slightly tilted.)

From this angle it almost looks like an eye, keeping an eye on the mun base.

[ikehaiku]

Nice job!

I guess you only need a coverage of 3 sat. anyway, so you good to go!

I dig the eye of the beholder! Or, maybe it's a Deathstar ready to blow up the Mün?