Ion Drive Probe Tutorial

[that1guy]

Howdy, I have been messing with ion probes as of late, and I tought I would share some of what I learned with everyone, enjoy

Edited September 10, 2013 by that1guy

[Amoun]

Really enjoyed this, a good watch, lols at the end with the orbits xD

I more or less understand the game but I picked up some points off of it. Kudos to you sir.

[thox]

Nice tutorial, there's just one thing that might have to be said here: since the SAS update you don't need seperate control parts for SAS functionality, any pod (including the probe bodys) already is equipped with it. And since the Avionics Package doesn't even provide extra torque (which you also would't need for such a small probe) you can remove it completely and still have the same functions for your probe, saving weight and therefore having more delta-v for your probe.

[that1guy]

In response to your SAS informataion, all I have to say is "oops" I guess I should pay more attention to updates

[Eskarina]

Nice video and nice explanations. I do believe ion probes are way too much fun to mess around. The requirement of long burn times and the relation between your point and the shadows of the objects, makes it incredible amusing for me.

Big fan of your video.

[rkman]

I learned a couple of useful tricks there.

But i've got to say that probe can be put into orbit with a much smaller rocket:

1st stage:

LV-T45 engine

FL-T800 fuel tank

FL-T400 fuel tank

FL-T200 fuel tank

2nd stage:

LV-909 engine

FL-T400 fuel tank

(3rd stage: probe)

takes only 50 units of xenon for circularization at 605*605km

An even smaller rocket is possible with the KW Rocketry 120kN engine and FL-T800 as 1st stage, LV-909 and FL-T200 as 2nd stage. But that takes more xenon to bring it to 600*600km.

[that1guy]

well, I would rather go to the deep unknown with too much fuel than too little, but GJ on the redesign.