Return to Kerbin from a solar orbit

[Cepheus]

I\'ve tried it several dozen times; unsuccessfully. I have even reversed the direction of my orbit to eliminate the 'timing' factor. Don\'t really know what else to try.

[WX_Echo]

Have you attempted to satisfy the intercept condition via Hohmann transfer?

I suggest the following:

- Get into a stable circular parking orbit (altitude is your choice) around Kerbol

- Determine the necessary Hohmann transfer ellipse parameters (i.e. semi-major axis, required Delta-Vs, etc)

- Determine the relative angular separation necessary to intercept Kerbin at the apoapse of the Hohmann transfer ellipse

- Execute your transfer orbit once the specified intercept condition has been satisfied

You can work out the math for this maneuver on your own, or you can use an orbital calculator (like the one in my signature) to assist you. The biggest challenge, in my opinion, is having enough fuel to execute the maneuvers. The Delta-V\'s for interplanetary transfers are much larger than Kerbin-Mun missions.

I just ran the numbers (with KSP Orbit Mechanic) for a 850000 km parking orbit around Kerbol; here are the results:

First Delta-V: 13176.5873 m/s

Second Delta-V: 5975.8629 m/s

Transfer Time: 20:19:15:57 (DD:HH:MM:SS)

Intercept Angle: 109.828 deg

Time between intercept opportunities: 01:21:31:25 (DD:HH:MM:SS)

The data is very sensitive to your initial parking orbit, so your mileage will vary depending on your starting location.

Hope this helps!

[OtherDalfite]

Wasn\'t there already a thread of this? I\'m getting annoyed with repeats. >