Can I save Jeb?

[Maul_Junior]

So I kind of screwed up with a launch. I'm very much a beginner, and sort of screwed up. Got a space station into place, had Jeb all set for his return trip in a capsule, when I realize I had an engine with no fuel. I realized this AFTER I had separated the capsule from the space station to return to Kerbin. Long story short, I did a space walk with Jeb over to the space station, but now I can't get him into the lander module where I was going to have him wait for rescue.

He's currently hovering outside the space station with 11% jetpack fuel left, about 20km from the module. Is it possible to enter a lander can while in flight? Or should I try to get him back to the command module?

Mods installed are Mechjeb (training wheels) and the Kethane mod.

[Whackjob]

Be meticulous. A quick puff of thrusters, let your momentum carry you nearer, adjust from there. Don't ever burn thrusters for the sake of speed. You can make it.

[Camelotking524]

The other option is the send another capsule up to rendezvous with Jeb. Just bring the capsule close enough for Jeb to use the rest of his EVA pack to get him inside the capsule.

[katateochi]

Just checking I understand the situation; is the lander can part of the station?

It is possible to enter a lander can while in flight unless the crew hatch is totally obstructed by another object. If that's the case then follow Whackjob's advice and carefully try to return to the command module.

Alternatively, just leave him floating in orbit (which he can do indefinatly) and launch another craft and attempt to rendezvous with him. Try to get that 2nd craft closer than the current command modules is and then his 11% jetpack fuel will be less of an issue.

Good luck!

[edit]ah, ninja'd by Camelotking524![/edit]

[Maul_Junior]

Yeah.....kind of.......got impatient.....ran out of fuel trying to reach the capsule.

Then because he's out of fuel, the rescue ship I sent up that is literally bumping him can't get him. Because he's out of fuel and can't/won't turn to face the hatch/ladder to grab on.

>.<

http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=185850500

Dammit Jeb

[Mokmo]

i would say get an external seat close enough for him to board and then go back to station, but it won't replenish his fuel :|

[Cal'Mihe]

If the rescue ship has good enough control and RCS, then you might be able to move it around him so that he faces the door, and can just grab it, even though he is out of fuel.

Alternatively it might be possible to have a second Kerbal on EVA push him around until he is in position.

[Kerbart]

Build a ship with crew quarters on its side so the door is on top.

Now build a funnel out of plates around the door. This way you can scoop him up, and as you (gently! gently!) accelerate he'll be forced down the funnel onto the door. From there he can grab the door.

[lajoswinkler]

If you don't climb to the same orbital height, catching the target will be very difficult with only 11% of fuel. I've tried something similar the other day. I've ejected a Kerbal with a strong decoupler and tried to return back after 10-20 km. It was very difficult because you don't have all the data a ship can provide.

[Camelotking524]

You could always download KAS and then attach a tether to Jeb. I'm sure he wouldn't mind riding on the outside on the way back.