Duna Brake?

[ThePresD]

Hi!

I have a spacecraft on the way into a Duna encounter. It has about only 500 delta V left since my transfer burn, it has reached the encounter node. However, I'm wondering the most effective way to slow the craft down without using too much delta V? This is not a return mission so that's not of my concern, however I'd like to get into a orbit before I attempt to land. Thanks!

(Also I am using Mechjeb if that can help me slow er' down please let me know)

[hedzup456]

Whack your ships periapsis into the atmosphere, and use friction to slow you down.

[Vanamonde]

Skim down into the atmosphere with a periapsis of around 13,000m. Aerobraking will kill much of your speed for free. Quicksave before you try it, because it can be tricky to find just the right altitude.

[ThePresD]

Whack your ships periapsis into the atmosphere, and use friction to slow you down.

How close should I drop in? Could you give me a number so I can know how low I can go? (This is Duna)

[RocketPilot573]

How close should I drop in? Could you give me a number so I can know how low I can go? (This is Duna)

Mechjeb's landing guidance should show you what your orbit will be after the aerobrake.

[astropapi1]

Go for a periapsis of 11-13km.

Also, MJ's landing guidance can show you the predicted orbit after aerobraking.

[Taki117]

WARNING! If you cut too deep you will have an unplanned landing, also if you can go for the darker parts, they will allow you to go deeper into the atmosphere without having to worry too much about hitting anything.