Docking ports?

[Doozler]

Hi everyone,

Can you launch multi-part ships with the parts connected at launch by docking ports? I want to do a mothership + lander.

I've tried to connect the ports in the VAB, but don't seem to be able to. Is this not possible or am I just failing at assembly?

I was thinking of hacking it by connecting the two ships with decouplers and then docking them back together, but it seems a bit inelegant. Also, as I've not unlocked separators yet I might need to use two decouplers, with one upside down?

Any help will be much appreciated!

[FlamingPotatoes]

you can, just rotate the docking ports so that the little protruding rings are touching, then you can undock them.

I think that's how it works.

[Tex]

Absolutely, I use pre-docked vessels all the time. Follow FlamingPotatoes' advice, that's exactly how it's done.

[Doozler]

Ok cheers guys! That's a big help.

Now I know it's possible I will keep trying until I get it!

[AlexinTokyo]

Supplementary question (here so as not to clog up the board with tiny threads):

If I pre-dock two ships as described and want to use struts to strengthen the joint - to protect against launch stresses, e.g. - will I still be able to undock the ships after launch? Or will the struts hold them together?

[Xacktar]

Huh, I didn't know you could do that either. Awesome.

[Awaras]

Supplementary question (here so as not to clog up the board with tiny threads):

If I pre-dock two ships as described and want to use struts to strengthen the joint - to protect against launch stresses, e.g. - will I still be able to undock the ships after launch? Or will the struts hold them together?

Yes, you can. The struts will break and disappear once you undock.

[AlexinTokyo]

Thanks very much. Shall definitely be making use of that down the track.