How efficient is a Hooligan Labs balloon on Jool?

[Wadusher0]

Hi guys. I'm new here and as you can probably tell, I have some questions.

I'm planning a trip to Jool in which I am to take science from near to the "surface". The problem I noticed is it takes almost 4km/s of delta-V to reach orbital velocity, according to the wiki, and possibly more for an ascent/transfer. I would like to know how much I can cut this down with a balloon, or if its even worth it to bring one.

Edited March 27, 2014 by Wadusher0

[Streetwind]

Please ask your mod related questions in the modding subforums. This one for example would be perfectly suited to go into the Hooligan Labs thread itself. You are far more likely to find someone who actually uses the mod than in this forum, which is meant for stock gameplay questions.

[magnemoe]

The balloons works very well because of the thick atmosphere.

this was back in 0.18, 4 km/s is not enough dV, think 8 km/s from 40-50 km, just orbital speed is 5.5 km/s

From surface its close to 40 km/s

a bit of warning, you have to be a bit careful to open the balloons in the thick atmosphere or the sharp shock might rip your ship apart. use engines or parachutes to go very slow before opening them.

If you just want the flying at Jool science data this can be done from an rocket going down to around 110 km height, your need to be on an suborbital trajectory (Ap = 110 km, Pe below ground)

after getting the data burn forward and up to get out of atmosphere.

[MalfunctionM1Ke]

Scott Manley used those Ballons on his Eve or Bust Revival series.

Maybe this will give you an Idea.