KSP Aerobraking Calculator

[psyper]

Does anyone know how to use this amazing site?

http://alterbaron.github.io/ksp_aerocalc/

I've used it several times in the past and what I normal do is do the calculations on the site then set up a radial/anti-radial maneuver node and burn in that direction to the correct height and then put the new values in to the calculator and fine tune my orbit and keep putting in the value until the orbit it asks for is the same as the orbit I'm at.

Is there a better way - where it says Thrust Angle - where is this located on the navball?

As they say on Reddit; ELI5 with pictures pretty please

Edited May 2, 2014 by psyper

[Redshift OTF]

You just make your periapsis what it recommends after entering all the data and your done. I ignore thrust angle.

[psyper]

when I do that it changes the orbital velocity of my ship which then changes the periapsis that I need to be at in order to reach the right target height which is why I have to put in the new figures and do the whole procedure again - it takes 3 goes at this normally before I get a low enough dV that it doesnt change my velocity all that much and in turn doesn't change my target periapsis. I was just wondering if there is a proper way to do this?

[SSSPutnik]

Just reduce or increase periapsis to meet the recommended altitude. Once you have it there, leave it.

Where are you going to aero brake? The calculator is overkill usually, ie for Jool just use around 118km.

[Redshift OTF]

Ah I see. You have to burn radially to change your periapsis without it affecting your orbital speed. i.e. setup a close manouvere node and adjust the blue icons to the correct periapsis. Don't do the traditional burn retrograde or prograde to change your orbit.

[psyper]

Just reduce or increase periapsis to meet the recommended altitude. Once you have it there, leave it.

Where are you going to aero brake? The calculator is overkill usually, ie for Jool just use around 118km.

Doesnt it all depend on where you're coming from and what your final apoapsis needs to be at - if I was going to Jool from Kerbal and needed to be at a 100km from it then I would need a different aerobraking altitude than if I was coming in from Eelo and needed to be in an orbit that'll intercept Laythe.

Ah I see. You have to burn radially to change your periapsis without it affecting your orbital speed. i.e. setup a close manouvere node and adjust the blue icons to the correct periapsis. Don't do the traditional burn retrograde or prograde to change your orbit.

So just ignore the thrust vector and just burn radially. Cool many thanks

[John FX]

I aero at about 38km on kerbin, 12km on Duna, 120km on Jool (125-130 in system),65-70km on Eve and about 40km on Laythe.

If I really really want to get it first time or get to an exact orbit I`ll check it with the landing prediction on Mechjeb. Otherwise I do it the NASA way and play it safe and do a couple of aerobrakes minimum.