Munar Orbiter Challenge

[narhiril]

The concept is simple. Land a craft on the mun, then launch another craft to orbit the mun. Try to get the orbiter to pass as close as possible over the landing craft.

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Rules:

-Orbiter must be in a stable orbit.

A stable orbit is, for the purposes of this challenge, defined as 'able to make five complete orbits around the mun without adjustment burns or crashing into terrain.'

-Orbital eccentricity is not an issue.

-No 'autopilot' plug-ins.

-Advanced SAS, SAS, RCS, and mod parts are allowed.

-The lander cannot be moved once it has landed.

-Debris does not count - both vessels must have active crews.

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I\'ll go ahead and get the ball rolling here with my best effort.

Closest pass: 6.3km

Orbit: Peri 5443m, Apo 6234m

TIPS:

-Circular orbits are not required, but they make things easier, so you might want to try for one.

-Try to plant your lander on high terrain, if possible.

-Challenge is on the honor system - I know what MechJeb can do, I want to see what YOU can do.

-Bonus points for flair, of course.

[Mr_Orion]

-Orbiter must be in a stable orbit.

A stable orbit is, for the purposes of this challenge, defined as 'able to make five complete orbits around the mun without adjustment burns or crashing into terrain.'

Why would it need to make five orbits? One would be enough as the Mun has no atmosphere to decay the orbit and orbits don\'t randomly change over time.

It\'s possible that you are accounting for the rotation of the Mun which means in one orbit you wouldn\'t crash, while in another you could, but the chances of that are EXTREMELY unlikely unless your orbiter literally skims the ground on one orbit.

...sorry, I kinda raged a bit there!

Also, one question - if we hit into the lander, does that mean we 'win'?

[BillWiskins]

Also, one question - if we hit into the lander, does that mean we 'win'?

I\'d guess that if your orbit intersected your landed craft, you wouldn\'t be able to complete five passes, thereby breaking the first rule

Also, I believe particularly low Munar orbits have been known to deteriorate, or at least abruptly end, for whatever reason.

[Asaman]

Closest pass 3.1 km

Orbit 2.741 km - roughly 10 km (forgot to take screenshot of AP)

Orbiter

Orbit

Lander

this little guy has more than enough fuel to return safely home

Pass

[narhiril]

Attempt #3 (#2 crashed into surface lol):

Closest pass: 1.6km

Orbit: Peri 2447m, Apo 2527m

Sorry for the extreme angle on the pass shot, but it was necessary.