New Kerbonaut from NY

[TheHD]

Hey all!

So I just picked up KSP yesterday and have already put in a few hours. It is a fantastic game and I'm already proud to say I've acheived successful orbit (but Jeb is trapped in the command module until I figure out how to get him back).

I hope to learn some stuff here and look forward to the community!

[Tex]

Welcome aboard!

A stranded crew member is definitely a tough thing to rescue, but rendezvous is easy enough once you get the hang of it. Don't you worry, I'm sure you'll bring him back home soon enough!

[michaelsteele3]

Welcome to the KSP Community!

[cicatrix]

Just don't get Jeb killed. Practice first on someone else

[Pecan]

...but Jeb is trapped in the command module until I figure out how to get him back...

1) If you have a parachute on the command pod it's (fairly) easy. If you haven't then wait until you can send a rescue mission.

2) Don't know how to come down? Turn the vehicle retrograde and fire rockets to slow it down - you will fall (no danger of burning-up with stock KSP so don't worry).

3) Out of fuel, periapsis (low point of orbit) in atmosphere? Wait. Each time the vehicle goes through the atmosphere drag will slow it down more and more until after several orbits it will fall. If your periapsis is above about 40km or you have a very high apoapsis (high point of orbit) this could take a LONG time!

4) Out of fuel, periapsis above atmosphere? Get Out And Push.

* Really.

* EVA the Kerbal, press space to let go of the pod if prompted, press R to activate RCS 'jet pack' (press L to activate helmet lights if dark).

* See the wiki for RCS controls

* Use the Kerbal to push the pod backwards, same as firing rockets retrograde, slowing it down.

* Once periapsis is in atmosphere, re-board the pod and wait it out (situation 3)

* Oh, did I mention you should quicksave (F5) first, since EVAs are untethered in KSP and the controls take some getting used to!

[TheHD]

Pecan, I wish I had seen this a few hours ago. Sadly, Jeb found out that the Kermans make excellent fireballs and have almost zero drag upon re entering the atmosphere.

I'll have to erect an orbiting memorial now. Thanks for the welcome though, guys!