Kerbal Space Program

Kerbal Space Program

seekster Jun 2, 2019 @ 12:48pm
Where to place Relay Satellites?
So I am trying to build an efficient network of relay satellites to allow me to communicate with spacecraft exploring the far sides of the Mun and Minmus. I was sort of inspired to do this by how the Chinese Chang'e 4 lander uses the Queqiao relay satellite to communicate with Earth from the far side of the Moon. Of course the trouble in KSP doesn't have Lagrange points (which is what Queqiao orbits).

So in short my question is, what is a good orbit to place a relay satellite in if I want to communicate from the far side of the Mun or Minmus?

I was thinking that maybe putting relay satellites in a high polar orbit around the Mun and Minmus might do the trick.
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FourGreenFields Jun 2, 2019 @ 12:59pm 
An elliptical orbit might be better if you want to do it with one sat, but then you'd have to adjust orbit every once in a while to have the AP above your base/probe/rover.

Better would be using 2-3 sats. 3 in a circular orbit with equal distance from each other. Or two in highly elliptical orbit, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tundra_orbit. Though 2 in elliptical would need readjusting, unless you're very close to the poles.

Or 3 sats at the very edge of Kerbin SoI in circular orbit. Though that may require stronger antennas, but should cover Minmus too.
Last edited by FourGreenFields; Jun 2, 2019 @ 1:17pm
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Date Posted: Jun 2, 2019 @ 12:48pm
Posts: 1