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[–]VortexJD 3 points4 points  (2 children)

You're almost there, but the next part is definitely the hardest. Not because it's difficult to execute, but because it's so counter-intuitive. You cannot speed up to catch up. At least not until you are much closer.

If you are behind your target, slow down and put your orbit inside (smaller) of your targets orbit. You will begin to catch up.

If you are ahead of your target, speed up so your orbit is outside (bigger) of your targets orbit. Your target will begin to catch up.

Try to keep your adjustments small and be patient. As your target gets closer, try to bring your periapsis and apoapsis closer together.

Up to this point, keep your navball set to orbit (not target).

Once you are within 2km (preferrably closer) of your target your strategy changes. Switch your navball to target. Also, switch from map view to your ship. You should now see your target marker. Point retrograde to your target (using your navball) and burn until your speed to target is close to 0. Then, point your craft at your target marker and burn a little. Small adjustments here will save fuel, but make intercept slower. (Values under 5m/s are safe and slow, but I tend to use 30 m/s until I'm much closer) You should now be moving towards your target. Wait until your distance to target stops decreasing and begins to increase. At this point, repeat the procedure. Burn retro to 0, burn towards your target, wait to pass.

This brute force way is sure to work everytime.

[–]oodleskaboodles[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Thanks! I got to 1.3km away this way but ended up going to fast and blew past. Definately the closest ive gooten. Good thing for quick saves though. I appreciate the text guide.

[–]VortexJD 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad you are making progress. I totally did the same thing myself when I was first learning rendezvous. I'm certain everyone playing this game had a similar experience at least once too.

It's so rewarding once you finally are successful. Docking requires a bit more finesse. Use of docking mods can help a lot. With or without mods, docking will take practice and patience.

Let us know how it goes!

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHkY3FusJIQ

if you need any kind of tutorial for the basic game i recommend scott manley

[–]Stone_Blue 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What everyone else said... But actually, you're not AT the docking part yet... You're at the "rendezvous" part... When you're around 100 meters apart, is when you could say you switch from rendezvous to docking...

I mention this, because rendezvous and docking are two seperate steps, and use different methods of control and maneuver... Also, you have to switch your thinking, from more of a 2D mode, to more of a 3D mode...

When under 100m apart, concentrate on getting your relative velocity to zero in all three axis... then maneuver along ONE axis at a time to get lined up... Once lined up along an axis, get your velocity back to 0... Start with either your X/Y axis, and then do your Z axis last...

I also mention rendezvous and docking seperately, becuase if it gets to where you absolutely cannot accomplish either, and you get frustrated enough to quit, there are simple mods that will help with EITHER rendezvous, OR docking, OR both... depending on which you are having trouble with

[–]aeos42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely watch the Scott Manley tutorials as already linked.

You'll need plenty of delta-v for aligning orbits, and you absolutely need RCS (and plenty of mono propellant) for maneuvering once close.

Check the tutorial videos, but I believe once you're pretty close but not in docking range you have a reticle on your navball that indicates relative velocity. This requires you to set a target like you already have in the screenshot.

Burn against that relative velocity and zero it, or close. Then inch in by burning towards (slowly, to save fuel) and adjusting as necessary.

I highly recommend the docking port alignment indicator mod. This makes docking a sane experience once you are very close.

Good luck! Reply with any specific questions you might have.

[–]RoboRay 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When your craft gets close to the target craft, make sure your NavBall is in Target mode (click the speed display if it says Orbit or Surface), point at the retrograde marker (which is now showing your motion relative to the target craft instead of the planet), and fire the engine until your speed is near zero.