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How To Do A Hoverslam - Kerbal Space Program Doesn't Teach

submitted by Aard Vark

(oritteropo)
6 years 10 months 2 weeks ago

YouTube description:

If you're landing a rocket then waiting to the last minute slamming on the brakes actually saves fuel over slower, more considered approaches to landing.

3 Comments

Payback

says...

Haven't viewed the video yet, but just common sense tells me no propulsion system is 100% efficient, so the losses over time will be larger, and less efficient in overall fuel use.

It's like the most efficient way to drive a hybrid is to floor the accelerator to get to speed, then try to go as fast as possible, using as little accelerator pedal as possible.

Conversely, the rocket would just be wasting fuel trying to slow down before it had to full burn to stop in time.

I'm just impressed they keep the terminal velocity down enough they don't need to use drogue chute(s).