Docking to Luna: Help with Rotation

[Kaito]

Ah, Luna. What a great space station. One problem: ITS SPINNING!

Yes, i know, i can dock with it without spinning, or i can kill its rotation in the scenario editor, but, i'm going for more...realistic. Is there an easy way to rotate at the same speed as luna when docking? Do I just use rot RCS thrusters and be very precise?

 

[Arrowstar]

I would recommend closing on the docking port first without worrying about the rotation. Once you get very close, use vernier RCS mode (hold down ctrl (I think?) while firing RCS) to get your angular velocity matched to the docking port, and then move in slowly with translational RCS.

 

[Kaito]

Where is the angular Velocity reading?

 

[TSPenguin]

There isn't. But you can easily match it on the docking MFD or by looking out the window

 

[Sherrif of Nottingham]

Well, I've been able to dock with it using translational thrusters AFTER matching rotation, but that was kind of hairy.

 

[Kaito]

So, matching rotation is just kinda guess, and get the little arrow to stay on the "top", right?

 

[tblaxland]

You also need a ship that has its docking port aligned with one of its principle rotation axes. In this regard, the DeltaGlider is no good.

 

[Arrowstar]

So, matching rotation is just kinda guess, and get the little arrow to stay on the "top", right?

That's how I do it.

Btw, the reason to get in close is because if you are not perfectly lined up when you start your translation, the effects of the rotation will start to throw you off more and more. Therefore, the closer you are, the less slipping you see.