Tommy
Well-known member
I seem to remember getting this to work in a stock DG. If memory serves, it took dozens of attempts, and was still fairly "hit-or-miss".
Method was to perform a retrograde burn over the target lowering the PeA to 10 meters. Then, at Pe, a second retrograde burn to lower the ApA until it became the Pe, at an altitude to 2.4 meters (IIRC the "altitude" of a landed DG = 2.41 meters).
Gear is lowered, orient forward and use level horizon AP. At about 3 seconds before Pe, engage retrothrust to lower the PeA to just below zero. Immediately upon ground contact engage "downward" translational RCS and engage the wheel brakes. Once speed lowers a bit retro's can be used for braking (overuse of retro thrust too soon will result in "hopping".
Since you will be performing at least one half of an orbit at less than 10 meters altitude - this obviously wouldn't work in real life!
Method was to perform a retrograde burn over the target lowering the PeA to 10 meters. Then, at Pe, a second retrograde burn to lower the ApA until it became the Pe, at an altitude to 2.4 meters (IIRC the "altitude" of a landed DG = 2.41 meters).
Gear is lowered, orient forward and use level horizon AP. At about 3 seconds before Pe, engage retrothrust to lower the PeA to just below zero. Immediately upon ground contact engage "downward" translational RCS and engage the wheel brakes. Once speed lowers a bit retro's can be used for braking (overuse of retro thrust too soon will result in "hopping".
Since you will be performing at least one half of an orbit at less than 10 meters altitude - this obviously wouldn't work in real life!