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Semaphore-Slim t1_j1wxm6b wrote

Disclaimer: Not a rocket scientist, nor do I play one on TV. But I do play Kerbal Space Program.

Think of this as a delta-v problem. What's the cheapest to execute?

  • A delta-v burn that allows you to hit escape velocity while simultaneously putting you on a intercept vector for your target celestial body?
  • A delta-v burn to hit escape velocity, while targeting an intermediary body (like the moon), orbit, land, re-launch, escape orbital velocity, and then follow up with a burn to intercept the target body?

Today, it's the first. By a lot. Give humanity a hundred years or so to build a some outer space gas stations, and *maybe* that'll all change.

I play Kerbal Space Program a lot. I suggest getting a copy and play with it on sandbox mode. It'll help understand these kinds of problems

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gbbloom OP t1_j1x2kio wrote

Wait wait wait wait... what's Kerbal Space Program? This sounds cool. App or computer?

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