AlignPlaneMFD Normal or Antinormal Attitude?

[diegorodriguez]

I m not sure I am the only one here, but whenever I need to align my plane, I really need to change my vessel attitude BEFORE AlignPlaneMFD starts flashing its warning to switch engine on, since for short burns it's usually too late if you start rotating only when warned.

But, how can I anticipate which kind of attitude will I need for next node pass, normal or antinormal, besides guessing it from the orbit drawings? Is any hint from the numbers presented in the MFD?

Many thanks,

Diego

 

[Rtyh-12]

WHY ARE YOU TALKING IN CAPS?

The solution is much simpler than that, actually. The Align Planes MFD tells you whether you are approaching the ascending node or the descending node. When you approach the ascending node, burn antinormal. When you approach the descending node, burn normal.

I guess you already know how to determine which node you're approaching, but if not: check the orbit drawings, you always go counterclockwise. Check whether AN or DN is next.

Edit: From the Orbiter manual (I had to search a little):

If you are approaching the ascending node (AN), turn orbit-antinormal. If you are approaching the descending node (DN), turn orbit-normal.You can use the Auto-navigation modes ( ; for orbit-normal and ' for orbit-antinormal) to obtain the correct orientation.

 

[Spacethingy]

ANTI-normal at the ANTI-node, that's how I remember it!

 

[Moach]

easy menomics for that: AN = Ascending Node = burn Anti-Normal :thumbup:

it's like right-tighty, lefty-loosey (for bolts and screws)... seems silly, but you don't ever forget it :lol:


and if all else fails, check your mapMFD - if you see your's crossing the target's path from the right, roll level with the horizon, bank 90 degrees to thhe right and fire up... if you come in from the left, do the same, but to the other side...

in the end, it's not too different than turning out of a highway on an intersection... except that it's rocket-science.... and you're in space