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Mun[]

KerbalMun

Kerbin's Mün

Mun, also known as the Mün, is a large moon orbiting Kerbin. It can be thought of as an analogue to our own Moon. It is gray in appearance with craters of various sizes and mountains exceeding 3400 m in height. The gravitational pull the surface is 1.63 m/s², 8.18 m/s² less than that of Kerbin and about the surface gravity of Earth's Moon (1.624 m/s²). It is possible to land on the Mun or use it for gravity assist (gravitational slingshots) to outer bodies such as Minmus or into Kerbol orbit.

Synchronous orbit around the Mun is not possible, since it would have to occur at an altitude of 2 970.56 km, beyond the Mun's sphere of influence. However, putting your spacecraft just outside Mun's SOI and having the same SMA would make it appear stationary. A normal 25 km orbit can be achieved using around 800 m/s delta V. A semi-synchronous orbit with half the rotation period of the Mun is possible at approximately 1797.41 kilometers.

Terrain[]

The Mun's terrain is smooth, grey, and scarred by craters. Its low-lying areas tend to be darker in color. The Mun also features canyons which can be hundreds of meters deep and a few kilometers long.

The Mun's highest points reach a maximum altitude of 7062 m and are located near the poles. The highest point within 45° latitude of the equator has an altitude of ~6120m and is located at 129.64° W, 0.97° N, on the north side of a canyon which is on the east edge of a large crater. Its lowest point, at altitude 0 m, is also on the east side of a large crater, at 35.42° E, 8.27° N.

For equatorial Mun landings, expect touchdown at an altitude between 1600m and 1200m.

When terrain scatter is activated in the graphics settings, the Mun has rocks scattered on its surface. Like all terrain scatters, these rocks are strictly cosmetic and do not collide with ships or Kerbals.

Surface Research Locations[]

Surface research locations include:

  • Craters
  • HighLands
  • Mare
  • Mare Eye
  • Monument
  • Rayed Crater

Mun Monument[]

The Mun monument is a discovery located in one of the large mares at 12°27'27" N 39°13'03" E. It is a golden arch approximately 120 m in both diameter and height, anchored in a broken rock formation. There are glowing gems embedded in upper portion of the arch, allowing navigation to the location even at night.

Locating and landing at the Mun monument is a primary KSP 2 mission.

Gameplay[]

Mun orbit is best achieved through the use of moderately sized, multi-stage rockets such as the Kerbal X. Landing is only possible through the use of retrograde thrusters and landing gear; Mun's lack of an atmosphere makes parachutes completely useless. Returning to Kerbin may involve a two-part lander and orbital craft.

Info[]

Orbital Characteristics
Semi-Major Axis 11 400 000 m (1)
Apoapsis 11 400 000 m (1)
Periapsis 11 400 000 m (1)
Orbital Eccentricity 0
Orbital Inclination 0 °
Argument of periapsis 0 °
Longitude of the ascending node 0 °
Mean Anomaly 1.98 rad (at 0s UT)
Siderial orbital period 138 984 s
1 d 14 h 36 m 24.4 s
Synodic orbital period 141 115 s
1 d 15 h 11 m 55.4 s
Orbital Velocity 542.5 m/s
Physical Characteristics
Equatorial Radius 2.000 Km
Surface Area 5.0265482×1011 m2
Mass 9.7600236×1020 kg
Gravitational Parameter 6.5138398×1010 m3/s2
Density 29 125.425 kg/m3
Surface Gravity 1.63 m/s2
Escape Velocity 807.08 m/s
Sidereal Rotation Period 138 984.38 s
1 d 14 h 36 m 24.4 s
Sidereal Rotational Velocity 9.0416 m/s
Synchronous Orbit Outside sphere of influence
Sphere of Influence 2 429 559.1 m
Highest elevation 7062 m
Atmospheric Characteristics
Atmosphere Present No
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