How can I get a pod back from orbit when it's out of fuel?

What's the best way to return a Kerbal back to Kerbin if they're in orbit around Kerbin. I have my best pilot, Jebediah, stuck in orbit without fuel. I'm quite fond of him so I would like to mount a rescue mission to return him back home.

I'm not really sure how to mount a rescue mission, what type of rocket should I build to get Jebediah back?

kerbal-space-program

Best Answer

If the pod has a parachute, you can perform a Manley manoeuvre:

Orient your pod so it points retrograde. This is not strictly necessary, but makes things a lot easier.
EVA from the pod and position yourself behind it, and begin pushing.
Push the pod retrograde until its periapsis is below 60 km (anything below 70 will do, but lower is faster). If you are near running out of EVA fuel, get in the pod and get back out, which will refuel your EVA pack.
If you're feeling up to it, lowering the periapsis more will bring you home faster, just be careful that you don't descend into the atmosphere with Jeb still outside the capsule, or he might not be able to get back in, due to wind.

If the pod does not have a parachute, things get a bit more sticky, but there are a couple of options:

Standard rocket in any configuration; just make sure you bring a free seat.
Grabber rocket with lots of fuel, refuelling the ship in orbit.

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How do you get out of orbit without fuel?

Go on an EVA, activate the jetpack, and fly against the prograde-facing side of the capsule. When you are nearly out of EVA fuel (right-click on the astronaut to check how much you have left), get back into the capsule and leave it again to refill. You can do this as often as you want.

How do you get back to orbit KSP?

If you have any fuel left, rotate your craft towards retrograde and burn until periapsis is below 70 km. If not, send a craft with a Klaw up and rendezvous, and then refuel the craft with that. If you have re-entry heating low, you could EVA and use the jetpack and parachute to land.

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