Overview[]
A custom rocket and a custom spacecraft orbiting HOM.
The circle of influence (COI) of HOM is the circular area around HOM in which Objects can be put in an orbital trajectory.
This is usually the most congested area in most sandboxes since any Object launched successfully will proceed to orbit HOM in the COI.
However, big structures coupled with the varying orbital speeds of modules increases chances of collision when the modules are left unattended, an Object crossing into the COI collides with an orbiting Object, or a newly launched Object collides with an orbiting Object while escaping orbit.
Construction[]
Construction of space stations and spacecraft in the orbit of HOM is apparently the easiest to do as it takes the least amount of time and fuel to get to a particular place in the COI than any other location in the game. However, preventing collisions is tricky due to the limited available space, which brings us to the following tips for managing Objects in orbit:
Spacecrafts orbiting HOM.
- When an Object is launched successfully in the sandbox, it orbits on the red circle located between the edge of the atmosphere of HOM and the outer edge of the COI. Putting most of the orbiting Objects below this circle rules out chances of collision between incoming and outgoing spacecraft or space stations, but problems arise for atmosphere reentry.
- In comparison, if the orbiting Objects are stationed above this circle, re-entry is easy enough, but escaping orbit is problematic.
- If an Object already orbits on the red circle, however, launching Objects into space will pose a threat.
- Thus, it is best for Objects to orbit near the edge of the COI, as shown in the top picture.
- An orbiting Object close to the grey circle should have a velocity measured on the velocity gauge as almost touching the red bar, like in the image to the right, so that it is easy to see potential collisions if another Object is approaching. In addition, said Object and an escaping body, if at risk of collision, will cancel out the velocities of both Objects going at roughly the same direction, therefore minimizing the damage.
References[]
Image credits:
- Credits for the top picture go to CreeperCom.
- Credits for the other picture go to Estes705.