Probably the optimal way to learn orbital mechanics (n=1 it worked flawlessly for me): 1. Install KSP, try to get to orbit. Don’t overthink it, just use the ba

Probably the optimal way to learn orbital mechanics (n=1 it worked flawlessly for me): 1. Install KSP, try to get to orbit. Don’t overthink it, just use the base game in sandbox mode, don’t bother with science, just build something that looks good and pilot it the way you think it should work. Do a few iterations to fix problems if you think you see an obvious fix, but don’t spend too long here or drive yourself to quit in frustration. 2. Look up a guide to orbit. Scott Manley has a comforting accent and good pedagogical skills, so I recommend https://youtube.com/watch?v=F0KiePxOuuc https://youtube.com/watch?v=F0KiePxOuuc 3. Implement the guide and get to orbit. (If you did achieve orbit in step 1, compare your orbit with what the tutorial achieved and make changes to your approach if the tutorial orbit looks better to you.) Save your game once in orbit, you can try again from this position multiple times. 4. Use the in-game intercept planner / orbit planner (click on your orbit and drag the handles to plan burns and see where it takes you) to try to get to another stellar body. The Mun is a good first target. Don’t overthink it or do much research, just do what you think should work. Try a few times restarting from orbit. You may need to restart from Kerbin building a bigger launch rocket so you end up with more fuel once in orbit. Aim to get a stable orbit as close as possible to the surface to marvel at how it looks, don’t worry about landing or returning to Kerbin, that’s more advanced. Don’t drive yourself to frustration, your goal is just to familiarize yourself with common difficulties. 5. Open this linked article on orbital mechanics and implement its teachings to get to Mun orbit and then to other stellar bodies. They’re all very pretty and worth seeing up close!