Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Version: 0.23.5
1 Edition
KSP Basics:
Navball Icons
Centre of:
Mass The centre of mass, abbreviated CoM, or centre of
gravity, is the location of an object where all mass is equally
distributed around it. It is important to balance a craft to prevent
it from getting out of control. Planes should have a centre of mass
slightly in front of the centre of lift. For all craft the thrustvector
should point to, point away from or go through the centre of
mass. Kerbal Space Program Wiki
Kerbin
A unique world, Kerbin has flat plains, soaring mountains and wide, blue oceans. Home to the
Kerbals, it has just the right conditions to support a vast, seemingly undepletable population of the
eager green creatures. Kerbal Astronomical Society
Planetary Characteristics:
Sphere Of Influence:
84,159.3km
Atmosphere Present:
Yes
Oxygen Present:
Yes
Atmospheric Height:
69,077m
Surface Gravity:
9.81m/s (1G)
Escape Velocity:
3,431m/s
V To LO from Sea Lvl: 4500 m/s
Synchronous Orbit:
2868.75km
Pe for Aerobrake(Suggested): 36,000m
Science Multiplier:
Surface: 0.4
Atmospheric: 0.7
Space: 1
V Stats (LKO):
Body:
Mun
Minmus
Eve
Duna
Moho
Jool
Eeloo
KEO
Delta-V:
~860m/s
~930m/s
~1033m/s
~1060m/s
~1676m/s
~1915m/s
~2100m/s
~1120m/s
Mun
The Muns discovery is widely regarded as one of the more important breakthroughs of Kerbal
evolution. Granted it didnt happen all that long ago, but its still fair to say that Kerbals are wiser
and more evolved now than they were back then. Kerbal Astronomical Society
Characteristics:
Sphere Of Influence:
2429.6km
Atmosphere Present:
No
Oxygen Present:
No
Atmospheric Height:
N/A
Surface Gravity:
1.63m/s (0.166G)
Escape Velocity:
807.08m/s
V To Low Orbit:
800m/s
Synchronous Orbit:
N/A (SoI too low)
Pe for Aerobrake(Suggested): N/A
Science Multiplier:
Surface: 4
Atmospheric: N/A
Space: 3
Mun Biomes:
Biome:
Midlands
Midlands Craters
Highlands
Highland Craters
Canyons
Northern Basin
East Crater
Northwest Crater
Southwest Crater
Farside Crater
East Farside Craters
Polar Crater
Poles
Polar Lowlands
Minmus
Minmus is the smallest moon orbiting Kerbin. From the surface of Kerbin, it can be seen on clear
days as a tiny blue speck in the sky.-Kerbal Astronomical Society
Planetary Characteristics:
Minmus Biomes:
Sphere Of Influence:
Atmosphere Present:
Oxygen Present:
Atmospheric Height:
Surface Gravity:
Escape Velocity:
V To Transfer:
V To LO from Sea Lvl:
Synchronous Orbit:
Pe for Aerobrake(Suggested):
Science Multiplier:
Surface: 5
Atmospheric: N/A
Space: 4
2,247.4km
No
No
N/A
0.491m/s (0.05G)
242.61m/s
920m/s
N/A
357.94km
N/A
Biomes:
Highlands
Midlands
Lowlands
Slopes
Lesser Flats
Flats
Great Flats
Greater Flats
Poles
Eve
Eve is certainly the purplest object in the solar system. Its one of the larger, most visible objects, mainly
because of its very, very purple tint.Kerbal Astronomical Society
Planetary Characteristics:
Sphere Of Influence:
85,109.4km
Atmosphere Present:
Yes
Oxygen Present:
No
Atmospheric Height:
96,708m
Surface Gravity:
16.7m/s (1.7G)
Escape Velocity:
4831.96m/s
V To LO From Sea Lvl: 11,500 m/s
Synchronous Orbit:
10,328.47km
Pe for Aerobrake(Suggested): 72,500m
Science Multiplier:
~80m/s
Surface: 12
Atmospheric: 7
Space: 7
V Stats*:
Body:
Kerbin
Moho
Duna
Dres
Jool
Eeloo
Gilly
LEO
Kerbol Orbit
Delta-V:
~1030m/s
~810m/s
~190m/s
~430m/s
~1045m/s
~1230m/s
~1650m/s
~12000m/s
*(From Orbit Around Eve + Does not include getting into orbit or landing)
Duna
Also known as the red dot that you can see if you squint at it really hard, Duna has long been a
wonder to Kerbalkind.Kerbal Astronomical Society
Planetary Characteristics:
Sphere Of Influence:
47,921.9km
Atmosphere Present:
Yes
Oxygen Present:
No
Atmospheric Height:
41,446m
Surface Gravity:
2.94m/s (0.3G)
Escape Velocity:
1372.41m/s
V To LO from Sea Lvl: 1750 m/s
Synchronous Orbit:
2880.00km
Pe for Aerobrake(Suggested): 13,000m
Science Multiplier:
~110m/s
Surface: 8
Atmospheric: N/A
Space: 7
V Stats *:
Body:
Ike
Eve
Dres
Kerbin
Moho
Jool
Eeloo
LDO
Kerbol Orbit
Delta-V:
~270m/s
~190m/s
~460m/s
~1060m/s
~840m/s
~1075m/s
~1260m/s
~1380m/s
*(From Orbit Around Duna + Does not include getting into orbit or landing)
Dres
Dres is a very small planet. It was the first planet considered to be a dwarf. Its orbit is highly
irregular and together with its size it took a long time to discover since half the time it was not where
scientists expected to find a planet.Kerbal Astronomical Society
Planetary Characteristics:
Sphere Of Influence:
32,832.8km
Atmosphere Present:
No
Oxygen Present:
No
Atmospheric Height:
N/A
Surface Gravity:
1.13m/s (0.115G)
Escape Velocity:
558.00m/s
V To LO from Sea Lvl: 555 m/s
Synchronous Orbit:
732.24km
Pe for Aerobrake(Suggested): N/A
~350m/s
Science Multiplier:
Surface: 8
Atmospheric: N/A
Space: 7
V Stats *:
Body:
Eve
Duna
Jool
Kerbin
Moho
Eeloo
LDO
Kerbol Orbit
Delta-V:
~430m/s
~460m/s
~1315m/s
~1300m/s
~1080m/s
~1500m/s
~800m/s**
*(From Orbit Around Dres + Does not include getting into orbit or landing)
**(Delta-V needed to get into orbit after ascent)
Moho
Moho figures in Kerbal mythology as a fiery place with oceans of flowing lava. In reality however,
its much less interesting.Kerbal Astronomical Society
Planetary Characteristics:
Sphere Of Influence:
9,646.7km
Atmosphere Present:
No
Oxygen Present:
No
Atmospheric Height:
N/A
Surface Gravity:
2.70m/s (0.275G)
Escape Velocity:
1,161.41m/s
V To LO from Sea Lvl: 1,400 m/s
Synchronous Orbit:
N/A (SoI too Low)
Pe for Aerobrake(Suggested): N/A
Science Multiplier:
Surface: 9
Atmospheric: N/A
Space: 8
V Stats *:
Body:
Eve
Duna
Jool
Kerbin
Dres
Eeloo
LMO
Kerbol Orbit
Delta-V:
~810m/s
~840m/s
~1695m/s
~1680m/s
~1080m/s
~1500m/s
~2200m/s**
~730m/s
*(From Orbit Around Moho + Does not include getting into orbit or landing)
**(Delta-V needed to get into orbit after ascent)
Jool
Jool is particularly known for being a rather large, predominantly green planet. Kerbalkind has longed to
visit it since it was first spotted in the sky. Philosophers reason that the swirling green planet must be a really
nice place to visit, on account of its wholesome coloration . Kerbal Astronomical Society
Planetary Characteristics:
Sphere Of Influence:
2.4559852109 m
Atmosphere Present:
Yes
Oxygen Present:
No
Atmospheric Height:
138,155km
Surface Gravity:
7.85m/s (0.8G)
Escape Velocity:
9,704.43m/s
V To LO from Sea Lvl: 22,000 m/s
Synchronous Orbit:
15,010.46km
Pe for Aerobrake(Suggested): N/A
Science Multiplier:
Surface: N/A
Atmospheric: 7
Space: 7
V Stats *:
Body:
Eve
Duna
Moho
Kerbin
Dres
Eeloo
LJO
Kerbol Orbit
Delta-V:
~1045m/s
~1075m/s
~1695m/s
~1915m/s
~1315m/s
~2115m/s
~2630m/s**
~965m/s
*(From Orbit Around Jool + Does not include getting into orbit or landing)
**(Delta-V needed to get into orbit after ascent)
Eeloo
Theres been a considerable amount of controversy status of Eeloo as being a proper planet or just a lump of
ice going around the sun. The debate is still ongoing, as most academic summits held to address the issue have
devolved into, on good days, petty name calling, and on worse ones, all-out brawls. Kerbal Astronomical
Society
Planetary Characteristics:
Sphere Of Influence:
119,082.94km
Atmosphere Present:
No
Oxygen Present:
No
Atmospheric Height:
N/A
Surface Gravity:
1.79m/s (0.172G)
Escape Velocity:
841.83m/s
V To LO from Sea Lvl: 840m/s
Synchronous Orbit:
683.69km
Pe for Aerobrake(Suggested): N/A
Science Multiplier:
Surface: 9
Atmospheric: N/A
Space: 8
V Stats *:
Body:
Eve
Duna
Moho
Kerbin
Dres
Jool
LEO
Kerbol Orbit
Delta-V:
~1230m/s
~1260m/s
~1880m/s
~2100m/s
~1500m/s
~2115m/s
~2100m/s**
~1150m/s
*(From Orbit Around Eeloo + Does not include getting into orbit or landing)
**(Delta-V needed to get into orbit after ascent)
Delta-V Map
VAB Checklist*
Booster:
Fuel
Engines
SRBS
Decouplers
Struts!
Control Surfaces
Correct Staging
Action Groups
LES (Launch Escape System)
Orbital Stage:
RCS
Monopropellant
Fuel
Engine (LV-909/Poodle)
Batteries
Solar Panels/Reactor
Docking Port
Lander/Descent Stage:
Landing Legs
Ladder
Lights
Parachutes
Command Module
S.A.S/Reaction Wheels
Flight Checklist:
Pre-Launch:
S.A.S
Staging
Crew
Damage Check
5Ps:
Pods: Command Modules, Habitats etc.
Propulsion: Fuel and Engines
Power: Panels, Batteries, Reactors
Piloting: RCS, S.A.S etc.
People: Crew, (If using TAC) Food, Water
etc.
Launch:
Increase Throttle
Activate First Stage
Ascent Stage:
Jettison SRBs
At 7.5-10km, Complete Gravity Turn
Continue To Burn Until Desired Apoapsis
is Reached
Orbital Stage:
Burn Pro-Grade until the Periapsis is
within 0-3km of the Apoapsis Height
Deploy Solar Panels
Do Science
Post Landing:
Do Science!
Stretch Legs!
Recover Vehicle (If landed on Kerbin)!
Flight Observations/Notes:
Orbit Guide
1) Build a rocket. It should have enough Delta-V to get into LKO.
A minimalistic rocket would be:
Command Pod Mk1
FL-T400 Fuel Tank
LV-909 Liquid Fuel Engine
TR-18A Stack Decoupler
FL-T800 Fuel Tank
LV-T30 Liquid Fuel Engine
2) Turn SAS on and throttle up
3) Countdown from 10.
4) Press Space to launch and wait until you are at 10,000m,
ensure that you head directly up (Keep your dot on the blue top
dot on the Navball)
5) Jettison your first stage with the spacebar
6) Throttle down to 2/3rd power
7) Turn 45 degrees East (Press D) and burn until your apoapsis
is at 70-75km. You can check this by pressing M.
8) As you approach apoapsis, orient your ship to the 0-degree
latitude mark (Directly East) between the blue and brown
halves of the navball.
9) Once you are 10-30 seconds away from apoapsis, begin your
orbital burn by using the Shift key to throttle up. You can go at
full throttle or partial throttle, but you may overshoot when at
full throttle.
10)
Wait until a periapsis appears directly opposite to your
apoapsis and wait until its altitude becomes >70km. Hit X to
turn off your engines instantly.
11)
Congratulations, you have made orbit!
Docking Tutorial
Courtesy of Leforian
1. Time your launch by putting the target slightly behind KSC in its
orbit like this.
2. As you are burning start your gravity turn at the normal altitude.
3. In orbital view try to get your apoapsis to meet the target's orbit
ahead of the target.
4. The tricky part is determining where to put the apoapsis. You can
make it encounter sooner by burning more vertically, and
encounter later by burning more horizontally.
5. I misjudged the
timing and my
apoapsis crossed
the orbit too late.
The top red carrot is where I will be, and the bottom carrot is
where my target will be. I need to push my apoapsis farther
away. Remember that burning directly prograde will raise your
apoapsis further, so you will also have to burn slightly down in
pitch to keep your apoapsis at the altitude you need.
Formula Sheet
For when you feel like Wernher Von Kerman
Notes Page
Science Modules:
Mystery Goo Containment Unit:
The Mystery Goo Containment Unit is a science part used to expose a goo
to atmospheres and vacuum in attempts to gain science from observing the goo
inside. This can be achieved either via action group or right clicking the container
and clicking observe mystery goo. The unit cannot be reused after its results were
transmitted, unless it is cleaned via the Mobile Processing Lab MPL-LG-2. Like EVA
reports, the science gained from observing the Mystery Goo varies depending on different
conditions in flight. Kerbal Space Program Wiki
PresMat Barometer:
Displays atmospheric pressure to five significant figures, while active. A
pressure below 0.0001 is shown as vacuum by the sensor. Lower atmospheric
pressures markedly reduce lift and drag induced by the atmosphere, and
cause a small change in engine efficiency. Kerbal Space Program Wiki
2HOT Thermometer:
The 2HOT Thermometer displays temperature to 5 significant figures when
activated and right-clicked. There is no unit shown but it is assumed to be degrees
Celsius. The 2HOT cannot be used to earnscience while distant from a celestial body,
although it will continue to tell the temperature. Kerbal Space Program Wiki
Crew Report!
EVA Report!
Surface Sample!
Mystery Goo!
Materials Bay!
Kerbin Biomes:
Launchpad
Runway
KSC
Mountain
Shores
Tundra
Water
Grasslands
Desert
Badlands
Highlands
Ice Caps
Flying Over
Flying Over
Flying Over
Flying Over
Flying Over
Flying Over
Flying Over
Flying Over
Flying Over
Flying Over
Flying Over
Flying Over
Interplanetary Travel
Orbital Transfer Guide
10 Year Launch Window Calendar (Earth
Years)
Gravity Assists
Delta-V Requirements
Travelling To Duna, Mun and Minmus
Landing and Parachutes
KSC
Interplanetary Travel
Orbital Transfer Guide
10 Year Launch Window Calendar (Earth
Years)
Gravity Assists
Delta-V Requirements
Ideal Interplanetary Phase Angles
Travelling to Duna, Mun and Minmus
Landing guides
Gravity Assists:
A gravity assist is a maneuver in which you use a flyby of a secondary celestial body (such as a
planet or moon) to alter your orbit about the primary (typically the sun, but occasionally a planet: for
instance, when navigating the Joolian moon system). Gravity assists are useful because they allow
you to gain or lose orbital energy or make expensive maneuvers such as plane changes for free;
however, they are difficult to set up and require careful planning and lots of patience. That said, once
you master them, you can manage feats you wouldn't have thought possible. Stochasty
1. Firstly, you have to put yourself into a transfer orbit, ensuring that the
celestial body is travelling in the direction you want to go in.
2. Time Accelerate until you reach the SoI of the celestial body.
3. Plan another course correction manoeuvre at Periapsis to increase your
Apoapsis height after leaving the SoI, it is most effective when you are
closer to the body, but ensure you wont collide with anything and that
you wont be accidentally aerobraking.
4. Time Accelerate until you leave the SoI of the celestial body.
5. When you check the map you will notice that your Apoapsis height has
increased.
6. You can repeat this, changing your course when furthest away from the
body you are getting a gravity assist from, until you have reached a the
SoI of another planet or anywhere really.
7. You can use gravity assists to go from Kerbin to Duna, or Jool to Kerbin
without using a lot of fuel. It is one of the most efficient ways of
interplanetary travel but is also one of the hardest manoeuvres.
8. You can perform a powered gravity assist. Accelerating at your periapsis
has the greatest effect on your apoapsis. This still applies to your
periapsis during a gravity assist. When you accelerate during your fly-by,
fuel is used very efficiently to increase the apoapsis of your final
trajectory. This is a very difficult technique because it is hard to control
your final trajectory even when using a manoeuvre node but can save a
lot of time and a lot of fuel.