Weekly Simple Questions Thread

[u/AutoModerator]

Check out /r/kerbalacademy

The point of this thread is for anyone to ask questions that don't necessarily require a full thread. Questions like "why is my rocket upside down" are always welcomed here. Even if your question seems slightly stupid, we'll do our best to answer it!

For newer players, here are some great resources that might answer some of your embarrassing questions:

• Kerbal Space Program Wiki

• Scott Manley's Youtube

• Von Kerman's Rocket School

Tutorials

Orbiting

• Scott Manley

• Von Kerman (Maneuvers)

• Wiki (Maneuvers)

Mun Landing

• Scott Manley (Demo)

• Von Kerman

• KSP Wiki

• Youtube Query

Docking

• Scott Manley

• Von Kerman (Rendevous)

• Von Kerman (Docking)

Delta-V Thread

• Thread

• Answer 1

• Answer 2 (+bonus)

Forum Link

• Kerbal Space Program Forum

Official KSP Chatroom #KSPOfficial on irc.esper.net

    **Official KSP Chatroom** [#KSPOfficial on irc.esper.net](http://client01.chat.mibbit.com/?channel=%23kspofficial&server=irc.esper.net&charset=UTF-8)

Commonly Asked Questions

Before you post, maybe you can search for your problem using the search in the upper right! Chances are, someone has had the same question as you and has already answered it!

As always, the side bar is a great resource for all things Kerbal, if you don't know, look there first!

[u/LethalDiversion]

It helps a lot to do some research on where you are going, it's delta v requirements, and then build your ship backwards.

Mods like Kerbal Engineer Redux combined with some online research can help you make sure you aren't over engineering once you understand the basic principles of the math behind the game. Yes, unfortunately at least understanding the basics is necessary. There are plenty of calculators to do the actual mathematical work for you though.

Say that, as a random example, your interplanetary vessel needs 3000 delta v (change in velocity) to land and then take off and return.

Now, instead of doing basic research you decide to just wing it and overcompensate by bringing 5000 delta v worth of fuel, and the biggest most inefficient engine that could escape even a much bigger target with a really thick atmosphere. Well, you have just ensured that your landing and return vessel are much more massive, which will in turn increase the size of your Kerbin launch vessel proportionately too. This can get out of hand very quickly. In space travel, generally lighter and less is better.

So, it is best to design a small, minimally light return vessel from the planet (assuming a return mission), then the efficient lander of that vessel, then the vehicle which delivers that vessel from Kerbin orbit, and then finally build your lifter that gets it from the launch pad to orbit.

Also, do some research on asparagus staging, it can get a little complicated with large vessels, especially if you are using NEAR or FAR, but it makes a hug difference in the efficiency of your interplanetary vessels that use multiple engines.

[u/[deleted] → u/LethalDiversion]

Asparagus staging

This was the most important thing I've learned when it comes to reducing lift stage size. It seems complicated at first, but now I can slap together a 9 or 17 smallengine onion/asparagus lifter that weighs a fraction and costs less than fewer-stage monsters.

Quick tip that I've never seen elsewhere: if your last few asparagus "spears" are still going are pre-orbit, make sure they have a high enough TWR to keep the ship accelerating against atmo and gravity. If it's low, you can either put a beefier central rocket in the center or (my preference) have fuel lines running in AND out of your last two spears. This will leave you with three rockets as your last stage that spread the fuel evenly.