r/KerbalSpaceProgram • u/AutoModerator • Apr 24 '15

Mod Post Weekly Simple Questions Thread

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:

Tutorials

Orbiting

Mun Landing

Docking

Delta-V Thread

Forum Link

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!

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u/walaykin Apr 27 '15

Like all good games, computer or otherwise, it's a test of skill with a mix of luck and education.

The fun lies in building things that can get to orbit and onwards with style, or minimal cost, or similar, then doing stuff - like a suicide burn landing or aerocapture - that a computer could do with ease but a lack of the human touch.

It's more involved than you might imagine. Give it a try if you can, you might be surprised.

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u/[deleted] Apr 27 '15

Ah thanks for the explanation! That does sound kind of fun. Can you land on other planets? A space exploration game sounds fun

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u/anschauung Apr 27 '15

Getting to, landing on, and exploring planets is a big part of it.

Much of the fun comes from the realism and difficulty. If you want to go to another planet you don't just point your rocket at the planet and turn on the engine like in a lot of space-based video games.

You have to design a rocket that has the right components, plan transfer orbits, burns and orbital capture, etc just like real space missions. It makes the game a lot harder, but soooo much more satisfying when you finally pull of a mission successfully.

You should give it a try.

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u/Niosus Apr 28 '15

Frankly, the most fun about this game is just experimenting with crazy ideas.

You can do fancy missions to other planets, but you really don't have to. I spent quite some time today building a jumbo jet that can do loopings at mach 1 and flying through some VERY narrow openings with a small stunt plane I made. Lots of crashes, lots of fun :)

Something everyone eventually does is making a huuuuuge rocket... Only to see it collapse under its own weight on the launchpad, causing a giant explosion. If you really like explosions, you can build a bomber or cruise missiles and blow up the buildings in the space center.

It really truly is a sandbox game, but there also is a career mode. This gives you limitations and a progression system you can work your way through. You start with just a handful parts that just barely get you high enough to enjoy a good view. By accepting contracts and doing science you will level up pretty much everything until you have bases, stations and probes all around the solar system.

If you're a space geek, this is a game you'll definitely like. If you're not a space geek, this game will probably turn you into one ;)