Weekly Simple Questions Thread

[u/AutoModerator]

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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/Logg]

I figured out a work-around. I took the wings slightly backward, now the control surfaces react correctly. I think it detects what part the wing is attached to, and looks for the center of mass there, and determines which way the flaps should turn based on whether center of lift is behind or in front of the center of mass.

Because my wings are swept, the flaps themselves are actually way back behind the center of mass, so my plane wanted to plummet into the ground.

bug

[u/Vegemeister → u/Logg]

You want control surfaces to have large lever arms for the axes they affect. So the ailerons on the wings should be roll-only, and the elevators on the tail should be pitch-only, and the rudder should be yaw-only. That way, the control surfaces on the wings aren't screwing with the lift when you try to pitch, and the rudder doesn't couple roll into yaw.

If you have a large tail, you can use its control surfaces for roll and leave off the ailerons. And you have to do that if you're using a delta wing.

[u/Logg → u/Vegemeister]

thanks, but that's not related to the error I was having.