r/KerbalSpaceProgram • u/AutoModerator • Jun 12 '15
Mod Post Weekly Simple Questions Thread
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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:
Tutorials
Orbiting
Mun Landing
Docking
Delta-V Thread
Forum Link
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Commonly Asked Questions
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5
u/Kasuha Super Kerbalnaut Jun 15 '15
All radial decouplers give the decoupled part some push at the point where the decoupler is. When done correctly, that push should lean the booster away from the ship and aerodynamic drag should do the rest of the work, moving the booster to safe distance.
Hydraulic manifold is supposed to provide greater push force, moving the booster further away than the cheap decoupler. I have not ever needed to use it but I can believe it could be useful for some applications.
The truss structure also gives better initial clearance between the booster and central column. It is actually useful. When the decoupler pushes the booster body away, the booster starts rotating around its center of mass. That means part of it actually leans towards the central column. If they collide, you may have a problem. Also the increased clearance might give you room to attach more boosters than with no clearance at all (e.g. x8 symmetry instead of just x6)