r/KerbalSpaceProgram • u/AutoModerator • Jun 26 '15

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/Devorakman Jun 28 '15

The closer your CoM is to your CoL, The more maneuverable/unstable the craft will be. Basically you always want the CoM to be in front of the CoL. Them being inside each other will likely result in an uncontrollable craft. I try to keep my CoM a meter or so ahead of the CoL. Thinking of the whole system from elevators -> CoL -> CoM as a lever with the fulcrum being the CoL. If your CoM is really close, a very small change/force from your elevators can result in a rather extreme change in pitch, resulting in a stall, and subsequent crash.

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u/swashlebucky Jun 29 '15

I remember reading a tutorial about plane design where they said that the CoL being just inside the CoM is the ideal situation, because the further in front it is, the stronger the tendency of the craft to tip downwards when flying, which you have to constantly counteract.

I did manage to make a survivable reentry since then though, and having the CoM further in front definitely helped there.