Kerbal Space Program
The Kerbal Space Program ( KSP ) is a space simulation that is developed for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. The player takes over tasks of the Kerbal Space Center, such as mission planning, rocket design and control of the missile. The game is in alpha phase.
Gameplay
Generally
The computer game - a so-called sandbox game - has no goal as such. The player can particulate construct missiles or aircraft and then fly (eg command capsules, tanks, engines, control aids, landing legs). The wide range of components allows a wide variety of missions, such as moon landings, the construction of space stations or landings on other planets. A player puts a target (eg a manned landing on Minmus with subsequent return) and then attempts to reach this cleverly as possible in terms of its construction and flight route. The game is the ability to run multiple active missions simultaneously, but only one can be open simultaneously. The other missions running in the background with a greatly reduced depth of simulation on. So, for example, orbits a space station to continue a planet, but it will only time detailed physical influences, if it is located near the currently active mission.
Since Version 0.22 of the career mode is available. At the beginning are only a simple spacecraft components. A technology tree, which you can gradually unlock through scientific experiments, provides better components.
With version 0.23.5, also " Redirect Asteroid Mission ", asteroids have been inserted, the player will discover, explore and can be distracting. In collaboration with NASA to offer so many new possibilities.
Pitch
The central star of the system is simply called in the game " The Sun", in the community, however, the name " Kerbol " has become the norm. Encircled it is of the following celestial bodies ( from inside to outside, moons as sub-points ):
- Moho (Mercury counterpart )
- Eve (Venus counterpart ) Gilly
- Mun ( Moon Pendant )
- Minmus
- Ike
- Laythe
- Vall
- Tylo
- Bop
- Pole
Flight and maneuver in space
During a flight, there is always the option to open a map in which the estimated trajectory is shown relative to the central body. However, the display neglected air resistance, so the flight path indicator is not useful within the atmosphere of a planet or atmosphere for braking.
Furthermore, maneuvers can be planned, their implementation (, required thrust required position of the rocket ) is simplified by additional displays in the user interface. This facilitates rendezvous with other orbiters.
Simplifications
To account for the simple player's limited possibilities, some facts of physics are simplified. For example, only a single source of gravity is always assumed, when falling below a certain distance of another celestial body he takes over the role as the sole center of gravity. This distance (so-called "Sphere of Influence ", German "sphere of influence " ) is different for each celestial body at Mun it is for example 2400 km. To leave the sphere of influence of Kerbin, you have to remove to 84000 km. Then the game switches to the central star as the sole source of gravity. This behavior not only simplifies the planning of the route significantly, but also reduces the computational effort (see the three-body problem).
Furthermore, the calculations for the behavior of an aircraft greatly simplified. The shape of the aircraft plays only a minor role, aerodynamics itself is beside the point. Only the position and attitude of the fuselage, wings, engines and control surfaces are of concern, mutual interference does not occur. This allows the construction of partially extremely unrealistic aircraft, but function properly in the game.
Another characteristic simplification is that atmospheres have an upper limit (eg Kerbin 69 km). A spaceship, which is located in an orbit that lies entirely above this limit, experiences no friction and therefore will never fall back to the heavenly bodies. Regular path corrections, such as the ISS has to perform them, are therefore not needed.
In addition, the planetary system is much smaller - the orbit of the outermost planet is closer to Eeloo Kerbol as the orbit of the earth around the sun - thus the lines are not as long and you reach a stable orbit faster than in reality.
Mods
The structure of the game gives the users the ability to create changes and enhancements and paste (called mods ). Therefore, a remarkable modding community and a large number of mods exist. It may be simple additional components (eg an engine ) or complex plug-ins (eg autopilot ). When exchanging missiles or aircraft must therefore be taken to ensure that the mods used are also installed in the game of the receiver. Occasionally Modder be included in the development team.
Collaboration with NASA
On March 5, 2014, the developer announced a collaboration with the American air and space agency, NASA, announced, which focuses on New Asteroid initiative. For this purpose in the game, as part of the version 2.4 " Redirect Asteroid Mission ", asteroids incorporated approaching the home planet at different distances ( to impact ). The player should then discover these asteroids track & distracted and explore.
"The collaboration with Kerbal Space Program can help drive interest by future explorers in next-generation technology development and deep space exploration. Having an element of the experience based in the reality of NASA 's exploration Initiativen empower players to manage Their Own space program while getting valuable insight into the reality of studying asteroids as a next step in getting to Mars. "
"The collaboration with Kerbal Space Program can help to arouse the interest of future generations in the development of new technology and space research. Using elements from the field of real NASA " exploration initiative," the players have the opportunity to manage their own space program, while they get real, valuable insights the study of asteroids, which is a next step to Mars. "
As of April 1, 2014 was the update 0.23.5, which was developed in cooperation with NASA, offered for players to download.