Difference between revisions of "Tutorial: Basic Probe And Satellite Building"

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Probes and Satellites are two different things so this is a
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'''[[Probe]]s''' and '''[[Satellite]]s''' are two different things. This tutorial intends to help you understand what they are, what they do, and how you can build one in [[Kerbal Space Program]].
tutorial to help you understand what they are, do and how you can build one on
 
Kerble Space Program game.
 
  
A probe is a spacecraft that travels through space to
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A '''probe''' is an unmanned spacecraft that travels through space to collect science information, sent back for scientists to study.
collect science information. Probes do not have astronauts. Probes send data
 
back to Earth for scientists to study.  
 
  
A satellite is a machine that orbits a planet or star. For
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A '''natural satellite''' is a [[celestial body]] orbiting a [[planet]]. For example, the moon is Earth's natural satellite. In-game, the [[Mun]] and [[Minmus]] are the two satellites of [[Kerbin]].
example, Earth is a satellite because it orbits the sun. Likewise, the moon is
 
a satellite because it orbits Earth. Usually, the word satellite refers to a
 
machine that is launched into space and moves around Earth or another body in
 
space.
 
  
Once you understand what they are, do or look like enter the [[VAB|Vehicle Assembly Building]] (VAB).
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An '''artificial satellite''' is a man-made craft orbiting a [[celestial body]]. The adjective is dropped when it is clear what type of satellite is mentioned. As this tutorial is about satellites launched by Kerbals, the satellites mentioned in this article are all artificial satellites.
  
[[File:Kerbal Satellite.png|200px|thumbnail|right|A Kerbal Satellite In Orbit]]
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Probes and satellites are generally much smaller than manned vehicles, and thus require less energy to launch them into orbit. You can build them in either the VAB or the SPH, but this tutorial will focus on the [[Vehicle Assembly Building]] (VAB).
 +
 
 +
[[File:Kerbal Satellite.png|thumbnail|right|A Kerbal Satellite In Orbit]]
 +
 
 +
__TOC__
 +
 
 +
Do you want to launch your first permanent, sustainable satellite? Are you bored and want to litter space with a billion small objects? Do you just want to practice deploying payloads into orbit? Then this tutorial is for you!
 +
 
 +
===Specifications===
 +
*'''Length:''' 5–15 minutes
 +
*'''Difficulty:''' Easy (Requires basic knowledge of orbital mechanics)
 +
*'''For version:''' Every version
  
 
== How To Build A Basic Satellite ==
 
== How To Build A Basic Satellite ==
Probe or Satellite stage: First you need an un-manned Command
 
Pod right at the top of the rocket, prefobly the [[Stayputnik_Mk._2|Stayputnik Mk.2]] would be ideal
 
but you can chose from the range of remote-Command Pod. Below the Command Pod
 
you should add some Rechargeable Battery Banks I used the [[Z-500_Rechargable_Battery_Bank|Z-500 RechargeableBattery Bank]] dew to its high Electricity Composite of 500 E; Use about three of
 
them together for 1500 units of Electricity. Use tow [[Gigantor_XL_Solar_Array|Gigantor XL Solar Arrays]]
 
both sides of the Battery Banks, use the symmetry option in the VAB and set
 
it to 2.
 
  
Now you want to control your probe so add tiny parts for a
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=== Step 1: Build your satellite ===
light weight probe or satellite. Use Two [[Stratus-V_Roundified_Monopropellant_Tank|Stratus-V Roundified MonopropellantTanks]] on opposite sides to the solar panels and Four [[RCS_Thruster_Block|RCS Thruster Blocks]], [[Round-8_Toroidal_Fuel_Tank|Two Round-8Toroidal Fuel Tanks]] and a small Liquid Fuel Engine at the bottom of the probe;
+
 
use the [[LV-909_Liquid_Fuel_Engine|LV-909 Liquid Fuel Engine]]. Finally you need to add some Scientific Antennas.  
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First you need an unmanned command module right at the top of the rocket. You can choose from the range of unmanned [[command module]]s. The [[Probodobodyne Stayputnik]] looks cool, but it has no [[SAS]]. The [[OKTO]] and [[HECS]] have limited SAS capabilities and are cheap, making them good for early career satellites. The [[OKTO2]] and [[QBE]] are very light but have no reaction wheels. The [[RC-001S]] and [[RC-L01]] Remote Guidance Units, [[MK2 Drone Core]], and [[HECS2]] have excellent batteries and reaction wheels with full [[SAS]], but are expensive, making them a good choice for late game career and sandbox missions.
 +
 
 +
Under the Command Pod, you should add some Rechargeable Batteries. I used the [[Z-1k Rechargeable Battery Bank]] due to its high Electricity Composite of 1000 E; Use about three of them together for 3000 units of Electricity. Add two [[OX-4L 1x6 Photovoltaic Panels]] on both sides of the Battery Banks with the symmetry option (the 'x' key) in the VAB.
 +
 
 +
Now you want to control your probe so add tiny parts for a light weight probe or satellite. Use two [[Stratus-V Roundified Monopropellant Tank]]s on opposite sides to the solar panels and four [[RV-105 RCS Thruster Block]]s, two [[ROUND-8 Toroidal Fuel Tank]]s and a small Liquid Fuel Engine at the bottom of the probe; the [[LV-909 Liquid Fuel Engine]] is a good choice.
 +
 
 +
You also need an [[Antenna]]s to control your probe and transmit scientific data back to Kerbin.  For example, you could use one [[Communotron 16]] right on the top of your command module.
  
Use one [[Communotron_88-88|Communotron 88-88]] right on the top of your
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Lastly, you will need to add a [[separator]] (like the [[TS-18 Stack Separator]]) right below your engine, and a fairing below that. Now, build a rocket to launch your satellite into orbit.
Stayputnik Mk.2 and Four [[Communotron_16|Communotron 16’s]]. Change the Symmetry Mode to 4 and
 
place them just below the [[Communotron_88-88|Communotorn 88-88]] half way down the Command Pod.
 
  
Lastly you will need a [[TR-18D_Stack_Separator|Separator]] so put one just below your
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=== Step 2: Build a rocket to launch your satellite into orbit ===
engine.
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''This is an example rocket that can do the job. Of course, you can design your own or use the one from another tutorial, provided it can reach the intended orbit of your satellite''.  
  
 +
[[File:basic-probe.jpg|upright|thumbnail|right|Satellite and Rocket on Launchpad]]
 
Stage One: This stage needs to be as short as possible so it
 
Stage One: This stage needs to be as short as possible so it
doesn’t wobble about when you launch and needs to be aerodynamic to reduce drag
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doesn’t wobble about when you launch and needs to be aerodynamic to reduce drag. Attach a [[Rockomax Brand Adapter]] below the separator. Use a [[Rockomax X200-8 Fuel Tank]] and an [[Advanced Reaction Wheel Module, Large]] between the Fuel tank and the Adapter.
so attach a [[Rockomax_Brand_Adapter|Rockomax Brand Adapter]] below the separator. Use a [[Rockomax_X200-8_Fuel_Tank|Rockomax X200-8Fuel Tank]] and an [[Advanced_S.A.S._Module_Large|Advanced S.A.S. Module Large]] between the Fuel tank and the Adapter.  
+
 
 +
Put a [[Rockomax Brand Adapter 02]] at the bottom and make sure the flat end is pointed up (use W,A,S,D,Q,E to rotate the part). Finally, add a [[LV-N Atomic Rocket Motor]] and another separator below.
  
Put a [[Rockomax_Brand_Adapter_02|Rockomax Brand Adapter 02]] at the bottom make sure the
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Stage Two: This stage will be your main launch engine. Add another
flat end is pointed up use Ctrl + W,A,S,D,Q,E to rotate the part. Finally add an
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[[Rockomax Brand Adapter]] and attach to it a [[Rockomax Jumbo-64 Fuel Tank]] with one Rockomax "Mainsail" Liquid Engine for your centre of thrust.
[[LV-N_Atomic_Rocket_Engine|LV-N Atomic Rocket Engine]] and another [[TR-18D_Stack_Separator|Separator]] below.
 
  
Stage Two: This stage will be your main launch engine add another
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Add [[TT-38K Radial Decoupler]]s; eight will do. Use the symmetry mode and set to 8. Attach [[BACC "Thumper" Solid Fuel Booster]]s to these decouplers. Make sure they are all programmed in the stage bar to the right of the screen when in the VAB.
[[Rockomax_Brand_Adapter|Rockomax Brand Adapter]] and below a [[Rockomax_Jumbo_64_Fuel_Tank|Rockomax Jumbo 64 Fuel Tank]] and one Rockomax "Mainsail" Liquid Engine for your centre of thrust.
 
  
Add [[TT-38K_Radial_Decoupler|TT-38K Radial Decouplers]]; eight would do use the symmetry mode and set to 8. Do this with
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Another way is to simply add a [[Rockomax Jumbo-64 Fuel Tank]] below the probe/satellite and then a [[Rockomax "Skipper" Liquid Engine]].
8 additional [[Rockomax_BACC_Solid_Fuel_Booster|Rockomax BACC Solid Fuel Boosters]]. Make sure they are all programed
 
in the stage bar to the right of the screan when in the VAB.
 
  
 
'''Make sure you save!'''
 
'''Make sure you save!'''
Use a name for an example “Kerble Orbital Probe Mr1”
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Use a name you'll remember or can recognize (For example, ''“Kerbal Orbital Probe Mk1”'').
 +
 
 +
To launch your rocket into orbit, see [[Tutorial: How to Get into Orbit|this tutorial]].
 +
 
 +
===Step 3 - Finishing===
 +
 
 +
Decouple the satellite from the final stage. Extend all your antennae/solar panels/thermal control systems and admire your glorious creation!
 +
 
 +
== What if it blows up? ==
 +
If your rocket blows up on the launchpad you may need to add some [[EAS-4 Strut Connector]]s to hold the 8 [[Rockomax BACC Solid Fuel Booster]]s together. Eight Struts on the top, middle and bottom in-between the Boosters.
 +
 
 +
== What if it the First Stage doesn’t have enough thrust? ==
 +
If your Second Stage or "Orbit Stage" is not increasing in speed or it is losing attitude quickly you may need to add some [[Mk-55 "Thud" Liquid Fuel Engine]] on the sides of the craft. A symmetry mode of 3 should be enough to give it extra power.
  
Don’t worry if your probe or satellite gets destroyed, damaged or broken make sure you quick-save your progress with “F5” besides using un-manned Command Pods not just for probes but can be used for all sorts of space vessels from un-manned space stations, transporting cargo or Kerbals like remote-control taxi shuttle. Least you’re not killing poor Kerbalnauts.
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== See also ==
 +
* [[:Category:Tutorials]]: to guide you through the finer points of the Kerbal Space Program.
  
== Related Links ==
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[[Category:Tutorials|Basic Probe And Satellite Building]]
* [[Tutorial:RemoteTech]]
 

Latest revision as of 00:06, 9 April 2020

Probes and Satellites are two different things. This tutorial intends to help you understand what they are, what they do, and how you can build one in Kerbal Space Program.

A probe is an unmanned spacecraft that travels through space to collect science information, sent back for scientists to study.

A natural satellite is a celestial body orbiting a planet. For example, the moon is Earth's natural satellite. In-game, the Mun and Minmus are the two satellites of Kerbin.

An artificial satellite is a man-made craft orbiting a celestial body. The adjective is dropped when it is clear what type of satellite is mentioned. As this tutorial is about satellites launched by Kerbals, the satellites mentioned in this article are all artificial satellites.

Probes and satellites are generally much smaller than manned vehicles, and thus require less energy to launch them into orbit. You can build them in either the VAB or the SPH, but this tutorial will focus on the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB).

A Kerbal Satellite In Orbit

Do you want to launch your first permanent, sustainable satellite? Are you bored and want to litter space with a billion small objects? Do you just want to practice deploying payloads into orbit? Then this tutorial is for you!

Specifications

  • Length: 5–15 minutes
  • Difficulty: Easy (Requires basic knowledge of orbital mechanics)
  • For version: Every version

How To Build A Basic Satellite

Step 1: Build your satellite

First you need an unmanned command module right at the top of the rocket. You can choose from the range of unmanned command modules. The Probodobodyne Stayputnik looks cool, but it has no SAS. The OKTO and HECS have limited SAS capabilities and are cheap, making them good for early career satellites. The OKTO2 and QBE are very light but have no reaction wheels. The RC-001S and RC-L01 Remote Guidance Units, MK2 Drone Core, and HECS2 have excellent batteries and reaction wheels with full SAS, but are expensive, making them a good choice for late game career and sandbox missions.

Under the Command Pod, you should add some Rechargeable Batteries. I used the Z-1k Rechargeable Battery Bank due to its high Electricity Composite of 1000 E; Use about three of them together for 3000 units of Electricity. Add two OX-4L 1x6 Photovoltaic Panels on both sides of the Battery Banks with the symmetry option (the 'x' key) in the VAB.

Now you want to control your probe so add tiny parts for a light weight probe or satellite. Use two Stratus-V Roundified Monopropellant Tanks on opposite sides to the solar panels and four RV-105 RCS Thruster Blocks, two ROUND-8 Toroidal Fuel Tanks and a small Liquid Fuel Engine at the bottom of the probe; the LV-909 Liquid Fuel Engine is a good choice.

You also need an Antennas to control your probe and transmit scientific data back to Kerbin. For example, you could use one Communotron 16 right on the top of your command module.

Lastly, you will need to add a separator (like the TS-18 Stack Separator) right below your engine, and a fairing below that. Now, build a rocket to launch your satellite into orbit.

Step 2: Build a rocket to launch your satellite into orbit

This is an example rocket that can do the job. Of course, you can design your own or use the one from another tutorial, provided it can reach the intended orbit of your satellite.

Satellite and Rocket on Launchpad

Stage One: This stage needs to be as short as possible so it doesn’t wobble about when you launch and needs to be aerodynamic to reduce drag. Attach a Rockomax Brand Adapter below the separator. Use a Rockomax X200-8 Fuel Tank and an Advanced Reaction Wheel Module, Large between the Fuel tank and the Adapter.

Put a Rockomax Brand Adapter 02 at the bottom and make sure the flat end is pointed up (use W,A,S,D,Q,E to rotate the part). Finally, add a LV-N Atomic Rocket Motor and another separator below.

Stage Two: This stage will be your main launch engine. Add another Rockomax Brand Adapter and attach to it a Rockomax Jumbo-64 Fuel Tank with one Rockomax "Mainsail" Liquid Engine for your centre of thrust.

Add TT-38K Radial Decouplers; eight will do. Use the symmetry mode and set to 8. Attach BACC "Thumper" Solid Fuel Boosters to these decouplers. Make sure they are all programmed in the stage bar to the right of the screen when in the VAB.

Another way is to simply add a Rockomax Jumbo-64 Fuel Tank below the probe/satellite and then a Rockomax "Skipper" Liquid Engine.

Make sure you save! Use a name you'll remember or can recognize (For example, “Kerbal Orbital Probe Mk1”).

To launch your rocket into orbit, see this tutorial.

Step 3 - Finishing

Decouple the satellite from the final stage. Extend all your antennae/solar panels/thermal control systems and admire your glorious creation!

What if it blows up?

If your rocket blows up on the launchpad you may need to add some EAS-4 Strut Connectors to hold the 8 Rockomax BACC Solid Fuel Boosters together. Eight Struts on the top, middle and bottom in-between the Boosters.

What if it the First Stage doesn’t have enough thrust?

If your Second Stage or "Orbit Stage" is not increasing in speed or it is losing attitude quickly you may need to add some Mk-55 "Thud" Liquid Fuel Engine on the sides of the craft. A symmetry mode of 3 should be enough to give it extra power.

See also