View source for Tutorial:Game Manual

{{Outdated|Many important features have been added since this article was written but are not mentioned.}}
{{Box|This article is in the process of being re-written and updated to version [[0.24.2]] from version [[0.18]]. [[User:SGCam|SGCam]] ([[User talk:SGCam|talk]]) 09:03, 6 August 2014 (CDT)}}
This manual is intended to be a comprehensive one-stop guide to playing [[Kerbal Space Program]]. It will include an overview of topics and mechanics, and have links to other relevant pages on this wiki that provide more detailed information on each subject. This manual is '''NOT''' a walkthrough, but it will provide the fundamentals needed to play [[KSP]] in its entirety.

== Associated reading ==
There are a few other articles that may aid understanding of this manual.
* Read through the [[controls]]- these will also be linked to for every new aspect of gameplay.
* The [[FAQ]] and the [[Getting Started]] guide can answer technical problems (including installing the game) that may not be covered in this manual.
* Complex terms will be defined within this article for context and understanding, however the [[terminology]] page contains more details.
* If you simply want to launch something, do this [[Tutorial: Walkthrough for Ye Compleat Beginner|"walkthrough to launching your first rocket"]], and then come back to this manual.

== Menu System ==
The game's main menu presents you with the options to Start Game, adjust the [[settings|in-game settings]], visit the [http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/ KSP Community website], visit [http://kerbal.curseforge.com/projects Curseforge]- a community driven mod site (replaces SpacePort), view the game's [[Kerbal Space Program#credits|credits]] or quit and return to the desktop. Additionally, you are also able to [http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/content/ Check for Updates] to your game.

The game's current [[version history|version]] is displayed in the bottom right corner.

After clicking Start Game, you are presented with the ability to Resume a previously Saved game, start a New game, play through one of the games tutorials, or enjoy a pre-defined scenario.

== Game Modes ==
* '''[[Career]]'''- complete [[contracts]] to earn [[funds]] and [[reputation]], and collect [[science]] to [[tech tree|unlock parts]].
* '''[[Science mode|Science]]'''- collect [[science]] to [[tech tree|unlock parts]], without the financial restrictions of [[career|career mode]].
* '''[[Sandbox]]'''- build freely with no restrictions and no need to unlock parts.

== Kerbal Space Center ==
Whenever you first open a game in [[Kerbal Space Program]], you will be taken to the [[KSC|Kerbal Space Center (KSC)]] scene.  From here, you can highlight the structures by hovering your mouse over them to see a description, and can access them by clicking on them. Each building serves a unique purpose, and not all are accessible in every game mode.
* [[VAB|Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB)]]- this is where you build vertical vehicles using radial symmetry ([[rocket|rockets]]).
* [[SPH|Space Plane Hanger (SPH)]]- this is where you build horizontal vehicles using bilateral symmetry ([[spaceplane|spaceplanes]]).
* [[Launch Pad]]- this is where vehicles from the [[VAB]] are launched. You can also launch here without going through the [[VAB]].
* [[Runway]]- this is where vehicles from the [[SPH]] are launched. You can also launch here without going through the [[SPH]].
* [[Tracking Station]]- this is where you can observe orbits and access previously launched crafts.
* [[Astronaut Complex]]- this is where you can hire new [[kerbal|kerbals]] into your space program, and see the status of your astronauts.
* [[Research and Development]]- this is where you can [[tech tree|research new parts]] in exchange for [[science]] (not available in [[Sandbox]] mode).
* [[Mission Control]]- this is where you can view and accept [[contract|contracts]] (not available in [[Science mode|Science]] or [[Sandbox]] modes).
* [[Flag Pole]]- in front of the [[Astronaut Complex]], this is where you can change your default [[flag]].

When in [[career]] mode, you current [[funds]], [[reputation]], and [[science]] are displayed in the top center bar. In [[science mode]], your current [[science]] is shown there. In [[sandbox]], only the [[time|date/time]] and [[time warp]] controls are displayed.

== Basic Vehicle Construction ==
The [[VAB|Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB)]] is where you can build vertical [[vehicle|vehicles]] using radial symmetry, and the [[SPH|Space Plane Hanger (SPH)]] is used to build horizontal [[vehicle|vehicles]] using bilateral symmetry. The basic mechanics of building vehicles are the same for each building, and you have the same parts available for both; but due to the orientation you use, they tend towards differing styles of vehicles (VAB for [[Rocket|Rockets]], SPH for [[Spaceplane|Spaceplanes]]). If you are reading through this guide with only the [[demo| demo version]], you will not have the [[SPH]] available to you, nor many other features offered within the game.

When building any [[vehicle]], you will first have to select a [[root part]] (note that not all parts are allowed to be root parts). This part cannot be changed without rebuilding the craft from scratch, so choose wisely.  Generally this part is a [[command module]] in order to provide "control" for the craft- control is only given by [[command module|command modules]], and without it you cannot make the craft do anything (it ignores your commands and continues doing exactly what it was doing previously). There are two primary considerations when choosing a [[command module]]: 1) do you want a one man crew, a three man crew, or a probe core, and 2) how large (diameter will generally be referred to as the [[radial size|"size" or "radial size"]] of a part) do you want the module to be. It should be noted that only a part's displayed mass and lift properties (you can right click on a [[part]] to see more information) affect [[atmosphere#drag|aerodynamic performance]], therefore how "streamlined" the craft is tends to be irrelevant.

=== Using the VAB/SPH Controls ===
The [[first part]] is placed simply by clicking on it in the left side panel, but each later [[part]] must be manually placed by selecting it from the side panel, then moving it to where you want to place it and clicking again. You can drag any [[part]] by clicking, releasing, moving the mouse, then clicking and releasing again (all parts attached to a part will move with it). '''All interactions are done via a single click- there is NEVER any reason to hold ANY mouse button down, except to [[controls|move the camera]].''' If you have a part selected, you can rotate it with the QWEASD keys, or delete it with the delete key or by clicking anywhere in the parts list. Most parts connect to the top or bottom of your rocket (or front or back in [[SPH]]) via nodes. These nodes appear as green balls when you have a part selected, and their size indicates their connection strength. It takes two and only two nodes to create a connection, and selected parts with nodes will snap to a nearby node if it is available. Additionally, some parts can be mounted radially on the sides of your rocket (without using nodes) in addition to being stack-mountable using nodes. This is where symmetry controls and angle snap come into play (as explained in [[Tutorial:Basic Rocket Design]]). Some parts can only be surface mounted/ radially attached, such as [[parachute|parachutes]]. If a part you have selected is glowing green, it is ok to place it there. If it is glowing red, you cannot place it there, because either there is no node to attach it to (if it requires nodes), or it is currently "clipping" (colliding) with a previously placed part. If symmetry is on, one un-placeable part will prevent the placement of all of the parts you are trying to pattern.

Parts are divided into categories based on purpose (command, propulsion, etc), and you can access the different categories by clicking on the icons in the top left corner of the [[VAB]] or [[SPH]] to switch between tabs. Depending on your screen resolution and size, there may be multiple pages for each tab, which can be switched between using the double arrow buttons on the bottom of the parts tab.

There are also 3 blue buttons at the top center/left. The first is "construction mode", where you can place, move, modify, and delete parts. The second is [[Tutorial:Game Manual#Setting Action Groups|"action group mode"]], where you can set your 1-0 keys to perform specific actions. The third is [[Tutorial:Game Manual#Crew Placement|"crew placement mode"]], where you can choose which [[kerbal|kerbals]] go where.

In the top center of the screen is the name of your [[craft]], which can be edited by clicking on it and typing. Further right are the new, load, save, launch, and exit buttons. These would seem self explanatory. Be careful to save often however, as [[KSP]] will NOT warn you if you are about to leave your current unsaved [[vessel]].

=== Vertical Rockets ===
This will provide a fundamental guide for building any [[rocket]].
* For instructions on how to use the [[Tutorial:Basic Rocket Design#Placement helpers|VAB placement assists, such as angle snap and symmetry]].
* For a walkthrough on building and flying your first rocket- [[Tutorial: Walkthrough for Ye Compleat Beginner]].
* Also review the [[controls|VAB/SPH controls]] and the [[VAB|VAB page]], as their information is necessary to build a rocket.

==== Command Module ====
The [[VAB]] is where you will generally build the traditional vertically launched [[rocket|rockets]] and shuttles. For most rockets, you should start with a [[command module]]. To make space for the rest of the rocket, you can drag the part up high. You will want to add sufficient [[parachute|parachutes]] to the top or sides, as this is the preferred method of landing on [[Category:Celestials|planets and moons]] possessing [[atmosphere|atmospheres]] (with the partial exception of [[Duna]]). Commonly, a [[docking port]] is placed on the top of the [[command module]] to facilitate docking, causing [[Mk2-R Radial-Mount Parachute|radial parachutes]] to be necessary. A [[decoupler]] is usually placed beneath the pod, as this allows you to detach the [[command module]] from the rest of the orbital section during/prior to re-entry, therefore reducing the amount of parachutes needed for a safe landing.

==== Orbital Section ====
The next section to build is the '''Orbital Section'''.  This will typically fill the role of a [[w:service module|service module]], and many end up looking like an [[w:Apollo Command/Service Module|Apollo CSM]].  This section will have a [[fuel tank]] paired with a high ISP ("fuel efficiency") [[part#propulsion|engine]].  It will also commonly have [[part#batteries|batteries]] to store [[electric charge]], and [[part#generators|solar panels or RTG's]] to generate [[electric charge]].  [[RCS|RCS (reaction control systems)]], including [[part#rcs thrusters|thrusters]] and [[part#rcs fuel tank|monopropellant tanks]], is sometimes added to this section to facilitate [[docking]].  [[Command module|Command modules]] typically contain small amounts of [[electric charge]] and [[monopropellant]]. [[part#lights|Lights]] are typically only added if planning to land on the dark side of a [[Category:Celestials|body]] (or [[docking|dock]] in a shadow), since [[space]] has enough [[light|ambient light]] to be able to see the status of your craft otherwise.  The ideal arrangements of these components will be covered in [[Tutorial:Game Manual#Advanced Vehicle Construction|Advanced Vehicle Construction]].

==== Building a Launcher ====

Next you need a way to blast this 'orbiter' into [[space]]- this will be known as the '''Launcher'''. When you develop a reliable launcher, you should save it as a [[Subassembly|Sub-Assembly]] in order to be able to easily use it again.  Start by placing a [[decoupler]] beneath the engine of the orbital section. Now you need to decide how many stages you want your launcher to have.  Generally, a [[stage|2-stage]] launcher is the most efficient way to place your [[payload]] ([[Tutorial:Game Manual#orbital section|orbital section]] + [[Tutorial:Game Manual#command module|command module]]) into orbit.  Having more than 3 [[stage|stages]] in your launcher makes it very fuel-inefficient, and results in a much larger [[rocket]] than necessary- this creates more opportunities for things to go wrong ([[catastrophic failure|explosions]]), and in [[Career|career mode]] makes the [[rocket]] prohibitively [[funds|expensive]].  Also, the heavier a rocket is, the more fuel is needed to lift it- that fuel is heavy too, producing a [[w:Tsiolkovsky rocket equation|loop of diminishing returns]].  These problems combine to explain why 'moar boosters' is not a good thing (though it is amusing, and this is a [[w:game|game]] after all), and why smaller, well designed rockets can fly much further and faster.

For any launcher, a general rule of thumb is that each stage should have ~3x as much fuel as the stage above it. To achieve this, it is common for [[parts/Structural#Adapters, Couplers & Struts|structural adapters]] to be used to increase the [[radial size|diameter]] of the [[rocket]] from top to bottom.  There are several different [[radial size|sizes]] to choose from, and most [[part|parts]] have at least one option in each [[radial size]].  For example, [[fuel tank|fuel tanks]] come in both different [[radial size|diameters]] and different heights, and the amount of [[fuel]] they hold varies linearly with [[w:volume|volume]].  There are also (usually) multiple [[engine|engines]] for each [[radial size|diameter]], but rather than varying in height, they vary in [[w:thrust|thrust]] (the force an engine puts out), [[Isp]] (the fuel efficiency of an engine), and [[gimbal|gimbal range]] (stability provided by engine). In [[KSP]], the fuel consumption rate varies as a function of thrust and [Isp]] ([[w:thrust]] is held constant and [[Isp]] varies with [[atmosphere|atmospheric density]].

The traditional composition of each [[stage]] of a launcher (except the first) is a [[decoupler]] on top, a [[parts/Structural#Adapters, Couplers & Struts|structural adapter]] to increase the[[radial size|diameter]] (this is optional), a [[liquid fuel tank]] ([[liquid fuel]] and [[oxidizer]] in one [[fuel tank|tank]] is best for rockets), and a [[reaction engine#liquid fuel rocket engine|liquid fuel rocket engine]] on the bottom.  For higher [[stage|stages]], a lower [[w:thrust|thrust]] engine with higher [[Isp]] is typically used.  For lower [[stage|stages]], a higher [[w:thrust|thrust]], lower [[Isp]] engine is used.  The goal is to maintain a [[thrust-to-weight ratio]] of greater than one for each [[stage]] and its [[payload]].  These stages will rarely have [[part|parts]] radially attached to them. Some exceptions to this are [[reaction wheel|reaction wheels]] (if more [[SAS|stability control]] is required, [[control surface|control surfaces]] (same objective, but only work in [[atmosphere]]), and small drop [[fuel tank|tanks]] (for [[asparagus staging]]).

The first (bottom) [[stage]] of a launcher is almost always the largest, both in height and [[radial size|diameter]]. This [[stage]] will have multiple [[engine|engines]], and if you were waiting for [[solid rocket booster|solid rocket boosters]], radially mount these here (usually on top of [[radial decoupler|radial decouplers]]).  You can also use the [[LFB KR-1x2|stock liquid booster]] or build your own using a [[liquid fuel tank]] with a [[reaction engine#liquid fuel rocket engine|liquid fuel rocket engine]] on the bottom. It should be considered that [[solid rocket booster|solid rocket boosters]] cannot be [[throttle|throttled]] or turned off, while [[reaction engine#liquid fuel rocket engine|liquid fuel rocket engines]] can be.  This stage will typically have [[parts#aerodynamic|wings, winglets, or control surfaces]] for stability while in [[atmosphere]].

==== Rocket Staging ====
The bar of icons on the right side of the screen during construction (left during flight) is the staging list. This list is the order that [[part|parts]] will be activated during [[Tutorial:Game Manual#How To Fly Your Rocket|flight]], and is a [[catastrophic failure#Staging Sequence|very important part]] of any successful launch.  The list is executed from the bottom up (representing the way a [[rocket]] works), with the highest number [[stage|stages]] being activated first. Whenever you place a [[part]], the game will place that part's action icon into the staging list where it believes it should be.  This is based on the dependency list of parts for the craft however, and is therefore not necessarily the order you want your [[part|parts]] to be activated in. Luckily, the order can be changed manually, both in [[VAB]]/[[SPH]] and [[Tutorial:Game Manual#Staging View|during flight]]. To do this, you break the [[Tutorial:Game Manual#Using the VAB/SPH Controls|"you never have to hold down a mouse button to interact with stuff"]] rule. To select an action icon, simply click once on it. To move a selected action icon, you click on it, hold, drag, and release it where you want it. You can select multiple icons at once by holding control and clicking on each of them. Staging into an action icon ([[controls|via spacebar]]), triggers a different response for each [[part|part type]] (not all [[parts]] have action icons in staging, [[fuel tank|fuel tanks]] for example). For [[engine|engines]], it turns the engine on at the current [[throttle]] setting (note, [[SRB|SRB's]] cannot be throttled, and are just 'on'). For [[decoupler|decouplers and separators]], they separate the connected components from the craft (these cannot be reconnected). For [[parachute|parachutes]], they are activated (will deploy when minimum pressure requirement is reached). For [[TT18-A Launch Stability Enhancer|launch clamps]], they release the craft. No other part types have action icons. Every action icon in the same "stage number" on the list will be executed simultaneously, except in cases of extreme lag. Additionally, entire "stage number" groups can be moved together by clicking on their number and dragging. You can also add and delete stage number groups by clicking the + and - buttons next to them.

For a reasonable staging setup for a rocket, the bottom [[stage]] [[engine|engines]], [[SRB|boosters]], and [[TT18-A Launch Stability Enhancer|launch clamps]] should be in a single stage on the bottom of the list (highest number).  From there, you should detach radial [[SRB|boosters]] as they burn out using [[decoupler|radial decouplers]] (make sure radial detachments are symmetric to avoid throwing off the rocket's [[center of mass]], and finally dropping the entire stage via a[[decoupler|decoupler or separator]]. Once dropped, you should activate the [[engine]] at the bottom of the next [[stage]], and repeat as above!

=== Horizontal Rockets ===
Commonly known as [[plane|'''planes''']], these are most often constructed in the [[SPH]]. The [[SPH]] is advantageous for the construction of [[aircraft]] and [[spaceplane|spaceplanes]] due to its use of bi-lateral symmetry (since they don't ''need'' to be vertically symmetrical, only laterally), and its easy access to the [[runway]]. The controls function exactly the same here in the [[SPH]] as in the [[VAB]], as [[Tutorial:Game Manual#Using the VAB/SPH Controls|explained above]], the only difference is that the vertical "stack" is now horizontal by default. It should be noted that saved [[vehicle|vehicles]] are only available in the structure where they were built, though [[subassembly|subassemblies]] do transfer back and forth. The [[part]] most commonly used on these types of [[vehicle|vehicles]] is the [[Small Gear Bay]].

==== Aerodynamics ====
While [[plane|planes]] can be built using similar principles to [[rocket|rockets]] (see [[w:McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II|F-4 Phantom]]), the biggest advantage they offer is their ability to use [[wing|lifting surfaces]] effectively. The way stock [[atmosphere#drag|aerodynamics]] work in [[KSP]] produces a conundrum that causes the classical laws of real [[w:aerodynamics|aerodynamics]] to be thrown out the window. This is present in [[rocket|rockets]], but is much more prominent in planes. The problem is that [[KSP]] applies [[drag|drag as a function of the drag coefficient (0.2 for most parts) and wet mass (including fuel)]] of each [[part]]. This [[drag]] is then applied from that [[part|part's]] [[center of mass]], causing the total [[drag]] to be applied from near the vessel's CoM. For maximum [[w:flight dynamics|stability in a real airplane]], you want the [[w:center of mass|CoM]] and [[w:thrust|thrust]] in front, followed by the [[w:center of lift|center of lift]], with the [[w:aerodynamic drag|center of drag]] behind that (note that this theoretical plane would be too stable to maneuver). Because of the way [[drag]] is applied [[KSP|here]], it does not apply a stabilizing force in aircraft. However, this effect can be countered in [[KSP]] by keeping the [[center of lift]] well behind the [[center of mass]] using [[part#aerodynamic|wing parts]] (the only parts that generate lift and thus effect the [[center of lift]]). The closer the [[center of lift]] is to the [[center of mass]], the more [[SAS]] force is needed to keep the craft stable. If the [[center of lift]] is ever forward of the [[center of mass]], then even [[SAS]] will not be able to keep the craft out of an uncontrollable spin (or even stuck flying backwards). Additionally, there is no "interference" between [[part|parts]], so therefore every non-[[massless part|physicless part]] contributes to drag regardless of its location (ie, inside a fairing). See [[Tutorial:Game Manual#Advanced Vehicle Design|Advanced Vehicle Design]] (below) for other stability, lift, and drag considerations.

With the limitations of the [[0.24|current]] [[atmosphere#drag|stock drag model]] in mind, the [http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/|KSP community] has developed several alternative aerodynamic models, which can be [[thread:55401|found here]]. It should be noted that some of these [[addon|addons]] alter gameplay significantly.

==== Aircraft ====
An [[plane|'''aircraft''']] is any [[vehicle]] designed to use [[center of lift|lift]] as its primary method of [[w:aviation|staying airborne]]. This requires the use of [[part|parts]] that [[part|aerodynamic|produce lift]], such as [[wing|wings]] and [[winglet|winglets]]. Generally, the primary method of controlling an aircraft is by using [[control surface|control surfaces]], though [[reaction wheel|reaction wheels]] or [[RCS]] are used in rare circumstances. To build a [[w:flight dynamics|longitudinally stable]] aircraft in [[KSP]], the [[center of mass]] should be in front of the [[center of lift]]. The further apart they are however, the more [[pitch]] force is required to maintain level flight. This is usually generated by [[control surface|control surfaces]] in the form of a [[w:aircraft tail|horizontal tail]] or [[w:canard|canard]] setup. To maintain [[yaw]] stability, a [[w:vertical stabilizer|vertical stabilizer]] should be placed near the [[w:aircraft tail|tail]] of the vehicle, and will typically consist of a [[wing]] or [[winglet]] and at least one [[control surface]]. A vertical stabilizer, as well as the [[wing|wings]] themselves contribute to [[roll]] stability.

Thrust in an [[plane|aircraft]] is typically produced by [[jet engine|jet engines]].  They require [[liquid fuel]] and [[intake air]] which are provided by [[fuel tank#liquid fuel tank|liquid fuel tanks]] and [[air intake|air intakes]] (they do not require [[oxidizer]]). With the exception of the [[Rapier]], [[jet engine|jet engines]] only operate in [[atmosphere|atmospheres]] containing [[oxygen]] ([[Kerbin]] and [[Laythe]]).

==== Spaceplanes ====
A '''[[spaceplane]]''' is a [[vehicle]] that is intended to fly in [[space]] which takes off and lands horizontally like a [[plane]]. This is distinct from a shuttle, as those use a [[Tutorial:Game Manual#Vertical Rockets|vertical rocket]] to reach [[space]]. Similarly to aircraft, [[spaceplane|spaceplanes]] utilize [[center of lift|lift]] to fly while in the [[atmosphere]]; however, spaceplanes are meant to also operate in [[space]], so they sometimes require [[rocket]]-like features.

In addition to the stability concerns for aircraft mentioned above, the [[center of thrust]] is very significant.  If the thrust vector (shown in [[center of thrust]] display) does not line up through the [[center of mass]], then large amounts of [[SAS|SAS input]] may be required to keep the [[vessel]] stable while in [[space]]. Because of this, [[spaceplane|spaceplanes]] will have [[reaction wheel|reaction wheels]] and/or [[RCS]] in addition to [[control surface|control surfaces]].

For [[parts#propulsion|propulsion]], [[spaceplane|spaceplanes]] will typically have both [[jet engine|jet engines]] (for in-[[atmosphere]] flight) and [[liquid fuel engine|liquide fuel rocket engines]] (for in-[[space]] maneuvers). Construction techniques for [[spaceplane|spaceplanes]] will be covered in [[Tutorial:Game Manual#Advanced Vehicle Construction|Advanced Vehicle Construction]] below.

==== Plane Staging ====
For controls, see [[Tutorial:Game Manual#Rocket Staging|Rocket Staging]] above.

The only difference between [[staging]] [[plane|planes]] and [[rocket|rockets]] is that [[plane|planes]] rarely use [[decoupler|decouplers]].  Because of this, the most common setup is to have all [[engine|engines]] activate at launch and then toggled on and off when needed using custom [[action group|action groups]] that will be [[Tutorial:Game Manual#Setting Action Groups|described below]].

=== Not Rockets ===
Aside from [[rocket|rockets]], [[plane|aircraft]], [[spaceplane|spaceplanes]], etc, it is also possible to build ground vehicles in [[KSP]]. By far the most common ground [[vehicle]] is the [[rover]], for which there are a variety of [[part#rover wheels|wheels]] available. Wheels can be popped from impacts and excessive speed, and can be repaired via [[EVA]], [[Tutorial:Game Manual#EVA|covered later]]. Unmanned, as well as manned [[rover|rovers]] can be built, and an [[EAS-1 External Command Seat|external seat]] exists for just that purpose.

=== Setting Action Groups ===
'''[[action group|Action groups]]''' allow you to bind [[part]] actions to the number key row (1-0), as well as to the default groups such as landing gear, lights, brakes, [[SAS]], [[RCS]], and abort. Using these, you can simply [[controls|press a button]] and have a [[part]] (or a group of parts) do something. This is very useful for several reasons: 1) there are many actions available that are not available through [[staging]], 2) they can be used to toggle, rather than simply activate, and 3) they can be used repeatedly without having to reset them.

Action groups can only be set during construction in the [[VAB]]/[[SPH]], and cannot be modified during flight. To set action groups, select the blue icon that looks like gears from the top bar of the VAB/SPH. Next, select the group/key you want modify (1-0 and abort are empty by default, while some parts automatically bind to gear, lights, brakes, SAS, and RCS) by clicking on its name in the left hand bar. Now click on the part you want to add to that group- it will bring up a list of available actions for that part. You can add one or several actions to the group by clicking them in the far right column, and remove them by clicking them in the middle column (they will move back and forth). To add actions from another part, simply click on it and then add its actions. A full list will compile in the center column showing all the actions in the group (sorted by part), and actions can be removed at any time prior to launch. After setting your action groups, be sure to save the vessel, otherwise they may be lost if you attempt to launch.

When you select a [[part]] to add actions from, it automatically selects all of its symmetric parts and adds the same selected actions for them to the action group. Also, some actions are contradictory (ie, activate and shut down) and the game will perform both of them- however it is difficult to predict which is executed second, as this is typically the action you will observe. Finally, if you make modifications to your [[vessel]] after leaving this tab, your selections may behave erratically- therefore setting [[action group|action groups]] should be the second to last thing you do before launch (after construction/[[staging]] and before [[crew|crew placement]]).

==== Action Group Usage ====
There are many different ways to use [[action group|action groups]] for your benefit ([[KSP]] makes no distinction between these usages), and a few of the more common cases are outlined below:

* Replacement for [[staging]] in [[rocket|rockets]]- some players consider [[action group|action groups]] to be more reliable than [[staging]], and therefore use them to activate [[engine|engines]] and separate [[stage|stages]] instead of spacebar.

* Performing a large number of actions (not available in [[staging]]) simultaneously- this is the most common usage in [[rocket|rockets]] and [[vessel|spacecraft in general]], as using the right click menus to open a bunch of [[solar panel|solar panels]] is very time consuming.

* Performing an action (not in [[staging]]) quickly and/or repeatably- this is used most often in [[spaceplane|spaceplanes]] to open/close [[air intake|air intakes]] and switch from air breathing [[jet engine|jet engines]] over to [[reaction engine|rocket engines]]. It is also sometimes used to activate [[part#sensors|science parts]] at a particular moment in time, and to easily find unused science parts.

=== Crew Placement ===
The '''[[crew|crew placement]]''' options are accessed in the [[VAB]]/[[SPH]], much like the [[action group]] controls, by selecting the blue button representing a [[Kerbal]] near the top center of the screen. Once on that tab, you can drag [[Kerbal|Kerbals]] to and from the seats available in your craft. Making '''any''' modifications to your [[vessel]] after leaving this tab will reset the crew changes you made, and that the save button will '''not''' save your crew selections. Because of this, [[crew|crew selection]] should always be the very last thing you do before launch (after construction, [[staging]], and [[action group|action groups]]). After launch, the only way to move [[kerbal|Kerbals]] to other modules is via [[EVA]], and specific seats cannot be selected.

== What Can I Do? ==
[[Kerbal Space Program]] is a sandbox style game, and with that focus comes the ability to do anything you want! There are 3 different [[Tutorial:Game Manual#Game Modes|game modes]], a few built-in [[scenarios]], and a [[campaigns|user-written campaign]]. Additionally, there are many user-defined challenges on community websites.

=== Career Game ===
The purpose of '''[[career|career mode]]''' is not just to explore or have fun, but to handle all the aspects of managing a space program. [[0.22|Update 0.22]] added [[science]] to the game, and [[0.24|update 0.24]] added [[funds]], [[reputation]], and [[contracts]]. [[Squad]] has plans to [[planned features|continue to expand]] career mode.

=== Science Game ===
'''[[Science mode]]''' is intended to be a means of encouraging the thorough exploration of the [[Kerbol System]] through the collection of [[science]] in order to expand the capabilities of your space program.

==== EVA ====
In addition to simply flying [[vessel|vessels]], [[kerbal|kerbals]] can leave their [[craft]] and go on an '''[[EVA|extra-vehicular activity (EVA)]]'''. While on [[EVA]] they can walk/run, use a jetpack, take surface samples, and [[Extend-o-matic Series A1 Deployable Flag|plant flags]] on [[celestials|other worlds]].  Most players enjoy these activities, and many of these contribute to gathering [[science|science points]].

=== Sandbox ===
When [[KSP]] was [[version history#v0.7.3|first released]], '''[[Sandbox|Sandbox mode]]''' was the only way you could play the game. It allows you to use all the parts with no limitations, letting you build whatever kind of [[rocket]] or [[plane]] or [[rover]] or whatever your heart desires. There is no wrong way to play the game, merely less efficient ones. [[Sandbox]] mode is all about having fun- by doing whatever you find to be fun! 

[[Sandbox]] mode's biggest perk (no guidance) can also be a hindrance to some players who cannot decide what they want to do, and end up bored. For these players, either [[career]] or the campaigns are a good starting point, as they will give more specific guidance.

=== Campaign ===
There is a [[campaigns|series of user written campaigns]] that are designed to provide guidance and challenges to players. They focus on historical and probable-future events, such as moon landings and mars exploration. They provide a reasonable learning curve of difficulties, following a step-by-step progression to "bootstrap" your way across the [[Kerbol System]].

== Advanced Vehicle Construction ==
This section is WIP.

See [[Tutorial:Intermediate Rocket Design]].
See [[Tutorial:Advanced Rocket Design]].

== How To Fly Your Rocket ==
Now that you have built your [[rocket]], [[spaceplane]], [[plane]], [[rover]], lander, deathtrap, etc, this section will explain everything you need to know to '''actually fly it''' (or drive, sit in, or explode it).

=== Escape Menu ===
The first thing you should know when controlling a [[vehicle]] is how to stop controlling said [[vehicle]]. This is done using the '''escape menu''', aptly named because it is accessed by pressing the ''[[controls|Escape Key]]'' on your keyboard (shown as '''Esc'''). This will pause the game, and provide access to a menu that includes some or all of the following:
* Return to Game: returns you to your active [[vessel]].
* Return to Space Center: leaves the active [[vessel]] and returns to the [[KSC]] scene.
* Return to Tracking Station: leaves the active [[vessel]] and returns to the [[Tracking Station]] interface. This option is not always available (reasons unknown).
* Revert to Launch: reverts your '''entire game''' back to when you placed the [[vessel]] on the [[Launchpad]] or [[Runway]]. This option is unavailable if you have left this [[vessel]] since launch.
* Revert to Construction: reverts your '''entire game''' back to just before you pressed the launch button in the [[VAB]] or [[SPH]]. This option is unavailable if you have left this [[vessel]] since launch.
* Settings: accesses the game's settings menu. Not all options are available here that are available in the main menu's settings menu. The game remains paused while the settings menu is open.

When the escape menu is closed, the game is unpaused.

When pressing the escape button at the [[KSC]] scene a similar menu appears, with the addition of the "Save Game" and "Quit Game" buttons. The "Save Game" button here actually creates a nameable quicksave (explained below), and the game's persistence file (the actual savegame) is autosaved periodically and automatically upon quitting the game.

=== Quicksave ===
A useful feature that is not displayed in the user interface is the ability to '''quicksave''', and its counterpart '''quickload'''. These features allow you to save the entire game at any point (even while flying, and with [[0.24]], even while throttled up) by [[controls|pressing F5]], and to load the most recent quicksave by [[controls|holding F9]]. '''WARNING: Using quickload will revert your ENTIRE GAME and CANNOT BE UNDONE.''' With update [[0.23.5]] came the ability to name quicksaves by pressing Alt+F5, and to load a specific quicksave from a list by holding Alt+F9. In [[0.24]], the ability to create a named quicksave from the [[KSC]] scene escape menu (seen when trying to exit the game) was added in order to encourage players to quicksave before closing the game. This was done to minimize the irreparable losses incurred by players who use quickload on the assumption that they had quicksaved recently (when they had not) and accidentally reverting their game several (real life) days.

=== HUD ===
What your rocket is trying to tell you...  WIP

==== Time Warp ====
Forward to the future. WIP

==== Staging View ====
The big show.  WIP

==== Docking View ====
Going sideways.  WIP
ROT vs LIN controls

==== Map View ====
Were lost, aren't we...  WIP
link to maneuver nodes

==== Camera Controls ====
The things you want to see.  WIP

===== IVA =====
Into the frying pan.  WIP

=== Part Interaction ===
There may be snacks inside... WIP

==== EVA Interaction ====
Flat tires and broken suspensions. WIP

=== Navball ===
What you can learn from the navball.  WIP

=== Launch ===
How to get to SPACE.  WIP

=== Landing ===
Landing without lithobraking.  WIP

==== Re-Entry ====
Surviving the fire.  WIP

=== Flying Aircraft ===
All things that are not space.  WIP

=== Flying Spaceplanes ===
Flying things in space. WIP

=== Maneuver Nodes ===
How to make use maneuver nodes to plan burns.  WIP

=== Orbital Transfers ===
Best ways to change your orbit.  WIP

=== Advanced Orbital Maneuvers ===
Other interesting things to move your ship.  WIP

==== Docking ====
Much impress, wow.  WIP

==== Aerobraking ====
We need to slow down first!  WIP


== Advanced Vehicle Construction (old) ==

After you have built a few basic rockets and flung them into space, it is time to start getting serious with it. For an easy reentry (especially when the atmosphere is updated to start burning up your ships) You should aim to get your pod into a low orbit, and when you about a quarter orbit away from being directly of [[Kerbal Space Center]] do a burn to slow your orbit such that it will crash into [[Kerbin]] on the other side, as you slow down in the atmosphere you should end up being very close to the space centre. This is something to really play around with, so that you can get a feel for how to land where you want from various altitudes. 

As you start to explore the [[Kerbol System]], you will probably consider [[Mun]] and [[Minmus]] your first stops. These will require more fuel to be carried so you can accelerate to the moons and the slow down to orbit, or even land. This extra fuel will require more thrust at launch, and also even more fuel at launch. Building a lander is a great challenge, and something you can practice with on [[Kerbin]], try making your self an idea of a lander, then use a solid booster to fling it up high, trying to land on [[Kerbin]] with your lander is a real challenge; the much higher gravity makes your ship fall harder and faster, and gives you little time to think. Once you have got the hang of it on the planet, build a big old rocket to get it into orbit and to a moon. Hopefully, you remembered to bring fuel and rockets suitable enough to get back home. Since docking was introduced, you should be able to use the same stage to get to a moon and back, which will really change designs used for ships.

As you venture yet further into the system, taking on challenges such getting close to [[Kerbol]] or visiting the distant [[Jool]] you will need to start applying some very precise design to you ship. You will need to start thinking very carefully what it is you want your ship to do, how much fuel it will take to do that, and plan your mission in reverse. You will have to consider the <math>\Delta V</math> that you ship is capable of at various stages. <math>\Delta V</math> (read as 'Delta V') is basically the speed your ship is capable of, it is more or less a 'thrust to weight' ratio sort of thing. Basically, to get from the [[Mun]] back to [[Kerbin]] you will require a certain <math>\Delta V</math>, this return vehicle with have to balance its fuel load and the power of the engine to provide this. The stage that gets ''to'' [[Mun]] will require a different <math>\Delta V</math>, only this time it already has to carry the full mass of the return stage. Before setting out on a mission, you should take the time to work out the <math>\Delta V</math> you ship requires for each stage of the flight, the <math>\Delta V</math> each stage provides; you should also consider fuel consumption, can you ship burn the engines long enough to accelerate and decelerate at each critical point of the ships mission. You should try to push your self you have as little spare fuel as possible.

The other tutorials cover a lot of these advanced details, and so you should read through them. There are a few tutorials covering how to reach specific planets or moons, and if you read through them should give you some insight as to what it is you ship requires

== Get to know the flight HUD (old)==
At this stage, you should be sat on the launch pad, desperate to send some poor Kerbal on a wild mission. Before you go and crash in blaze of fiery glory, I suggest you take a moment to see what is going on. The main feature you will see in the middle bottom of your screen is the [[Navball]], this will be the main way you know what is going on with your ship.

Down the left hand side of the screen you have the staging for your ship, which if done in a sensible way you can more or less ignore, but it is handy to have. And in the lower left hand corner are a few fancy dials, they show you the pitch, yaw, roll and stage for you ship, and again for the most part you can ignore this. 

At the top is a fancy gubin that shows 'height' related details. The altitude gauge is vital when it comes time to land; the only thing you need to keep in mind is that it is the height above sea level that your command pod is, so if you have a ship that is 10m tall and it is currently reading 11m you better hope you are ready for a nice soft touchdown. The circular dial is for your vertical velocity; you should keep in mind that this has 'zero' vertical velocity in the 9 o'clock position and that it is not linear. The fact that it is not linear means it can show you rather precisely as you transition from 3&nbsp;m/s to -1&nbsp;m/s but when you reach higher velocities it becomes rather vague, showing your speed in ever large increments. The last detail to look at on this panel is the atmosphere. This shows you a rough guide of how thick the air is; the thicker the air, the faster you slow down, and the less you can time warp.

The last detail to mention about the HUD is that in the lower right hand corner, you have a live feed of your kerbal crew, usually either screaming in delight or terror. As far as I can tell, their reaction has no relation to the peril they may really be in, though they always seem to welcome a gentle approach to the surface.

== Basic Orbit Control (old)==
First, let's define an Orbit; simply put, it's falling around another body in space, ideally never colliding with it. The idea of 'always falling' is odd I will grant you, but either accept it, or better yet, go read up on it.

As you leave the launch pad, and start to turn to side, your orbit will start to form. The point at which you would crash back to [[Kerbin]] (or what ever body you are taking off from) if you cut the engines will slowly start to move further and further around, until eventually you will no longer fall all the way back to the surface. You have now successfully managed to get into orbit! Though chances are, you will have a very erratic orbit; basically egg shaped. There are two keys points on your orbit, the Periapsis and Apoapsis; the Periapsis is the closest to the body you are orbiting, the Apoapsis the furthest. When you are at these two key points, your vertical velocity is zero. Note that you are still travelling very fast, just your altitude is not changing (for the very  brief moment at least). The difference between the Apsides (that being the plural of Apsis, that being what these two points are called collectively) determines how eccentric your orbit is considered, though for basic game play, this is not really a concern.

When manipulating your orbit, there are two key things you want to do, change its height and change the 'plane' at which it sits. Changing the height is very easy to do, aim to adjust the height of one Apsis whilst you are sat at the other Apsis. If you try to change the height at the point you are, you will have to 'burn' a huge amount of fuel to stop your orbit, let your self fall back or burn to push out, then burn to get back in orbit. All told, a whole lot of burning fuel, it is far more efficient to just burn at the opposite Apsis. If you want to raise an Apsis, point into the direction of travel and accelerate, to lower the opposite Apsis, point you ship backwards and fire the rocket so that slows you down. If you use the [[Map view]] you should see the Apsis change, don't forget that you can hit 'X' (by default) to turn off your engines. If you are very low on fuel, remember that the most efficient time to burn is that split second when you have zero vertical speed, so you are going to want to do a lot a very small burns.

The other important manipulation you will want to want to do, is rotating the plane at which your orbit sits. This basically relies on Gyroscopes, which are frankly a mess to try to explain how they work, so it easy to simply say, "If you want to push a point in your orbit in a certain direction, do it 90 degrees before the point you want to move". Feel free to go read up on Gyroscopes and how they work and all that jazz, but trust me, "90 degrees" is a lot easier to remember. It will also be easier for you to manipulate the plane the smaller and more circular your orbit is, so getting the nice orbit is worth practising, and will come into play when moving to the next section.

The final thing to mention about orbits, is transition orbits, moving from one body to another. You should try to get your orbital plane in-line with your target body, this way you can allow your self a bit more freedom with exactly where you meet the target body. You should also try to get your orbit as circular as possible, this will make it easier when you are ready to burn to get out to your target. The last detail is hard to provide a generic guide for, as it basically depends on what you are currently orbiting and what you want to move to. As a starting guide, I will say that go from orbiting [[Kerbin]] to orbiting [[Mun]] you want to be orbiting towards the east, at around 100&nbsp;km altitude, as you see [[Mun]] rise on the horizon from behind [[Kerbin]], start your burn until your orbit starts to interact with Mun. You know your orbit is interacting as the 'flight computer' will show an arc for part of the orbit that is around [[Mun]]. Once you are set up, time warp until you are just about to enter [[Mun]] orbit and prepare to burn to get your orbit to be stable.

== IVA and EVA (old)==
IVAs (Intra-Vehicular Activities) are where you get to see a first person view of the inside of your ship. You can still make use of all your normal ship controls, but now you get the delight of seeing the dials spin and the throttle move up and down. Frankly, there are not enough blinky lights to keep me happy, but still, it looks pleasing enough. I imagine that in a future version, if you are docked, you might be able to float around inside your ship.

EVAs (Extra-Vehicular Activities) are where you let one of your buddy astronauts float around in space. This can be a potentially serious risk to your guys, as they (currently) have no tether to prevent the drifting off into deep space. In theory, when you little guy first gets out of the ship, he will hold onto the ladder of the capsule, but there can be cases where they decide to just float away from your craft. As long as you are able to keep control your guy, you can use his jet pack to float around the ship. While you can dock ships, you are still unable to transfer the crew through the [[docking]] port. You should be able to send transfer a guy from one ship to another via an EVA, just as long as he has a free seat in the ship he wants to board.

==Finishing words (old)==
Hopefully (and I know not yet based on the current state of this) you will have a good understand of the basic mechanics of the game. From here I suggest you play around for a bit, maybe set your self a few missions. It might also be wise to read up on how orbital mechanics works, as a better understanding of the maths and physics will really help out.

Good luck!

[[Category:Tutorials|Tutorial:Game Manual]]