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| − | A '''craft''', '''vessel''' or '''vehicle''' is a group of [[parts]] including at least one [[command module]]. Inclusion of a command module is the sole difference between craft and [[debris]].
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| − | Outside of [[scenarios]] and [[training]], craft enter play only by being launched from the [[Launch pad|Launch Pad]] or [[Runway]] at [[Kerbal Space Center]]. One craft may be separated into multiple distinct craft, assuming the separated objects each have a command module. KSP also includes developer-built [[stock craft]] of several types, though they're not available in [[Career]] or [[Science mode]] games.
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| − | == Vessel types ==
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| − | [[File:IconDebris.png|link=debris|Debris]][[File:IconShip.png|link=ship|Ship]][[File:IconProbe.png|link=probe|Probe]][[File:IconLander.png|link=Lander|Lander]][[File:IconRover.png|link=rover|Rover]][[File:IconStation.png|link=space station|Station]][[File:IconBase.png|link=base|Base]]
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| − | In [[Map view]] (and the [[Tracking Station]]), each object has a single '''type'''. Type is the criteria both for filtering the display of objects and the icon each object is represented with. Type can be manually changed through a command module's “Rename Vessel” option or in the “'''i'''” info panel in Map view. There are seven possible craft types, including '''Debris'''.
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| − | When craft are launched from the [[Runway]] or [[Launch pad|Launch Pad]], and the first time a sub-craft detaches from its parent by [[decoupler]]s or [[docking port]]s, KSP automatically assigns one of four types to each craft based on its command module. Each command module has a default type of either '''Ship''', '''Lander''', '''Rover''', or '''Probe'''.
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| − | When multiple command modules or craft are combined, type is resolved by a hierarchy (listed below from highest ranked type to lowest). When multiple command modules are built into one craft, the module with the highest type sets the default type of the whole craft. When multiple craft are docked together as one craft, the combined craft's type ''and'' name are determined by the craft which originally had the highest type. After undocking, craft resume their original names and types. When craft of equal type dock together, possibly the older craft determines the combined craft's name.
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| − | * Base
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| − | * Station
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| − | * Ship
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| − | * Lander
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| − | * Rover
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| − | * Probe
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| − | * Debris
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| − | Being part of KSP, this type system is universal. However, it may not always match players' perceptions. A command module of one type may be chosen for what is functionally another. One craft may be a hybrid possessing qualities of multiple types or be composed of multiple sub-craft of different types joined together. Or the craft may be something completely different.
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| − | Descriptions of each type follow in the order they appear in Map view.
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| − | === Debris (manual) ===
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| − | {{Main|Debris}}
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| − | A craft's type can manually be set to “Debris”. This does not render the craft uncontrollable; it is not [[Debris]] in the usual sense. Possible uses include filtering out functional but no longer useful probes, although the Tracking Station's “Terminate” option may be better. It may also suit roleplaying needs for simulated conflicts.
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| − | Note also that any uncontrolled debris which can be docked with can be manually set to any other type by a docked craft, and this persists after undocking.
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| − | === Probes ===
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| − | {{Main|Probe}}
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| − | A craft with a “probe core” and no crew modules or external seats is automatically typed as a [[Probe]]. Commonly, a probe is designed to leave Kerbin and travel to another [[celestial body]] or orbit as a satellite. Probes often are orbiters but may also take the form of robotic rovers or stationary landers. Probes are generally thought of as small, but larger categories of vehicles like planes and rockets can be entirely probe-controlled, though players may categorize these as “drones” instead.
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| − | Probe cores can also supplement control of other types of craft when manned command modules lack crew; the type will still default to the manned module's type.
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| − | === Rovers ===
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| − | {{Main|Rover}}
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| − | [[Rover]]s are wheeled vehicles built to drive on terrestrial surfaces. Rarely are they built to fly or even glide, though they may be carried by another craft elsewhere on [[Kerbin]] or to another celestial body. Typically they will have [[:Category:Rover_wheels|powered wheels]], but [[Small Gear Bay|landing gear]] coupled with [[RCS]] thrusters or [[reaction engine]]s also work.
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| − | The [[EAS-1 External Command Seat]] is the only command module automatically typed as a rover. Players may prefer to manually type a wheeled Probe without a command seat as a Rover.
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| − | === Landers ===
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| − | {{Main|Lander}}
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| − | Typically part of manned missions to a celestial body, landers make a vertical landing on a terrestrial surface with landing legs and remaining stationary unless or until they lift off and return to orbit. Typically they arrive at their destination by detaching or staging from a larger vessel and deorbiting onto the surface.
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| − | KSP labels a craft as a lander if its command module is a [[Mk1 Lander Can]], [[Mk2 Lander-can]], or a [[PPD-12 Cupola Module]].
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| − | === Ships ===
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| − | {{Main|Ship}}
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| − | The most general type. Any vehicle which possesses a manned command module with an enclosed crew compartment and is not a Lander is typed as a Ship. It applies equally well to the general categories of rockets and planes.
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| − | === Stations ===
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| − | {{Main|Space station}}
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| − | Short for [[space station]], these are typically installations meant to remain permanently in a fixed orbit. Stations are distinguished from probe satellites by either being manned or made for other vessels to dock with, usually both.
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| − | Any craft docked with a Station temporarily becomes a part of it under the Station's name, excepting only a Base. The count of the docked craft's type remains as before, but the craft itself will not be listed or visible in Map view. After undocking, the craft's name and type will be unchanged.
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| − | KSP does not automatically assign this type to any craft{{check version||1.0.4}} and so is assigned manually by players as they see fit.
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| − | === Bases ===
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| − | {{Main|Base}}
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| − | Bases are installations meant to remain in place on the surface of a celestial body providing resources or functionality for other craft or a crew.
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| − | Most Bases are designed to remain in place permanently, but some are designed with wheels or flight capability and merely stay in place for an arbitrarily “long time” while rovers or other vehicles travel to and from the Base during missions. Bases are usually manned outposts, though they may be vacant of crew for periods.
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| − | Any craft docked with a Base temporarily becomes a part of it under the Base's name, even a Station. The count of the docked craft's type remains as before, but the craft itself will not be listed or visible in Map view. After undocking, the craft's name and type will be unchanged.
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| − | KSP does not automatically assign this type to any craft{{check version||1.0.4}} and so is assigned manually by players as they see fit.
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| − | == Additional categories ==
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| − | There are also categories referenced in-game or in official material that aren't part of KSP's explicit types. These terms are useful for discussions or other contexts. One craft may belong in multiple categories, such as a VTOL SSTO spaceplane.
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| − | === Rocket ===
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| − | [[Rocket]]s, along with planes, are one of the most commonly used categories in describing craft. Rockets rely on thrust for lift, using aerodynamics simply for stability.
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| − | === Plane ===
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| − | [[Plane]]s are the other most commonly used category of craft in KSP. Planes use [[wing]]s inside an [[atmosphere]] for aerodynamic lift in powered, horizontal flight. Planes which use only [[intake air|air-breathing]] [[jet engine]]s are '''airplanes'''.
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| − | === Spaceplane ===
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| − | [[Spaceplane]]s are planes able to function as spacecraft beyond altitudes with sufficient air for jets. The name of the [[Spaceplane Hangar]] implies them as a goal, though many stock craft are conventional airplanes.
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| − | Many players additionally require the ability to achieve orbit before considering a craft a [[w:Spaceplane|spaceplane]], though a [[w:Suborbital_spaceplane|suborbital spaceplane]] is a spaceplane.
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| − | === SSTO ===
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| − | Any craft that can achieve orbit without detaching any parts (such as fuel tanks or engines) is categorized as a [[single-stage-to-orbit]] or [[w:Single-stage-to-orbit|SSTO]]. These are almost always spaceplanes, although SSTO rockets are also possible.
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| − | === VTOL ===
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| − | The category of [[w:VTOL|Vertical TakeOff and Landing]] is generally applied to any craft able to both takeoff and land vertically. It properly applies only to planes, but KSP's stock example is something perhaps best described as a VTOL rover. [[w:VTVL|VTVL]] is the correct term for rockets that land vertically, but few players use the term.
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| − | == See also ==
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| − | * [[API:Vessel]], the API for craft
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| − | [[Category:Craft]]
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