Difference between revisions of "Getting Started/he"

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#*# Unzip the file into an '''empty folder''' that is '''not''' located under Program Files. A program like [http://www.7-zip.org/ 7-zip] may be useful.#* Linux Users:#*# You already know what to do, and the [[Linux|Linux-users help you]].<ref>http:////forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/24529-The-Linux-compatibility-thread!?highlight=linux+compatibility/ The-Linux-compatibility-thread</ref>== Running the Game ==Run the game after installing it by browsing to the folder into which the game was unpacked in and running KSP.exe (KSP.app on OSX, KSP.x86_64 or KSP.x86 on Linux depending on whether you wish to the run the 64 or 32bit versions).  A shortcut can be made on the Desktop to this file to speed opening the game but is unnecessary if you want to run KSP from a USB drive to carry all of your game information with you for playing on any computer.[[File:Mainscreen.jpg|thumbnail|center|Figure 1 : KSP Main Screen]]The main screen has the following options:# Start Game# [[Settings]] (This allows you to customize your settings, such as decreasing the graphics quality)# KSP Community# Addons & Mods (This brings you to the [http://www.curse.com/ksp-mods/kerbal Curse Network], where you can download [[addon]]s# Credits (This lists the developers of Kerbal Space Program)# Quit (Self-explanatory)By selecting the Start Game menu item, the Start and Load Game menu will appear.[[File:Start Game.jpg|thumbnail|center|Figure 2 : Start / Resume Game Menu]]When starting a new game in [[Sandbox]] mode, which is what this portion of the WIKI is assuming, the save game name does not have to remain 'default'. Change this to what ever name you want the save file to be. For the other options, see the [[Science mode|Science]] and the [[Career]] mode page. You can also change the [[Game Difficulty|Difficulty Settings]] here too.Let start a '''Sandbox''' mode game, and let the difficulty settings as '''Normal'''![[File:Start New Game.jpg|thumbnail|center|Figure 3 : New Game Window]]Once the new game is started, the [[Kerbal Space Center|Launch Compound]] with the:* [[Vehicle Assembly Building]] (VAB) - Build and save vertically launched [[rocket]]s,* [[Space Plane Hangar]] (SPH) - Build and save horizontally launched [[plane]]s,* [[Tracking Station]] - Track and go to flights in progress, manage debris,* [[Astronaut Complex]] - Approve new candidates for space flight,** [[Flagpole]] - A flagpole for changing flag,* [[Launch pad]] - Launch vertical rockets,* [[Runway]] - Launch and land airplanes,* [[Research and Development|Research and Development facility]] - Invent better rockets (available in [[Science mode|Science]] and [[Career]] mode only),* [[Mission Control]] - Controlling missions, getting [[contract]]s (available in Career mode only),* [[Administration Facility]] - Changing the business [[strategies]],will appear. To access a structure, just click on it.The director (here [[Gene Kerman]]) of the installation will greet you giving some tutorials at the each first time you visit an important installation. Read it if you want, and click on the "'''''Thanks, I've got it'''''" button bellow.[[File:KSC main.jpg|thumbnail|center|Figure 4 : The Space Center]]== The Rocket! ==Since a rocket is needed, select the middle structure, it will say Vehicle Assembly Building.  From here we will begin the first rocket using a stock rocket.[[File:KerbalXstock.0.21.1.png|thumbnail|center|Figure 5 : Assembly Menu]]Selecting the Orange Folder in the top right section of the window opens the menu shown in Figure 5. Find and select the [[Kerbal X]] (stock) to load it up.  This [[rocket]] is fairly simple and can easily achieve orbit around the planet. If you are using the demo version, [http://dl.dropbox.com/u/27588455/Jam001.craft Here] is a simple rocket that can achieve orbit with more than enough fuel for returning to the planet.[[File:TheKerbalX.png|thumbnail|center|Figure 6 : The Kerbal X]][[File:Assemblymodes_icons.png|left|link=]]As the craft is loaded the editor gizmos appear (they are visible when the first part is placed). They are '''''Place''''', '''''Offset''''', '''''Rotate''''' and '''''[[root part|Root]]''''' in order, and they changes the behavior of the editor. The editing method can be changed with left-mouse-clicking on the the selected method's icon or using the equivalent {{Key press|1|2|3|4|chain=}} keystrokes. While we are learning the bases of the game in this tutorial, we will use the ''place'' method only, the rest of them will be detailed later.<br>This rocket is really simple and easy to explain. On the right side of the screen, shown in Figure 6, are orange folders that have numbers ranging from 0 to 8.  These are the rocket's launch [[stage]]s. Launch stages differ from rocket stages in that launch stages are events that each {{Key press|spacebar}} press triggers. Each stage contains at least one icon; each icon symbolizes an event of that stage. The launch stages are:# Rocket Launch Stage 8#* Initial launch stage#* Seven Liquid Fuel Thrusters.# Rocket Launch Stage 7#* Second launch stage#* Releases the support braces, called [[TT18-A Launch Stability Enhancer]]s, at the bottom of the Kerbal X Rocket (the open frame supports capped with the red cap)# Rocket Launch Stage 6#* This, the third, launch stage releases two of the boosters from the main rocket#** Trigger this stage only after the first set of two boosters are out of fuel#** Audio and visual cues indicate that a rocket engine is out of fuel# Rocket Launch Stage 5#* After a short while two more engines will run out, and pressing the spacebar will activate this stage to release them from the rocket.#** Again, trigger this stage only *after* two more engines have run out of fuel# Rocket Launch Stage 4#* The same as the previous two launch stages#** However, it is the last set of the booster engines.# Rocket Launch Stage 3#* The end of the first stage of the rocket#** Pressing the spacebar separates the main engine that helped the boosters get the rocket into space from the second stage of the rocket.# Rocket Launch Stage 2#* Activates the smaller engine attached directly to the capsule# Rocket Launch Stage 1#* The last stage before the parachute is opened#** Release the last engines; activate upon falling towards the planet# Rocket Launch Stage 0#* Deploys the [[parachute]].That is the run down of the orange tabs on the right side of the screen. While there is nothing that really *needs* to be done to the Kerbal X Rocket, I strongly advise adding a couple of items that will make getting into orbit a bit easier.[[File:SASLarge.png|thumbnail|center|Figure 7 : Preparing for the SAS module]]Figure 7 shows the main rocket stage removed in preparation of the [[Advanced S.A.S Module, Large|black SAS module]], from the Control Tab, that will be added.  To "break" the rocket in the correct place, simply point your mouse at the section below the [[Rockomax Brand Decoupler|separator ring]], the black and yellow ring with the red square on it, and do a left-mouse-click (LMC) once.  This selects the fuel cell that is underneath of the separator ring and everything below that section of the rocket.  Then simply move it out of the way, *but not into the grey component selections on the left* or else it will be trashed, and do another LMC to place the rocket components there.The [[SAS]] module will help greatly in spinning your rocket around as it provides torque.  A simple keypress {{Key press|T}}, after the rocket is moved out to the launchpad, will allow the rocket to stay almost perfectly centered while it is in flight.  There are other concerns for keeping the rocket stable but those will be covered later.[[File:SASaddedFirstStage.png|thumbnail|center|Figure 8 : The SAS Added to the Main Rocket Stage]]In order to add the SAS module, do an LMC on the black SAS module, then move your cursor over to the rocket sections.  There should now be the SAS module following your cursor, and if not simply go back and do another LMC to select the module again.  With the module following your cursor, drag it to the base of the decoupler ring and you will see the SAS turn green when it is properly placed.  Do one last LMC and the module will be placed underneath the decoupler as shown in Figure 8. The last step is to combine the lower section back onto the SAS module.  This is done the same way as it was taken off, just in reverse.[[File:RCSFuelLarge.png|thumbnail|center|Figure 9 : Selecting the RCS Module]]Another SAS module can be added to the section directly underneath the capsule.  Simply repeat the same process to the separator that is underneath the capsule.  While adding the SAS to the Capsule section, adding some [[RCS]] Fuel, Figure 9, will also assist in keeping  the rocket stable in flight, by pressing {{Key press|R}} to turn on the rocket in flight.  The last step is to add some RCS thrusters like the [[RV-105 RCS Thruster Block]], which I added to the capsule decoupler ring, see Figure 10.  To add these thrusters in any sort of symmetry, use the symmetry icon in the bottom left of the screen, see Figure 11.  Each LMC on this indicator will cycle through all of the cloning options, i.e. 1 - 8 duplicates of whatever item you are placing.[[File:RCSAdded.png|thumbnail|center|Figure 10 : RCS Thrusters Added to the Capsule Separator Ring]][[File:SymmetryIndicator.png|thumbnail|center|Figure 11 : The Symmetry Indicator]]Once the rocket is all attached together again, it is time to move the rocket to the launch pad.  Referring back to Figure 1, the Launch Pad is the green icon in the upper right corner of the screen.  Clicking on this icon will move the rocket onto the launch pad.==Launching the rocket==Once you've made or selected a rocket, press the big green "'''[[Launch]]'''" button in the top right.Flight controls are not exactly straightforward. {{Key press|W|S|A|D|chain=}} move the ship around, but they are relative to your rotation, controlled with {{Key press|Q}} and {{Key press|E}}. The easiest way to keep your rocket on target with {{Key press|W|S|A|D|chain=}} is to look at the [[navball]], in the bottom middle of the screen.Before launching your rocket, take a second to look at your [[map view|map]], by pressing {{Key press|M}}. This will bring up [[Kerbin]] on the map. Scroll out to show kerbins moons, and even farther to see the rest of the solar system. It will be a while before you even learn how to make a rocket than can escape the [[sphere of influence]] of Kerbin, so experiment with different rocket designs, and see what works best for you. The craft is drivable in map view if navball is popped up from the bottom middle, although the staging is mot working in this case. The navball holds its position, so it is better to leave it popped up state before launching.If you want to keep an eye on the [[resource]]s of the craft, click on the jerry can icon on top left corner.Launching your rocket is the easy part. Just [[throttle]] up with left-shift and press space. But don't do that just yet, press {{Key press|T}} to turn SAS on. SAS is essentially autopilot, without SAS you just won't turn as well. The SAS allows you to control the movement of your rocket with the {{Key press|W|S|A|D|Q|E|chain=}} keys faster, and with more power, and allows your rocket to use [[thrust vectoring]] (You'll learn about that later too) and it keeps you on course, instead of you having to turn manually. If the SAS is activated the [[direction selector]] table appears on the left of navbal. Some directions possible to be chosen on this table. Let it on the default '''''Stability Assist''''' for now.Each time you run out of fuel in a stage, press space until the next stage of fuel and engines start burning.If you don't want to read everything I said above all you need to know is before launching press {{Key press|T}}, hold left-shift until the throttle is at maximum, then press {{Key press|space}} to launch and if your rocket stops going, press {{Key press|space}} again.You can also imitate the real-life launches, execute a slow [[gravity turn]]. The main point the gravity turn is the engines can spend all of their thrust to increase the speed and fight against the gravity and drag, turning of velocity vector (this is basically a wasted work) made by gravity on a trajectory minimalizes the loss by aerodynamic drag and gravity. It saves a lot of fuel during ascent. As I mentioned, the essence of gravity turn: the rocket always flies towards the heading - this direction called [[prograde]] and signed on the navball by this mark: {{mark|prog-l}}. During the ascending keep the level indicator in the middle of the navball nearby the prograde mark.The first step is ascending vertically - this sequence usually called vertical climb. This is needed to gain altitude and speed and pass the dense region of the atmosphere causing high drag - fast and at low fuel cost. At altitude of 2&nbsp;kms pitch over with angle of 1-2 degrees (relative to vertical) to east (this is called pitchover maneuver), and after this maneuver just <u>slowly, gently and continuously</u> increase the angle following the prograd mark, while keeping a heading of 90 degrees east, but do give greater tilt over 15-20° until reach 10&nbsp;km. At this altitude you can start increase (slowly, gently and continuously) the pitch to 40-45 degrees above the artificial horizon, over 20&nbsp;km altitude increase the tilt over ~25 degrees at 30&nbsp;km, and the heading would differ to horizontal less at 40&nbsp;kms altitude, but as you passed altitude of 30&nbsp;km and separated the last stage of the launch rocket, switch to map view. Pop up the navball to keep the rocket steerable - although the staging won't work in this state. Turn down the [[throttle]] a bit (left-{{Key press|Control}}), follow the direction and keep an eye on the [[Orbit#Apoapsis and periapsis|apoapsis]] (marked with "'''Ap'''" on the map) till 70&nbsp;km is reached. When it is reached and turn off the throttle (left-{{Key press|Control}}) or press the {{Key press|X}}. This needs speed of 1500-2000&nbsp;m/s relative to '''''orbit''''' (or 1325-1825&nbsp;m/s relative to '''''surface''''' ''(see: [[navball#Point of reference|Point of reference]]'') on a right trajectory, but less is enough on less efficient steeper trajectory). Remember: the too shallow trajectory wastes the fuel for drag, the too steep for the gravity ''(note: differing to the shallower is a bit more dangerous to the steeper)''. Don't forget: the good trajectory is clean and continuous. <gallery class="center" heights=100px widths=150px>File:KerbalXLaunch00.jpg|On the launchpadFile:KerbalXLaunch01.jpg|Ready to launchFile:KerbalXLaunch02.jpg|LaunchingFile:KerbalXLaunch03.jpg|The first stagingFile:KerbalXLaunch04.jpg|The pitchover maneuverFile:KerbalXLaunch05.jpg|At altitude of 10 kmFile:KerbalXLaunch06.jpg|At altitude of 20 kmFile:KerbalXLaunch07.jpg|At altitude of 30 kmFile:KerbalXLaunch08.jpg|Reaching the orbitFile:KerbalXLaunch09.jpg|Ready to burnFile:KerbalXLaunch10.jpg|The circular orbit</gallery>If this seems too complicated, try a simplified (and not so efficient) recipe: start "gravity turn" at 10&nbsp;km and pitch over to a vertical angle of 45 degrees, while keeping a heading of 90 degrees east. While your apoapsis is 50&nbsp;km, pitch over to 30 degrees. As said above monitor your apoapsis in the map to time your engine stop and wait until 10 seconds before apoapsis to start burning.The difference between the two method in case of Kerbal-X like rockets can reach 200&nbsp;m/s [[delta-v|Δv]] of fuel efficiency. The another benefit of the "real" gravity turn induces less stress of the rocket-body - so less stability improvement (SAS,RCS) needed for the rocket, which makes the rocket cheaper, and results better weight ratio and improved efficiency. That is why the gravity turn worth to learn well.==Getting into orbit==It's time learn more about your rocket. The parts editor in the [[VAB]] is simple enough to use, but if I were you I would stay away from [[spaceplane]]s for a little while longer.You already know a little bit about staging, but I'm going to generalize it even more for you.====The launching stage====This part of the rocket usually called [[launch vehicle]]. Here you have a whole bunch of high powered engines and large fuel tanks, [[Solid rocket booster]]s are most often used here. The motto here is pack as much of it on as you can because you're not taking it with you.If you do not already know, you can mount things radially (on the side) of other things, and by the magic of the symmetry button (Bottom of the parts menu) you can have the radially mounted things not make your poor rocket tip over.Staging is one of the most important aspects of building a rocket. I still use staging, even though a lot of people have quickly traded it out for action groups. On the right there is a tall bar with everything in its respective stage, however if you were to put half your rockets in one stage and the other half in another, you would go almost 3 times as far, in twice the time!====The other stages====Generally split into a circularization stage (I totally didn't make that word up), and an interplanetary stage. For now all you really need to know is everything after the stages in the [[atmosphere]] should be light, with medium to low power. Once you're out, if you're going into orbit all you need is a [[LV-N Atomic Rocket Motor|LV-N]], [[LV-909 Liquid Fuel Engine|909]] or a [[Rockomax "Poodle" Liquid Engine|Poodle]], depending on your preference.===Orbiting and reentry===Remember when I told you how to open the map? That's going to come in handy here. Your map also shows your orbital details, so what you need to do is burn just about directly up with your launcher stage. This may take a while, and I encourage you <u>NOT</u> to use the [[physics warp]] as with most rockets if you are burning as using the physics warp will almost always make you veer wildly off course or explode in midair. Once your apoapsis (displayed on the map) is above about 70&nbsp;km, press {{Key press|X}} or hold left-{{Key press|Control}} to turn off your throttle. Turn off SAS and aim your rocket so it is facing sideways. On the navball the marker indicating your direction should be right on the border between blue and brown. Turn SAS back on and time warp (slowly) until your rocket is about 10&nbsp;seconds to reach apoapsis, then start burning. The most efficient method if you feed your rockets with small doses keeping the apoapsis front of your rocket with few (~2-5) seconds. On the map your orbit should get wider and wider (you can bring up your navball on the map and keep steering, and see your fuel on the map by pressing {{Key press|F2}} twice), and once it gets wide enough your [[periapsis]] (marked with "'''Pe'''" on the map) will pop out of the ground, see its shadow and go scampering off into space. Once your apoapsis and periapsis are both above 70&nbsp;km, you can rest and look at your work. Then you can start thinking "Great, I have a piece of junk in orbit of my planet."[[File:Kerbal X fire ret.png|thumb|Returning to Kerbin]]To reenter Kerbin, you need to burn [[retrograde]]. That sounds fancy, but if you have enough fuel just turn your rocket until you see the green circle with a cross in the middle: {{mark|retg-l}}. Point directly at it and burn. You do not have to aim the landing site, even not the ground, because the atmospheric drag modifies the trajectory. It is enough to lower the periapsis of a low circular orbit to 35-40&nbsp;km. This altitude ensures effective [[aerobraking]], but avoids the damage of the craft. The position of the landing site can be operated with the timing of the braking. In case of a 70&nbsp;kms high circular orbit the landing site is approximately under that 35-40&nbsp;km high periapsis. So, if you want to land on a definite site - for example KSP - you have to start the retro-burn at the opposite side of the orbit. If you still have usable engine, you can correct your trajectory for the more preferable landing site. You can deploy your parachute after decoupling your last stage - the engines are to heavy for that parachute, and the overloaded chutes may cause structural damage, and too high descending speed. The parachute can semi-deploy at altitude of 22&nbsp;km - in this state it works as drogue chute - and fully deploy 500&nbsp;m above the ground by default, and if you made your top stage light enough it will almost completely stop you before you hit the ground. It is worth to open the chute far before the full deployment altitude, because the semi-deployed chute still effectively lowers the speed. If your returning unit is too fast and too heavy, the suddenly full-deploying parachute will rip off and your [[kerbal]]s will fall to the ground, exploding upon impact. If the parachute has already opened and your capsule descending slowly, just wait for reaching the surface. If the capsule landed on ground or splashed-down, move your mouse on the altimeter in top-center on the screen and click on the popped down green '''''RECOVER VESSEL''''' button to [[Recovery|recover]] the pod. Congratulations, you have successfully finished your first space mission! <br><br>:If you can do the previous simple mission (launch-getting to orbit-returning) confidently with a default Kerbal-X (or an own self-made rocket), it is the high time to move to the [[tutorials]] page where you may find many secrets of ship-building, mission planing and maneuvering.== Notes ==<references />{{Uncategorized|date=April 2014}}

#*# Unzip the file into an '''empty folder''' that is '''not''' located under Program Files. A program like [http://www.7-zip.org/ 7-zip] may be useful.#* Linux Users:#*# You already know what to do, and the [[Linux|Linux-users help you]].<ref>http:////forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/24529-The-Linux-compatibility-thread!?highlight=linux+compatibility/ The-Linux-compatibility-thread</ref>== Running the Game ==Run the game after installing it by browsing to the folder into which the game was unpacked in and running KSP.exe (KSP.app on OSX, KSP.x86_64 or KSP.x86 on Linux depending on whether you wish to the run the 64 or 32bit versions).  A shortcut can be made on the Desktop to this file to speed opening the game but is unnecessary if you want to run KSP from a USB drive to carry all of your game information with you for playing on any computer.[[File:Mainscreen.jpg|thumbnail|center|Figure 1 : KSP Main Screen]]The main screen has the following options:# Start Game# [[Settings]] (This allows you to customize your settings, such as decreasing the graphics quality)# KSP Community# Addons & Mods (This brings you to the [http://www.curse.com/ksp-mods/kerbal Curse Network], where you can download [[addon]]s# Credits (This lists the developers of Kerbal Space Program)# Quit (Self-explanatory)By selecting the Start Game menu item, the Start and Load Game menu will appear.[[File:Start Game.jpg|thumbnail|center|Figure 2 : Start / Resume Game Menu]]When starting a new game in [[Sandbox]] mode, which is what this portion of the WIKI is assuming, the save game name does not have to remain 'default'. Change this to what ever name you want the save file to be. For the other options, see the [[Science mode|Science]] and the [[Career]] mode page. You can also change the [[Game Difficulty|Difficulty Settings]] here too.Let start a '''Sandbox''' mode game, and let the difficulty settings as '''Normal'''![[File:Start New Game.jpg|thumbnail|center|Figure 3 : New Game Window]]Once the new game is started, the [[Kerbal Space Center|Launch Compound]] with the:* [[Vehicle Assembly Building]] (VAB) - Build and save vertically launched [[rocket]]s,* [[Space Plane Hangar]] (SPH) - Build and save horizontally launched [[plane]]s,* [[Tracking Station]] - Track and go to flights in progress, manage debris,* [[Astronaut Complex]] - Approve new candidates for space flight,** [[Flagpole]] - A flagpole for changing flag,* [[Launch pad]] - Launch vertical rockets,* [[Runway]] - Launch and land airplanes,* [[Research and Development|Research and Development facility]] - Invent better rockets (available in [[Science mode|Science]] and [[Career]] mode only),* [[Mission Control]] - Controlling missions, getting [[contract]]s (available in Career mode only),* [[Administration Facility]] - Changing the business [[strategies]],will appear. To access a structure, just click on it.The director (here [[Gene Kerman]]) of the installation will greet you giving some tutorials at the each first time you visit an important installation. Read it if you want, and click on the "'''''Thanks, I've got it'''''" button bellow.[[File:KSC main.jpg|thumbnail|center|Figure 4 : The Space Center]]== The Rocket! ==Since a rocket is needed, select the middle structure, it will say Vehicle Assembly Building.  From here we will begin the first rocket using a stock rocket.[[File:KerbalXstock.0.21.1.png|thumbnail|center|Figure 5 : Assembly Menu]]Selecting the Orange Folder in the top right section of the window opens the menu shown in Figure 5. Find and select the [[Kerbal X]] (stock) to load it up.  This [[rocket]] is fairly simple and can easily achieve orbit around the planet. If you are using the demo version, [http://dl.dropbox.com/u/27588455/Jam001.craft Here] is a simple rocket that can achieve orbit with more than enough fuel for returning to the planet.[[File:TheKerbalX.png|thumbnail|center|Figure 6 : The Kerbal X]][[File:Assemblymodes_icons.png|left|link=]]As the craft is loaded the editor gizmos appear (they are visible when the first part is placed). They are '''''Place''''', '''''Offset''''', '''''Rotate''''' and '''''[[root part|Root]]''''' in order, and they changes the behavior of the editor. The editing method can be changed with left-mouse-clicking on the the selected method's icon or using the equivalent {{Key press|1|2|3|4|chain=}} keystrokes. While we are learning the bases of the game in this tutorial, we will use the ''place'' method only, the rest of them will be detailed later.<br>This rocket is really simple and easy to explain. On the right side of the screen, shown in Figure 6, are orange folders that have numbers ranging from 0 to 8.  These are the rocket's launch [[stage]]s. Launch stages differ from rocket stages in that launch stages are events that each {{Key press|spacebar}} press triggers. Each stage contains at least one icon; each icon symbolizes an event of that stage. The launch stages are:# Rocket Launch Stage 8#* Initial launch stage#* Seven Liquid Fuel Thrusters.# Rocket Launch Stage 7#* Second launch stage#* Releases the support braces, called [[TT18-A Launch Stability Enhancer]]s, at the bottom of the Kerbal X Rocket (the open frame supports capped with the red cap)# Rocket Launch Stage 6#* This, the third, launch stage releases two of the boosters from the main rocket#** Trigger this stage only after the first set of two boosters are out of fuel#** Audio and visual cues indicate that a rocket engine is out of fuel# Rocket Launch Stage 5#* After a short while two more engines will run out, and pressing the spacebar will activate this stage to release them from the rocket.#** Again, trigger this stage only *after* two more engines have run out of fuel# Rocket Launch Stage 4#* The same as the previous two launch stages#** However, it is the last set of the booster engines.# Rocket Launch Stage 3#* The end of the first stage of the rocket#** Pressing the spacebar separates the main engine that helped the boosters get the rocket into space from the second stage of the rocket.# Rocket Launch Stage 2#* Activates the smaller engine attached directly to the capsule# Rocket Launch Stage 1#* The last stage before the parachute is opened#** Release the last engines; activate upon falling towards the planet# Rocket Launch Stage 0#* Deploys the [[parachute]].That is the run down of the orange tabs on the right side of the screen. While there is nothing that really *needs* to be done to the Kerbal X Rocket, I strongly advise adding a couple of items that will make getting into orbit a bit easier.[[File:SASLarge.png|thumbnail|center|Figure 7 : Preparing for the SAS module]]Figure 7 shows the main rocket stage removed in preparation of the [[Advanced S.A.S Module, Large|black SAS module]], from the Control Tab, that will be added.  To "break" the rocket in the correct place, simply point your mouse at the section below the [[Rockomax Brand Decoupler|separator ring]], the black and yellow ring with the red square on it, and do a left-mouse-click (LMC) once.  This selects the fuel cell that is underneath of the separator ring and everything below that section of the rocket.  Then simply move it out of the way, *but not into the grey component selections on the left* or else it will be trashed, and do another LMC to place the rocket components there.The [[SAS]] module will help greatly in spinning your rocket around as it provides torque.  A simple keypress {{Key press|T}}, after the rocket is moved out to the launchpad, will allow the rocket to stay almost perfectly centered while it is in flight.  There are other concerns for keeping the rocket stable but those will be covered later.[[File:SASaddedFirstStage.png|thumbnail|center|Figure 8 : The SAS Added to the Main Rocket Stage]]In order to add the SAS module, do an LMC on the black SAS module, then move your cursor over to the rocket sections.  There should now be the SAS module following your cursor, and if not simply go back and do another LMC to select the module again.  With the module following your cursor, drag it to the base of the decoupler ring and you will see the SAS turn green when it is properly placed.  Do one last LMC and the module will be placed underneath the decoupler as shown in Figure 8. The last step is to combine the lower section back onto the SAS module.  This is done the same way as it was taken off, just in reverse.[[File:RCSFuelLarge.png|thumbnail|center|Figure 9 : Selecting the RCS Module]]Another SAS module can be added to the section directly underneath the capsule.  Simply repeat the same process to the separator that is underneath the capsule.  While adding the SAS to the Capsule section, adding some [[RCS]] Fuel, Figure 9, will also assist in keeping  the rocket stable in flight, by pressing {{Key press|R}} to turn on the rocket in flight.  The last step is to add some RCS thrusters like the [[RV-105 RCS Thruster Block]], which I added to the capsule decoupler ring, see Figure 10.  To add these thrusters in any sort of symmetry, use the symmetry icon in the bottom left of the screen, see Figure 11.  Each LMC on this indicator will cycle through all of the cloning options, i.e. 1 - 8 duplicates of whatever item you are placing.[[File:RCSAdded.png|thumbnail|center|Figure 10 : RCS Thrusters Added to the Capsule Separator Ring]][[File:SymmetryIndicator.png|thumbnail|center|Figure 11 : The Symmetry Indicator]]Once the rocket is all attached together again, it is time to move the rocket to the launch pad.  Referring back to Figure 1, the Launch Pad is the green icon in the upper right corner of the screen.  Clicking on this icon will move the rocket onto the launch pad.==Launching the rocket==Once you've made or selected a rocket, press the big green "'''[[Launch]]'''" button in the top right.Flight controls are not exactly straightforward. {{Key press|W|S|A|D|chain=}} move the ship around, but they are relative to your rotation, controlled with {{Key press|Q}} and {{Key press|E}}. The easiest way to keep your rocket on target with {{Key press|W|S|A|D|chain=}} is to look at the [[navball]], in the bottom middle of the screen.Before launching your rocket, take a second to look at your [[map view|map]], by pressing {{Key press|M}}. This will bring up [[Kerbin]] on the map. Scroll out to show kerbins moons, and even farther to see the rest of the solar system. It will be a while before you even learn how to make a rocket than can escape the [[sphere of influence]] of Kerbin, so experiment with different rocket designs, and see what works best for you. The craft is drivable in map view if navball is popped up from the bottom middle, although the staging is mot working in this case. The navball holds its position, so it is better to leave it popped up state before launching.If you want to keep an eye on the [[resource]]s of the craft, click on the jerry can icon on top left corner.Launching your rocket is the easy part. Just [[throttle]] up with left-shift and press space. But don't do that just yet, press {{Key press|T}} to turn SAS on. SAS is essentially autopilot, without SAS you just won't turn as well. The SAS allows you to control the movement of your rocket with the {{Key press|W|S|A|D|Q|E|chain=}} keys faster, and with more power, and allows your rocket to use [[thrust vectoring]] (You'll learn about that later too) and it keeps you on course, instead of you having to turn manually. If the SAS is activated the [[direction selector]] table appears on the left of navbal. Some directions possible to be chosen on this table. Let it on the default '''''Stability Assist''''' for now.Each time you run out of fuel in a stage, press space until the next stage of fuel and engines start burning.If you don't want to read everything I said above all you need to know is before launching press {{Key press|T}}, hold left-shift until the throttle is at maximum, then press {{Key press|space}} to launch and if your rocket stops going, press {{Key press|space}} again.You can also imitate the real-life launches, execute a slow [[gravity turn]]. The main point the gravity turn is the engines can spend all of their thrust to increase the speed and fight against the gravity and drag, turning of velocity vector (this is basically a wasted work) made by gravity on a trajectory minimalizes the loss by aerodynamic drag and gravity. It saves a lot of fuel during ascent. As I mentioned, the essence of gravity turn: the rocket always flies towards the heading - this direction called [[prograde]] and signed on the navball by this mark: {{mark|prog-l}}. During the ascending keep the level indicator in the middle of the navball nearby the prograde mark.The first step is ascending vertically - this sequence usually called vertical climb. This is needed to gain altitude and speed and pass the dense region of the atmosphere causing high drag - fast and at low fuel cost. At altitude of 2&nbsp;kms pitch over with angle of 1-2 degrees (relative to vertical) to east (this is called pitchover maneuver), and after this maneuver just <u>slowly, gently and continuously</u> increase the angle following the prograd mark, while keeping a heading of 90 degrees east, but do give greater tilt over 15-20° until reach 10&nbsp;km. At this altitude you can start increase (slowly, gently and continuously) the pitch to 40-45 degrees above the artificial horizon, over 20&nbsp;km altitude increase the tilt over ~25 degrees at 30&nbsp;km, and the heading would differ to horizontal less at 40&nbsp;kms altitude, but as you passed altitude of 30&nbsp;km and separated the last stage of the launch rocket, switch to map view. Pop up the navball to keep the rocket steerable - although the staging won't work in this state. Turn down the [[throttle]] a bit (left-{{Key press|Control}}), follow the direction and keep an eye on the [[Orbit#Apoapsis and periapsis|apoapsis]] (marked with "'''Ap'''" on the map) till 70&nbsp;km is reached. When it is reached and turn off the throttle (left-{{Key press|Control}}) or press the {{Key press|X}}. This needs speed of 1500-2000&nbsp;m/s relative to '''''orbit''''' (or 1325-1825&nbsp;m/s relative to '''''surface''''' ''(see: [[navball#Point of reference|Point of reference]]'') on a right trajectory, but less is enough on less efficient steeper trajectory). Remember: the too shallow trajectory wastes the fuel for drag, the too steep for the gravity ''(note: differing to the shallower is a bit more dangerous to the steeper)''. Don't forget: the good trajectory is clean and continuous. <gallery class="center" heights=100px widths=150px>File:KerbalXLaunch00.jpg|On the launchpadFile:KerbalXLaunch01.jpg|Ready to launchFile:KerbalXLaunch02.jpg|LaunchingFile:KerbalXLaunch03.jpg|The first stagingFile:KerbalXLaunch04.jpg|The pitchover maneuverFile:KerbalXLaunch05.jpg|At altitude of 10 kmFile:KerbalXLaunch06.jpg|At altitude of 20 kmFile:KerbalXLaunch07.jpg|At altitude of 30 kmFile:KerbalXLaunch08.jpg|Reaching the orbitFile:KerbalXLaunch09.jpg|Ready to burnFile:KerbalXLaunch10.jpg|The circular orbit</gallery>If this seems too complicated, try a simplified (and not so efficient) recipe: start "gravity turn" at 10&nbsp;km and pitch over to a vertical angle of 45 degrees, while keeping a heading of 90 degrees east. While your apoapsis is 50&nbsp;km, pitch over to 30 degrees. As said above monitor your apoapsis in the map to time your engine stop and wait until 10 seconds before apoapsis to start burning.The difference between the two method in case of Kerbal-X like rockets can reach 200&nbsp;m/s [[delta-v|Δv]] of fuel efficiency. The another benefit of the "real" gravity turn induces less stress of the rocket-body - so less stability improvement (SAS,RCS) needed for the rocket, which makes the rocket cheaper, and results better weight ratio and improved efficiency. That is why the gravity turn worth to learn well.==Getting into orbit==It's time learn more about your rocket. The parts editor in the [[VAB]] is simple enough to use, but if I were you I would stay away from [[spaceplane]]s for a little while longer.You already know a little bit about staging, but I'm going to generalize it even more for you.====The launching stage====This part of the rocket usually called [[launch vehicle]]. Here you have a whole bunch of high powered engines and large fuel tanks, [[Solid rocket booster]]s are most often used here. The motto here is pack as much of it on as you can because you're not taking it with you.If you do not already know, you can mount things radially (on the side) of other things, and by the magic of the symmetry button (Bottom of the parts menu) you can have the radially mounted things not make your poor rocket tip over.Staging is one of the most important aspects of building a rocket. I still use staging, even though a lot of people have quickly traded it out for action groups. On the right there is a tall bar with everything in its respective stage, however if you were to put half your rockets in one stage and the other half in another, you would go almost 3 times as far, in twice the time!====The other stages====Generally split into a circularization stage (I totally didn't make that word up), and an interplanetary stage. For now all you really need to know is everything after the stages in the [[atmosphere]] should be light, with medium to low power. Once you're out, if you're going into orbit all you need is a [[LV-N Atomic Rocket Motor|LV-N]], [[LV-909 Liquid Fuel Engine|909]] or a [[Rockomax "Poodle" Liquid Engine|Poodle]], depending on your preference.===Orbiting and reentry===Remember when I told you how to open the map? That's going to come in handy here. Your map also shows your orbital details, so what you need to do is burn just about directly up with your launcher stage. This may take a while, and I encourage you <u>NOT</u> to use the [[physics warp]] as with most rockets if you are burning as using the physics warp will almost always make you veer wildly off course or explode in midair. Once your apoapsis (displayed on the map) is above about 70&nbsp;km, press {{Key press|X}} or hold left-{{Key press|Control}} to turn off your throttle. Turn off SAS and aim your rocket so it is facing sideways. On the navball the marker indicating your direction should be right on the border between blue and brown. Turn SAS back on and time warp (slowly) until your rocket is about 10&nbsp;seconds to reach apoapsis, then start burning. The most efficient method if you feed your rockets with small doses keeping the apoapsis front of your rocket with few (~2-5) seconds. On the map your orbit should get wider and wider (you can bring up your navball on the map and keep steering, and see your fuel on the map by pressing {{Key press|F2}} twice), and once it gets wide enough your [[periapsis]] (marked with "'''Pe'''" on the map) will pop out of the ground, see its shadow and go scampering off into space. Once your apoapsis and periapsis are both above 70&nbsp;km, you can rest and look at your work. Then you can start thinking "Great, I have a piece of junk in orbit of my planet."[[File:Kerbal X fire ret.png|thumb|Returning to Kerbin]]To reenter Kerbin, you need to burn [[retrograde]]. That sounds fancy, but if you have enough fuel just turn your rocket until you see the green circle with a cross in the middle: {{mark|retg-l}}. Point directly at it and burn. You do not have to aim the landing site, even not the ground, because the atmospheric drag modifies the trajectory. It is enough to lower the periapsis of a low circular orbit to 35-40&nbsp;km. This altitude ensures effective [[aerobraking]], but avoids the damage of the craft. The position of the landing site can be operated with the timing of the braking. In case of a 70&nbsp;kms high circular orbit the landing site is approximately under that 35-40&nbsp;km high periapsis. So, if you want to land on a definite site - for example KSP - you have to start the retro-burn at the opposite side of the orbit. If you still have usable engine, you can correct your trajectory for the more preferable landing site. You can deploy your parachute after decoupling your last stage - the engines are to heavy for that parachute, and the overloaded chutes may cause structural damage, and too high descending speed. The parachute can semi-deploy at altitude of 22&nbsp;km - in this state it works as drogue chute - and fully deploy 500&nbsp;m above the ground by default, and if you made your top stage light enough it will almost completely stop you before you hit the ground. It is worth to open the chute far before the full deployment altitude, because the semi-deployed chute still effectively lowers the speed. If your returning unit is too fast and too heavy, the suddenly full-deploying parachute will rip off and your [[kerbal]]s will fall to the ground, exploding upon impact. If the parachute has already opened and your capsule descending slowly, just wait for reaching the surface. If the capsule landed on ground or splashed-down, move your mouse on the altimeter in top-center on the screen and click on the popped down green '''''RECOVER VESSEL''''' button to [[Recovery|recover]] the pod. Congratulations, you have successfully finished your first space mission! <br><br>:If you can do the previous simple mission (launch-getting to orbit-returning) confidently with a default Kerbal-X (or an own self-made rocket), it is the high time to move to the [[tutorials]] page where you may find many secrets of ship-building, mission planing and maneuvering.== Notes ==<references />{{Uncategorized|date=April 2014}}