Difference between revisions of "Kerbal Space Center"

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[[File:KSC at night.png|thumb|The Kerbal Space Center illuminated at night]]
 
[[File:KSC at night.png|thumb|The Kerbal Space Center illuminated at night]]
  
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The '''Kerbal Space Center''' (abbr. '''KSC'''), located on [[Kerbin]], is the starting area that missions can be launched from. Featuring a number of buildings and structures on an approximately 25 km² large plateau, it acts as a central hub granting access to all parts of the game. All buildings, except for the runway, are placed on hexagonal sections (mostly regular, except the one for the tracking station which is a truncated triangle).
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The '''Kerbal Space Center''' (abbr. '''KSC'''), located on [[Kerbin]], is the main area where all management of the Kerbal Space Program happens. It features thirteen buildings and structures on an approximately 25 km² plateau. All buildings, except for the runway because it is a concrete line, are placed on hexagonal sections and can be destroyed if Indestructible Facilities is disabled in the [[Game Difficulty|difficulty settings]].
  
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Since 0.25, depending on the [[Game Difficulty]] settings, the buildings of KSC are destructible, taking damage from impacts.
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== In [[Kerbal Space Program]] ==
  
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Since 0.90, there are multiple levels to each building in the [[Career]] mode, with the starting buildings having significant restrictions compared to previously. Upgrading all of these facilities costs 9.8 million [[funds]] (modulo the difficulty setting), and is likely to take the dominant portion of spending in the early game.
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In [[Career]] mode, the buildings can be upgraded and have three levels, with the starting buildings having significant restrictions, including limitations on craft mass, [[action groups]], or the ability to track [[asteroid]]s. Building upgrades cost funds and can be requested by right clicking the building in question.
  
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The KSC and each of its buildings are biomes of [[Kerbin]] and they can be mined for [[science]].  
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The KSC and each of its buildings are biomes which can be examined for [[science]] (see building articles for details). Additional biomes become available for some buildings as they are upgraded.
  
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== Always functional structures ==
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=== Primary structures ===
  
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Note that the costs shown here assume a career played on Normal difficulty (with Funds Penalties: 100%). The actual cost for an upgrade is the number displayed below multiplied by the Funds Penalties setting.
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''The costs shown here assume a career played on the default Normal difficulty. The actual cost for an upgrade is the number displayed below multiplied by the Funds Penalties setting.''
  
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=== Vehicle Assembly Building ===
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==== Vehicle Assembly Building ====
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The [[Vehicle Assembly Building]] (or VAB for short) is a large construction facility at KSC, where rockets and other vertically launched spacecraft can be designed. Craft designed in the VAB can only be launched from the Launch Pad, though it is possible to import vessels between the VAB and SPH.
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{{Main article|Vehicle Assembly Building}}
 +
The Vehicle Assembly Building (abbr. VAB) is a large construction facility at KSC, where rockets and other vertically launched spacecraft can be designed. Craft designed in the VAB can only be launched from the Launch Pad, though it is possible to import vessels between the VAB and SPH.
 
[[File:VABwLP.jpg|left|frameless]]
 
[[File:VABwLP.jpg|left|frameless]]
 
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{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
  
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=== Launch pad ===
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==== Launch pad ====
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Craft designed in the VAB will be launched from the [[launch pad]]. This launch platform allows vertical launches, or may serve as a starting point for rovers. It is too small to be useful for craft that require take off or landing runs.
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{{Main article|Launch Pad}}
 +
Craft designed in the VAB will be launched from the launch pad. This launch platform allows vertical launches, or may serve as a starting point for rovers. It is too small to be useful for craft that require take off or landing runs.
  
 
[[File:LP22.png|left|frameless]]
 
[[File:LP22.png|left|frameless]]
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{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
  
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=== Spaceplane Hangar ===
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==== Spaceplane Hangar ====
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The [[Spaceplane Hangar]] (or SPH for short) is a facility similar to the VAB that allows construction of aircraft and spacecraft in a horizontal environment which can then be launched from a conventional runway.
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{{Main article|Spaceplane Hangar}}
 +
The Spaceplane Hangar (abbr. SPH) is a facility similar to the VAB that allows construction of aircraft and spacecraft in a horizontal environment which can then be launched from a conventional runway.
 
[[File:SPH.jpg|left|frameless]]
 
[[File:SPH.jpg|left|frameless]]
 
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{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
  
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=== Runway ===
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==== Runway ====
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Vessels designed in the Space Plane Hangar can only be launched from the [[runway]]. It can also be used for landing. At the moment there is only one runway (09/27) in service with a length of 2526 m going from east to west and a width of 70 m. There is also a runway on an [[Old Airfield|island]] to the southeast, which is available for landing but not launching. By default, craft designed in the SPH face a 90° heading (facing east) and start from the west end.
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{{Main article|Runway}}
 +
Vessels designed in the Space Plane Hangar can only be launched from the runway. It can also be used for landing. At the moment there is only one runway (09/27) in service with a length of 2526 m going from east to west and a width of 70 m. There is also a runway on an [[Island Airfield|island]] to the southeast, which as of 1.12 is available for landing and launching. By default, craft designed in the SPH face a 90° heading (facing east) and start from the west end.
  
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The starting runway is just a dirt track. It's so uneven and bumpy that it's usually easier to land (and, with some planes, take off) on the hills to the west instead - or resort to parachutes.
 
 
[[File:Runway.jpg|left|frameless]]
 
[[File:Runway.jpg|left|frameless]]
 
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{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
  
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=== Tracking Station ===
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==== Tracking Station ====
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The [[Tracking Station]] allows access, observation and management of all missions currently active, including splashed-down or landed ships.  Note that this does not include crashed or otherwise ended missions.  Any Kerbals, craft or [[debris]] safely on Kerbin's surface can be recovered here (debris around the KSC can also be recovered directly from the main screen).  Debris can be tracked and deleted here. [[Celestial body|Celestial bodies]] can also be observed at the Tracking Station.
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{{Main article|Tracking Station}}
 +
The Tracking Station allows access, observation and management of all missions currently active, including splashed-down or landed ships.  Note that this does not include crashed or otherwise ended missions.  Any Kerbals, craft or [[debris]] safely on Kerbin's surface can be recovered here (debris around the KSC can also be recovered directly from the main screen).  Debris can be tracked and deleted here. [[Celestial body|Celestial bodies]] can also be observed at the Tracking Station.
 
[[File:TC.jpg|left|frameless]]
 
[[File:TC.jpg|left|frameless]]
 
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| 2 || 150 000 || Patched Conics visible in map
 
| 2 || 150 000 || Patched Conics visible in map
 
|-
 
|-
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| 3 || 563 000 || Patched Conics visible in map and unowned object tracking
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| 3 || 563 000 || Patched Conics visible in map and unknown object tracking
 
|}
 
|}
 
{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
  
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=== Astronaut Complex ===
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==== Astronaut Complex ====
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The [[Astronaut Complex]] allows hiring of astronauts to join the crew of future missions.
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{{Main article|Astronaut Complex}}
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The Astronaut Complex allows hiring of astronauts to join the crew of future missions.
 
[[File:ACwFP.jpg|left|frameless]]
 
[[File:ACwFP.jpg|left|frameless]]
 
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<div style="text-align: left; direction: ltr; margin-left: 15em;">  
 
<div style="text-align: left; direction: ltr; margin-left: 15em;">  
 
==== Flag Pole ====
 
==== Flag Pole ====
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The [[Flag Pole]] is located in front of the Astronaut Complex and can be used to select a default mission flag. It used to be located south-west of the [[VAB]], but was moved in {{Version|0.21}}.
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{{Main article|Flag Pole}}
 +
The Flag Pole is located in front of the Astronaut Complex and can be used to select a default mission flag.  
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
  
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== Career/Science Mode structures ==
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=== Secondary structures ===
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=== Research and Development ===
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==== Research and Development ====
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The [[Research and Development]] building allows players to unlock spacecraft parts in [[career]] and [[science mode]] by researching nodes on the [[tech tree]].
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{{Main article|Research and Development}}
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The Research and Development building allows players to unlock spacecraft parts in [[career]] and [[science mode]] by researching nodes on the [[tech tree]]. All science archives are stored here.
 
[[File:R&Dout.jpg|left|frameless]]
 
[[File:R&Dout.jpg|left|frameless]]
 
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|}
 
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{{clear}}
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=== Mission Control ===
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[[Mission Control]] is a small building located north of the VAB and east of the SPH. It is used for getting [[contracts]].
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==== Mission Control ====
 +
{{Main article|Mission Control}}
 +
Mission Control is a small building located north of the VAB and east of the SPH. It is used for getting [[contracts]].
 
[[File:MC Front.png|left|frameless]]
 
[[File:MC Front.png|left|frameless]]
 
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|}
 
|}
 
{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
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=== Administration Building ===
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==== Administration Building ====
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The [[Administration Building]] is a small building in face of the Astronaut Complex. It is can be used for getting/using [[strategies]].
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{{Main article|Administration Building}}
 +
The Administration Building is a small building in face of the Astronaut Complex. It is can be used for getting/using [[strategies]].
 
[[File:Administration Facility.jpg|left|frameless]]
 
[[File:Administration Facility.jpg|left|frameless]]
 
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{{clear}}
  
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== Non-functional Structures ==
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=== Non-functional structures ===
 
[[File:LP1.png|thumb|The illuminated water tower at night]]
 
[[File:LP1.png|thumb|The illuminated water tower at night]]
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=== Coolant Tanks ===
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==== Coolant Tanks ====
 
A big globular Coolant Tank with a climbable ladder as well as three smaller Coolant Tanks can be found south-west of the Launchpad.
 
A big globular Coolant Tank with a climbable ladder as well as three smaller Coolant Tanks can be found south-west of the Launchpad.
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=== Water Tower ===
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==== Water Tower ====
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Located south-east of the Launchpad, the Water Tower is about as tall as 1/3 of the [[VAB]]. It is possibly part of an unseen Sound Suppression Water System similar to the one at [[w:Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39|Launch Complex 39]] in real life.
+
Located south-east of the Launchpad, the Water Tower is about as tall as 1/3 of the VAB. It is part of an unseen, non-functional Sound Suppression Water System similar to the one at [[w:Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39|Launch Complex 39]] in real life.
  
−
=== Flag Pole ===
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==== Flag Pole ====
 
A second flag pole can be found on the northwest of the Launch Pad.
 
A second flag pole can be found on the northwest of the Launch Pad.
 +
==== Crawlerway ====
 +
The crawlerway connects VAB with the launchpad. It's upgraded along with the launchpad, getting more advanced tracks.
 +
 
{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
 
<span id="LoB"></span>
 
<span id="LoB"></span>
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== Location of the functional buildings in the Space Center ==
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=== Location of the functional buildings in the Space Center ===
 
[[File:KSP ksc.jpg|384px|left|frameless]]
 
[[File:KSP ksc.jpg|384px|left|frameless]]
 
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== Location of the KSC on Kerbin, From Orbit ==
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=== Location of the KSC on Kerbin, From Orbit ===
 
[[File:KSCorbit.jpg|187px|left|frameless]]
 
[[File:KSCorbit.jpg|187px|left|frameless]]
 
The KSC is on a roughly square-shaped, sandy peninsula on the east coast of an [[w:Africa|Africa]]-shaped continent. The launch pad is precisely on the equator. To assist in spotting the KSC from orbit, please refer to this handy map (it's marked with the red arrow):
 
The KSC is on a roughly square-shaped, sandy peninsula on the east coast of an [[w:Africa|Africa]]-shaped continent. The launch pad is precisely on the equator. To assist in spotting the KSC from orbit, please refer to this handy map (it's marked with the red arrow):
 
{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
 +
 +
== In [[Kerbal Space Program 2]] ==
 +
The KSC returns in KSP2 as the starting (and, as of 0.1.1, the only) colony.
 +
 +
Compared to KSP1, the KSC is now much different; The VAB and the Spaceplane Hangar are no longer separate, there are now multiple launch pads and runways (as well as an aquatic launch site), the [[Training Center]] has been added, and everything else except for the [[Tracking Station]] has been removed. (It is currently unknown if the R&D building will return in the [[Science Update]].) The physical layout of the KSC has also changed significantly. The geographical location remains largely the same, however.
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
* [[Inland Kerbal Space Center]]
 
* [[Inland Kerbal Space Center]]
−
* [[Old Airfield]]
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* [[Island Airfield]]
−
 
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* [[List of bases on Kerbin]]
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== Trivia ==
 
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*The KSC's name could be a reference to the NASA space center, the [[w:Kennedy Space Center|Kennedy Space Center]] (KSC).
 
  
 
{{Kerbal Space Center}}
 
{{Kerbal Space Center}}

Latest revision as of 03:23, 17 February 2024

Kerbal Space Center
Kerbal Space Center
Location TinyKerbin.png Kerbin
Coordinates
Map 		0° 6′ 9″ S
74° 34′ 31″ W
Altitude ~68.41 m
Since version 0.7.3
The Kerbal Space Center illuminated at night

The Kerbal Space Center (abbr. KSC), located on Kerbin, is the main area where all management of the Kerbal Space Program happens. It features thirteen buildings and structures on an approximately 25 km² plateau. All buildings, except for the runway because it is a concrete line, are placed on hexagonal sections and can be destroyed if Indestructible Facilities is disabled in the difficulty settings.

In Kerbal Space Program

In Career mode, the buildings can be upgraded and have three levels, with the starting buildings having significant restrictions, including limitations on craft mass, action groups, or the ability to track asteroids. Building upgrades cost funds and can be requested by right clicking the building in question.

The KSC and each of its buildings are biomes which can be examined for science (see building articles for details). Additional biomes become available for some buildings as they are upgraded.

Primary structures

The costs shown here assume a career played on the default Normal difficulty. The actual cost for an upgrade is the number displayed below multiplied by the Funds Penalties setting.

Vehicle Assembly Building

→ Main article: Vehicle Assembly Building

The Vehicle Assembly Building (abbr. VAB) is a large construction facility at KSC, where rockets and other vertically launched spacecraft can be designed. Craft designed in the VAB can only be launched from the Launch Pad, though it is possible to import vessels between the VAB and SPH.

VABwLP.jpg
Level Cost Supported part count Action groups available
1 Start 30 None
2 225 000 255 Basic: Abort, Brakes, Gear, Lights, RCS, SAS, Stage
3 845 000 Unlimited Basic and Custom 1-10

The default actions associated with the basic groups (except abort) are always available - it's always possible to stage, turn lights on and off, etc. - but until the VAB is upgraded they can't contain arbitrary actions.

Launch pad

→ Main article: Launch Pad

Craft designed in the VAB will be launched from the launch pad. This launch platform allows vertical launches, or may serve as a starting point for rovers. It is too small to be useful for craft that require take off or landing runs.

LP22.png
Level Cost Max vessel height (m) Max vessel width (m) Max vessel mass (t)
1 Start 20.0 21.2 18
2 75 000 36.0 39.6 140
3 282 000 Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited

Spaceplane Hangar

→ Main article: Spaceplane Hangar

The Spaceplane Hangar (abbr. SPH) is a facility similar to the VAB that allows construction of aircraft and spacecraft in a horizontal environment which can then be launched from a conventional runway.

SPH.jpg
Level Cost Supported part count Action groups available
1 Start 30 None
2 225 000 255 Basic: Abort, Brakes, Gear, Lights, RCS, SAS, Stage
3 845 000 Unlimited Basic and Custom 1-10

The default actions associated with the basic groups (except abort) are always available - it's always possible to stage, turn lights on and off, etc. - but until the SPH is upgraded you can't add arbitrary actions.

Runway

→ Main article: Runway

Vessels designed in the Space Plane Hangar can only be launched from the runway. It can also be used for landing. At the moment there is only one runway (09/27) in service with a length of 2526 m going from east to west and a width of 70 m. There is also a runway on an island to the southeast, which as of 1.12 is available for landing and launching. By default, craft designed in the SPH face a 90° heading (facing east) and start from the west end.

Runway.jpg
Level Cost Max vessel length (m) Max vessel width/height (m) Max vessel mass (t)
1 Start 20 15 18
2 75 000 36 28 140
3 282 000 Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited

Tracking Station

→ Main article: Tracking Station

The Tracking Station allows access, observation and management of all missions currently active, including splashed-down or landed ships. Note that this does not include crashed or otherwise ended missions. Any Kerbals, craft or debris safely on Kerbin's surface can be recovered here (debris around the KSC can also be recovered directly from the main screen). Debris can be tracked and deleted here. Celestial bodies can also be observed at the Tracking Station.

TC.jpg
Level Cost Functions
1 Start Orbits visible in map, flight planning available (with upgraded Mission Control)
2 150 000 Patched Conics visible in map
3 563 000 Patched Conics visible in map and unknown object tracking

Astronaut Complex

→ Main article: Astronaut Complex

The Astronaut Complex allows hiring of astronauts to join the crew of future missions.

ACwFP.jpg
Level Cost Capacity Kerbals can EVA and plant flags
1 Start 5 Kerbals Unavailable
2 75 000 12 Kerbals Available
3 282 000 Unlimited Available

Flag Pole

→ Main article: Flag Pole

The Flag Pole is located in front of the Astronaut Complex and can be used to select a default mission flag.

Secondary structures

Research and Development

→ Main article: Research and Development

The Research and Development building allows players to unlock spacecraft parts in career and science mode by researching nodes on the tech tree. All science archives are stored here.

R&Dout.jpg
Level Cost Science limit Surface samples and resource transfer
1 Start 100 Unavailable
2 451 000 500 Available
3 1 690 000 Unlimited Available

Mission Control

→ Main article: Mission Control

Mission Control is a small building located north of the VAB and east of the SPH. It is used for getting contracts.

MC Front.png
Level Cost Active contracts Flight planning
1 Start 2 Unavailable
2 75 000 7 Available
3 282 000 Unlimited Available

Administration Building

→ Main article: Administration Building

The Administration Building is a small building in face of the Astronaut Complex. It is can be used for getting/using strategies.

Administration Facility.jpg
Level Cost Active strategies Commitment
1 Start 1 25.0%
2 150 000 3 60.0%
3 563 000 5 100.0%

Non-functional structures

The illuminated water tower at night

Coolant Tanks

A big globular Coolant Tank with a climbable ladder as well as three smaller Coolant Tanks can be found south-west of the Launchpad.

Water Tower

Located south-east of the Launchpad, the Water Tower is about as tall as 1/3 of the VAB. It is part of an unseen, non-functional Sound Suppression Water System similar to the one at Launch Complex 39 in real life.

Flag Pole

A second flag pole can be found on the northwest of the Launch Pad.

Crawlerway

The crawlerway connects VAB with the launchpad. It's upgraded along with the launchpad, getting more advanced tracks.

Location of the functional buildings in the Space Center

KSP ksc.jpg
  1. Vehicle Assembly Building
  2. Launch pad
  3. Spaceplane Hangar
  4. Runway
  5. Tracking Station
  6. Astronaut Complex
  7. Flag Pole
  8. Research and Development
  9. Administration Building
  10. Mission Control

Location of the KSC on Kerbin, From Orbit

KSCorbit.jpg

The KSC is on a roughly square-shaped, sandy peninsula on the east coast of an Africa-shaped continent. The launch pad is precisely on the equator. To assist in spotting the KSC from orbit, please refer to this handy map (it's marked with the red arrow):

In Kerbal Space Program 2

The KSC returns in KSP2 as the starting (and, as of 0.1.1, the only) colony.

Compared to KSP1, the KSC is now much different; The VAB and the Spaceplane Hangar are no longer separate, there are now multiple launch pads and runways (as well as an aquatic launch site), the Training Center has been added, and everything else except for the Tracking Station has been removed. (It is currently unknown if the R&D building will return in the Science Update.) The physical layout of the KSC has also changed significantly. The geographical location remains largely the same, however.

See also

 
 
 
Others
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