Ore
Ore | ||
Density | 10 kg/unit | |
Transferable | Yes | |
Tweakable | Yes | |
Drainable | Yes | |
Flow mode | Everywhere | |
Cost | 0.02 /unit | |
0 /kg | ||
Since version | 1.0 |
Ore is a resource added in 1.0. It is obtained by mining. It is the only resource which is by default not loaded into the containers.
Mining
Ore is generated by mining the solid surfaces of planets, moons or asteroids using the 'Drill-O-Matic' Mining Excavator. Drilling continues to function during time warp.
Planets and Moons
Since drilling must be done on the solid surfaces, it can't be done on Kerbol, Jool or in liquid biomes.
The level of Ore on a celestial body can be detected using a M700 Survey Scanner and for more detailed data in a particular biome a M4435 Narrow-Band Scanner can be used. Note that a polar orbit of 25,000 m* to 1,500,000 m* is required to use the M700 scanner, this will of course vary a bit between objects but is a good estimate. To view the ore concentration on a planet right click the M700 Survey Scanner and select Toggle Overlay and then you can use the Cutoff+ and Cutoff- to only show the highest concentrations to make it easier to decide the optimal mining location. To be able to view the ore data in the Tracking Station, the scanned data needs to be sent back using an antenna. After the data is transmitted, a new icon for Resources will appear in the right panel of your screen where the Info and Orbit icons are. Click the button and then select Resources -> Ore. A more precise determination for a particular location can be made using the Surface Scanning Module on a rover while landed.
Asteroids
Asteroids contain a finite amount of ore. If mining an asteroid, the mass of the asteroid will be reduced by the amount of ore extracted. There is no need to use any scanners to find out the ore concentration for asteroids, its enough to be close to it or own it.
Storage
Ore is stored in special containers, the Large Holding Tank and Small Holding Tank.
Conversion into Other Resources
Ore can be converted into liquid fuel, oxidizer, and monopropellant using the ISRU Converter and electric charge. There is no change in total mass when converting to liquid fuel and/or oxidizer, but there is when converting to monopropellant. Conversion continues to function during time warp.