Addon

Addons or mods are modifications to the official version of the game. They either add new parts, systems and mechanics to the game or replace existing ones. Addons are generally made by the community rather than the developers and can greatly enhance your playing experience. Due to their widespread popularity, Squad offers an official website for exchanging them, the Kerbal SpacePort.

How to install addons

Provided you downloaded an addon from the SpacePort, you should first unpack the .zip archive and then copy the unpacked contents to the appropriate folder in your KSP directory. Here's how.

Open up your KSP directory and go to the "GameData" folder. In another window, find the (unpacked) contents of the .zip archive that you just extracted. As of update 0.20, compatible addons should just show a [mod name here] folder. Copy that folder to the GameData folder, and you're done! All you have to do from there is start the game.

Uninstalling is just as simple as deleting the folder with the name of the addon that you want to remove. However, any ships created with those addons will not load next time you start your game, once uninstalled.

Directory system

Note: as of the 0.20 update, all of the addon folders are contained in a parent folder (containing the name of the mod downloaded) in the GameData folder. For "legacy" (pre-0.20) addons, the folders were at the root of the .zip file - requiring the user to move the "Parts" and/or "Plugins" folders to the corresponding KSP directory folders. With many mods installed, it may have been hard to tell what parts were mods and what parts weren't when uninstalling. Now, each addon gets its own folder in the KSP directory (instead of sharing one with the game itself), simplifying things.

• Inside of the .zip file will be the folders "Parts", "Plugins", and (occasionally) "Source". There may also be documentation, usually in the form of a "README" text file.
  • The "Parts" folder contains the actual ship-building parts you would see in the ship builder interface.
  • The "Plugins" folder contains the plugin .dll files that would support the plugin system implemented by the addon.
  • The "Source" folder is just the source code, and is only needed by modders wanting to see how the addon was made and maybe attempt to modify it (with permission/attribution, of course).

Addon releases

Plugin-powered addons and parts

For add-ons that utilize plugins to support their core functionality.

Name	Description	Version	Link	Author(s)
Ferram Aerospace Research	FAR provides a complete aerodynamic overhaul to KSP, including mach effects, stalls, support for fairings, and realistic drag. FAR also allows flaps and air brakes on aircraft, provides valuable aerodynamic data, and gives users much more customization with their control surfaces.	0.9.4	Forum SpacePort	ferram4
Kethane Pack	Kethane is a multi-purpose fuel that can be scanned, drilled, and refined into other fuels. It can also be burned in a specialized jet engine for flight on oxygen-free planets like Eve.	0.4.3	Forum, Wiki	Majiir, MMI
Romfarer Lazor System	Adds lazors, which can assist in existing areas including vessel control, spacecraft/debris tracking, and map navigation while implementing new features such as a tractor beam, location marking, and teleportation!	v27	Forum SpacePort	Romfarer
Carts	Adds rovers and other mobile vehicles to drive around planets on! Can turn on handbrake, cruise control, and lights. Even has a rover with fold-able wheels for a compact fit on a rocket. DISCONTINUED	1.34 (.17)	Forum	Tosh
MechJeb	A plugin that adds a ton of in-flight information and automated operations. With it you can autopilot, see true altitude, and countless other features.	1.9.8, 2.0.8	Forum Wiki	r4m0n, The_Duck
ISA MapSat	A plugin powered addon that allows you to map planets and moons, see anomalies, current position and many facts.	3.3.4	SpacePort	Innsewerants
BobCat Ind.	A group of addons dedicated for surface exploration and colonization, now with a dedicated plugin with additional functionality like electricity usage. Current releases include: Mk1 Archer, Mk2 Pretorian, Mk4 RAT, Mk 5 ANT, Charlie's Deli and Shoe Store (at the outlet), and the Falcon Jet.	Various releases	Forum	Bobcat, Crashnburn, CleverWalrus, The Destroyer, BlazingAngel665, Sequence
Mission Pack	Mission pack is a group of missions that can help new players learn how to get into an eccentric orbit, getting to the Mun, etc. and for old players to try the game in a new way.	0.85	SpacePort	adammada

Standalone Parts and Part Packs

For add-ons that provide additional parts for spacecraft and spaceplane construction without utilizing plugins.

Name	Description	Version	Link	Author(s)
Payload Pack	Payload pack gives you the ability to create a wide variation of different payload fairings with the a small amount of parts.	2.0	Forum	Mechanical Mouse Industries
Deep Space Mission Pack	This pack aims to provide parts for the upcoming deep space part of the game.	1.8	Forum	kockaspiton
Down Under Aerospace & Party Supplies	A collection that includes fuel tanks, engines, boosters, interstage/fairings and a few surprises.	0.5	Forum	Slew
ExPI (Extraplanetary Infrastructure	Currently there is a pack of space station parts and a pack of interplanetary probes which is under development.	0.4.1	Forum	Pelf
JellyCubes Advanced Weapons R&D	Advanced weaponry from the Advanced Weapons Research and Development division of Cube Corp. For all your intended explosive needs.	?	Forum	JellyGoggles
KW Rocketry	Mainly Fuel, Engine and Solid Rocket Parts. 1,2 and 3 meter parts and adapters.	0.5	Forum	Winston/Kickasskyle
NovaPunch Remix Pack	Very large parts pack, merger of two of the biggest and best rocket packs for KSP; SIDR by NovaSilisko and Wobbly Rockets by SundayPunch.	1.5 (beta)	Forum	Tiberion
The Truss Pack	Rugged, practical and functional components. Includes many structural parts.	2.0	Forum	Sherbetlemons
The Firespitter Pack	Adds propeller plane and helicopter parts.	4.2	SpacePort	Andreas 'Snjo' Gogstad

Tools and applications

For external programs that support Kerbal Space Program (e.g. Mod Managers, Orbit Calculators, etc).

Name	Description	Version	Link	Author
Aerobraking Calculator	An online calculator which computes an aerobraking manoeuver which results in a desired orbit. Works for all planets with an atmosphere.	1.0	Aerobraking Calculator	Alterbaron
Faring Factory	A website that allows you to construct your own custom farings using an easy to use web interface. Files can then be downloaded an inserted into the game. (Note that as of 0.18.2, drag has not been implemented, so the farings have no use other than to make your rocket look better)	1.2	Faring Factory	Nathan Nifong