Difference between revisions of "Craft"

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(+terms for types of probes)
(grammar, rewrites)
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A '''craft''', '''vessel''' or '''vehicle''' is a group of [[parts]] which is controlled by a [[command module]], without which the group is [[debris]].
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A '''craft''', '''vessel''' or '''vehicle''' is a group of [[parts]] including at least one [[command module]]; without it the group is classified as [[debris]]. Craft are created in the world by sending a construction from the [[VAB]] to the [[launch pad]] or from the [[SPH]] to the [[runway]], or by splitting an existing craft apart using a [[decoupler]] or [[docking port]]s.
  
Already included in KSP are various developer-built [[stock craft]].
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KSP includes various developer-built [[stock craft]] in several categories.
  
== Vessel types ==
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== Recognized Vessel types ==
In [[map view]], KSP automatically sorts each craft (and other objects) into one out of several types. Each command module belongs to one type and the whole craft is typed based on which command module it has. When multiple command modules are present, KSP applies type based on whichever module belongs to the highest type in the following hierarchy (ordered highest to lowest):
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Each craft has a "type" property, which mostly determines the icon used to represent it in the [[map view]] or [[Tracking Station]] and which filter can be used to hide or show it. KSP automatically assigns a type to each new craft based on which command module it was built around. When multiple command modules are present, KSP will use the following hierarchy in order of preference:
 
* Ships
 
* Ships
 
* Landers
 
* Landers
 
* Rovers
 
* Rovers
 
* Probes
 
* Probes
This system may not always agree with player's perceptions. Craft may have hybrid qualities that don't logically fit one type exclusively (such as a winged rover with rockets). One craft can also consists of multiple different craft which detach later. KSP uses the same hierarchy to determine the type after separating a craft, but type can be changed manually through any command module's “Rename Vessel” option.
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This system may not always make the best choice, as it cannot determine the designer's intent. A craft may also have hybrid qualities that don't fit cleanly into one type (such as a winged rover with rockets, or a craft with both crewed and uncrewed command modules). One craft can also consist of multiple component craft which perform different roles after detaching. The type of any craft can be changed manually through a command module's “Rename Vessel” option.
  
=== Probes ===
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A craft may be labeled as any of the following types:
A craft with a “probe core” and no crew modules or external seats is typed by KSP as a [[probe]]. Commonly probes are designed to orbit a [[celestial body]] as a satellite but probes may also take the form of robotic rovers or stationary landers. Most players will call a probe-controlled plane or rocket a “drone”.
 
  
=== Rovers ===
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=== Probe ===
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A craft with a “probe core” and no crew modules or external seats is considered a [[probe]]. Commonly probes are designed to orbit a [[celestial body]] as a satellite but probes may also take the form of robotic rovers or stationary landers.
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=== Rover ===
 
[[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 powered rover wheels, but landing gear coupled with [[RCS]] or [[reaction engine]]s also work.  
 
[[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 powered rover wheels, but landing gear coupled with [[RCS]] or [[reaction engine]]s also work.  
  
 
The [[EAS-1 External Command Seat]] is the only command module automatically typed as a rover.
 
The [[EAS-1 External Command Seat]] is the only command module automatically typed as a rover.
  
=== Landers ===
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=== Lander ===
Typically part of manned missions to a celestial body without an atmosphere, [[lander]]s detach or stage from a larger vessel, deorbit onto the surface, typically making a vertical landing with landing legs and remaining stationary unless or until they liftoff to orbital range. Some unmanned probes behave the same landers but by default will be typed as probes.
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Typically part of manned missions to a celestial body, landers detach or stage from a larger vessel and deorbit onto the surface, typically making a vertical landing with landing legs and remaining stationary unless or until they lift off and return to orbit.
  
KSP automatically types a craft as a lander if its command module is a [[Mk1 Lander Can]], [[Mk2 Lander-can]], [[PPD-12 Cupola Module]].
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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]].
  
=== Ships ===
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=== Ship ===
Most manned craft are automatically classed by KSP as a ship. They are most commonly categorized either as a [[rocket]] or as a [[plane]], though these are not types in the map view, and players' creativity is boundless. What all ships have in common is a command module with an enclosed crew compartment.
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The most general type, any vehicle which possesses a manned command module or does not fit into any of the above categories receives this label.
  
=== Stations ===
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=== Station ===
Typically short for “space station”, these are installations meant to remain permanently in orbit and typically one what doesn't change. Stations are distinguished from probe satellites by either being manned or made for other vessels to dock with, usually both.
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Short for [[space station]], these are 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.
  
KSP does not automatically assign any craft to this type.
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KSP does not automatically assign this type to any craft, but it is available to be manually selected.
  
 
=== Bases ===
 
=== Bases ===
Bases are installations meant to remain in place on the surface of a celestial body for at least an arbitrarily “long time”, more often permanently. Bases are usually manned outposts.
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Bases are installations meant to land on a celestial body and remain as a permanent presence.  
  
KSP does not automatically assign any craft to this type.
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KSP does not automatically assign this type to any craft, but it is available to be manually selected.
  
 
== Additional categories ==
 
== Additional categories ==
There are also some categories which are not part of KSP's craft typing but are referenced in-game. These independently apply to craft of any type, and multiple categories may apply to a given craft.
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There are also some categories which are not part of the recognized list of craft types but which are referenced in-game or in official material. These terms are useful for discussions or other contexts.
  
 
=== Spaceplane ===
 
=== Spaceplane ===
[[Plane]]s fly horizontally using wings to generate lift inside an [[atmosphere]]. [[Spaceplane]]s are defined by the ability to fly high and fast enough to reach [[orbit]]. They almost universally feature both air-breathing jets and other engines capable of operating at altitudes where oxygen is too scarce.
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A [[Spaceplane]] is a vehicle which can function as both a [[plane]] (using [[jet engine]]s and [[wing|aerodynamic lift]] to fly in an atmosphere) and a spacecraft (achieving orbit and maneuvering in space).  
  
 
=== SSTO ===
 
=== SSTO ===
Any craft that can achieve orbit without dropping any parts (such as fuel tanks or engines) is categorized as a [[single-stage-to-orbit]] or SSTO. These are almost always spaceplanes, though some rockets designs are able to attain orbit without dropping stages.  
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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 SSTO. These are almost always spaceplanes, though SSTO rocket designs are possible as well.
  
 
=== VTOL ===
 
=== VTOL ===

Revision as of 16:30, 1 August 2014

A craft, vessel or vehicle is a group of parts including at least one command module; without it the group is classified as debris. Craft are created in the world by sending a construction from the VAB to the launch pad or from the SPH to the runway, or by splitting an existing craft apart using a decoupler or docking ports.

KSP includes various developer-built stock craft in several categories.

Recognized Vessel types

Each craft has a "type" property, which mostly determines the icon used to represent it in the map view or Tracking Station and which filter can be used to hide or show it. KSP automatically assigns a type to each new craft based on which command module it was built around. When multiple command modules are present, KSP will use the following hierarchy in order of preference:

  • Ships
  • Landers
  • Rovers
  • Probes

This system may not always make the best choice, as it cannot determine the designer's intent. A craft may also have hybrid qualities that don't fit cleanly into one type (such as a winged rover with rockets, or a craft with both crewed and uncrewed command modules). One craft can also consist of multiple component craft which perform different roles after detaching. The type of any craft can be changed manually through a command module's “Rename Vessel” option.

A craft may be labeled as any of the following types:

Probe

A craft with a “probe core” and no crew modules or external seats is considered a probe. Commonly probes are designed to orbit a celestial body as a satellite but probes may also take the form of robotic rovers or stationary landers.

Rover

Rovers 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 powered rover wheels, but landing gear coupled with RCS or reaction engines also work.

The EAS-1 External Command Seat is the only command module automatically typed as a rover.

Lander

Typically part of manned missions to a celestial body, landers detach or stage from a larger vessel and deorbit onto the surface, typically making a vertical landing with landing legs and remaining stationary unless or until they lift off and return to orbit.

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.

Ship

The most general type, any vehicle which possesses a manned command module or does not fit into any of the above categories receives this label.

Station

Short for space station, these are 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.

KSP does not automatically assign this type to any craft, but it is available to be manually selected.

Bases

Bases are installations meant to land on a celestial body and remain as a permanent presence.

KSP does not automatically assign this type to any craft, but it is available to be manually selected.

Additional categories

There are also some categories which are not part of the recognized list of craft types but which are referenced in-game or in official material. These terms are useful for discussions or other contexts.

Spaceplane

A Spaceplane is a vehicle which can function as both a plane (using jet engines and aerodynamic lift to fly in an atmosphere) and a spacecraft (achieving orbit and maneuvering in space).

SSTO

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 SSTO. These are almost always spaceplanes, though SSTO rocket designs are possible as well.

VTOL

The category of Vertical TakeOff and Landing is generally applied to any craft able to both takeoff and land vertically without dropping any parts or relying on parachutes. This most often applies to planes as they typically takeoff and land horizontally, but KSP's stock example is perhaps best described as a VTOL rover.

See also