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These are a list of frequently-asked questions about KSP.
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{{FAQ/framework|shorttitle=Main|title=Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)}}
  
Please feel free to add to it or update it.
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This is a list of '''frequently asked questions''' about using and contributing to the KSP wiki.  
  
== Basics ==
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For many more questions and answers, you can browse our additional FAQ pages (see above).
:''This section was originally on [[User:Senamic]], but has been merged into this article for consistency.''
 
  
=== Where can I find Kerbal Space Program? ===
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__TOC__
The main website can be found [http://kerbalspaceprogram.com/ here]. Available at the main website are the demo and full versions. Both are also available [http://store.steampowered.com/app/220200/ on Steam] and DRM free [https://www.gog.com/game/kerbal_space_program on GOG].
 
  
=== What are the differences between the demo version and the full version? ===
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== <span id="EDIT"></span>How do I edit a page? ==
The demo is a freeware release and as such is missing a lot of content. The demo version gives you only a [[Demo parts|small subset]] of the rocket parts available in the full game. It does not allow the use of the [[Space Plane Hangar]] or [[runway]], and there are no celestial bodies other than [[Kerbin]], the [[Mun]] and [[Kerbol]]. The demo is also based on an older version of the game which lacks many useful features. Use the demo to get an idea of what playing the game is like, but don't forget that the full product has so much more. Trust me. It's worth it!
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<!-- {{main|Wikipedia:Contributing to Wikipedia}} -->
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:Editing most wiki pages is easy, just click the "Edit" tab at the top of a wiki page (or on a section-edit link). This will take you to a new page with a text box containing the editable text of the page you were viewing. In this box you can type in the text that you want to add using wiki markup to format the text and add other elements like images and tables. When you have finished editing you should write a short edit summary in the small field below the edit-box describing your changes.
  
=== What features are planned? ===
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== <span id="CREATE"></span>How do I create a new page? ==
See the [[Planned features|Planned Features list]].
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:You are required to have a KSP Wiki account to create a new article, you can [[Special:CreateAccount|register here]].
  
== Technical ==
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== <span id="DELETE"></span>Why was my article deleted? ==
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<!-- {{see|Wikipedia:Why was the page I created deleted?}} -->
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:If you look at the address where your page was, it should have a red box above it that shows the user who deleted it (in the form "Username (talk|contribs)") and their reason (which appears in italics). If the reason is not helpful, or you disagree with it, you can click on the "talk" link to send them a message and ask.
  
=== What are the recommended system specifications? ===
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== <span id="CHANGE"></span>How do I change my username/delete my account? ==
Please see the page [[System Specs]].
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:A username cannot be changed on this wiki.
  
=== The file I downloaded is broken! ===
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:An account cannot be deleted. If an account was deleted, all the edits made by the user could not be properly attributed.
If you get a problem like "Corrupted archive", this means something went wrong with your download. Try the following:
 
* '''Disable all download managers'''. These programs are notorious for messing up downloads.
 
* Clear your browser's cache or temporary files.
 
* Try another browser.
 
* Disable your Antivirus for a while.
 
You can verify your downloads by comparing the [[w:checksum|checksums]].
 
Usually downloading again works if these options fail.
 
  
=== I can't load my save file and/or spacecraft! ===
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== <span id="WROTE"></span>Who writes the articles on the KSP Wiki? ==
* Updates can and will break saves and .craft files. If the file isn't made by you, make sure that you use the same version as the person who sent you the file! Otherwise try using the last version it worked on.
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:Almost all articles on the KSP Wiki are written by multiple editors, not just one. If you click on the "View history" tab at the top of an article, a list will be displayed of all the contributors to the article and when their contribution was made.
* Make sure that you have all addons installed that are needed for the save or craft. You can get them in the [http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/index.php?/forum/34-add-on-releases/ forums] or on the official [http://kerbal.curseforge.com// Kerbal CurseForge].  Keep in mind that sometimes addon updates will break craft, especially when parts are deleted from mod packs.  This may not become apparent until you switch focus to a craft that has that particular part (at which point it may explode or simply fall apart).
 
* Make sure your [[KSP]] installation hasn't be damaged by applying addons. Try reinstalling [[KSP]] if nothing else helps.
 
* TIP: Always backup (Copy and move to a new folder) your original KSP installation files, save files and ships to prevent loss!
 
  
=== Nothing happens when I click on the "Resume Saved" button in the main menu! ===
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== <span id="LOG"></span>Why am I having trouble logging in? ==
This is usually caused by corrupted saves files. Open the <tt>KSP/saves</tt> folder and try moving all of the folders (except for <tt>scenarios</tt> and <tt>training</tt>) somewhere else. Then move them back one at a time and see if the button works again after each one. If it doesn't work, the last save folder you copied is corrupt. Your progress on that save is probably lost, however there are two things you can do:
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:See [[Help:Logging in#How to log in|Help:Logging in]] for details.
# '''Replace the current state with that of a quicksave or autosave:''' Go into the folder for the corrupted save (<tt>KSP/saves/SAVENAME</tt>) and rename the <tt>persistent.sfs</tt> file to <tt>persistent2.sfs</tt>, so KSP will ignore it. Then rename <tt>quicksave.sfs</tt> to <tt>persistent.sfs</tt>. This will reset your current progress to that of the last quicksave or autosave. If the save file still won't load, your current missions can't be recovered, unless you know how to repair the files manually.
 
# '''Copy the craft from the corrupted save to another one:''' Go to the <tt>Ships</tt> folders in the corrupted and an intact save's folders. Then copy the contents of the <tt>SPH</tt> and <tt>VAB</tt> folders from the corrupt save to the corresponding folders of the intact save. You should then be able to load the craft in the intact save file.
 
  
Remember that multiple saves could be corrupt, so you might have to repeat the procedure!
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{{FAQ/footer}}
 
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</div>
=== Nothing happens when I click on the "Load" button in the VAB/SPH! ===
 
This is also caused by corrupted files. You will have to follow a similar procedure as described above:
 
 
 
Go to the craft folder of the save on which the problem occurred (<tt>KSP/saves/SAVENAME/Ships</tt>) and you will find two folders: <tt>VAB</tt> (Vehicle Assembly Building craft) and <tt>SPH</tt> (Spaceplane Hangar craft). Move all the .craft files from the folder in question somewhere else, then move them back one at a time, and see if the button works again. If it does not, the last file you copied is corrupt and you will have to delete it, unless you know how to fix it manually.
 
 
 
Remember that there could be multiple corrupted files, so you might have to repeat the procedure.
 
 
 
=== Can I get older KSP versions back? ===
 
Yes, the last stable version before the current one can still be downloaded on your profile page at the [http://www.kerbalspaceprogram.com/kspstore/ KSP store], where you will find it on the same page as the current version. Any versions before that one cannot be downloaded anymore though.
 
 
 
== Gameplay Related ==
 
 
 
===General===
 
 
 
==== Is there a list of key bindings? ====
 
Yes. Please see [[Key bindings]].
 
 
 
==== How do I get things into orbit/land on a planet? ====
 
See our [[Tutorials]] for more info.
 
 
 
==== Can I change the order of the stages? ====
 
Yes, [[Getting Started#The Rocket.21|just drag the stage or the part where you want]]. You can do this in flight as well as in the VAB.
 
 
 
==== What's the difference between S.A.S and Advanced S.A.S? ====
 
Since {{Version|0.21}} there has been no difference between them. The previous function of ASAS,to hold the heading, was moved to the SAS while the SAS instead became reaction wheels which provide torque. Like before with ASAS, only one SAS module per ship is required, its performance depends on amount and positioning of the control systems like [[RCS]].
 
 
 
==== Why do parts of my rocket fall when I launch it? ====
 
Your rocket may have too much weight being supported by a weak joint. Make sure that every part of your rocket is resting on something strong enough to hold its weight, or that it is supported by enough connections to keep it in place.
 
* Tip: Connect parts together with [[EAS-4 Strut Connector]] to strengthen your rocket.
 
 
 
==== Can I take screenshots of the game? ====
 
Yes! Pressing {{Key press|F1}} will take a screenshot of the current scene. The screenshots will be saved in a folder called "Screenshots" that is located in the root folder of your [[KSP]] install.
 
* Tip: Toggle the marks of ships with {{Key press|F4}} or toggle the entire UI with {{Key press|F2}} to take less cluttered screenshots.
 
Additional methods are possible, depending on your OS and installation method. (eg: Steam users can use {{Key press|F12}})
 
 
 
==== How can I recover ships/Kerbonauts that have safely landed after a mission? ====
 
[[File:Altimeter GUI expanded.png|thumb|The altimeter with the recovery button above it]]
 
After a successful flight mission and landing back on planet Kerbin, you can:
 
 
 
* Move the mouse over the altitude meter, then click the green '''Recover''' button that shows up.
 
 
 
Or:
 
 
 
* Return to the main [[Kerbal Space Center]] view.
 
* Select the [[Tracking Station]] (building near the bottom right).
 
* Select the completed flight mission from the left.
 
* Click on the '''Recover''' button near the bottom left.
 
 
 
==== Why I can't activate the next stage? ====
 
There are several reasons this might happen:
 
* You have locked the stages by pressing {{Key press|[[Mod]]|L}}. Press it again to re-enable staging.
 
* You're in [[Docking|Docking Mode]].
 
* There isn't any active command pod. If it's an unmanned ship, it may have run out of [[electric charge]]. If it's a manned ship, the crew may have all exited the vehicle.
 
* Your mouse is hovering over the staging viewer and editor on the left.
 
* You're in [[Time warp#Non-physical time warp|Time Warp]].
 
 
 
==== Why I can't control the ship anymore? ====
 
Please check if:
 
* There isn't any active command pod. If it's an unmanned ship, it may have run out of [[electric charge]]. If it's a manned ship, the crew may all have exited the vehicle.
 
* You're in [[Time warp#Non-physical time warp|Time Warp]].
 
* There isn't enough [[electric charge]] for [[reaction wheel]]s.
 
* You've run out of [[monopropellant]] for the [[RCS]] thrusters.
 
* Your ship is completely destroyed. (I'm sorry for that.)
 
* Your [[Craft#Vessel_types|vessel type]] is Debris while [[CommNet]] is enabled.
 
 
 
==== Why I can't do the Time Warp/save the current progress? ====
 
Please check if:
 
* The throttle is not at 0%. Press {{Key press|Ctrl}} to gradually lower it, or {{Key press|X}} to drop it to 0% immediately.
 
* Your ship is spinning too fast.
 
* You're flying in atmosphere.
 
* You're moving over the terrain.
 
* Your ship is completely destroyed. (I'm sorry for that, once again.)
 
 
 
=== Flight ===
 
 
 
==== How do I stabilize the ship? ====
 
The easiest way is to enable [[SAS]]. Press {{Key press|T}} to toggle it on; it will gradually stop your ship from spinning. You can also hold {{Key press|F}} to momentarily enable SAS.
 
 
 
You must have some [[electric charge]] available for SAS to function.
 
 
 
==== How do I use RCS? ====
 
See [[RCS]] for the basics.
 
 
 
==== How do I transfer fuel between tanks? ====
 
Hold the [[modifier key]] and right click the two tanks. You can then click In or Out on either tank to specify the direction of fuel flow.
 
* Tip: Remember that [[liquid fuel]] and [[oxidizer]] are two separate resources and must both be transferred together.
 
* Tip: Transferring will not be available if you select tanks containing different types of fuel.
 
* Tip: In Career mode, transferring requires an upgrade of the R&D building.
 
 
 
==== Can I use [[Time warp#Physical time warp|Physics Warp]] while in space? ====
 
Yes. You can toggle the Physics Warp by pressing {{Key press|[[Mod]]|,}} and {{Key press|[[Mod]]|.}}.
 
* Tip: Physics warp can make your spacecraft more fragile. Be careful when using it with engines throttled up.
 
 
 
==== Can the object filter in Tracking Station be shown in Map View? ====
 
Yes. Move the mouse to the top of the screen and it will drop down.
 
 
 
==== Can I filter for multiple types of objects at the same time? ====
 
Yes, you can right-click the filters to select more than one of them.
 
 
 
==== Can I rename a vehicle? ====
 
Right-click an active [[command module]], then click "Rename Vehicle". You'll be able to change the name and the type of this vehicle. Alternatively, you can rename it from the tracking station by selecting it and clicking its name on the info panel, on the right-side of the screen.
 
 
 
==== Why doesn't the orientation of the [[navball]] follow what I want it to be? ====
 
The direction of the navball depends on which part of the ship you are controlling it from. You can change it by right clicking any [[command module]] or docking port then clicking "Control from Here"; the navball will then point in the same direction as the selected part. If you have tried all the command modules and docking ports and none of them have the orientation you want, then you must go back to the [[VAB]] or [[SPH]] and add a new one to allow it (Sorry!).
 
 
 
==== Can I see the ship at different angles? ====
 
By right clicking and drag you can make the [[camera view|camera]] orbit the ship, and by middle clicking and drag you can change the direction of the camera within a limited range.
 
 
 
Press {{Key press|V}} to change the camera mode (Auto/Free/Orbit/Chase). Press {{Key press|C}} to switch between external view and [[IVA]] view.
 
 
 
==== How do I make [[Maneuver node|Flight Planning]] more precise during interplanetary transfer? ====
 
You can try opening settings.cfg in game folder with Notepad and change "CONIC_PATCH_DRAW_MODE = 3" to "CONIC_PATCH_DRAW_MODE = 0". This will make each trajectory drawn at the current position of celestial bodies, so that you can focus the celestial body you're planning to reach.
 
 
 
As of {{Version|0.23.5}} this has been exposed as part of the stock game. If you change your focus to a body whose [[SOI]] you will enter in the future (double-click on it, right click on it and select “Focus View”, or press {{Key press|tab}} repeatedly) you will see the trajectory your craft will follow once it arrives. You can return focus to your ship by pressing {{Key press|delete}}.
 
 
 
==== Can trajectory prediction work with more [[SOI]] changes? ====
 
Trajectory prediction is limited to 2 SOI changes (3 conics trajectories) after the last maneuver nodes. Set a maneuver node on the end of your trajectory, the prediction should extend to more SOI. Due to the limits of the game's mathematics, orbit predictions beyond 3 SOI changes will be less accurate than nearer ones. It's also possible without maneuver nodes by replacing the number in "CONIC_PATCH_LIMIT = 3" in the settings.cfg with a higher value.
 
 
 
=== Ground ===
 
 
 
==== Why does my rover "lift itself" in low-gravity environments? ====
 
 
 
In low gravity, the powerful motors on rover wheels can exert so much force that they kick the wheels out from under the vehicle. Wheelies are all too easy in low gravity!
 
* Accelerate and brake carefully, with short taps of the forward and backwards keys, to avoid this.
 
* Don't turn too sharply at high speed or the rover may tip over. Slow down before turning, or turn more gradually.
 
 
 
One other cause of rover flipping is activating [[reaction wheel]]s while driving. You can make reaction wheels no longer work by doing any of the following actions:
 
* Switch to [[Docking|Docking Mode]];
 
* Disable [[SAS]].
 
* Right click the parts with reaction wheels, then click "Toggle Torque".
 
* Rebind the rover control keys away from the attitude control keys. Enter the Main Menu, click Settings, then Input, then Rovers. Change the controls of rovers from {{Key press|W|S|A|D|chain=}} to something other, like {{Key press|I|K|J|L|chain=}}.
 
 
 
==== Why do the wheels of my rover break? ====
 
It's because your velocity over surface is beyond the maximum velocity of the wheel, or your wheel hit the ground too hard.
 
 
 
You can repair the wheel by walking a Kerbanaut near it, then right clicking on the wheel and clicking "Repair Wheel".
 
 
 
=== EVA ===
 
==== I'm floating away into space! How do I get back inside the ship? ====
 
 
 
Press {{Key press|R}} to activate your [[kerbonaut]]'s [[RCS]] backpack; the [[Key bindings#EVA|proper keys]] will now make the kerbonaut move in each of the cardinal directions. Each manned [[command module]] has a hatch and small ladder mounted on one side; find where it is and carefully fly towards it. Once the kerbonaut is within a meter or so of the hatch, a prompt will appear to press {{Key press|F}}; press it and he/she should grab the ladder. Press {{Key press|B}} to finish boarding or move along the ladder until the boarding prompt appears.
 
 
 
==== Why does my Kerbal always walk with the back to the camera? ====
 
Press {{Key press|[[Mod]]}} to switch to free-walking mode.
 
 
 
==== Can Kerbals jump in different directions when on ladders? ====
 
Press {{Key press|Shift}} + ({{Key press|W|S|A|D|chain=}}) + {{Key press|Space}}. Press {{Key press|Shift|Space}} to jump backward, {{Key press|Shift|A}} to jump to the left, etc.
 
 
 
==== How can I orient Kerbals to the direction of camera? ====
 
Make sure the jet pack is activated, then press Space.
 
 
 
==== How can I orient Kerbals to an other direction that the one of the camera? ====
 
Press A/E to "yaw", left click and drag to "pitch"/"roll". Make sure you disabled EVAs Auto-Rotate to Camera in your settings (input/other) or the orientation will reset the next translationnal move you make.
 
 
 
==== Why do some Kerbals laugh during the entire mission, while others panic easily? ====
 
Each Kerbal is rated on his "courage" and "stupidity"; the different levels of each attribute determine his reaction to flight events. Some, such as Jebediah, are also considered "badass" and will laugh in the face of all but the biggest calamities. (This is controlled by a secret flag named "badS" in the configuration files behind the scenes.)
 
 
 
=== VAB/SPH ===
 
 
 
==== Can I undo/redo my actions? ====
 
Yes, by pressing {{Key press|Ctrl|Z}} and {{Key press|Ctrl|Y}}.
 
 
 
==== Can I rotate the parts? ====
 
Yes, by pressing {{Key press|Q|E|W|S|A|D|chain=}} you will be able to rotate parts by 90° and by pressing {{Key press|Shift}} + ({{Key press|Q|E|W|S|A|D|chain=}}) you will rotate parts by 5°.  There is also move tools in the upper left corner of the VAB.
 
 
 
All right, I know you haven't read [[Key bindings]].
 
 
 
==== How do I transfer a craft between the VAB and the SPH? ====
 
The .craft files you made are located in \saves\*The name of the save*\Ships\VAB and \saves\*The name of the save*\Ships\SPH. Any .craft file in these two folders will be shown in corresponding buildings, no matter what type it is. As for the type, you can edit the file with Notepad, change "type = VAB" or "type = SPH" to change the type of the craft permanently.
 
 
 
As of {{Version|0.22}}, you can also use the [[subassembly]] system to move part groups, including nearly-complete craft, between the two areas.
 
 
 
As of {{Version|0.90}}, you can load craft of both types in both buildings.
 
 
 
==== How do I transfer a craft between savegames? ====
 
The .craft files you made are located in \saves\*The name of the save*\Ships\VAB and \saves\*The name of the save*\Ships\SPH.
 
 
 
== Development Related ==
 
 
 
=== What happened to Experimental Releases? ===
 
In order to improve quality, Squad has created an internal team of community members hand-picked for their ability to post useful bug reports.  Experimental releases are now only available to this team.
 
 
 
=== How can I join the Experimental team? ===
 
Community members are chosen by Squad, so one cannot join the team by asking.  Having a knack for posting informative, clear bug reports with reproduction steps, logs, version of the game, etc. will definitely help your chances, though.
 
 
 
=== I think I've found a bug! ===
 
In a piece of software so early in development as KSP, it's very likely there will be bugs in the program. If you've found something that can potentially be a bug, you can report it to the Dev team on the [http://bugs.kerbalspaceprogram.com Squad Bugtracker]. To make your report easier to identify as a bug, please follow the [http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/showthread.php/3610-Bug-Reporting-Guidelines Guidelines to Bug Reporting], and please check to see if there aren't other reports about the same issue already.
 
 
 
=== When is the next version coming out? ===
 
There are no fixed release dates for new versions. There may be announcements for new versions on the [http://kerbaldevteam.tumblr.com/ dev blog] though.
 
 
 
=== Is there multiplayer? ===
 
Not at this time, nor is it being considered until the game's development is complete. Main issues with implementing multiplayer deal with handling [[time warp]] for all players. It may be released as a DLC at some point, so please do not post suggestions for multiplayer in the development suggestions forum at this time. Current community-posted ideas and unsupported implementations can be found in the [[multiplayer]] article.
 
 
 
== Wiki ==
 
 
 
=== Why don't some characters appear correctly in the Wiki? ===
 
This isn't a problem for anyone using Firefox, Linux/Mac, or who have installed a font that fully supports Unicode (or a program that includes such a font), but is a problem for many Google Chrome users, because Chrome on Windows only uses the currently installed fonts to render characters, and defaults to a missing character symbol if no fonts support it. These symbols are in the "Miscellaneous Symbols" Unicode block, which is largely unsupported by the default Windows fonts (Arial only renders 12 of the 256 characters in the block). They are actually supported by the version of the font "Segoe UI Symbol" included by default in Windows 8, and a patch for Windows 7 was rolled out in 2012 that would update that font to the newer version used in Win8.
 
 
 
=== Why is my page edit being blocked? ===
 
In order to "curb spam", the Kerbal Space Program wiki has a spam blacklisting system.  If a page edit has any blacklisted terms, you will be unable to post that edit because we're "secretly" pushing the gay agenda onto anyone autistic enough to read this shit.
 
 
 
{{Uncategorized|date=April 2014}}
 
 
 
== Community ==
 
 
 
=== Where can I find a list of popular Youtubers dedicated to KSP episode production? ===
 
Please see the [[Kerbal Space Program Media Page]] for details on currently popular Youtube producers, Twitch broadcasters, and other dedicated KSP media providers.
 
 
 
[[Category: Tutorials]]
 

Latest revision as of 10:15, 29 November 2022

Help-browser.png Help >Index >Main

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions


This is a list of frequently asked questions about using and contributing to the KSP wiki.

For many more questions and answers, you can browse our additional FAQ pages (see above).

How do I edit a page?

Editing most wiki pages is easy, just click the "Edit" tab at the top of a wiki page (or on a section-edit link). This will take you to a new page with a text box containing the editable text of the page you were viewing. In this box you can type in the text that you want to add using wiki markup to format the text and add other elements like images and tables. When you have finished editing you should write a short edit summary in the small field below the edit-box describing your changes.

How do I create a new page?

You are required to have a KSP Wiki account to create a new article, you can register here.

Why was my article deleted?

If you look at the address where your page was, it should have a red box above it that shows the user who deleted it (in the form "Username (talk|contribs)") and their reason (which appears in italics). If the reason is not helpful, or you disagree with it, you can click on the "talk" link to send them a message and ask.

How do I change my username/delete my account?

A username cannot be changed on this wiki.
An account cannot be deleted. If an account was deleted, all the edits made by the user could not be properly attributed.

Who writes the articles on the KSP Wiki?

Almost all articles on the KSP Wiki are written by multiple editors, not just one. If you click on the "View history" tab at the top of an article, a list will be displayed of all the contributors to the article and when their contribution was made.

Why am I having trouble logging in?

See Help:Logging in for details.



More FAQ topics

Frequently Asked Questions