Difference between revisions of "Technology tree"

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[[File:Tech Tree.PNG|thumb|The entire tree as of 1.0.4]]
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The '''Technology tree''' allows the player to unlock more advanced [[parts]] for constructing variously level [[craft]]. It is a branching tree structure composed of nodes, each containing a set of one or more parts. Previously collected [[Science]] points have to be spent to research a node, which then unlocks its parts for use in the [[Editor]]. [[Funds]] may also be involved in unlocking individual parts depending on the difficulty settings.
  
The '''tech tree''' is shown in the R&D center to unlock bigger, better and new [[parts]] as there is research done. As this is an initial release of this feature, new with {{Version|0.22}}, this is subject to change. The tech tree shows all already developed researches and additionally shows the next researches available. The research of a node happen immediately and require a certain amount of [[science]] points which are collected through research.
+
The tree is accessible via the [[Kerbal Space Center]] [[Research and Development|Research and Development Facility]]'s “Technology” tab. As part of the [[Science]] system, the Technology tree is not available in [[Sandbox|Sandbox Mode]]; instead all parts are automatically unlocked. All other modes begin with the initial node “Start” unlocked. Each node beyond it has a prerequisite node or nodes which must be unlocked before it can be researched. Unlocking the entire tree requires {{Formatnum|18468}} Science including the hidden nodes, but {{Formatnum|16918}} without. Before difficulty modifiers, there are {{Formatnum|392019.3|1}} Science points available from experiments, and {{Formatnum|6055.8|1}} from recovered vessels.
  
[[File:Science_Bug_I.png|thumb|The selected researches is developed although it is shown that it requires another not yet developed research]]
+
There are two additional placeholder nodes in the stock game which are included in the table below, but have no parts currently assigned to them. The nodes appear towards the end of the Tech Tree, and are only displayed in-game when a mod is installed which use them. These nodes are: Nanolathing, costing 550 Science, and Experimental Motors, costing 1000 Science. While these cannot be unlocked via research, it is technically possible to unlock them via [[Green Monolith]]s.
Most researches require one research to be researched before, while there are also researches which require two to get unlocked. There are also some researches which only require one of the unlocking researches to be developed.
 
  
The research ''Start'' is always researched when there is a new game started. The tech tree lists the research available at each step, and also the parts owned when completed. The following table contains all researches available:
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== Use ==
 +
[[File:Science Bug I.png|thumb|''Precision Engineering'' is an example of a research node with prerequisites. It requires either ''Advanced Flight Control'' '''or''' ''Electrics'' to be unlocked before becoming available.]]
  
{| class="wikitable sortable"
+
The technology tree is displayed as a horizontal branching tree structure, with low tech research nodes on the left and higher tech nodes on the right. The root node of the technology tree, ''Start'', is on the leftmost side of the tree and is unlocked by default in all new Career Mode games.
|-
 
! class="unsortable" | Icon
 
! Stage
 
! Science
 
! Node
 
! class="unsortable" | Research required
 
! class="unsortable" | Available research
 
! class="unsortable" | Available parts
 
|-
 
| [[File:Start.png|60x60px|center]] || 1 || 0 || Start
 
| None ||
 
* Basic Rocketry
 
|
 
* [[Command Pod Mk1]]
 
* [[LV-T30 Liquid Fuel Engine]]
 
* [[RT-10 Solid Fuel Booster]]
 
* [[FL-T200 Fuel Tank]]
 
* [[Modular Girder Segment]]
 
* [[Communotron 16]]
 
* [[Mk16 Parachute]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Basic_rocketry.png|60x60px|center]] || 2 || 5 || Basic Rocketry
 
| Start ||
 
* General Rocketry
 
* Stability
 
* Survivability
 
|
 
* [[FL-T400 Fuel Tank]]
 
* [[FL-T100 Fuel Tank]]
 
* [[Mystery Goo Containment Unit]]
 
* [[TR-18A Stack Decoupler]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:General_rocketry.png|60x60px|center]] || 3 || 20 || General Rocketry
 
| Basic Rocketry ||
 
* Advanced Rocketry
 
* General Construction<ref group="Note" name="multiple">This research has multiple other requirements</ref>
 
|
 
* [[LV-T45 Liquid Fuel Engine]]
 
* [[Sepratron I]]
 
* [[Rockomax BACC Solid Fuel Booster]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Stability.png|60x60px|center]] || 3 || 18 || Stability
 
| Basic Rocketry ||
 
* General Construction<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
* Flight Control<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
|
 
* [[Aerodynamic Nose Cone]]
 
* [[AV-T1 Winglet]]
 
* [[TT-38K Radial Decoupler]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Survivability.png|60x60px|center]] || 3 || 15 || Survivability
 
| Basic Rocketry ||
 
* Flight Control<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
* Science Tech
 
|
 
* [[LV-909 Liquid Fuel Engine]]
 
* [[LT-1 Landing Strut]]s
 
* [[Mk2-R Radial-Mount Parachute]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Advanced_rocketry.png|60x60px|center]] || 4 || 45 || Advanced Rocketry
 
| General Rocketry ||
 
* Heavy Rocketry
 
* Fuel Systems<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
|
 
* [[Rockomax Mark 55 Radial Mount Liquid Engine]]
 
* [[FL-T800 Fuel Tank]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:General_construction.png|60x60px|center]] || 4 || 45 || General Construction
 
|
 
* General Rocketry
 
* Stability
 
|
 
* Fuel Systems<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
* Advanced Construction
 
* Aerodynamics<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
|
 
* [[EAS-4 Strut Connector]]
 
* [[TT18-A Launch Stability Enhancer]]
 
* [[TT-70 Radial Decoupler]]
 
* [[TVR-1180C Mk1 Stack Tri-Coupler]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Flight_control.png|60x60px|center]] || 4 || 45 || Flight Control
 
|
 
* Stability
 
* Survivability
 
|
 
* Aerodynamics<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
* Advanced Flight Control
 
* Electrics<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
|
 
* [[AV-R8 Winglet]]
 
* [[Mk1 Cockpit]]
 
* [[Stayputnik Mk. 1]]
 
* [[Inline Reaction Wheel]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Science_tech.png|60x60px|center]] || 4 || 45 || Science Tech
 
| Survivability ||
 
* Electrics<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
* Space Exploration
 
* Landing
 
|
 
* [[Z-100 Rechargable Battery Pack]]
 
* [[SC-9001 Science Jr.]]
 
* [[Comms DTS-M1]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Advanced_Rocketry.png|60x60px|center]] || 5 || 90 || Heavy Rocketry
 
| Advanced Rocketry ||
 
* Heavier Rocketry
 
|
 
* [[Rockomax "Poodle" Liquid Engine]]
 
* [[Rockomax X200-16 Fuel Tank]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Fuel_systems.png|60x60px|center]] || 5 || 90 || Fuel Systems
 
|
 
* Advanced Rocketry
 
* General Construction
 
|
 
* Heavier Rocketry
 
* Specialized Control
 
|
 
* [[Rockomax 48-7S]]
 
* [[Stratus-V Roundified Monopropellant Tank]]
 
* [[FL-R25 RCS Fuel Tank]]
 
* [[FTX-2 External Fuel Duct]]
 
* [[RV-105 RCS Thruster Block]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Advanced_constuction.png|60x60px|center]] || 5 || 90 || Advanced Construction
 
| General Construction ||
 
* Specialized Control
 
* Specialized Construction
 
|
 
* [[Rockomax X200-8 Fuel Tank]]
 
* [[Structural Fuselage]]
 
* [[Rockomax Brand Decoupler]]
 
* [[Rockomax Brand Adapter]]
 
* [[Rockomax Brand Adapter 02]]
 
* [[Hydraulic Detachment Manifold]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Tech_tree_aerodynamics.png|60x60px|center]] || 5 || 90 || Aerodynamics
 
|
 
* General Construction
 
* Flight Control
 
|
 
* Supersonic Flight
 
|
 
* [[Standard Control Surface]]
 
* [[Tail Connector]]
 
* [[Small Control Surface]]
 
* [[Swept Wings]]
 
* [[Tail Fin]]
 
* [[Basic Jet Engine]]
 
* [[Mk1 Fuselage - Jet Fuel]]
 
* [[XM-G50 Radial Air Intake]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Tech_tree_advanced_flight_control.png|60x60px|center]] || 5 || 90 || Advanced Flight Control
 
| Flight Control ||
 
* High Altitude Flight
 
* Precision Engineering<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
|
 
* [[Delta-Deluxe Winglet]]
 
* [[Inline Advanced Stabilizer]]
 
* [[Mk2 Cockpit]]
 
* [[Probodobodyne OKTO]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Tech_tree_electrics.png|60x60px|center]] || 5 || 90 || Electrics
 
|
 
* Flight Control
 
* Science Tech
 
|
 
* Precision Engineering<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
* Advanced Electrics
 
* Advanced Exploration<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
|
 
* [[Z-200 Rechargable Battery Bank]]
 
* [[OX-STAT Photovoltaic Panels]]
 
* [[Illuminator Mk1]]
 
* [[Illuminator Mk2]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Space_exploration.png|60x60px|center]] || 5 || 90 || Space Exploration
 
| Science Tech ||
 
* Advanced Exploration<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
|
 
* [[Pegasus I Mobility Enhancer]]
 
* [[2HOT Thermometer]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Landing.png|60x60px|center]] || 5 || 90 || Landing
 
| Science Tech ||
 
* Advanced Landing
 
|
 
* [[LT-5 Micro Landing Strut]]
 
* [[Small Gear Bay]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Heavier_rocketry.png|60x60px|center]] || 6 || 160 || Heavier Rocketry
 
|
 
* Heavy Rocketry
 
* Fuel Systems
 
|
 
* Very Heavy Rocketry<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
* Nuclear Propulsion<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
|
 
* [[Rockomax "Skipper" Liquid Engine]]
 
* [[Rockomax X200-32 Fuel Tank]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Specialized_control.png|60x60px|center]] || 6 || 160 || Specialized Control
 
|
 
* Fuel Systems
 
* Advanced Construction
 
|
 
* Nuclear Propulsion<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
* Large Control
 
|
 
* [[Advanced S.A.S Module, Large]]
 
* [[Mk1 Lander Can]]
 
* [[Mk1-2 Command Pod]]
 
* [[Stratus-V Cylindrified Monopropellant Tank]]
 
* [[Place-Anywhere 7 Linear RCS Port]]
 
* [[Mk16-XL Parachute]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Specialized_construction.png|60x60px|center]] || 6 || 160 || Specialized Construction
 
| Advanced Construction ||
 
* Advanced MetalWorks
 
|
 
* [[PPD-10 Hitchhiker Storage Container]]
 
* [[FL-A5 Adapter]]
 
* [[FL-A10 Adapter]]
 
* [[Modular Girder Adapter]]
 
* [[Clamp-O-Tron Shielded Docking Port]]
 
* [[Clamp-O-Tron Docking Port]]
 
* [[TVR-200 Stack Bi-Coupler]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:supersonic_flight.png|60x60px|center]] || 6 || 160 || Supersonic Flight
 
| ??? ||
 
* Advanced Aerodynamics
 
* High Altitude Flight<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
|
 
* [[Delta Wing]]
 
* [[Mk2 Fuselage]]
 
* [[Mk2 to size 1 Adapter]]
 
* [[Engine Nacelle]]
 
* [[Radial Engine Body]]
 
* [[Circular Intake]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Precision_engineering.png|60x60px|center]] || 6 || 160 || Precision Engineering
 
|
 
* Advanced Flight Control
 
* Electrics
 
|
 
* Unmanned Tech
 
* Ion Propulsion<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
|
 
* [[LV-1 Liquid Fuel Engine]]
 
* [[LV-1R Liquid Fuel Engine]]
 
* [[Rockomax 24-77]]
 
* [[Oscar-B Fuel Tank]]
 
* [[FL-R10 RCS Fuel Tank]]
 
* [[ROUND-8 Toroidal Fuel Tank]]
 
* [[TR-2V Stack Decoupler]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Advanced_electrics.png|60x60px|center]] || 6 || 160 || Advanced Electrics
 
| Electrics ||
 
* Ion Propulsion<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
* Large Electrics <br> Electronics
 
|
 
* [[Z-400 Rechargable Battery]]
 
* [[SP-W 2x3 Photovoltaic Panels]]
 
* [[SP-L 1x6 Photovoltaic Panels]]
 
* [[OX-4W 2x3 Photovoltaic Panels]]
 
* [[OX-4L 1x6 Photovoltaic Panels]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Advanced_exploration.png|60x60px|center]] || 6 || 160 || Advanced Exploration
 
|
 
* Electrics
 
* Space Exploration
 
|
 
* Field Science<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
|
 
* [[PresMat Barometer]]
 
* [[Telus Mobility Enhancer]]
 
* [[Telus-LV Bay Mobility Enhancer]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Advanced_landing.png|60x60px|center]] || 6 || 160 || Advanced Landing
 
| Landing ||
 
* Field Science<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
|
 
* [[LT-2 Landing Strut]]
 
* [[Mk25 Parachute]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Tech_tree_nuclear_propulsion.png|60x60px|center]] || 7 || 300 || Nuclear Propulsion
 
|
 
* Heavier Rocketry
 
* Specialized Control
 
| N/A
 
|
 
* [[LV-N Atomic Rocket Motor]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Tech_tree_large_control.png|60x60px|center]] || 7 || 300 || Large Control
 
| Specialized Control ||
 
* Very Heavy Rocketry<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
* Meta-Materials<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
|
 
* [[PPD-12 Cupola Module]]
 
* [[Mk2 Lander-can]]
 
* [[FL-R1 RCS Fuel Tank]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Advanced_metalworks.png|60x60px|center]] || 7 || 300 || Advanced MetalWorks
 
| Specialized Construction ||
 
* Meta-Materials<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
* Composites
 
* Heavy Aerodynamics<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
|
 
* [[Modular Girder Segment XL]]
 
* [[Clamp-O-Tron Jr.]]
 
* [[BZ-52 Radial Attachment Point]]
 
* [[TVR-2160C Mk2 Stack Quad-Coupler]]
 
* [[TR-18D Stack Separator]]
 
* [[TR-XL Stack Separator]]
 
* [[TR-2C Stack Separator]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Advanced_aerodynamics.png|60x60px|center]] || 7 || 300 || Advanced Aerodynamics
 
| ??? ||
 
* Heavy Aerodynamics<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
* Hypersonic Flight<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
|
 
* [[NCS Adapter]]
 
* [[Standard NC]]
 
* [[Wing Connector]]
 
* [[Structural Pylon]]
 
* [[Structural Wing]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Image-needed.png|60x60px|center]] || 7 || 300 || High Altitude Flight
 
| ??? ||
 
* Hypersonic Flight<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
|
 
* [[TurboJet Engine]]
 
* [[Small Hardpoint]]
 
* [[Ram Air Intake]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Unmanned_tech.png|60x60px|center]] || 7 || 300 || Unmanned Tech
 
| Precision Engineering ||
 
* Advanced Unmanned Tech
 
* Large Probes<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
|
 
* [[Probodobodyne HECS]]
 
* [[Probodobodyne OKTO2]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Ion_propulsion.png|60x60px|center]] || 7 || 300 || Ion Propulsion
 
|
 
* Precision Engineering
 
* Advanced Electrics
 
| N/A
 
|
 
* [[PB-ION Electric Propulsion System]]
 
* [[PB-X150 Xenon Container]]
 
* [[PB-X50R Xenon Container]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Large_electrics.png|60x60px|center]] || 7 || 300 || Large Electrics
 
| Advanced Electrics ||
 
* Large Probes<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
* Specialized Electrics<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
|
 
* [[Z-1k Rechargable Battery Bank]]
 
* [[Gigantor XL Solar Array]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Electronics.png|60x60px|center]] || 7 || 300 || Electronics
 
| Advanced Electrics ||
 
* Specialized Electrics<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
* Advanced Science Tech<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
|
 
* [[Communotron 88-88]]
 
* [[Double-C Seismic Accelerometer]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Image-needed.png|60x60px|center]] || 7 || 300 || Field Science
 
|
 
* Advanced Exploration
 
* Advanced Landing
 
|
 
* Advanced Science Tech<ref group="Note" name="multiple" />
 
* Advanced Motors
 
|
 
* [[EAS-1 External Command Seat]]
 
* [[Probodobodyne RoveMate]]
 
* [[RoveMax Model M1]]
 
* [[RoveMax Model S2]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Tech_tree_very_heavy_rocketry.png|60x60px|center]] || 8 || 550 || Very Heavy Rocketry
 
|
 
* Heavier Rocketry
 
* Large Control
 
| N/A
 
|
 
* [[Rockomax "Mainsail" Liquid Engine]]
 
* [[Rockomax Jumbo-64 Fuel Tank]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Meta-materials.png|60x60px|center]] || 8 || 550 || Meta-Materials
 
|
 
* Large Control
 
* Advanced MetalWorks
 
| N/A
 
|
 
* [[TVR-200L Stack Bi-Adapter]]
 
* [[TVR-400L Stack Quad-Adapter]]
 
* [[TVR-300L Stack Tri-Adapter]]
 
* [[Rockomax HubMax Multi-Point Connector]]
 
* [[Clamp-O-Tron Sr. Docking Port]]
 
* [[Inline Clamp-O-Tron]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Image-needed.png|60x60px|center]] || 8 || 550 || Composites
 
| Advanced MetalWorks || N/A
 
|
 
* [[M-Beam 650 I-Beam]]
 
* [[M-Beam 200 I-Beam]]
 
* [[M-Beam 200 I-Beam Pocket Edition]]
 
* [[The Not-Rockomax Micronode]]
 
* [[M-1x1 Structural Panel]]
 
* [[M-2x2 Structural Panel]]
 
* [[Cubic Octagonal Strut]]
 
* [[Octagonal Strut]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Image-needed.png|60x60px|center]] || 8 || 550 || Heavy Aerodynamics
 
| ??? || N/A
 
|
 
* [[Protective Rocket Nose Mk7]]
 
* [[Mk3 Cockpit]]
 
* [[Mk3 Fuselage]]
 
* [[Mk3 to Mk2 Adapter]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Image-needed.png|60x60px|center]] || 8 || 550 || Hypersonic Flight
 
| ??? || N/A
 
|
 
* [[Advanced Canard]]
 
* [[Standard Canard]]
 
* [[Toroidal Aerospike Rocket]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Image-needed.png|60x60px|center]] || 8 || 550 || Advanced Unmanned Tech
 
| ??? || N/A
 
|
 
* [[Probodobodyne QBE]]
 
* [[RC-001S Remote Guidance Unit]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Large_probes.png|60x60px|center]] || 8 || 550 || Large Probes
 
| Large Electrics || N/A
 
|
 
* [[RC-L01 Remote Guidance Unit]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Specialized_electrics.png|60x60px|center]] || 8 || 550 || Specialized Electrics
 
|
 
* Large Electrics
 
* Electronics
 
| N/A
 
|
 
* [[Z-4K Rechargable Battery Bank]]
 
* [[PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Advanced_science_tech.png|60x60px|center]] || 8 || 550 || Advanced Science Tech
 
|
 
* Electronics
 
* Field Science
 
| N/A
 
|
 
* [[Sensor Array Computing Nose Cone]]
 
* [[GRAVMAX Negative Gravioli Detector]]
 
|-
 
| [[File:Image-needed.png|60x60px|center]] || 8 || 550 || Advanced Motors
 
| Field Science || N/A
 
|
 
* [[RoveMax Model XL3]]
 
* [[TR-2L Ruggedized Vehicular Wheel]]
 
|-
 
|}<noinclude>
 
  
<references group="Note" />
+
By conducting missions and collecting Science, the player may spend their [[Science points]] on available research nodes. In [[Career mode]], depending on the difficulty settings, funds may also be required to unlock each part in the node. Only nodes that have had their dependencies unlocked are displayed on the technology tree. As the player unlocks more nodes, higher tech nodes will become available until the eighth tier of the tree is reached.
 +
 
 +
Most research nodes have dependencies upon earlier, lower technology nodes. For example, the General Rocketry node requires that the Basic Rocketry node is unlocked before the player may spend 20 Science points to unlock its parts. Some nodes have multiple dependencies that require several nodes to be unlocked before they become available. There are also research nodes that have multiple dependencies, but most only require one of them to be unlocked prior to becoming available. Within the stock tech tree, Nuclear Propulsion and Ion propulsion are the only nodes that require all dependencies.
 +
 
 +
In Career Mode there is also a further restriction depending on the level of the research facility. The starting building allows only nodes under 100 Science points, the mediocre allows up to 500 Science points, and the final facility has no limits. (These restrictions can be put into Science Mode by editing the save file to reduce the building level)
 +
 
 +
== Research nodes ==
 +
{{TechTree}}
 +
 
 +
[[Category:Technology tree nodes| ]]

Latest revision as of 20:20, 17 July 2021

The entire tree as of 1.0.4

The Technology tree allows the player to unlock more advanced parts for constructing variously level craft. It is a branching tree structure composed of nodes, each containing a set of one or more parts. Previously collected Science points have to be spent to research a node, which then unlocks its parts for use in the Editor. Funds may also be involved in unlocking individual parts depending on the difficulty settings.

The tree is accessible via the Kerbal Space Center Research and Development Facility's “Technology” tab. As part of the Science system, the Technology tree is not available in Sandbox Mode; instead all parts are automatically unlocked. All other modes begin with the initial node “Start” unlocked. Each node beyond it has a prerequisite node or nodes which must be unlocked before it can be researched. Unlocking the entire tree requires 18 468 Science including the hidden nodes, but 16 918 without. Before difficulty modifiers, there are 392 019.3 Science points available from experiments, and 6 055.8 from recovered vessels.

There are two additional placeholder nodes in the stock game which are included in the table below, but have no parts currently assigned to them. The nodes appear towards the end of the Tech Tree, and are only displayed in-game when a mod is installed which use them. These nodes are: Nanolathing, costing 550 Science, and Experimental Motors, costing 1000 Science. While these cannot be unlocked via research, it is technically possible to unlock them via Green Monoliths.

Use

Precision Engineering is an example of a research node with prerequisites. It requires either Advanced Flight Control or Electrics to be unlocked before becoming available.

The technology tree is displayed as a horizontal branching tree structure, with low tech research nodes on the left and higher tech nodes on the right. The root node of the technology tree, Start, is on the leftmost side of the tree and is unlocked by default in all new Career Mode games.

By conducting missions and collecting Science, the player may spend their Science points on available research nodes. In Career mode, depending on the difficulty settings, funds may also be required to unlock each part in the node. Only nodes that have had their dependencies unlocked are displayed on the technology tree. As the player unlocks more nodes, higher tech nodes will become available until the eighth tier of the tree is reached.

Most research nodes have dependencies upon earlier, lower technology nodes. For example, the General Rocketry node requires that the Basic Rocketry node is unlocked before the player may spend 20 Science points to unlock its parts. Some nodes have multiple dependencies that require several nodes to be unlocked before they become available. There are also research nodes that have multiple dependencies, but most only require one of them to be unlocked prior to becoming available. Within the stock tech tree, Nuclear Propulsion and Ion propulsion are the only nodes that require all dependencies.

In Career Mode there is also a further restriction depending on the level of the research facility. The starting building allows only nodes under 100 Science points, the mediocre allows up to 500 Science points, and the final facility has no limits. (These restrictions can be put into Science Mode by editing the save file to reduce the building level)

Research nodes

Icon Level Cost (⚛) Node name Required node(s) Prerequisite for Parts list
Start.png
1 0 Start

None

Basic rocketry.png
2 5 Basic Rocketry
Engineering 101.png
2 5 Engineering 101
Survivability.png
3 15 Survivability
Stability.png
3 18 Stability
General rocketry.png
3 20 General Rocketry
Aviation.png
4 45 Aviation
Basic science.png
4 45 Basic Science
Tech tree advanced flight control.png
4 45 Flight Control
Advanced rocketry.png
4 45 Advanced Rocketry
General construction.png
4 45 General Construction
Propulsion systems.png
5 90 Propulsion Systems
Space exploration.png
5 90 Space Exploration
Flight control.png
5 90 Advanced Flight Control
Advanced landing.png
5 90 Landing
Tech tree aerodynamics.png
5 90 Aerodynamics
Tech tree electrics.png
5 90 Electrics
Tech tree heavy rocketry.png
5 90 Heavy Rocketry
Fuel systems.png
5 90 Fuel Systems
Advanced construction.png
5 90 Advanced Construction
Miniaturization.png
5 90 Miniaturization
Actuators.png
6 160 Actuators

None

Command modules.png
6 160 Command Modules

None

Heavier rocketry.png
6 160 Heavier Rocketry
Precision engineering.png
6 160 Precision Engineering
Advanced exploration.png
6 160 Advanced Exploration
Tech tree large control.png
6 160 Specialized Control

None

Landing.png
6 160 Advanced Landing
Supersonic flight.png
6 160 Supersonic Flight
Advanced fuel systems.png
6 160 Adv. Fuel Systems
Advanced electrics.png
6 160 Advanced Electrics
Specialized construction.png
6 160 Specialized Construction
Precision propulsion.png
6 160 Precision Propulsion

None

Advanced aerodynamics.png
6 160 Advanced Aerodynamics
Heavy landing.png
7 300 Heavy Landing

None

ScanningTech.png
7 300 Scanning Tech
Advanced unmanned tech.png
7 300 Unmanned Tech
Tech tree nuclear propulsion.png
7 300 Nuclear Propulsion

None

Advanced metalworks.png
7 300 Advanced MetalWorks
Field science.png
7 300 Field Science
High altitude flight.png
7 300 High Altitude Flight
Large volume containment.png
7 300 Large Volume Containment
Composites.png
7 300 Composites
Electronics.png
7 300 Electronics
High-power electrics.png
7 300 High-Power Electrics
HeavyAerodynamics.png
7 300 Heavy Aerodynamics
Ion propulsion.png
8 550 Ion Propulsion

None

Hypersonic flight.png
8 550 Hypersonic Flight
Generic (scnode).png
8 550 Nanolathing

None

None

Unmanned tech.png
8 550 Advanced Unmanned Tech
Meta-materials.png
8 550 Meta-Materials

None

Tech tree very heavy rocketry.png
8 550 Very Heavy Rocketry

None

Advanced science tech.png
8 550 Advanced Science Tech
AdvancedMotors.png
8 550 Advanced Motors
Specialized electrics.png
8 550 Specialized Electrics
High-performance fuel systems.png
8 550 High-Performance Fuel Systems

None

Experimental aerodynamics.png
8 550 Experimental Aerodynamics

None

Automation.png
8 550 Automation
Aerospace tech.png
9 1000 Aerospace Tech

None

Large probes.png
9 1000 Large Probes

None

Experimental science.png
9 1000 Experimental Science

None

Generic (scnode).png
9 1000 Experimental Motors

None

None

Experimental electrics.png
9 1000 Experimental Electrics

None

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.26 1.27 1.28 1.29 1.30 1.31 1.32 1.33 1.34 1.35 1.36 1.37 This research has multiple other requirements