Difference between revisions of "Tutorial: Basic Probe And Satellite Building"

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Probes and Satellites are two different things so this is a tutorial to help you understand what they are, what they do, and how you can build one in Kerbal Space Program.
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'''[[Probe]]s''' and '''[[Satellite]]s''' are two different things. This tutorial intends to help you understand what they are, what they do, and how you can build one in [[Kerbal Space Program]].
  
A probe is a spacecraft that travels through space to collect science information. Probes do not have astronauts. Probes send data back for scientists to study.
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A '''probe''' is an unmanned spacecraft that travels through space to collect science information, sent back for scientists to study.
  
A satellite is something that orbits a celestial body. For example, Earth is a satellite because it orbits the sun. Likewise, the moon is a satellite because it orbits Earth. To differentiate between pre-existing and new satellites, the moon is a '''natural satellite''' while a human made satellite is called an '''artificial satellite'''. The adjective is dropped when it is clear what type of satellite is mentioned. As this tutorial is about satellites launched by kerbals, the satellites mentioned in this article are all artificial satellites.
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A '''natural satellite''' is a [[celestial body]] orbiting a [[planet]]. For example, the moon is Earth's natural satellite. In-game, the [[Mun]] and [[Minmus]] are the two satellites of [[Kerbin]].
  
Probes and satellites are generally much smaller than manned vehicles, and thus require less energy to lift them out of Kerbal's gravity well. You can build them in either the VAB or the SPH, but this tutorial will focus on the [[VAB|Vehicle Assembly Building]] (VAB).
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An '''artificial satellite''' is a man-made craft orbiting a [[celestial body]]. The adjective is dropped when it is clear what type of satellite is mentioned. As this tutorial is about satellites launched by Kerbals, the satellites mentioned in this article are all artificial satellites.
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Probes and satellites are generally much smaller than manned vehicles, and thus require less energy to launch them into orbit. You can build them in either the VAB or the SPH, but this tutorial will focus on the [[Vehicle Assembly Building]] (VAB).
  
 
[[File:Kerbal Satellite.png|thumbnail|right|A Kerbal Satellite In Orbit]]
 
[[File:Kerbal Satellite.png|thumbnail|right|A Kerbal Satellite In Orbit]]
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__TOC__
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Do you want to launch your first permanent, sustainable satellite? Are you bored and want to litter space with a billion small objects? Do you just want to practice deploying payloads into orbit? Then this tutorial is for you!
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===Specifications===
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*'''Length:''' 5–15 minutes
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*'''Difficulty:''' Easy (Requires basic knowledge of orbital mechanics)
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*'''For version:''' Every version
  
 
== How To Build A Basic Satellite ==
 
== How To Build A Basic Satellite ==
Probe or Satellite stage: First you need an unmanned command module right at the top of the rocket. The [[Stayputnik Mk. 1]] looks cool, but you can choose from the range of unmanned [[command module]]s. Below the Command Pod, you should add some Rechargeable Battery Banks. I used the [[Z-1k Rechargeable Battery Bank]] due to its high Electricity Composite of 500 E; Use about three of them together for 1500 units of Electricity. Use two [[OX-4L 1x6 Photovoltaic Panels]] on both sides of the Battery Banks, use the symmetry option (the 'x' key) in the VAB and set it to 2.
 
  
Now you want to control your probe so add tiny parts for a light weight probe or satellite. Use two [[Stratus-V Roundified Monopropellant Tank]]s on opposite sides to the solar panels and four [[RV-105 RCS Thruster Block]]s, two [[ROUND-8 Toroidal Fuel Tank]]s and a small Liquid Fuel Engine at the bottom of the probe; use the [[LV-909 Liquid Fuel Engine]].
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=== Step 1: Build your satellite ===
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First you need an unmanned command module right at the top of the rocket. You can choose from the range of unmanned [[command module]]s. The [[Stayputnik Mk. 1]] looks cool, but it has no [[SAS]]. The [[OKTO]] and [[HECS]] have limited SAS capabilities and are cheap, making them good for early career satellites. The [[OKTO2]] and [[QBE]] are very light but have no reaction wheels. The [[RC-001S]] and [[RC-L01]] Remote Guidance Units, [[MK2 Drone Core]], and [[HECS2]] have excellent batteries and reaction wheels with full [[SAS]], but are expensive, making them a good choice for late game career and sandbox missions.
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Under the Command Pod, you should add some Rechargeable Batteries. I used the [[Z-1k Rechargeable Battery Bank]] due to its high Electricity Composite of 500 E; Use about three of them together for 1500 units of Electricity. Add two [[OX-4L 1x6 Photovoltaic Panels]] on both sides of the Battery Banks with the symmetry option (the 'x' key) in the VAB.
  
You can add some Scientific Antennas to transmit scientific data back to Kerbin. Use one [[Communotron 88-88]] right on the top of your Stayputnik Mk.2 and four [[Communotron 16]]. Change the Symmetry Mode to 4 and place them just below the [[Communotron 88-88]] half way down the Command Pod.
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Now you want to control your probe so add tiny parts for a light weight probe or satellite. Use two [[Stratus-V Roundified Monopropellant Tank]]s on opposite sides to the solar panels and four [[RV-105 RCS Thruster Block]]s, two [[ROUND-8 Toroidal Fuel Tank]]s and a small Liquid Fuel Engine at the bottom of the probe; the [[LV-909 Liquid Fuel Engine]] is a good choice.
  
Lastly, you will need a [[separator]] (like the [[TR-18D Stack Separator]]) so put one just below your
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You also need an [[Antenna]]s to control your probe and transmit scientific data back to Kerbin.  For example, you could use one [[Communotron 16]] right on the top of your command module.
engine.
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Lastly, you will need to add a [[separator]] (like the [[TR-18D Stack Separator]]) right below your engine, and a fairing below that. Now, build a rocket to launch your satellite into orbit.
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=== Step 2: Build a rocket to launch your satellite into orbit ===
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''This is an example rocket that can do the job. Of course, you can design your own or use the one from another tutorial, provided it can reach the intended orbit of your satellite''.  
  
 
[[File:basic-probe.jpg|upright|thumbnail|right|Satellite and Rocket on Launchpad]]
 
[[File:basic-probe.jpg|upright|thumbnail|right|Satellite and Rocket on Launchpad]]
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'''Make sure you save!'''
 
'''Make sure you save!'''
Use a name for an example “Kerbal Orbital Probe Mk1”
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Use a name (For example, ''“Kerbal Orbital Probe Mk1”'')
  
Don’t worry if your probe or satellite gets destroyed, damaged, or broken. Just make sure you quick-save your progress with “F5”!
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To launch your rocket into orbit, see [[Tutorial: How to Get into Orbit|this tutorial]].  
  
Besides using unmanned Command Pods for probes, you can use them for all sorts of space vessels from unmanned space stations to transporting cargo. At least you’re not killing poor Kerbalnauts when you fail!
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===Step 3 - Finishing===
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Decouple the satellite from the final stage. Extend all your antennae/solar panels/thermal control systems and admire your glorious creation!
  
 
== What if it blows up? ==
 
== What if it blows up? ==
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== What if it the First Stage doesn’t have enough thrust? ==
 
== What if it the First Stage doesn’t have enough thrust? ==
If your Second Stage or "Orbit Stage" is not increasing in speed or it is losing attitude quickly you may need to add some [[Rockomax Mark 55 Radial Mount Liquid Engine]] on the sides of the craft. A symmetry mode of 3 should be enough to give it extra power.
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If your Second Stage or "Orbit Stage" is not increasing in speed or it is losing attitude quickly you may need to add some [[Mk-55 "Thud" Liquid Fuel Engine]] on the sides of the craft. A symmetry mode of 3 should be enough to give it extra power.
== Related Links ==
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* [[Tutorial:RemoteTech]]
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== See also ==
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* [[:Category:Tutorials]]: to guide you through the finer points of the Kerbal Space Program.
  
[[Category:Tutorials|Tutorial: Basic Probe And Satellite Building]]
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[[Category:Tutorials|Basic Probe And Satellite Building]]

Revision as of 19:55, 2 May 2019

Probes and Satellites are two different things. This tutorial intends to help you understand what they are, what they do, and how you can build one in Kerbal Space Program.

A probe is an unmanned spacecraft that travels through space to collect science information, sent back for scientists to study.

A natural satellite is a celestial body orbiting a planet. For example, the moon is Earth's natural satellite. In-game, the Mun and Minmus are the two satellites of Kerbin.

An artificial satellite is a man-made craft orbiting a celestial body. The adjective is dropped when it is clear what type of satellite is mentioned. As this tutorial is about satellites launched by Kerbals, the satellites mentioned in this article are all artificial satellites.

Probes and satellites are generally much smaller than manned vehicles, and thus require less energy to launch them into orbit. You can build them in either the VAB or the SPH, but this tutorial will focus on the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB).

A Kerbal Satellite In Orbit

Do you want to launch your first permanent, sustainable satellite? Are you bored and want to litter space with a billion small objects? Do you just want to practice deploying payloads into orbit? Then this tutorial is for you!

Specifications

  • Length: 5–15 minutes
  • Difficulty: Easy (Requires basic knowledge of orbital mechanics)
  • For version: Every version

How To Build A Basic Satellite

Step 1: Build your satellite

First you need an unmanned command module right at the top of the rocket. You can choose from the range of unmanned command modules. The Stayputnik Mk. 1 looks cool, but it has no SAS. The OKTO and HECS have limited SAS capabilities and are cheap, making them good for early career satellites. The OKTO2 and QBE are very light but have no reaction wheels. The RC-001S and RC-L01 Remote Guidance Units, MK2 Drone Core, and HECS2 have excellent batteries and reaction wheels with full SAS, but are expensive, making them a good choice for late game career and sandbox missions.

Under the Command Pod, you should add some Rechargeable Batteries. I used the Z-1k Rechargeable Battery Bank due to its high Electricity Composite of 500 E; Use about three of them together for 1500 units of Electricity. Add two OX-4L 1x6 Photovoltaic Panels on both sides of the Battery Banks with the symmetry option (the 'x' key) in the VAB.

Now you want to control your probe so add tiny parts for a light weight probe or satellite. Use two Stratus-V Roundified Monopropellant Tanks on opposite sides to the solar panels and four RV-105 RCS Thruster Blocks, two ROUND-8 Toroidal Fuel Tanks and a small Liquid Fuel Engine at the bottom of the probe; the LV-909 Liquid Fuel Engine is a good choice.

You also need an Antennas to control your probe and transmit scientific data back to Kerbin. For example, you could use one Communotron 16 right on the top of your command module.

Lastly, you will need to add a separator (like the TR-18D Stack Separator) right below your engine, and a fairing below that. Now, build a rocket to launch your satellite into orbit.

Step 2: Build a rocket to launch your satellite into orbit

This is an example rocket that can do the job. Of course, you can design your own or use the one from another tutorial, provided it can reach the intended orbit of your satellite.

Satellite and Rocket on Launchpad

Stage One: This stage needs to be as short as possible so it doesn’t wobble about when you launch and needs to be aerodynamic to reduce drag. Attach a Rockomax Brand Adapter below the separator. Use a Rockomax X200-8 Fuel Tank and an Advanced S.A.S Module, Large between the Fuel tank and the Adapter.

Put a Rockomax Brand Adapter 02 at the bottom and make sure the flat end is pointed up (use W,A,S,D,Q,E to rotate the part). Finally, add a LV-N Atomic Rocket Motor and another separator below.

Stage Two: This stage will be your main launch engine. Add another Rockomax Brand Adapter and attach to it a Rockomax Jumbo-64 Fuel Tank with one Rockomax "Mainsail" Liquid Engine for your centre of thrust.

Add TT-38K Radial Decouplers; eight will do. Use the symmetry mode and set to 8. Attach Rockomax BACC Solid Fuel Boosters to these decouplers. Make sure they are all programmed in the stage bar to the right of the screen when in the VAB.

Another way is to simply add a Rockomax Jumbo-64 Fuel Tank below the probe/satellite and then a Rockomax "Skipper" Liquid Engine.

Make sure you save! Use a name (For example, “Kerbal Orbital Probe Mk1”)

To launch your rocket into orbit, see this tutorial.

Step 3 - Finishing

Decouple the satellite from the final stage. Extend all your antennae/solar panels/thermal control systems and admire your glorious creation!

What if it blows up?

If your rocket blows up on the launchpad you may need to add some EAS-4 Strut Connectors to hold the 8 Rockomax BACC Solid Fuel Boosters together. Eight Struts on the top, middle and bottom in-between the Boosters.

What if it the First Stage doesn’t have enough thrust?

If your Second Stage or "Orbit Stage" is not increasing in speed or it is losing attitude quickly you may need to add some Mk-55 "Thud" Liquid Fuel Engine on the sides of the craft. A symmetry mode of 3 should be enough to give it extra power.

See also