Mk1 Command Pod

	Mk1 Command Pod
	Command pod by ; Kerlington Model Rockets and Paper Products Inc;
Radial size	Small, Tiny
(dry)	588.00
(dry)	0.706 t
Drag	0.15-0.2
Max. Temp.	2200 K
Impact Tolerance	14 m/s
Research	Start
Unlock cost	0
Since version	0.7.3
Part configuration	mk1Pod_v2.cfg;
(required)	1
SAS level	× None
Torque	5 kN·m
0.048	⚡
	s·kN·m
Experiment	Crew Report
Collectable	No
Rerunnable	Yes
Resettable	Yes
Electricity required	None
Antenna type	Internal
Antenna rating	5 km
Lift generated	0.35
Packed volume	None
Inventory Slots	1 slots
Volume limit	50 l
Monopropellant	10
Electric capacity	50 ⚡

The Mk1 Command Pod is a command module capable of housing a single Kerbal during a mission.

Usage

Interior View of the Mk1 Command Pod since 1.5

Usually placed at the top of the rocket, the Mk1 Command Pod provides all functionality of a command module. It has half the torque power of most other manned command modules. This is often sufficient for smaller rockets, though larger ones will require additional control systems. It can also be used for shuttles and landers due to its small size.

The Mk1 Command Pod features a tiny radial size node on top, typically used for attaching a Mk16 Parachute, and a small radial size node on the bottom. The pod's crew hatch is outfitted with a small window through which an occupying Kerbal can look out during IVA. On the outside there are two rungs of ladders below the hatch.

The Mk1 Command Pod is also the first command module available in the career mode.

Product description

“

Originally built as a placeholder for a demonstration mock-up of a rocket, the Mk1 Command Pod was heralded as a far safer and more reliable option than its predecessors by rocket scientists throughout the world. It is now commonly seen in active service.

— Kerlinton Model Rockets and Paper Products Inc.

”

Trivia

The model for the Mk1 Command Pod was replaced in version 0.16. There is a memorial to the original located at the Kerbal Space Center^[1], and another at the Island Airfield.
Prior to version 1.5, the bottom side had a hump (which was also ablative), which did not bode well for many parts attached to the bottom. The TD-12 Decoupler worked particularly well hiding the hump. There was a good side: the hump looked nice when attaching "tiny" parts to the bottom, and it appeared similar to a heat shield.

Real-world comparison

The Mk1 Command Pod was inspired by the Mercury capsule.

Variants

As of version 1.5 this command pod has three textures that can be switched in the editor.

The different variants of the command pod

Gallery

The model prior to 1.5
Interior View of the Mk1 Pod prior to 1.5
The original model from versions before 0.16. Back then it could hold three kerbals. It used to have the name:"Mk1 Pod"
The memorial for the pre 0.16 model outside of KSC.