Exploration mode
Exploration mode is the second game mode in KSP2, after sandbox mode.
Overview
Exploration mode is similar to KSP1's Science mode, but has contracts, now called missions. These yield science, instead of funds and reputation.
Gameplay
Mission control and Missions
The main source of progression is through missions, where you will get most of your science in the early game, and a significant chunk in the late game. To get contracts, click on the mission control building.
Gene and Wernher von Kerman are replaced with Dr. Keri Kerman, possibly due to the latter's involvement in World War II. Dr. Keri Kerman, a coffee addict who progressively gets more addicted to caffeine until the mission brief concerning the Duna monument, briefs missions to you upon you accepting them. Unlike KSP1, KSP2's missions are purpose-built by the developers, and not procedurally generated. They are generally less tedious as well.
Tech tree
The tech tree is structured differently than KSP1's tech tree, as it does not sprawl out, like a tree, but is structured more like a ribcage, as the top row is the only required to advance farther, and the lower rows come out from the top. in order from top to bottom, the top row consists of fuel tanks and engines, then to small engines and general utilities, then the next two rows are electronics, science parts and landing utilities, then the next 2 rows are structural parts, then the last 2 rows are aviation components.
