Mk1-3 Command Pod

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Mk1-3 Command Pod
Part image
Command pod by
Kerlington Model Rockets and Paper Products Inc

Radial size Small, Large
Cost (total) 3 800.00 Funds
(dry) 3 764.00 Funds
Mass (total) 2.72 t
(dry) 2.60 t
Drag 0.15-0.2
Max. Temp. 2400 K
Volume  ?
Impact Tolerance 20 m/s
Research Tech tree large control.png Command Modules
Unlock cost 7 600 Funds
Since version 1.4
Part configuration mk1-3.cfg
Command module
Pitch torque 15.0 kN·m
Yaw torque 15.0 kN·m
Roll torque 15.0 kN·m
Electricity required for torque
0.030
s·kN·m
Crew capacity (maximum) Crew
(required) Crew
Monopropellant 30 Units of fuel
Electric capacity 150.0 
SAS level × None
Inventory Slots 3 slots
Volume Limit 200 l
Wing
Lift generated 1.4

The Mk1-3 Command Pod is a Command Module housing three Kerbal crew members during their mission. It is a durable,[1], rounded command pod. Currently, it is the second most expensive pod available in Career or Science mode.

Usage

Generally placed at the top of the rocket, the Mk1-3 Pod provides full command module functionality. It has twice the torque of most other manned cockpits, which is usually sufficient for small or medium-sized rockets.

It features a 1.25m radial size node on top, typically used for parts like the Mk16-XL Parachute, proper-sized docking ports, SAS modules, or a Launch Escape System. On the bottom, it has a 2.5m radial node.

The high density of the pod makes it useful for shifting the center of mass and orientating ships during aerobraking/reentry; additionally, the high mass and temperature tolerance makes the pod useful for absorbing heat flux and it makes a moderately effective heat shield by itself. The Mk1-3 Command Pod has an impact tolerance of 20 m/s (Used to be 45 m/s, which means the pod was often the only part of a ship which survives a crash, though sadly this is no longer the case). Put together, this makes it very good for returning to Kerbin.

This pod has a decent capacity of resources in comparison to other capsules. 150 units of electric charge and 30 units of monopropellant gives the ability to execute some missions without extra batteries or monopropellant tanks being necessary. This monopropellant capacity combined with its integrated RCS thrusters and the upper node of the capsule being sized for most docking ports mean the pod is good for docking (but beware: there is NO fore/aft thrust at all).

The Mk3 cockpit intended for spaceplanes has mostly superior qualities, but is larger and has more mass.

The Mk1-3 is used as a replacement for the old Mk1-2 Command Pod since 1.4.

If 2 pilots are aboard, the ship containing this command pod will be able to control probes or rovers without a connection to the KSC.

Product description

This modern cockpit includes space for three crew members, and integrated RCS thrusters.

Kerlington Model Rockets and Paper Products Inc

Trivia

Real-world comparison

The Mk1-3 Command Pod was inspired by the Apollo capsule.

Changes

1.8
  • Reduced crashTolerance from 45 to 20
1.4.2
  • Reduced ElectricCharge consumption from 1.2 to 0.45
1.4.1
  • Added IVA
1.4
  • Initial Release

References

  1. [1]