Phawks

Fabric heat shield woven with primer cord and firecrackers. *Puts on sunglasses* *Grabs marshmallows*

I remember a mothership-type addon craft for Orbiter that had a deployable heatshield designed solely for aerocapture. It was essentially a giant, mechanized, beefed-up space blanket that came out and wrapped the craft in a cocoon to protect it. I can't remember the name of it for the life of me. I haven't played Orbiter in at least two years.

I can see this becoming a PartModule issue. Parts will have basic heat tolerances as they have, and possibly an integrated heatshield as defined by a PartModule. This would make the most sense given the presence of spaceplane parts with cosmetic texturing for heatshields. It would also have a vectoring definition to tie into the algorithm that currently governs plasma trail creation/orientation. I'm curious as to when exactly we'll see this further development, given that it was partially done but cut to cosmetics for the 0.19 release. I partially expected it in 0.20, but given the Krakensnackin' Squad got on the server and development planning fronts, it doesn't surprise me that this was a smaller update in terms of obvious content. I'd like to hear exactly what progress (if any) they've made since the dev postings around the time of 0.19.

I really don't see why there's so much controversy around reentry heating. It's a basic, necessary factor for all space-related operations. Why don't we have rock-solid joints between all the parts in a craft? Why do we have to add struts and prevent catastrophic structural failures? In both of these cases, it's because physics are accurately simulated in KSP to add that extra level of complexity to make the act of successfully designing, constructing, and launching a spacecraft that much more rewarding. Atmospheric heating is no different. It serves a legitimate, realistic function and provides for a more rewarding experience in testing the durability of a spacecraft. Besides, there will be a significant margin for error in such a feature; if there's something KSP does well for novices, it's the amount of forgiveness it gives to errors. In real life, if there's any significant vibration or wobble in a craft during ascent, that craft breaks apart in its own slipstream. I can do triple backflips at ten thousand meters and 275 m/s airspeed with six SRBs all lit and still continue to orbit afterward. I can't see KSP killing your kerbals in an aerobrake around Jool because one of your SRBs nicked the heatshield during separation on ascent. I do see KSP killing your kerbals if you throw a tomato underneath your seat and try to hit a five kilometer perigee at 36 km/s. This game may be complex, it may be difficult, it may be challenging, but it is definitely forgiving of errors and provides significant satisfaction after surviving the tests and trials of extraplanetary operations.

...and that's exactly why we'll beat the Chinese to Mars. *runs away*

Well, given the current state of U.S. - Chinese relations and the Chinese attempt to modernize both their military and space program, I'm sure it's awfully close. I want to say I've heard a few analysts already call the current era the Second Cold War. There will be an arms race as soon as China gets to the level of 1980s American technology. The thing is, just like Russia, they'll have to rely on espionage (as they currently are) to develop any technologies. By 2040, I guarantee you we'll either be on Mars or in a third global war, if not both. On topic, the space program in general (especially the Apollo program) is worth nearly every penny. Apollo set the basis for miniaturization in computational technology and advanced the groundwork for modern materials science. Space is, as cliche as it is, the current frontier. The frontiers throughout history have always provided the basis for advancing technology in multiple fields. Why? Because technology needs to advance for the frontier to survive, grow, and prosper. The California gold rush spurred advanced mining, transportation, and industrial technologies. The Louisiana Purchase territory spurred advanced transportation and industrial technologies. The Space Race spurred advanced rocketry, chemistry, materials, electronics, et cetera. As long as exploration, regardless of its location, continues, there will be a need for the latest and greatest in technology. In short, the cutting edge always puts fresh blood on the rest of the blade as long as you don't stop cutting.

Yeah, alignment becomes a huge issue in that case. Then again, so does an approach velocity on the order of 3-5 km/s. That does give you a spectacular display of fireworks, however; either from the massive engines you use to slow down, or from the collision itself. My XO in ROTC sent me a video of exactly this same thing. The title was his trademark phrase, "Have you ever seen the Hulk f*** a freight train at full speed?" I was disappointed as he only partially delivered; there was no Hulk, nor freight train, to be found. There were Kerbals on EVA though. And they enjoyed it​. As did I.

I'm imagining the aftereffects of the skycrane jettison. "ZOMG LARGE MONSTER OF FIRE AND METAL. At least it's half a kilometer that way." *Curiosity touches down, skycrane detaches, begins flying toward observer to 'safely' crash land* "FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU--------"

With its modability, I guarantee you that superfighters (particularly Wyverns and Falkens) will be in the game, whether stock or not.

It\'s finishing up the install right now. Hopefully I\'ll get a chance to derp with it a bit before leaving. My fiancee loves anime. Once campaigns start getting thrown in here, I guarantee she\'ll be hooked almost as much as me just from the art style.

Just got back from Planned Parenthood. Had to get my boxers a couple packs of Plan B after I saw this topic. Installing Vector Thrust at this very moment. The bad part? Leaving for a 9 hour shift at work in less than an hour.

Now that the wiki is working again, could a mod fix the link in the Dev forum\'s planned features topic? The link there is still for the old wiki. I\'ve updated the new Planned Features wiki page to reflect what has already been implemented since it was most pre-0.13 information. Also, we might consider merging planned features and development history into one page.

Make sure that the part you added is activated. Basically, move it in the staging sequence to be with your main engines. My guess is that it\'s currently in the same stage as your command module.

Really? I could have sworn I noticed some serious changes in high-altitude performance on some of my spaceplane designs. Hmm. I\'m guessing that will be remedied in 15.1 or 16?

Judging from that screenshot alone, here are a few suggestions. 1) Consider increasing your wing loading area (i.e., make bigger wings to provide more lift) 2) Utilize the Engine Nacelle part with your engines (it features ramjet inlets to increase fuel flow to your engines to boost thrust) 3) Utilize the Ramjet intakes (you\'re currently using standard ones, the ramjets will help with higher-altitude operation) 4) Add RCS tanks and thrusters at the front of the craft and the rear Also, I noticed that your command pod is attached to the carrier. Once you detach the Munar rocket, you would still be controlling the carrier. Unless that\'s what you intend, I would reconstruct the craft to have the command pod on the Munar rocket with the carrier attached.

I like the subtleness of it. It\'s catchy without being obstructive or obnoxious. It reminds of the music used for the editors in all the Sims games. That video has an 11.1 version number, so I\'m assuming it\'s a still photo just used for the video. When will we have that track incorporated into the game?

Not My Little Pony, but rather... My. Little. *Puts on sunglasses* Kerbal. My Little Kerbal, My Little Kerbal Ah Ah Ah Ah... My Little Kerbal I used to wonder what rockets could be (My Little Kerbal) Until you all shared K-S-P with me Big explosions Tons of fun Jebediah\'s heart Twisted and cruel With Bill and Bob It\'s no easy feat With heavy struts it\'s all complete Yeah, My Little Kerbal Do you know you\'re all my testing dummies