There are a few properties about the physics of this game that make the problem much easier to solve in this scenario: -Gravity is a conservative force, meaning that in the absence of drag, moving from point A to B takes the same amount of energy, regardless of the path or speed. - Fluid dynamics is a huge discipline that is practically, but not fully, understood. For the purposes of the game, the drag force is going to be proportional to either velocity or velocity squared. -Drag force is also dependent on fluid density. Fluid density can easily be modeled as a function of altitude in this game. -As the rocket uses fuel, it\'s mass decreases, meaning less thrust is needed to accelerate it at a constant rate. Using these facts, goddard\'s problem for KSP can be solved knowing: -A function describing the change in fluid density as altitude increases -What power of V drag force is proportional to. -The mass, fuel consumption rate, and drag coefficient of a rocket The goal here isn\'t to find the maximum altitude, but to find an optimal function for fuel consumption rate, using a given altitude.
