Themohawkninja

Ah, that clears that up. EVE uses python? Eww... I've heard Python is really inefficient code (specifically, my friend told me that you needed two IF statements whereas C++ would only need one to do the same thing. Kinda sounded as if Python doesn't have AND and OR statements).

So, are you basing your conclusion on the assumption that the negligible difference, if the experiment were done a few hundred times, would actually show a not-so-negligable negative effect, than the slight positive effect?

Yeah, I'm not going to bother with what looks like a <1% increase, but I was just making sure I was reading it correctly.

Since you mentioned the Grasshopper, can somebody explain to me how the heck that thing is useful? I get that it is meant to be a reusable first stage, but it seems like there is so much fuel being wasted for the landing that could be used to launch heavier vehicles. P.S. That sig made me brush my computer screen for a few seconds until I realized it wasn't real... grr...

But orbital calculations are simply lots of equations, which given that you aren't switching languages (which could cause data type issues), can't you just copy and paste?

Maybe I'm reading it wrong, but you state in you conclusion that no-HT causes performance drops, but the blue bars on the left graph all go out farther than the red, and you state that the farther out the bar goes, the better. In the right graph, two out of the three blue bars are shorter, which you state is better. Do your graphs not correlate with your results?

Maybe you and I are thinking of two different things here. I am thinking in terms of the programming involved. That is to say, I don't see why differences in genre would create a large enough change in how the game itself is coded, that an engine change would be harder for one genre than another. You seem to be pointing out the more... logistical problems involved, which now that you actually mention them, makes sense. However, it could be said that KSP would be easier to change engines, since it is much smaller and has no multiplayer system (and thereby no servers)... right?

Then, I'm back to asking what that has to do with changing the engine? Are you pointing out the fact that Squad would have to rewrite all of the physics, whereby MMO's would have to rewrite all of the quests?

I suppose... but some engines have some really big "updates" with graphics, physics, and a decade's worth of other upgrades, and simply calling that an update just seems... like an understatement. I understand that, but what does a different development cycle have to do with changing the engine that the developers use? I can understand in the case of multiplayer vs. non-multiplayer games where server support comes into play, however even though you do use MMO's vs. KSP, which would fall under that category, I do know that Unity supports multiplayer (it has it's own mini-engine designed specifically for multiplayer).

Not only all of what is mentioned above, but if you've ever noticed in the loading screen for KSP, the words "ablating cascades" appear. That is referring to Ablation Cascade. Think of it as the space version of the Cold War's Domino Theory.

So, a new version of the engine doesn't count as a new engine? So, GeoMod 2 and 2.5 (or is it 3?) for all intents and purposes the same as GeoMod 1? Also, how is a different genre relevant when talking about changing engines?

I would also have to say Skylon... unless we aren't keeping ourselves within the realm of reality, than I would have to say a Battlestar.

I have yet to have either of those problems occur, and I don't use any mods (although MechJeb doesn't sound like it should affect ship loading minus loading it's own parts).

It looks like all you are complaining about is the modded parts. That might be your problem, the mods, not the core game.

Ha, those are nice. Wow, I wasn't expecting the first two posts to already have names for ALL of the bodies!

Maybe this is what a wiki is for, but it would be nice to have a sub-forum devoted to science experiments in KSP, like what you are doing here. I myself keep wanting to figure out which solar panel is the most efficient (efficiency in this case being self-defined as electric charge per meter squared).

So, what do you need the .craft files for? I'm getting the implication that this is a separately coded game that you are making, so I am curious why you need those files.

Firstly, for those of you who don't know, a demonym is the name for a resident of an area (i.e. The demonym for America is American, and the generally used demonym for Earth is Earthling). I wanted to make a flag using a nice picture of the Vall "Stonehenge" I took, but I couldn't think of a good demonym for one who lives on Vall. After a while I thought I should leave it up to the community to figure out demonyms for all of the bodies! I'll post as many as I can onto the list below. Moho - Mohonan, Mohonian, Mohicant Eve - Evotian, Evangelino Gilly - Gillian, Gillygan Kerbin - Kerbo Mun - Munificent, Munster Minmus - Minnian Duna - Dunan, Dunian, Dunderhead Ike - Iketian, Ikee Dres - Dresser Jool - Joovan, Joolian Laythe - Laytherian, Slothful Vall - Vallestrial, Valiant Tylo - Tylosan, Tylorean Bop - Bopian, Bopper Pol - Politician Eeloo - Eeloomentarist, Eeloosive

I've heard that Duke Nukem did. OT: Probably not until the game is nearly done.

An ion engine accelerates particles to very high velocities, and propels them out of a grid (the one in KSP appears to be the type with an acceleration grid) which causes an equal and opposite force. I've never heard of entropy playing a role in the engine principle before.

Actually, in real life there is the possibility of getting close enough to a celestial body that gravity comes into play, the interstellar medium creates some friction (and therefore drag), micrometeroids, and the interstellar medium can cause damage to a craft, and some engines have poor performance anywhere. Aside from that, luckily since the mass of an object in KSP isn't affected by velocity, this is perfectly possible as you state.

That is a very broad stereotype you have made. From what you are saying, it could be argued that all bomber pilots have Asperger's syndrome, since they do not know the misery and anguish of the people they hurt/kill. Hackers simply like the challenge of getting into someones things. It's like pickpocketing, you might never see the victims' reaction, and you don't care, you've got money, and the satisfaction that you got into somebodies pocket, and stole their wallet without anyone seeing.

Can't say I've had any problems with octo struts.

No, If you block the exhaust, it won't move. I do agree with the reason for the .7 thrust though.

Their green skin makes it look like camo! XD