kRPC allows you to control Kerbal Space Program from scripts running outside of the game. It has client libraries for many popular languages including C#, C++, C (for embedded systems), Java, Lua, Python and Ruby.
For example, you could write programs to:
Autopilot a ship into orbit,
display docking guidance information,
or examine and manipulate individual parts.
The possibilities are (almost) endless...
The mod exposes most of KSPs API