Need some Aerospace Engineering

[Flawless_Cowboy]

Howdy!

I saw KSP advertised on extra-credits' "Games you may not have played episode" and immediately knew it was for me. I'm very curious though, who here is an actual aerospace engineer or student? The game truly tailors to us, and there's got to be plenty on the dev team.

I got the demo, and although I could be happy playing just the demo for years, I wanted Squad to have my money so they could keep up the great work.

So here's why I'm posting. The honeymoon phase has ended, and I'm beginning to really master the basic mechanics. I've watched some great youtubes with awesome ideas, but I don't want to learn too much from others because of the thrill of my own discoveries. Later, when I understand more, I'll want to see everyone else's ideas, but right now I want to do my own legwork.

However, I would like some hints to point me in the right direction. There are two general questions I have, and if anyone could point me to a great guide I'd really appreciate it!

1. How to I calculate the most efficient escape rout into Kerbal orbit? So far I've just been shooting for the zenith and then widening out the trajectory to orbit, but I'm sure there's a better way to angle the craft on the ascent. How do I know when and how much though?

2. What is the optimal purpose of solid boosters? In my experimentation, it seems to me the most efficient to use them only in the first stage, but I just love using them! At all times!

I am willing to do the research, I just want some insiders' opinions on the best research material.

Looking forward to joining the community and contributing in some way!

v/r

Cowboy

[sal_vager]

Welcome to the community Flawless_Cowboy

Though I can't answer the first as I use trial and (lots of) error, I can give you my thoughts on SRB's.

They are intended to help get heavier craft off the launchpad, and ideally they can be used to get a craft up to and over the first 100m/s where liquid engines are less efficient.

But the restrictions are arbitrary, you can also use them for the transfer burn to other planets and back, some people have managed to use them for landing (not usually in one piece though)

What makes KSP so much fun is that we are not restricted in the use of these parts, so players are free to experiment and to create new uses for parts that others might not think of trying.

SRB's have also been used successfully as aircraft propulsion, for escape systems, fireworks and weapons.

KSP is really only limited to what you can imagine

Edited April 30, 2013 by sal_vager
spelling

[Capt'n Skunky]

Interestingly enough, no one on the dev team is even remotely connected to the industry, just huge fans.

Happy Launching!

Arrr!

Capt'n Skunky

KSP Community Manager

[AceGamer]

I hardly ever use SRB's. But when i do i just use them for launching and then ditch them.