Difference between SAS and ASAS?

[jaredkzr]

I've tried both, read about both, and I can't really tell a difference when using them. Am I missing something huge?

[stupid_chris]

Alright I'm gonna try to make it simple.

The SAS is a stabilizer. Meaning it will use it's torque to try preventing you from tumbling around. Basically, if you attach one to a pod and drop this in space without anything else, then give your pod an intense spin, activating it will stop your spin completely over time. It won hold the heading you had when you first activated it, but it will stop your rotation at least.

The ASAS is a flight computer that will try holding the heading you have when you activate it. It will use engine gimbal, control surfaces, your RCS system and your command pod's or probe core's torque to hold this heading. Unlike the SAS, it can't work on it's own, and it will try to hold a heading, not just stop your spin.

I hope it's clear enough ^^