KSP Tech Tree Question: Kerbals first then unmanned?

[Pingonaut]

I've always started my space programs doing unmanned space missions, because it's just logical to do it that way. Are there no unmanned pods at the beginning? It seems a little backwards (though so are Kerbals) to start with manned missions, and less true to the simulator portion of KSP.

[Requiem762]

this is just iteration 1 of the tech tree and I subject to change. it could even change in the next 5 minutes. an argument they also provided was that they are kerbals and aren't the most safety focused as jebidiah has shown us

[SkyRender]

It's somewhat canon that Kerbals are over-eager to get into space and don't tend to think about safety. Hence why you don't even have access to decouplers at first (something that ICBMs were already using before the first rockets were going up into space), let alone probes: Jebediah basically founded the KSC by going to a junkyard and assembling the first rocket components from scrap metal, he was so determined to get into space.

[KasperVld]

The developers have balanced the tech tree for gameplay, not for realism. However, the tech tree can be modified easily so I'm sure some people will release altered versions of the tech tree soon after release, though I'd advise you to just give it a try the way the developers made it

[Sandworm]

There are lots of things out of place vis-a-vis reality. I was a little shocked to hear that thermometers weren't on day one. Sputnik had two. Measuring the temperature of space (cold) and the outer atmosphere (very hot) was an important early goal of the space race.

[Kerbart]

They're Kerbals, not humans. Making things that go boom seems to be their specialty, so making rockets work before the complex electronics needed to let a rocket fly on it's own is not their style.

That'd be an explanation.

The tech tree is there to enhance gameplay. Not to create an accurate depiction of the space race.

[Pingonaut]

Thanks for the responses, I am definitely keeping an open mind. The devs do know best.

[loknar]

logic != kerbal space program

I think I understand that beginner and impatient players may find it strange that no manned modules are available at the start. They would have to learn the concept of remote control and the parts needed (electric supply, antennas). This may be what the devs are considering.

[minerman30]

It seems a little backwards (though so are Kerbals).

Exactly.

[Specialist290]

logic != kerbal space program

I think I understand that beginner and impatient players may find it strange that no manned modules are available at the start. They would have to learn the concept of remote control and the parts needed (electric supply, antennas). This may be what the devs are considering.

I'm thinking this as well. Manned pods don't require any resources like an electrical source to keep them operating.

From a story perspective, my own personal theory is that kerbals were just so excited about getting themselves into space that they focused all of their R&D before the game's start into rocketry so that they could get up there as quickly as possible rather than bothering with such silly things as "aerofoils" and "remotely-controlled computer cores"

[Pipcard]

Manned pods don't require any resources like an electrical source to keep them operating.

What about the reaction wheels?

So...

Probes before Kerbals to be more realistic?

Or Kerbals before probes because it's called "Kerbal Space Program"?

Edited October 14, 2013 by Pipcard