What do decouplers do and how should i build my rocket on lv.2 career?

[Essence of Adventure]

I got 5 science points, but don't know what decouplers are. And I don't know how to build a lv.2 career rocket to get more science.

Also, does my sig have to be about space or related thing to space?

Thanks, Essence

(Also, hello)

[Whackjob]

Decouplers? You mash space, and if the decoupler is in that stage, it separates what's attached at either end of it. It's how you drop spent stages.

(Also, welcome!)

[PrivateFlip]

Here's the KSP wiki. Lots of useful info

Decouplers can be used to split you ship so you can built a multistage rocket.

-At this point you would place a decoupler underneath the command pod with a parachute on top of the pod. This way you can decouple the command pod from the rest of the rocket. If you do so your parachute only has to carry the small pod and not your whole rocket, so it will slow down the command pod with your crew member enough to allow the pod to land safely.

-Use additional decouplers to put a short rocket on a long one to make your rocket a real multistage rocket.

[Sirrobert]

Here's how you use a decoupler:

First, build your rocket like you are used to. Pod, fueltank, engine. Under the engine, put a decoupler. Under the decoupler, put another fueltank and engine. (don't forget the parachute ontop)

Now, launch the rocket. The lowest engine will fire, and carry the rocket up. Once the first fuel tank is empty, you fire the decoupler. This will ditch everything below the decoupler, freeing up the 2nd engine. Now fire the 2nd engine. You now have a full fueltank, while the rocket is already up in the air and has speed.

This is what multiple stages is. It's more effecient than just putting 2 fuel tanks with 1 engine, because it means that your rocket doesn't have to carry the empty fuel tank. Less weight, more distance you get

On science: Don't forget you can right click the commandpod and do a crew report. This is worth science. You can also go on an EVA (mouse over the picture of the kerbal while controlling the rocket, and click on EVA). If you do this, the kerbal will apear on the outside of the command pod. You can right click on him and this gives allows you an EVA report. This is also worth science. If he's on the ground, he can take a surface sample. Also worth science.

Remember though: If you EVA your kerbal while in the atmosphere, he will get blown off the ladder and plummet to his death.

Edited October 26, 2013 by Sirrobert

[Kasuha]

Decoupler is used to separate one part of your ship from another. It is always assigned to certain ship stage and activated by pressing Space when it's its turn. Simple demonstration below:

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[Vonblack]

I'm really liking this game and the forums...if someone ask'd a simple question like that in the WOW forums all he would get it grief...good job ppl and thx for the help...I read a lot in the forums