So... Is NASA Actually Endorsing/Helping KSP?

[Vane]

I saw this somewhere, Didn't explain nothing.

But is NASA Actually helping/Endorsing KSP Due to it being a simulator for schools?

[Claw]

I saw this somewhere, Didn't explain nothing.

But is NASA Actually helping/Endorsing KSP Due to it being a simulator for schools?

NASA doesn't usually "endorse" but KSP has gained some mention by NASA. Also, most notably, NASA collaborated with SQUAD for the ARM/Asteroid update. Which, among other things, explains why there is now a NASA meatball flag in the game.

[Starstrider42]

More like they're using KSP as a billboard to raise public awareness of near-Earth asteroids. I'm pretty sure government organizations aren't ALLOWED to endorse private companies, even if they want to.

Their actual involvement in ARM was probably more of a consulting role -- "here's how things work in the real world", etc.

[Pecan]

... As above plus: Squad wouldn't get away with trumpeting 'NASA' all over the place without some support. 'Helping' yes, 'supporting' yes, 'encouraging as a useful way to raise interest in and awareness of' yes. Actually 'endorsing' would be a step too far.

The schools connection is a bit 'maybe' too. NASA's public viewpoint would have to be something like "Space simulators/games help us raise awareness/interest/funding and we think KSP is one of those that can be useful. In this instance we've decided to co-operate with them so we can get better publicity. We're just friends and we both have other friends we also co-operate with. Just because we went to dinner together doesn't mean we're dating."

Squad's also a professional organisation and they've had some pretty big clients. This is a professional relationship that is good for both parties.

[sh****t - if I'd decided to leave my job so I could 'follow my dream' only to be told I could do the show right there and then someone like NASA gave me a nod that I was doing 'ok'* I'd think I was dreaming. Kudos all that backed KSP].

[*Yes, Grace Hopper told me exactly that once. No, I don't think I've had a better (professional) moment.]

[cantab]

As I understand it it's a collaboration, not an explicit endorsement.

[merendel]

Raising awareness and excitement about space travle, how it works, and some of what can be done out there can only help NASA in the long run. KSP can give a kid an introduction to orbital mechanics (even if its simplified) and possibly set them on a path for a space career. Even if it dose not more intrest and awareness can lead to people being more willing to fund (directly or through taxes) the space program. A small bit of colaberation that costs them little more than a few team members free time is a good thing for NASA

[bsalis]

Personally I see it more like Squad helping NASA really. Though both have benefited from the ARM collaboration.

[Kasuha]

I think Squad was offered a contract to participate in NASA PR campaign related to the NASA Asteroid Redirect Mission - and this update is the result. Harv has mentioned this was much more serious work than what they're used to in one of devnotes.

No endorsing, just business.

[MalfunctionM1Ke]

2 companies working on the same Idea in their own ways.

Both are benefiting from the other one. Nasa gets their word spread about redirecting asteroids and Squad gets their word spread about their game.

Seems like a great Joint-Venture to me

[The Fleet Master]

I really hope so but I'm sure NASA has more important matters like how they'll get our astronauts back since they just had to quit pretty much talking to Roscosmos over Crimea, I'd go into a rant about how it's not our problem but not here. I do hope that after all that blows over NASA does endorse KSP.

[kurja]

I really hope so but I'm sure NASA has more important matters like how they'll get our astronauts back since they just had to quit pretty much talking to Roscosmos over Crimea, I'd go into a rant about how it's not our problem but not here. I do hope that after all that blows over NASA does endorse KSP.

was in the news that USA/USSR, oops I mean Russia, joint ISS operations continue as before.