Multiple launchpads?

[TechnicalK3rbal]

How many would be interested in the addition of multiple launchpads, either for different types/size rockets, or (in the future with some sort of an economy) having more so that repairing/reseting could be done in less time? (assuming there is going to be some kind of delay, I.E. if you launch a 20 ton rocket, you must wait two days before launching another)

[Paul G]

I like the idea of different launch pads at different latitudes, so you have to launch with different inclinations.

[Superfluous J]

I'd like different launch pads. Maybe it's cheaper to build a rocket in another part of the world so it'd be economically more feasible to launch from there. Not real-world reasonable but hey.

[KASASpace]

I think this would be great.

Let's say you want a polar orbit.

Then just select the Northernmost Launchpad!

Or, now that asteroids have been added, you could launch into the closest to it's inclination.

[Voculus]

I'd love multiple launchpad locations, if for no other reason than a change of scenery as I blast off.

[Capt Snuggler]

I too support this, though I cant think of a practical reason for it at the moment. I would like to see smaller launch facilities and runways around kerbin.

they could become more significant in when vehicle recovery is fully implemented/fleshed out.

[Xaelath]

I support this idea. Sounds great.

[Crush]

We need to differentiate here between different launchpads at the same space center and different space centers at different locations

Regarding multiple space centers:

The current location exactly on the equator is already quite ideal for most kinds of missions. There are few possible mission which would benefit from a launch location on a higher inclination. From the point of view of a sandbox-player, choosing a different location might be a welcome challenge because it adds more complexity to the game.

But from the point of view of a career-player, there would be little reason to settle anywhere else, unless less-ideal locations would be somehow cheaper or provide other benefits. Different regions of Kerbin could have different multipliers for part cost (due to infrastructure and logistics), building fixcost (due to weather) or might be unavailable at first and need to be unlocked during the career (for story-reasons).

Your space program might start out as a hobby project in Wernher von Kermans backyard, then become supported by the local government, then different nations offer you to work for them and want you to choose between them and finally you become an international program and can build space centers anywhere.

Regarding space center(s) with multiple launchpads:

KSP is supposed to become a full-fledged tycoon-style space program simulator one day, where budget-management will play a role and maintaining and upgrading the space center will be part of the game.

That could mean that the player can build new launchpads with different properties. Smaller launchpads would be cheaper to build and maintain than larger ones, but would put a limit on dimensions and mass of the rockets you can launch from them. Support facilities near the launchpad might be required to be able to use certain parts. But as long as launches can be done in zero-time, there would be no reason to have more than one launchpad. Just having a single one and upgrading it as soon as the player has the funds to spare would be sufficient. It would get more interesting when launches would require a preparation-time of several days. Then it would suddenly get interesting to have multiple launchpads so multiple launches can be prepared and performed in parallel.

For a sandbox-game where prep-time and budget are no constraint, the player could just spawn one of the largest and best-equipped launchpads possible. There is little reason to settle for anything less. So launchpad-management would add little to sandbox-mode.

Edited April 8, 2014 by Crush

[Sochin]

I'd like different launch pads. Maybe it's cheaper to build a rocket in another part of the world so it'd be economically more feasible to launch from there. Not real-world reasonable but hey.

I like the idea of possible multiple launch sites, however, a thought crossed my mind. Is it really safe to have the lowest bidder build and launch your rocket in KSP?

[Kasuha]

In career mode, relocating the KSC might be part of increasing the difficulty of the game. That might happen either mid-career or as "hard mode" second career run after finishing the "easy mode".

For sandbox, having multiple places to start from would be nice, too.

[Capt Snuggler]

maybe different size VABs and launch pads? when you start career mode you only have a small VAB? but it grows (and relocates) as you progress?

[Flight]

Also, multiple runways, so we can travel from a place to another by plane.

Maybe we would have to transport cargo and kerbonauts there before making it ready for a launch?

[Ravenchant]

The idea of having multiple launch pads at KSC sounds interesting, depending on how it is implemented. There could be size/ tonnage restrictions on the pads (let's say, the main pad can launch anything, then you have one or two medium pads and finally a couple of small ones which can only launch unmanned craft massing up to 50 or 75 tons). Then, limitations can be made for career, as suggested by Crush. For example:

- each pad having a minimum time between launches... for the smallest ones it could be unlimited, or as low as a couple of hours; manned launches a few days apart etc.?

- as said, maximum launch mass in accordance with pad size?

- uprating existing pads to support manned launches as a cheaper alternative to building bigger ones?

- extending this to SPH... starting with a shorter, narrow runway?

- maybe a missile silo only supporting rockets up to a certain diameter, Dnepr-style?

- having to greenlight the launch in advance because it takes time to set up? (then you could dedicate one pad to have a rescue mission ready and waiting at all times)

[Wahgineer]

multiple launch sites would probably be best for multiplayer, where one can choose where they place their space center.

[Klingon Admiral]

I totally want a harder career mode, so I fully support high lattitude launch sites. Maybe the main KSC could be unlocked further down in career for a boatload of money.

[Paul Kingtiger]

I was wondering how multiplayer will effect launching. Will each player have their own space center instance? If not then multiple launch pads would be useful to allow simultaneous launches.

At a minimum a second identical pad at KSC would look really cool.

I'd also like to see more space centers, at least one more to simulate launching somewhere except the equator. A pad at the same latitude as Kennedy Space Center and another at the same latitude as Baikonur Cosmodrome would be fun.

[Random Tank]

I just wanna launch from KSC 2....

Anyone know how I can do this?

[frizzank]

I think multiplayer is going to require multiple launchpads....

I do really like the idea of having different pads with different properties associated with them.