Unit System

[Aeruchemical]

Is it possible to change the displayed units at all? I've tried searching google and the forums but didn't find anything on it. I rarely use any metric units in any of my calculations at work, and always find myself converting them back in my head. It's not a big deal, but it's a small irritant.

Edited April 5, 2014 by Aeruchemical

[Specialist290]

I don't believe there's an option to use Imperial measures, no. Metric seems to be the standard for spaceflight operations in general, even here in the United States, and I believe the game was designed taking that into account.

Speaking as someone from the States myself, though: You'll eventually get used to it

[Claw]

I am even trying to switch over to Kerbin time to put myself in the game more.

[FenrirWolf]

If anything I'm finding myself bothered when I read an article about space things and they use miles or other measurements. I don't know what speeds mean anymore when they're not in terms of meters-per-second XD

[Aeruchemical]

Thanks. I remember something about a mars probe that crashed because of different assumptions about unit systems and didn't know if US units were used for space at all, generally. I'll get used to it.

[TheDarkStar]

Really, metric makes more sense than US imperial, since multiplying and dividing by 10 is MUCH easier than the bizarre 5280, 1760, 3, 2, 4, 8, 16, 12 ratios. Units are also easier to name, and there's less of that mass/weight confusion.

[Claw]

Thanks. I remember something about a mars probe that crashed because of different assumptions about unit systems and didn't know if US units were used for space at all, generally. I'll get used to it.

Yes, this is very true. One of the probes crashed when setting up for an aerobrake. The program was using km (because they learned from a previous mistake), but someone thought it was using miles. So, ironically, one of the numbers was converted from km to miles, effectively cutting the number nearly in half. The probe came in a bit steep for its aerobrake.

[GoatRider]

Yes, this is very true. One of the probes crashed when setting up for an aerobrake. The program was using km (because they learned from a previous mistake), but someone thought it was using miles. So, ironically, one of the numbers was converted from km to miles, effectively cutting the number nearly in half. The probe came in a bit steep for its aerobrake.

That's when I first heard the term "lithobrake".

[mhoram]

Just stumbled over http://kerbalspaceprogram.com/speed-unit-changer/

Did not try it however because SI units are much more natural.