Are there mods that make the tech tree more realistic?

[kerbonaut101]

are there mods that make it so airplanes are available first, then unmanned satellites and eventually manned space craft?

[Bloodbunny]

Yes.. TreeLoader has one that does exactly that, I think its the Traditional Tech option

[Taki117]

there is a mod called...Realism Progression Lite (I believe) that im pretty sure does what you want.

[-ELF-]

Actually there is a mod called BTSM, "Better than starting manned", with pretty realistic point of view at tech tree...

[Albert VDS]

BTSM and Realism Progression Lite are not pure stock though, where as TreeLoader just rearranges the parts.

[MarvinKitFox]

I can thoroughly recommend BTSM, *if* you like a challenge.

It is quite a bit more "realistic" that the standard career mode in its tech progression, and contains a multitude of sensible rebalancings. Such as a virtually 100% nerfing of reaction wheels.

You want to turn your ship, you need to use RCS thrusters to do so. Or be willing to wait 5 minutes for the feeble gyro to do the job, at horrid electrical cost. Kinda like in real life.

[Motokid600]

How is BTSM with mods? I'm 100% modded to the bone. Zero stock parts.

[Stormweaver]

How is BTSM with mods? I'm 100% modded to the bone. Zero stock parts.

BTSM relies heavily on the stock parts (and the minor changes to them) for it's gameplay; it becomes largely pointless alongside the vast majority of other mods.