RCS explosion?

[allesgute]

So I just made my first trip to the surface of the Mun and was coming back. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough liquid fuel, so I had to use my RCS system to get back to Kerbin - and I had enough. I went into Munar orbit first then started my "burn" to get back to Kerbin. As I was about to get into Kerbin orbit, using my full RCS forward thrusters, my ship blew up. Any idea why? I mean it was a simple craft at that point with a command module with solar panels, two RCS tanks, and four thrusters. Do they overheat? I didn't see anything.

[Taki117]

RCS doesn't overheat, and a Pic of the craft in question would help. It sounds like a Kraken attack, but I can't understand why such a simple ship would summon the Kraken.

[asb3pe]

This same exact thing happened to me just now. I was landing at Mun, I hit the M key to zoom out to orbital map, and suddenly a HUGE explosion happened and my lander was gone. I had no idea what exploded or why, although I think I narrowed it down because I almost always do an F5 quicksave unless I forget. In this case, I had a quicksave, so I loaded it up and I discovered my monopropellant tank (for the RCS thrusters) was almost empty. So what I think happened was that I was controlling my lander from the orbital map and made a correction that didn't execute properly because of the fuel running out. I must have impacted the surface. But wow did it ever scare me because it was a very loud explosion with a lot of bright flashes and, of course, I was not expecting it at all.

Clearly this doesn't apply to the OP because it doesn't seem they were anywhere near the Mun surface. I definitely was near it.

Edited June 17, 2014 by asb3pe

[grockstar124]

Maybe the RCS broke off and hit the rocket, making it explode. Look at the mission log (you have to end the mission). It will say what happened.

[Kasuha]

When you want to figure out what went wrong first, press F3 to show flight log.

I don't think RCS can damage or overheat any part so most probably it was some different problem or game bug.

[Claw]

Yeah, this is pretty unusual in stock. Are you using any mods? I don't even know of any off hand that would cause RCS to overheat/explode. Unless by some chance you also accidentally pressed the space bar and separated some equipment.

[WeirdCulture]

Kerbal Kraken Attack - you have take the F9 Anti-Kraken-Pill if you are F5 vaccinated