Kerbal Space Program

Kerbal Space Program: Space Flight Simulation

Space flight simulation video game where players design, build, and fly spacecraft to explore fictional planets and moons with a realistic orbital physics engine and simplified controls.

What is Kerbal Space Program?

Kerbal Space Program (KSP) is a sandbox-style space flight simulation video game originally developed by Squad and published by Private Division. In KSP, players direct a nascent space program, staffed and crewed by green humanoid aliens known as Kerbals.

The main goal is to build and fly spacecraft to explore planets and moons in the fictional Kerbol solar system, constructing spaceplanes, rovers, space stations, robotic probes and more. While doing so, players have to consider factors like fuel management, aerodynamics, orbital mechanics and rocket science.

Although the physics and orbital dynamics are realistic, the controls have been simplified compared to an actual space program to make the game more accessible. However, mastering rocket construction, launch, orbiting, docking and landing takes skill and practice.

A key aspect of KSP is that players get to experience close-up what their astronaut Kerbal characters do. Vehicles can be operated in either a crewed or unmanned fashion. The game offers various astronaut-based missions like EVAs, planting flags, collecting surface samples and exploring terrain in rovers.

While the initial version only included a Sandbox mode for freeform construction, later updates added more structured Career and Science modes with technology trees, strategic resources, facility building and administered missions. Mods, custom player-created content and multiplayer help expand the experience.

Kerbal Space Program Features

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