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So, you’re in the VAB building a rocket, and your creation has too much mass. InKerbal Space Program 2, your rocket will need to have a good thrust/weight ratio, which ensures that it can successfully leave the launchpad. How do you manage this ratio though?
Related:Kerbal Space Program 2: Beginner’s Tips
In this guide, we are going to go over how to manage your thrust and weight, helping you make a sturdy rocket that will make it to space. First, let’s take a look at each of these measurements individually to get a better understanding.
Kerbal Space Program 2 is currently in Early Access on Steam and as such, the content is subject to change. We will update these articles as required.
Weight
Weight is pretty simple to understand.The total weight of your rocket is essentially how heavy each part is.As expected, larger pieces weigh more and require more power to move through space.From the parts menu in the VAB, you can sort the parts displayed by weight.This will display the smallest parts first, working its way up to the largest parts that you can add to your rocket.
While still on Kerbin, the weight will be quite important.The planet has Earth-like gravity, so when something is too heavy, it won’t lift off. When this happens, your rocket will stay grounded. If you are just shy of the ratio,then your rocket may lift off for a second or two, before crashing to the ground.
Thrust
Thrust is the power that moves the weight of your rocket. This force will typically come from the engine of your rocket.
Weight and thrust push against each other.When your rocket is in flight,the weight pushes down, while the thrust pushes up.If the weight is too much, the thrust cannot successfully move the rocket, causing it to stay on the launchpad.
Looking at a rocket in real life, there is a lot of ‘thrust’ in comparison to the size of the actual shuttle.NASA shuttles are quite small compared to the amount of thrust needed to take them into space. The Kerbal Space Program is a bit different from NASA, but the same principle applies.
What Is The TWR?
Thethrust-to-weight ratio (TWR)that you are aiming for is one or more. In the image above, you can see where the TWR is displayed, as well as the total mass of the rocket.Any number above one for the TWR will ensure that your rocket leaves the launchpad, granted that it’s built correctly.
Ideally, a TWR of one will let you fly through the atmosphere and into space.To track your TWR, be sure to have the Engineer’s Reports open while in the VAB.This will display your TWR, as well as any other issues that may come up while building your rocket.
Increasing Thrust
To increase your thrust,you will need to have a powerful engine with enough fuel.Alternatively, you can use several fuel tanks with engines. With these engines, you canpush yourself through the atmosphere.
When looking at fuel tanks and engines,be sure to read everything on the informational panel!This will tell you about the part, as well as how much thrust the engine has.
If you aren’t a fan of how bulky your rocket is,don’t forget that you’re able to detach (jettison) these large pieces.Once you make it into orbit, you can initiate the next stage, which detaches the designated parts of your rocket.Staging can be done in the VAB, as well as on the launchpad prior to launching.
Manually Decreasing Thrust
When in space, you can decrease your thrust with the green bar on the left-hand side of the screen;this will decrease your engine usage.In space, gravity doesn’t apply the same as on Kerbin.If you have a strong thrust, you may propel yourself through space on accident.
This is great if you are looking for some long-distance travel, but if you were aiming to orbit Kerbin, then this is quite unfortunate.
Decreasing Weight
To decrease weight,you simply need to remove parts of your rocket and exchange them for lighter versions.Do you really need a large fuel tank to power you through the atmosphere, or can you downgrade to a smaller version?If the answer is yes, then try finding a smaller tank that weighs less.
If you are a fan of decorating your rockets with extra bits, this may cause some extra weight that can drag down your rocket.We recommend sticking to a simple design if you have yet to master getting the TWR just right.
As with nearly everything in Kerbal Space Program 2,your success can be achieved through trial and error.Before you reach orbit (or even another planet), you will probably crash and burn.A lot. Rather than thinking of these as failed attempts,think of them as learning experiences!
