Kerbal Space Program

Kerbal Space Program enhanced its gameplay with the release of patch v0.1.3.0 on June 22, 2023, which introduced several new parts and major bug fixes. This update brought in exciting new components like the A.I.R.B.R.A.K.E.S and the Clamp-O-Tron Inline Docking Port, expanding the tools available for players to create and manage their space missions.

• New Parts: Patch v0.1.3.0 added various new components, including the S3-28800 Methalox Fuel Tank and more.
  • A.I.R.B.R.A.K.E.S
  • Clamp-O-Tron Inline Docking Port
  • S3-28800 Methalox Fuel Tank
• Performance Optimizations: The same patch also included performance enhancements to improve overall gameplay experience.
• Major Bug Fixes: Patch v0.1.3.0 addressed critical issues, resolving bugs related to Flight, UI/UX, and Saving & Loading functionalities.

Kerbal Space Program introduced an optional Private Division Account login flow on January 25, 2023, alongside a new launcher for Steam that serves as a hub for news and updates related to both KSP and KSP 2 Early Access. Notably, the game launcher now closes after launching, improving the user experience.

• New Account Feature: An optional PD Account login flow was added to the Launcher menu and at first boot on January 25, 2023.
• New Launcher: A new launcher for KSP on Steam launched on November 2, 2022, enhancing access to news and updates about the game and its sequel.
• Improved UI/UX: The launcher now closes automatically after the game launches, preventing it from running in the background as of January 25, 2023.
• Tutorial Fixes: Multiple tutorial issues were addressed on November 2, 2022, including:
  • Fix for the Go For Orbit tutorial.
  • Fix for the Advanced Construction tutorial.
  • Fix for the Sub Orbital tutorial.
  • Fix for the Craft Browser not showing Hopper in Intermediate Construction tutorial.
  • Fix for Alarm Clock ignoring custom day/year lengths.
  • Fix for the Basic Flight tutorial.
  • Fix for the Intermediate Construction tutorial.
• Minor Bug Fixes: Additional minor bug fixes were implemented on January 25, 2023.

The Maneuver Creator App launched on June 10, 2021, providing players with a new tool to quickly generate transfers to celestial bodies and see upcoming transfer windows. Alongside this, the Alarm Clock App debuted, allowing users to set alarms for maneuvers and orbital positions with customizable sounds, enhancing gameplay management.

• Craft and Save Loading Improvements: This update revamped the loading of crafts and game saves, introducing search functionality, foldering, and cross-save access.
• 10th Anniversary Fireworks: Players celebrated the game's anniversary with two configurable firework launchers for their vehicles.
• New Slim Suit: A sleek-looking spacesuit was added, featuring three color variations for players to choose from.
• New Ground Anchor: This element enabled players to anchor vessels to the ground, enhancing base-building capabilities.
• Textural Enhancements: Eeloo and Pol received high-quality texture and shader revamps, improving their visual fidelity.
• Revamped Docking Ports: All docking ports were aesthetically revamped and now allow for the rotation of docking port collars.
• New Solar Panels: Four new photovoltaic panels were introduced, including enhanced versions and large retractable options.
• Wheel Improvements: Major tuning adjustments were made to wheels, fixing stress tolerance and enhancing the suspension and friction model.
• Modding Support: UpgradePipeline support for part module renaming was added on December 13, 2021.
• Robotic Parts Drift Fix: Improvements were made to address drifting issues with robotic parts when left locked, allowing for quicksaving/reloading or timewarping to reset part placement.
• Docking Ports Drift Fix: Similar fixes were applied to rotating docking ports to resolve drifting issues when left locked.
• AOORE Fix for Mods: Issues with loading some mods due to AOORE errors were resolved, improving mod compatibility.

EVA Construction Mode launched on November 25, 2020, allowing Kerbal engineers to adjust parts on a craft while on EVA, significantly enhancing gameplay options. The update also introduced new parts and variants, including ESA-themed components, and new contract types to utilize these features.

• New Content:
  • Comets were added on July 1, 2020, introducing new contracts for detection and visits.
  • New Parts: An Ariane 5 Heavy-Lift Launch Vehicle and several ESA-themed parts launched on June 17, 2020.
  • EVA Science Experiment Kit: Launched on November 25, 2020, this kit allows Kerbals to run experiments during EVA.
• Gameplay Changes:
  • Kerbals could now assist Engineers in EVA Construction as of January 28, 2021, enabling the movement of heavier parts.

• Balance Changes:
  • A Thrust Limiter was added to Kerbal Jetpacks on January 28, 2021, allowing finer control.

• Quality of Life Improvements:
  • An expanded inventory system introduced on November 25, 2020, allowed stacking of parts and improved management.
  • Cargo Mode in VAB/SPH was added for easier access to inventories.

• Visual Enhancements:
  • Major visual revamps for Jool and its moons occurred on July 1, 2020, improving textures and shaders.

• KSP 2 Release Delay:
  • The release of KSP 2 was postponed to 2022, as announced on November 12, 2020.

Kerbal Space Program: Breaking Ground Expansion launched on May 30, 2019, introducing a wealth of new features focused on exploration and experimentation. This expansion added robotic parts, surface features, and new gameplay mechanics that enhanced the overall experience. Additionally, the announcement of Kerbal Space Program 2 on August 29, 2019, marked a significant expansion of the franchise, promising interstellar travel and multiplayer capabilities.

• New Content:
  • Robotic Parts: Introduced new components like hinges, pistons, and servos, allowing for more complex vehicle designs.
  • Surface Features: Added interesting elements such as mineral formations and craters to explore on celestial bodies.
  • Colonization Mechanics: Enabled players to gather resources and build structures on celestial bodies.
  • Next Generation Technology: Included advanced engines and fuel types for deeper exploration.
  • Deployed Science Equipment: Allowed players to deploy scientific instruments to gather data over time.

• Gameplay Improvements:
  • Improved Onboarding: New animated tutorials and enhanced UI made it easier for newcomers to learn the game.
  • Blade Control Enhancements: Improvements for rotorcraft realism with cyclic and collective deflection controls for blades.
  • Inventory Mechanic: Introduced a new system for modders to utilize in the base game.

• Balance Changes:
  • Robotic Part Resource Consumption: Improved tracking of resource usage for robotic components.
  • Rebalancing of Parts: Adjusted costs and crash tolerances for various components, including decouplers and lander cans.

• Visual Enhancements:
  • Terrain Revamps: Significant visual updates for celestial bodies like Kerbin, Moho, and Dres, featuring high-quality textures and shaders.
  • Engine Revamps: Updated geometry and textures for engines like the RE-I5 'Skipper' and BACC 'Thumper'.

• Quality of Life Features:
  • Action Group System Extensions: Enhanced control options with new action sets and axis groups.
  • New Cheat Menu and Search Function: Added tools for better mission planning and navigation within the R&D Tech Tree.

The History and Parts Pack launched on March 21, 2019, introducing an array of new content, including over 70 parts inspired by historical space exploration. The update also added significant gameplay features such as the Maneuver Mode, which enhanced navigation with precise orbital information.

• New Content: The History and Parts Pack included:
  • New parts, space suits, launch sites, and 10 pre-made historical missions.
  • Four additional launch sites, including the Woomerang Launchsite and a new Mun Launchsite.
  • Kerbal Personal Parachutes for experienced Kerbals.
• New Features:
  • Maneuver Mode enabled precise maneuver node adjustments.
  • Delta-v per Stage tool visualized Delta-v values for each stage while building.
• Gameplay Improvements:
  • Players could assign Kerbals directly from the VAB/SPH into External Command Seats.
  • Improved burn time information was recalculated based on Delta-v.
• Balance Changes:
  • The PC Update 1.7 revamped several engines and rebalanced various parts from the Making History expansion.
  • Adjustments were made to wheels and legs behavior, improving their performance when overloaded.
• Visual and Quality of Life Enhancements:
  • New visual updates for small maneuvering engines and a revamped galaxy texture map were introduced.
  • Cloud Saves were implemented, allowing players to access saves from any computer.

Kerbal Space Program: Making History Expansion launched on March 13, 2018, introducing significant new features, including a Mission Builder and a History Pack filled with pre-made missions inspired by historical space exploration. Alongside this expansion, the game underwent a major update with Kerbal Space Program 1.4: Away with Words MK-II, enhancing localization and overall game performance.

• Major Content Drops:
  • Making History Expansion: This expansion added a Mission Builder for players to create and share missions, along with a History Pack featuring various pre-made missions.
  • Kerbal Space Program 1.4: This update improved localization by adding support for four additional languages and included a broad range of gameplay improvements.

• New Content:
  • Mission Builder Feature: A powerful tool allowing players to create custom missions with unique challenges.
  • New Parts and Astronaut Suits: Over 70 new parts and astronaut suits inspired by the Space Race were added, enhancing customization options.
  • Kerbal Personal Parachutes: Introduced for Kerbals with level 3 experience, allowing for steerable parachute use.

• Gameplay Enhancements:
  • VAB - SPH Editor Switching: Players could now seamlessly switch between the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) and the Space Plane Hangar (SPH).
  • Ambient Light Adjustment: A new feature was added to brighten the render engine settings.

• Performance Improvements:
  • Game Engine Upgrade: The game upgraded to Unity 2017.1.3p1, resulting in various performance enhancements and an improved particle system.

• Quality of Life Updates:
  • Improvements to UI and Overall Experience: Various enhancements were made to improve the user interface and game experience.

Kerbal Space Program introduced Update 1.2 on October 11, 2016, featuring significant new systems such as KerbNet and CommNet that enhanced reconnaissance and communications capabilities. The update also included a complete redesign of the fuel system and improvements to the Stability Assist System, offering players better control and efficiency in their launches.

• New Systems:
  • KerbNet: Players could now use satellites for reconnaissance, scanning terrain, and placing custom waypoints.
  • CommNet: This system allowed players to set up their own communications networks and control probes remotely.
  • Public Pre-release of Update 1.2: Players had the opportunity to test the update before its official release.

• Gameplay Improvements:
  • Complete Fuel System Redesign: The fuel system underwent a full redesign to enhance gameplay.
  • Improved Fuelflow System: Players gained total control over how fuel flows through their vessels.
  • Rewrite of Stability Assist System (SAS): SAS was rewritten for more accurate and fuel-efficient launches.

• Balance Changes:
  • Improved Wheels Stability: Wheels received enhancements for better handling of rovers and aircraft.

• Modding Support:
  • Public Modding API Release: The modding API was made public, allowing the community to create and share mods.

• Performance Enhancements:
  • Game Engine Update: The game engine was updated to improve overall stability and performance.

• Quality of Life Improvements:
  • More Tweakable Options for Parts: Players received additional options for customizing parts.

Kerbal Space Program 1.0 officially launched on April 27, 2015, marking the culmination of over four years of development. This major release introduced a host of new features, including extensive tutorials, a revamped contracts system, and new rocket parts. Additionally, the game received significant updates throughout the year, enhancing gameplay and performance.

• New Content:
  • New Tutorials and Scenarios: Released on April 19, 2016, these tutorials cover both basic and advanced topics, along with new scenarios for complex missions.
  • KSPedia Reference Guide: Also launched on April 19, 2016, this in-game reference serves as a comprehensive source for mechanics and advanced concepts.
  • New Rocket and Spaceplane Parts: Added on November 9, 2015, this update introduced high-vectoring engines and a cargo ramp for Mk.3 planes.
  • Resource Mining Feature: Released with the initial launch, players could now mine resources like Ore, using new scanners and drills.
  • Introduction of Fairings: Players could add fairings to rockets, allowing for custom designs and payload protection.

• Gameplay Enhancements:
  • Complete Overhaul of Aerodynamics: This foundational change at launch improved lift and drag calculations.
  • New Buoyancy Model: Reworked on November 9, 2015, this allowed for seaplane construction and varied ocean densities.
  • Contextual Contracts: Introduced on August 22, 2015, these contracts evolved over time, adding depth to Career Mode.

• Performance Upgrades:
  • Upgrade to Unity 5 Game Engine: Implemented on April 19, 2016, this upgrade significantly boosted performance and stability.
  • 64-bit Client Support: Added on August 22, 2015, it improved stability on 64-bit platforms, enhancing modding capabilities.

• User Interface Overhaul:
  • Complete Redesign of UI: Released on April 19, 2016, the UI was rewritten to utilize Unity 5's systems, improving performance and user experience.