Jun 12, 2019

Kerbal Space Program - daniele.peloggio

Hello everyone!

Kerbal Space Program 1.7.2 is live!

In this patch we focused mainly on improvements and bug fixes for the Breaking Ground Expansion. We’ve included an animation for Kerbals when they interact with Deployed Science experiments, added sound effects to Laythe’s Geyser and the Cryovolcano on Vall, and some new color variants for the robotic parts. Additionally, now it will be easier to encounter surface features on celestial bodies. However, there’s a very remote possibility that some of the newly generated surface features could appear where an existing craft is positioned. So, although this is unlikely to happen, we do recommend creating a back-up. There are also bug fixes and a few improvements for the base game, particularly for the new axis group system. Now you’ll be able to tie the main throttle to an axis group.

Check out this patch's Changelog for further details:

========================================= v1.7.2======================================== 1.7.2 Changelog - BaseGame ONLY (see below for Breaking Ground changelog) +++ Improvements * Redesign the Action sets icon during flight to make the current action number more visible. * Made engine thrust limit, and cargo bay deploy limit, and control surface and airbrake authority limits bindable to axis groups. * MainThrottle axis can be bound, but only in absolute mode. +++ Localization * Fix shadow casting string not displaying correctly if player doesn’t have the Breaking Ground Expansion. * Localize the strings for the Axis Actions in the Settings under the vessel Tab. +++ Parts +++ Bugfixes * Fix kerbal flags clipping into backpacks. * Fix lowest part of vessel calculations for Wheels when coming off rails. * Fix localisation for survey waypoint contract objectives. * Fix NRE in maneuver node editor. * Fix PAW displayDirty not working in the editor. * Fix symmetry counterparts (bow-tie) autostrutting. * Fix cutoff string in recovery science report screen. * Fix null reference on ship load when parts have changed their attach nodes. * Fix missing string in Absolute Control / Incremental Control tooltip. * Fix science value of repeat experiments. * Fix EVA portrait clipping in some situations. * Fix EVA portrait texture being transparent +++ Mods +++Miscellaneous 1.7.2 Changelog - Breaking Ground DLC ONLY +++ Improvements * Implement random orientation for surface features. * Add a scale variable in the rocsdef.cfg. * Increase unfocused range on deployed science Part Action Windows to 20m. * Add screen message for seismometer science if in sandbox game. * Kerbals can now change their future suit emissive colors via their PAW and persists to save game roster. * Kerbals can now interact with Deployed science parts (interaction animation). * Increased interaction range of science experiments on arms so that they match folded arm length. * Add Robotics radio button to SteamWorks Craft exporter. Will add Robotics Steam Tag and requires Breaking Ground DLC to workshop items exported with this radio button set on. * Add Geyser and Cryovolcano Sound FX. +++ Localization * Localise attach nodes in rotor PAW. * Localise surface feature debug menu. * Localise extended information for robotics modules. * Fix localization issue in the kspedia for Breaking Ground where Chinese and japanese were incorrect. * Fix localisation for contracts in Japanese being slightly incorrect. * String fixes in all languages. +++ Parts Color Variants: * 1P2 Hydraulic Cylinder (New “Gray with Stripes” color variant). * 3P6 Hydraulic Cylinder (New “Gray with Stripes” color variant). * 1P4 Telescoping Hydraulic Cylinder (New “Gray with Stripes” color variant). * 3PT Telescoping Hydraulic Cylinder(New “Gray with Stripes” color variant). * EM-16 Light Duty Rotor (New “Gray with Stripes” color variant). * EM-32 Standard Rotor (New “Gray with Stripes” color variant). * EM-64 Heavy Rotor (New “Gray with Stripes” color variant). * G-00 Hinge (New “Gray with Stripes” color variant). * G-11 Hinge (New “Gray with Stripes” color variant). * G-01L Alligator Hinge (New “Gray with Stripes” color variant). * G-12L Alligator Hinge (New “Gray with Stripes” color variant). * G-32W Alligator Hinge (New “Gray with Stripes” color variant). * Rotation Servo F-12 (New “Gray with Stripes” color variant). * Rotation Servo M-06 (New “Gray with Stripes” color variant). * Rotation Servo M-12 (New “Gray with Stripes” color variant). * Rotation Servo M-25 (New “Gray with Stripes” color variant). +++ Bugfixes * Fix Surface Feature frequency math. Should be much easier to find now. * Remove crater bay from Laythe surface feature biomes. * Made scanner arm retraction more linear to avoid collisions. * Fix kerbal flags clipping into backpacks. * Fix for animation pop when deploying deployed science parts. * Fix correct scale of the surface features. * Fix scan sound not stopping when scan is interrupted for scanner arm. * Fix Future suits emissive toggling correctly with Lights action button. * Fix Cargo Backpack visibility in external command chairs. * Fix dropped deployed science parts in VAB/SPH not launching with main vessel. * Fix potential NRE in Deployed Science when changing scenes. * Fix deployed science deployment on some slopes. * Fix flags getting stuck to scanner arm when they're planted too close. * Changed "Current extension" in piston paw to only display two digits after the decimal point to avoid numbers changing all the time. * Changed the kerbal name in the female future prefab to fix the prefab being wrong in the partInfo. * Fix ROC finder arrows. * Update laser position for scanner arm every frame to avoid gaps if vessel shifts. * Fix black lines appearing on the sides of the Hydraulic and Telescoping pistons, Rotation Servo M-25 and G-32W Hinge. * Fix visible texture seams in Laythe Boulders and Eeloo AliensGlaciers. * All the Surface features now display correct normal maps and shading. * Fix the flashing lights projected on Kerbal faces when walking while wearing the Breaking Ground EVA suit. * RCS jets now line up properly with the jetpack while wearing the Breaking Ground EVA suit. * Fix PD-3 Weather Analyzer “Deploy” and “Retract” animations mismatch sound effects. * Fix "Remove from Symmetry" PAW option not appearing for original part when attached to vessel in editor. * Use localised deployable part name as vessel name. Will only affect newly deployed parts. * Fix scanner arms being audible across the known universe. * Fix surface attachments on the moving part of the pistons. * Fix servo limits getting messed up when loading a craft file or reverting to the editor. * Fix bad piston behavior when pressed against its limits. * KSPedia fixes. * Fix piston servo locking not working. * Fix NRE when starting a mission with Making History and Breaking Ground installed and vessel contains rotor and wheels. * Fix servo limits resetting every time the PAW was opened in the editor. * Fix hinge target angle updates in the editor causing child parts to pull apart. * Fix deploy cargo part icon appearing at the correct time in Kerbal’s PAWs for all Kerbal states. * Fix autostruts handling on craft/vessels that have robotic parts for known use cases. * Show all the tylo dark boulder science results messages. * Fix incorrect message displayed when attempting to pick up a second ROC. * Fix deployed science sounds heard from 200m+ distance. * Fix deployed science part “Deployable Science Part” subcategory duplicated. * Fix Ionographer PD-22 search tags. * Fix HG-48 antenna search tags. * Fix scanner arm interfering with parachute deployment. * Robotics part category size changed to be more appropriate. * Fix Deployed Science contracts displaying incorrect completion amount and not completing properly. * Fix Deployed Science not ever transmitting last 10% of science generated. * Fix Deployed Science science generation calculations. * Fix Science report UI not displaying correct color bars information for Surface feature arm science. * Fix Deployed Science contracts sometimes being given for the wrong CB. * Adjust tolerance for determining if a robotic hinge is moving. * Reduce log messages when Deployed Science tries to transmit and has no CommNet or power. * Fix Surface feature and Deployed Science contracts being offered when EVA is not unlocked at the Astronaut complex. * Fix Surface feature contracts being offered when Surface features are not enabled in the current save game. * Fix NRE quickly deploying a cargo part when a kerbal just started holding it. * Fix Deployed Science contracts counting experiment science on other CBs than the CB the contract is for. * Fix Deployed Science Solar Panels producing zero power when loaded by game is in time warp. * Fix hinges not using EC when target angle updated via incremental axis group binding +++Miscellaneous *Improved detail on the neck ring texture of the Breaking Ground EVA suit. +++ Mods * Add Game events for robotic parts locking/unlocking.

Remember that you can help us find bugs/issues by reporting them into our bugtracker and that you can also upvote reports to make them more visible.

Happy launchings!

Jun 1, 2019

Kerbal Space Program's second expansion, Breaking Ground, is out now

Kerbal Space Program

Kerbal Space Program, still one of the best games you can play on PC today, has brought out its second-ever expansion, Breaking Ground, which gives you more things to do once you touch down on another planet.

You'll get booster antennae, solar panels, weather stations, seismometers, ion detectors, a device that analyzes goo and other equipment to deploy after you land. They'll collect data that you can relay back to Kerbin, learning more about the place you're visiting. The seismometer particularly takes my fancy: to get a reading, you have to deliberately crash things into the surface. Check out some of the gizmos in action in this trailer from last week.

You'll also find new surface features, such as meteors, craters, rock outcroppings, and cryovolcanoes. You can pick some of them up—rocks, not volcanoes, presumably—and bring them back home for further testing. Any that you can't take home will have to be analyzed on-site, either with your Kerbals or with unmanned rovers, which have new robotic arms to scan the area around them.

Lastly, the expansion adds new items to plug into your crafts, such as hinges, pistons and rotors. You'll get a robotics controller system to make sure they all work together.

It certainly sounds substantial, and the fact it's only the second expansion since Kerbal Space Program came out in 2015 makes it feel like a big deal. Making History, the first expansion, was very good indeed—check out Ian's review here.

It's $15/£13 on Steam.

May 23, 2019

KSP Loading... Breaking Ground under the spotlight!

Kerbal Space Program - daniele.peloggio

Welcome to our official newsletter, KSP Loading…! Do you want to learn about all the current developments of KSP? Here’s the place to be, so let’s get started!

Breaking Ground Expansion

With the release of the Kerbal Space Program: Breaking Ground Expansion just around the corner, our team is working very hard to wrap up the final details for this exciting DLC. We also thought this would be a good opportunity to dive into a little bit more depth and give you a better idea of what you can expect in Breaking Ground.

As we mentioned previously, this DLC is all about exploration, experimentation and technological breakthroughs. We want to give you more reasons to explore Kerbin’s solar system, more things to do while you’re on a celestial body and exciting new robotics parts that add a whole new level of complexity allowing you to build even more incredible crafts.

Deployed Science

This feature will allow you to deploy experiments on the surface of celestial bodies to take measurements over time. You will need to bring these experiments with you, unpack them from storage containers on your craft and set them up to run. In order to do so you will need to place a central station, one or more power generating devices and possibly a booster antenna to get your science base set up. The experiments and power generators will run better if the right kind of Kerbal sets them up, thus giving you more reasons to bring Kerbals with different professions on an adventure.

#Discussions_QuoteBlock_Author
We wanted to broaden the possibilities for future development, adding a time-based mechanic with deployed science, which also introduces inventory into stock KSP.

Let’s look at the equipment available for Deployed Science:

Probodobodyne Experiment Control Station

This part is crucial if you want to generate any useful data. Acting as the hub for all other experiments, the Experiment Control Station will distribute and control both power and data from nearby deployed parts, as well as coordinate the transmission of science back to Kerbin.

Mini-NUK-PD Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator

No science base will run without power, and the Mini-NUK-PD Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator will provide plenty of power to run a central station and deployed science experiments. If deployed by an engineer it will more efficient, if they are a high level one then even more.

OX-Stat-PD Photovoltaic Panel

An alternative power generator is the OX-Stat-PD Photovoltaic Panel, which will also be more efficient when properly set up by a trained engineer.

Communotron Ground HG-48

Although the Experiment Control Station has its own data transmission device, if you’re on a faraway planet, you might need to bring the Communotron Ground HG-48 antenna with you to boost the signal of your deployed science base.

Go-ob ED Monitor

The Goo Observation: Extended Duration Monitor watches the always enigmatic Mystery Goo for a long period of time on a planetary body. As with all the other deployed science experiments, the data collection speed will be increased when placed by a scientist, especially a ranked-up scientist.

PD-3 Weather Analyzer

This multi-function experiment gathers data on wind, pressure, temperature and humidity to generate a picture of the planet’s climate model over time. Naturally it will only function on a planet with an atmosphere.

Ionographer PD-22

This experiment allows Kerbals to analyze different particles and radiation incident on planetary bodies with no atmosphere.

Grand Slam Passive Seismometer

Unlike other experiments, the Grand Slam Passive Seismometer only operates under one condition… when controlled seismic events are created by crashing something into a planet. In addition to the excitement and fun of smashing things, you’ll collect data instantaneously with this device.

Click here to see all images of the Deployed Science experiments in high-res.

Surface Features

Surface features add a new component to the exploration of planets and satellites in the KSP solar system. These are items of scientific interest scattered across all celestial bodies. These features include meteorites, craters, mineral formations, and even stranger planetary oddities. Surface features vary in size and Kerbal astronauts will be able to pick up and return the smallest of them for study back at KSC. However, larger ones will need to be scanned and analyzed on-site by the newly developed Rover Arms.

#Discussions_QuoteBlock_Author
Exploring celestial bodies and using rovers has never had as much value as we would have liked, and while the real Opportunity is now quietly resting on Mars, we wanted to give the players the opportunity to do more valuable science driving across Duna (and the other bodies) in KSP. So we added interesting new features to the surface of the planets that can be explored and have experiments performed on them.

Rover Arms

These parts are used to gather scientific data from surface features. The Rover Arms come in three levels that you unlock via Research and Development, each of which has more sensors and tools that allow you to collect more science from the same surface feature. Only the largest Rover Arm has the full suite of scientific instruments, so you might want to unlock that one as soon as possible!

Click here to see all these and a couple more images of Surface Features and the Rover Arm in high-res.

Robotics

With Breaking Ground, you will see four types of robotic parts - hinges, pistons, rotors and rotational servos. Available in a range of shapes and sizes these new parts operate under realistic physics, with real forces and torques, electricity consumption and even motor mass accounted for. We are also including a controller part that will let you coordinate the behavior of many different parts on your craft.

#Discussions_QuoteBlock_Author
Giving our community the ability to build even more complex creations might seem like a strange idea for anyone familiar with KSP, but it is something the whole team is passionate about. I’m really looking forward to seeing what people can make and animate with the new parts and controller combination.

Hinges

Hinges will give you a limited angle of rotation between two parts. Perfect to create jointed machines for example.

Piston

The pistons give you linear motion. If set up right, they will allow you to create all sorts of craft with hydraulic-like mechanisms.

Rotor

Not much to explain about the rotor, it will allow you to generate torque around its axis. Maybe you’ll build a spinning space station or ferris wheel with this, or any other rotational contraption you can think of.

Rotational servo

The Rotational servo will give you precise control of angular position. Using proportional control, servos have unlimited potential to create all sorts of inventions, where you want to have precise control of the position of certain parts.

KAL Controller

The KAL-1000 controller can sequence the actions of all the robotics parts, and a number of other fields. Its gives you access to a powerful track editor tool to let you set up how parts will behave over time. Using the controller, you can set up complex cranes, walking craft, disco lighting or whatever your heart desires.

Click here to see the Robotic Parts images in high-res.

The New Suit

This futuristic-looking suit was designed to match the spirit of Breaking Ground. It not only looks great on Kerbals, but its seams glow in the dark when you turn on the helmet lights!

#Discussions_QuoteBlock_Author
For the spacesuit we tried a few options based on existing concepts from real life space programs, but some of those looked too slim or too sci-fi-ish. We also tried different helmets, but something felt weird about the shapes, and as the Kerbal helmet is iconic, we kept the classic shape when designing a new one. Apart from the design, we wanted to give the suit something that the others don't have: An emissive light at the seams, something that comes in handy to help find your Kerbals when they are far from the sun or on the dark side of a planet! At first, we thought skinning the accordion arms would be problematic, but we managed to do it, and we are pretty happy with the result. We hope you like it as much as we do!

Click here to see the Suits in high-res.

Additions to the base game

With the release of Breaking Ground, the base game is also getting some updates that will add a few new features.

For starters, the inventory mechanic that is used by deployed science will be available in the base code, for modders to use and extend as they wish.

Additionally, we're adding two extensions to our action group system. The first one adds another type of action group for controls that let you bind input controls to fields - an axis group. The second adds Action Sets, which allow you to enable or disable sets of axis or action groups.

This extends what you can do with a limited number of keys, letting you put your craft into different modes of operation. You can even override the base controls with the action set feature, further fine tuning the interface between you and your craft. We developed these extensions to give players more options to control their robotics, but it certainly will be useful for stock and modded players as well.

Finally, we’ve added EVA portraits, so that you can check data on your Kerbals even when they’re out and about.

Remember, you can share and download crafts and missions on Curse, KerbalX, the KSP Forum and the KSP Steam Workshop.

That’s it for this edition. Be sure to join us on our official forums, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Stay tuned for more exciting and upcoming news and development updates!

Happy launchings!

May 6, 2019

Kerbal Space Program Breaks Ground with a New DLC!

Kerbal Space Program - daniele.peloggio

Brand new downloadable content for Kerbal Space Program is on its way! Filled with new content and features, Kerbal Space Program: Breaking Ground Expansion will give new meaning to the Kerbal scientific endeavours.

Breaking Ground is all about exploration, experimentation, and technological breakthroughs. Study the soaring plume of a cryovolcano on Vall, mysterious craters on Moho, and even more new features on all of the other moons and planets of the Solar System. Deploy experiments for the long-term study of Minmus and let them collect data while you explore further sights. Test your creativity with a new suite of robotics parts. Breaking Ground will help you and the Kerbals reach new horizons, all in the name of Science!

These are the most significant features coming to Kerbal Space Program: Breaking Ground Expansion.

Robotic Parts

Brand new robotic will add a whole new level of creativity to your craft. These parts will include some new control mechanics and let you create all sorts of inventive vehicles and crazy contraptions to aid the Kerbals in exploring their Universe!

Surface Features

Scattered across the Kerbin System, you’ll find interesting Surface Features, like mineral formations, meteors, craters, and some even more curious planetary features. Study them and collect valuable scientific data with a brand-new Rover Arm!

Deployed Science

Bring equipment for experiments with you from Kerbin and deploy them on the surface of a celestial body to take measurements over time. Set up a science station and put your crew to work. From seismometers to weather stations, there are plenty experiments for you to try out!

New Space Suit

Kerbals are also getting a fresh new space suit to wear for their scientific endeavors! This sleek futuristic suit will make your Kerbals look flashy while they explore the canyons of Duna, the shores of Laythe, or any other exotic destination.

Kerbal Space Program: Breaking Ground Expansion will be released on May 30th for PC for $14.99 USD. And yes, we’re keeping our promise that all players who purchased the game through April 2013 will receive the expansion for free. We’ll provide more details on how that will work before launch.

Do you want to learn more about Breaking Ground? Then make sure to stay tuned for our next KSP Loading… where we’ll take a deep dive into the content and features of Kerbal Space Program: Breaking Ground Expansion!

Happy launchings!

P.S.: Click here to see the full High-Res screenshot album.

May 6, 2019

Kerbal Space Program's Breaking Ground DLC adds robotics and more experiments

Kerbal Space Program

Kerbal Space Program, one of the best space games on PC, is thankfully not yet done with its exploration of the cosmos. The team's been tinkering away on the second expansion, Breaking Ground, which will focus on the noble pursuit of scientific knowledge (and sticking robotic components to ships). And you won't need to wait long for launch; it's due out on May 30.

With Breaking Ground, you'll be able to conduct a variety of scientific experiments on planets or the moon, building science bases with stations, power generators and other devices. These bases can collect data from your experiments and then transmit the results back home automatically. If you need a bit of excitement in your quest for knowledge, you can also crash stuff into planets to "gather seismic data" and definitely not just because it's fun.

Among the things available to study are new surface features that can be discovered on planets. Craters, cryovolcanoes and meteors can be analysed, with small samples able to be snatched and sent back to base for further testing. Larger objects can't just be sent across space, however, which means you'll need to use your rover's robotic arms to scan them and drill for samples. These arms come with a variety of handy instruments, and the larger they are, the more functionality they possess.

Your rover's arms aren't the only fancy bit of robotic kit that you'll be able to take advantage of. Robotic hinges, pistons, rotors and rotational servos can be stuck onto spaceships, each of them with simulated physics affected things like force, torque and power consumption. These components and other parts of your ship can also be controlled via the new robotic controller system, which lets you coordinate their behaviour.

Breaking Ground will launch on May 30 for £13/$15, but it will also be accompanied by some free additions to the base game, including an expanded action group system and the ability to bring cargo items with a Kerbal in their inventory. These were features designed for Breaking Ground but which should still benefit all players and modders. Read more about the expansion in our interview with Squad and Private Division here.

Here are some exclusive screens of Breaking Ground to tide you over until then: