Kerbal Space Program 2: How to Get Your First Orbit

Kerbal Space Program 2 is an extremely complex and challenging game. Rocket science isn’t easy, even in a video game! As such, you may find it very challenging to even reach orbit in the game.

However, reaching orbit is one of the first goals you might want to aim for. Successfully doing so means that you have a solid grasp of how to build a rocket.

In this guide, we’ll take you through every step to reaching your first orbit!

How to Get Your First Orbit in Kerbal Space Program 2

One of the first things you will need to know is how rocket stages work. Rockets generally come in three stages:

• Stage 1: This is the lower section of the rocket. It’s large to accommodate a lot of fuel while also having a strong engine that can penetrate the atmosphere.
• Stage 2: This is the topmost section of the rocket. It’s small and has a weaker but more efficient engine, allowing it to keep flying after Stage 1 runs out of fuel.
• Last Stage: Generally speaking, this is just the command module with a parachute for a safe landing.

We will be building the rocket using this common two-stage system below.

Building Your First Rocket

For the first rocket, you need to first set down the command module. Pick the Mk1 “Tin Can” command module t hen put a TD-12 Stack Decoupler on its bottom. Finish it off by putting a parachute on top of the command module. This will be the last stage.

Next, place an FL-T400 fuel tank below the command module. This will attach to the decoupler, marking this as our Stage 2. Also, snap a small deep space engine to the bottom of this fuel tank. For this, we will be using the LV-909 “Terrier”.

Finish off the Stage 2 section by attaching a TD-12 decoupler just below the engine you placed.

After that, place an FL-T800 fuel tank right below the decoupler. This is a fairly large tank and is the start of our Stage 1 construction. Stage 1 requires a lot of fuel!

For the Stage 1 engine, use the LV-T45 “Swivel”. Snap it at the bottom of the fuel tank you just placed and the basic construction is done! Next, let’s check two statistics: Delta-v and Thrust/Weight ratio.

Delta-v is shown on the bottom right corner of the screen under the Launch button. You should ideally have at least 3500 m/s for Delta-v.

Meanwhile, Thrust/Weight ratio is shown on the Engineer’s Report. This is the leftmost icon on the blue taskbar on the bottom right.

This should be above 1.0. Anything below that won’t penetrate the atmosphere.

Lastly, make sure that the staging is all set which is on the rightmost side of the screen. It should be already set, but double-check and make sure it looks like the picture above.

Now, let’s move on to the launch by clicking on the green Launch button!

Launching and Controlling the Rocket

In the launch pad, press Spacebar to start the launch sequence. You will also be able to control your rocket’s flight with the following keys:

• Q and E: These will rotate your rocket.
• W and S: These will tilt your rocket north or south.
• A and D: These will tilt your rocket east and west.

Controlling the rocket will take a lot of practice and trial and error. This is one of the most challenging and unwieldy aspects of Kerbal Space Program 2, so be patient while you get used to the controls.

You can also control the throttle with the following keys:

• C: Sends rocket into full throttle
• X: Turns throttle off
• Left Shift: Slowly increase your throttle
• Left Control: Slowly decreases your throttle

With the controls out of the way, press the Spacebar to start the launch.

Getting into Orbit

Keep an eye on the Navball on the bottom left. Look for the purple “Ground” number. This tells your distance from the ground. Once you get over 3000m, start pressing D softly in intervals.

You want to keep your rocket tilted at about 45 degrees. Again, keep an eye on the Navball for this. Stay at full throttle, as well. Keep this up until you’re about 15000 to 20000m above the ground.

Once your Stage 1 section runs out of fuel, press Space to get rid of the dead weight. You can see your fuel on the bottom right of the screen.

Now, look for the small AP number below the Navball. This represents the higher point your rocket will travel. Once it’s greater than 80km, you’ve safely breached the atmosphere.

To start orbiting, first set your camera to the map screen view. You need to check the travel estimate line and check the AP point in the line as your guide. Before reaching the AP, stop your rocket’s throttle.

Pitch your rocket so that it’s exactly on the horizon when looking at the Navball. This is the line between the blue and orange sections of the Navball.

After pitching the rocket properly, go full throttle. Keep an eye on your distance from the AP. Also keep an eye on your PE which is below the Navball, close to the AP.

Shut down your engines with X if your ship is about to reach the AP. Once the AP is far away again, go full throttle again. Repeat this process until your PE is also above 80km.

Once both the AP and PE are above 80km, you’ve successfully started orbiting!