A successful Kerbal Space Program (KSP) career requires careful planning and execution. This walkthrough outlines a typical career mode progression, focusing on efficient mission design and strategic science gathering to reach Duna and beyond.
Early Game: Establishing a Foundation
The initial phase focuses on maximizing early science gains and unlocking crucial technologies.
Mission 1: Atmospheric Flight and Splashdown
The first mission involves a simple atmospheric launch to approximately 7500 meters, followed by a splashdown in Booster Bay. This mission yields valuable science points (around 54) and funds (roughly 134,000), along with rewards for completing the first two basic contracts. This initial success lays the groundwork for more complex missions.
Mission 2: Achieving Kerbin Orbit
The second mission aims to reach a stable orbit around Kerbin. Conducting Extravehicular Activities (EVAs) and performing various science experiments in orbit provides significant scientific data for technological advancement.
Mission 3: Munar Orbit and Exploration
The third mission targets the Mun, Kerbin’s moon. A three-Kerbal spacecraft will orbit the Mun, allowing for extensive scientific research and EVAs before returning to Kerbin. This mission marks a significant milestone in the space program’s progress.
Mid-Game: Expanding Horizons
With a solid foundation established, the focus shifts to more ambitious missions and crew expansion.
Mission 4: Rescue and Satellite Deployment
This stage involves two crucial tasks:
- Mission 4A: Launching a spaceplane to rescue a stranded scientist and engineer, expanding the crew roster for future missions.
- Mission 4B: Deploying a probe or satellite network to fulfill multiple satellite contracts. Ideally, one satellite remains in Munar orbit to act as a communication relay for subsequent lunar missions.
Mission 5: Munar Landing
This mission marks the first Kerbal landing on the Mun. A single-Kerbal lander will touch down at the Armstrong Memorial, plant a flag, conduct scientific experiments, and safely return to Kerbin.
Missions 6-8: Advanced Lunar and Minmus Exploration
These missions utilize an Apollo-style Command and Service Module (CSM) and Lunar Module (LM) architecture for increasingly complex expeditions:
- Mission 6: The “prime” crew (Jeb, Bill, Bob) conducts multiple Mun landings across various biomes.
- Mission 7: The “prime” crew explores Minmus, performing multiple landings in different biomes.
- Mission 8: The “backup” crew replicates the Minmus and Mun exploration, gaining valuable experience and scientific data.
Late Game: Interplanetary Travel
The culmination of the career mode involves reaching Duna and beyond.
Mission 9: Duna and Ike Exploration
A fully upgraded Apollo-style spacecraft carries the “prime” crew to Duna and its moon, Ike. This mission represents a significant technological and logistical achievement, allowing for extensive exploration of the Martian system.
Conclusion: Beyond Duna
Reaching Duna unlocks the possibility of exploring the entire Kerbol system. By this stage, the tech tree is largely complete, and substantial funds have been accumulated. The journey to Duna provides a challenging and rewarding experience, demonstrating mastery of KSP’s core mechanics. While further exploration is possible, the core challenge of the career mode culminates with this achievement.
