Rocket launch heading

[Chris Solomon]

Is there any way to set KSP so that the very first piece you lay down in the VAB is set so that rocket launch is aligned with heading 90? I am always having trouble getting the rocket turned properly before launch.

[Jupiter3927]

Rotate your whole rocket 90 degrees once using [E] in the VAB and it should be aligned.
It's still going to be pointed up but pitching down should keep it facing east.

Most players use [D] during flight to yaw the rocket down facing east.

[Mor'finn]

There is also mod for changing default orientation: https://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/index.php?/topic/172840-15x-vabreorienter-v11-pick-a-different-vab-orientation-not-just-north/

[MechBFP]

Just build them normally and launch them east by using the D key. Only makes a difference if you have wings or something that requires it to be oriented the right way. Still easier to just build it in the VAB the way you need it without rotating it.

[Chibbity]

Just orient your command part properly, the rest typically doesn't matter.

[invision2212]

to make it easy on yourself just build the rocket normally, and when you place boosters make sure they both face the garage doors so when you load up the craft for launch you dont need to spin anything and the boosters wont hit thecraft upon decouple. just fly the rocket with the D key.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1297670257

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1297670833

[Chris Solomon]

Thanks for the responses. i was hoping it would be a simple answer, like changing a setting in a config file. I guess not. I build a rocket and then rotate everything, but getting it rotated the proper direction thati want is what i have difficulty with. it usually takes my two or three trys before i get it right, which means two or three reverts back to the vab. I was hoping to find a way to avoid that.

also i usually have fins of some sort on the rocket for steering during the inital stage while it's still in atomsphere. keeps the rocket from going wild after launch. having the proper orentation, helps with the steering of the fins.

[Chibbity]

Originally posted by Chris Solomon:

Thanks for the responses. i was hoping it would be a simple answer, like changing a setting in a config file. I guess not. I build a rocket and then rotate everything, but getting it rotated the proper direction thati want is what i have difficulty with. it usually takes my two or three trys before i get it right, which means two or three reverts back to the vab. I was hoping to find a way to avoid that.

Wait, that doesn't sound right. (No offense.)

It should be as simple as grabbing the entire vessel from the root part (most likely your command pod, the first part you placed) -or- holding shift and clicking any part to select the entire craft; then pressing Q and deselecting it.

Are you trying to rotate it with the rotate tool or something? (Even then it shouldn't be hard, use Absolute mode instead of Local.)

[Chris Solomon]

Originally posted by Chibbity:

Originally posted by Chris Solomon:

Thanks for the responses. i was hoping it would be a simple answer, like changing a setting in a config file. I guess not. I build a rocket and then rotate everything, but getting it rotated the proper direction thati want is what i have difficulty with. it usually takes my two or three trys before i get it right, which means two or three reverts back to the vab. I was hoping to find a way to avoid that.

Wait, that doesn't sound right. (No offense.)

It should be as simple as grabbing the entire vessel from the root part (most likely your command pod, the first part you placed) -or- holding shift and clicking any part to select the entire craft; then pressing Q and deselecting it.

Are you trying to rotate it with the rotate tool or something? (Even then it shouldn't be hard, use Absolute mode instead of Local.)

so pressing Q once will get it oriented properly? i was presssing E to rotate it..... derp

[Chibbity]

Another way to look at it is your command pod window should generally face away from the door. Basically the door points to the ocean, and you want "down" to be towards the ocean as well.

[Chris Solomon]

thanks for all the respones