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DipperDolphin Nov 30, 2015 @ 11:59am
Difference between a lander and a ship
What is the difference between a lander and a ship in the ship type menu?

Thanks! :steamhappy:
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Showing 1-8 of 8 comments
IzMeLewis Nov 30, 2015 @ 12:02pm 
a lander is well a lander it has a one of the two lander pods and is designed to land on for example the moon and return to orbit to a ship or station
#1
DipperDolphin Nov 30, 2015 @ 12:16pm 
Originally posted by harinck:
a lander is well a lander it has a one of the two lander pods and is designed to land on for example the moon and return to orbit to a ship or station
Okay, I see. If I have a lander which flies straight from Kerbin to the Mun and back, would that be a lander or a ship?

Thanks! :steamhappy:
#2
SievertChaser Nov 30, 2015 @ 12:18pm 
Does it have a re-entry-grade capsule? Then the game classifies it as a Ship. So would I.

Only two designated manned landers were ever built, the LEM and LK. Neither were capable of returning to Earth.
Last edited by SievertChaser; Nov 30, 2015 @ 12:18pm
#3
DipperDolphin Nov 30, 2015 @ 12:20pm 
Okay, thanks for your help! :steamhappy:
#4
SievertChaser Nov 30, 2015 @ 12:22pm 
Originally posted by GiacomoLaw:
Okay, thanks for your help! :steamhappy:
In practice, for Mun and Minmus missions, the reduced complexity of a Direct Ascent ship outweighs all mass benefits of a Lunar Orbit Rendezvous. Basically, a detachable lander is inefficient in practice.
#5
Rene Nov 30, 2015 @ 12:31pm 
Based on the parts you use the game makes an educated guess if the craft is a ship, probe, rover or lander. Besides using the filter in the map view and the tracking station, these are aesthetic. You can change craft type the same way you would rename it.
#6
SievertChaser Nov 30, 2015 @ 12:35pm 
Originally posted by Rene:
Based on the parts you use the game makes an educated guess if the craft is a ship, probe, rover or lander. Besides using the filter in the map view and the tracking station, these are aesthetic. You can change craft type the same way you would rename it.
Actually, it's not aesthetic. The Cupola triggers the station rename. Wheels create a Rover. Lack of control modules designates Debris. Flag and PotatoRoids cause... guess what.

And some modded parts have Base triggers.
Last edited by SievertChaser; Nov 30, 2015 @ 12:35pm
#7
whatdoesthisbuttondo? Nov 30, 2015 @ 1:42pm 
Originally posted by dennis.danilov:
In practice, for Mun and Minmus missions, the reduced complexity of a Direct Ascent ship outweighs all mass benefits of a Lunar Orbit Rendezvous. Basically, a detachable lander is inefficient in practice.

I'd say it depends.

The actual landing part is a lot less difficult with a proper lander, and while the orbital rendezvous tends to be difficult at first, it quickly becomes routine that one can do with one eye and a hand on their back as it is only precision that counts, while with the landing maneuver, quick reaction is important too.

(On that note, I kinda like how in 1.0.5 there is an early contract chain towards orbital rendezvous and docking procedures.)

Plus if you only bring your lander once and then reuse it, the benefit is even bigger on subsequent missions.
#8
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Kerbal Space Program > General Discussions > Topic Details
Date Posted: Nov 30, 2015 @ 11:59am
Posts: 8

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