Kerbal Space Program 101 - Tutorial For Beginners - Construction, Piloting, Orbiting

[@JustAGiraffe]

Building Rockets: 1:06 Launching & Staging: 4:08 Parachuting: 7:12 Building Better Rockets: 12:22 Launching Better Rocket: 14:46 Orbiting 101: 16:01 You're Welcome!

[@TheShmuTube]

Thank you!

[@kunneman]

Cheers mate!

[@raymosier2750]

I've just started and this was VERY helpful to me. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@trainknut]

Ray Mosier The tutorial in the game can teach you most of this stuff, but it's nice having visual aid along with commentary to guide you through it.

[@zordah]

I only recently purchased KSP and had your videos recommended to me by a friend. Thanks very much for putting together such a clear explanation of the basics :)

[@jackandersen1262]

Even 8 years later, this is still much better than the in-game tutorials. Thanks for both telling us how to play the game and explaining why you are performing such and such actions.

[@mikejancz]

You have the best tutorials on fuel management, orbits, and landings. Thanks to you I'm getting 50% better gas mileage. My understanding of this game has skyrocketed, pardon the pun. You've earned a sub. Keep up the good works!

[@absalonb1]

Dear Scoot, as a veteran KSP player and a veteran viewer, these videos doesn't get boring. I just enjoy your voice!!!! Could spend 24 hours hearing you talk about the simplest KSP things!!

[@Envy_41]

Even being such a old video, you still helped us all, me love you Scott -KSP community

[@Flueeeee]

I went to the Mun and Minmun by following your directions (mostly) and the name I gave to the site on minmus for my first flag was : Scott Kerban Site In your name man, you are true savior and bringing joy to us! You'll see, I will one day send you a video of a space mission I do to drop your jaw...

[@KapteinFruit]

Thanks Scott! I've been trying to get to grips with Kerbal, but the tutorial in game is pretty bad at really explaining what's what. But you did so very well ,so thanks!

[@subn0rma1]

I did all the in game tutorials and played around with this game for about 7 hours total since I've purchased it a couple days ago. I've gotten into orbit on my own but this guide was still very helpful. I had no idea about the maneuver system and that so far has been amazingly helpful. I'll continue to watch the rest of your videos to pick up more tips, Thanks!

[@rorkillaman]

this game is so neat cant wait to get it.

[@Murlockingqc]

***** It is really incredible! I played beta and alpha stage of the game and the game was gift to me by Slowpoke101 :) I enjoy it!

[@nathanclark2295]

Murlockingqc BETA! What!? The game hasn't even left alpha yet!

[@mikefoote7383]

Its on sale for 16$ today!

[@Murlockingqc]

***** No you are stupid. I said the game was gifted to me, i never bought it. I thought it was out of the alpha/beta stage with the career mode, the build i played (a pirated version) had only a few pieces and so many bugs... this version is pretty legit!

[@darkvincentslayer5911]

Murlockingqc, probably because it's a legit copy...?

[@NuggetVolley]

I've been playing this game for over 6 months, this is the most helpful video I've ever watched, cheers!

[@ragnhildMo]

Umm I had a "Gravity" ad on this vid.. Is that bad?

[@roland4507]

Dear Scott, this is a really good Introduction! As i am German i have to say you speak a wonderful English. I had no problem at all to follow your Instructions. I tried some German Tutorials first. But no one was able to explain it as clear and straight forward as you did. Even they spoke my native Language. Thank you for that.

[@randyparsons3188]

Fun game but unfortunately the training missions are very buggy and assume too much knowledge. Glad to see your picking up the slack here.

[@Rationalist001]

I've been playing for a couple of months, and have made some pretty significant accomplishments... but found myself back here for some reason... lo and behold, Scott has helped me understand why my orbital burns never get the resulting orbit I had plotted as a node... because I was waiting till exactly 0 on the countdown to burn... but should be starting earlier. THANK YOU Scott!

[@Wakeupcalldeadend]

Orbiter 2010 is a million times more realistic than this. Amazingly Orbiter 2010 is barely known while this game is succeeding. I guess the crowd finds Orbiter 2010 too difficult so they prefer a dumbed down version.

[@scottmanley]

I guess this is why some orbiter fans were mad when my first Orbiter video was me flying the space shuttle into orbit, Manually, on my first attempt, without reading the manual. (which prompted lots of comments about how terrible the orbit was) Seriously, making disparaging remarks driven by jealousy isn't how you spread the word and recruit fans. KSP has helped bring a lot more players to orbiter, you should welcome them rather than acting like you're better than them.

[@guitarraplayer12]

Who cares about realism. people want to have fun...

[@jull444]

why u mad bra?

[@Napalm30308]

There's a lot of nicer people on the Orbiter Forum than this. I originally started with Orbiter and got caught up in KSP. KSP and Orbiter serve two different needs and two different experiences, they both have their merits and both have their downsides. I'd hardly call KSP a "dumbed down" version of Orbiter.

[@CheaptasticStarcraft]

I'd say this is more "Despicable Me's minions go to space" more than any attempt at a serious simulator... The humor in it is similar to that of Dwarf Fortress (watching things fail catastrophically)... would you say that it's a bad game too?

[@CodeBlue18]

Same here, I've spent an entire day trying to get into orbit with huge rockets because I was only going straight up. Turning the rocket after 10km is something I wouldn't ever thought of on my own. Thanks Scott for making these videos, they are a great help to us newbies!

[@Dpelfrey1]

This is an awesome tutorial. I only have about 6 hours of game play logged and couldn't break the habit of more rockets, more power, full thrusters the whole time. Great breakdown of exactly what you need and how to get there.

[@Arid2006]

I've spent only about 6 hours in KSP and I managed to get into a 80km~416km wonky orbit on my own. After watching this video (first of yours I've seen), I've now sent up 3 satellites with a +/-5km difference in altitude. Well done on earning another subscriber! :D

[@Nuinethir]

This is quite possibly one of the best introductory tutorial videos I have ever watched. Well done!

[@connorbarker8396]

I am in complete and utter awe. Scott has taken playing video games to a mathematical level. Scott, you are amazing.

[@TheInfallibleFallacy]

Recently got my friend into KSP and he wanted to know how I learned how to play the game. Here I am scrubbing youtube for a 9 year old Scott Manley video. Thanks for teaching me how to play this game almost a decade ago Scott. Got near 700 hours of enjoyment out of it over the years.

[@davidbeal6925]

Gotta see if you have a newer 101 or 102 program but this is a great start. Just bought it Kerbal the other day to pass time during the lock down. Big thanks to you and Tim.

[@Vorox17]

Thanks so much for this tutorial! I couldn't have done it wihout it. And if you are having trouble - don't give up. I can't describe the incredible satisfaction I felt after finally succeding.

[@xXcoffeecake84Xx]

my problem was that i couldnt escape the atmosphere or control the pitch and yaw. i watched how scott did it and he gently tapped it and subtly corrected the ships flight. what a relief to actually get into orbit! thanks again!

[@HeadHunterSix]

Thank you, Scott, for an exceptional beginner tutorial! Just started playing a couple days ago and kind of fumbling my way through all the things you demonstrated so simply and easily! You've given me a new way of looking at some basics and I think it will help me get past that pesky mission pack scenario that's been so close to "mission accomplished", yet just out of reach! Thanks again, and fair skies!

[@ender32486]

I have tried watching multiple 101 vids. This is by far THE BEST. I really wish you were the spoke person for NASA.

[@abandonator]

just got my first communication satelite into orbit thanks to this video. I was enthusiastic like a small child when I finally succeeded. Thanks a lot!

[@AlbertaGeek]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I was having a hell of a time achieving orbit, but you made it considerably less hellish. With new-found confidence, I find myself whistling "Fly Me to the Moon"...

[@spddracer]

I just bought this game for my friend. I trust he will understand this game better because of you. I know you have taught me.

[@germby]

Thank you alot! Before I saw this, I had no idea how to get into orbit unless it was by sheer luck. Because of this, I made a rocket that goes to the moon in 2 stages! Thanks, you have a subscriber!

[@Voodo0Cat]

I'm not new at the game. But I just learnt a handfull of things I never knew about that will really help me up my game to a new level. Thx for this vid...

[@lewisstonier8987]

loved it, followed your instructions and managed to get into a stable orbit on my first attempt (after many, many failures previously), cheers!

[@DWP7689]

Great tutorial. Got this game the other day, and have been watching your videos quite a bit. After crash after crash figured it was time for some 101. Cheers!

[@greybadger3142]

Thanks Scott. The fact that "Orbiter 4" is out of fuel and stuck in orbit, with Jebediah Kerman floating helpless in an even higher orbit! (long Story) Is proof enough that "winging it" was not working for me. Now armed with this tutorial, I built and launched "Orbiter 5" and because I understand what you have told me, both craft and pilot have pulled an orbital "Bilbo" and been "There And Back Again". All the best. Badger

[@BigIronEnjoyer]

IIRC, stack decoupler just separates very gently, while decoupler kind of blows the separating piece away. Stack Decoupler is good for separating, well, engine stacks, where your next stage is going to be kicking in right after. "Regular" decoupler is good for things where you wont be burning after separation... like your final stage separating a pod for reentry - gets the stuff you separated from away from you since you don't have any engines to move away now.

[@SightSeeker22]

I am an utter and complete noob on this game and I cannot understand rocket science other than the regular "add wings for stability and big engines for thrust", and you helped a lot ;) thank you for the video

[@RhapsodyWizard]

The best intro tutorial so far! Very clear and complete.

[@parsnep3059]

I just came for the first time succesfully in orbit with your video, thank you so much

[@greenbertone]

Thanks, I have watched other videos on how to get into orbit, but they didn't help. This video got me into orbit. Thanks so much!

[@p38sheep]

Scott, you said to start you burn before you come up on a maneuver node because there is no way to get instant thrust. well if you right click the engine and de-activate it then you can ramp up the throttle and then re-activate the engine for instant burn! hope this helps a bit.

[@MarijnKonings]

This is one of the most satisfying games i've ever played. Bought it yesterday and after many tries i got it into orbit 0_o.

[@234432234432]

Really appreciate the guide man! Certainly clears up a lot of little things that I just could not for the life of me figure out! Thanks again! Liked and Favorited

[@evanblake5252]

Amazing video, Scott! I was able to get into orbit before watching this, but now I know a more efficient way to both reach and tune my orbit, as well as returning to Kerbin.

[@viziontrex]

His first rocket uses an SAS module. It's basically a cruise control logistic that you can equip onto the rocket and use it to maintain a proper angle. Don't worry I feel what you feel. The first rocket without the SAS module is VERY lightweight and can very easily twist and spin out of control. The SAS module will somewhat make controls ''heavier'' therefore making you have to input a direction for a longer amount of time, as the module keeps your peice of metal steady.

[@Skinnerian1904]

I more recently was playing this casually, but your videos have inspired me to get more into it.

[@Vitalviper031]

Thanks Scott Manley I just got a new graphics card and my computer could run this glorious game now so I heard about you and you've helped me understand how to play!

[@vstaritz]

basically regarding steering. When you want to point in a certain direction, use the navball only. I'v often foud myself struggling to center my navball cause i thought my axis was going wrong, but in fact, the orange chevron symbolizing your nose's heading, will always point the same direction, so based on this, you can steer the nose using wasd where you want without worrying about the controls being inverted and so on.

[@MaxLib]

By far you produce the best tutorials for this insanely complicated game.. Thanks you

[@LaigledeMeaux]

Oh man, a friend linked me to you since I just bought the game. Come to find out you have helped me a ton in EVE online, lol. Good to see your vids again man, keep up the good work.

[@finalxcx]

In the Kerbal Universe, the ambient noise from Kerben you can hear from space. Thanks for this video! This helped me a lot!!!!!!

[@sarcasm4905]

Thanks to me being so impatient, I had no idea how setting up those manouvers work and ended up orbiting the sun way behind earth, without fuel :D You really explained it well and I can't wait to start using orbits to my advantage and slingshot around planets like a bawss. Thanks, great tutorial.. Gonna watch part 2 now

[@Th3K1ngK00p4]

Thanks for the guide! Just bought the game on the steam summer sale and I have to say it was very helpful! Great work.

[@theundead1600]

big help, just got this for ps4, aside from save glitches ive enjoyed it but the tutorials leave alot ti be desired. these videos help so much more.

[@chefrowlet]

You sir have just saved my KSP career!

[@kevino9116]

You are my hero. Seriously. I didn't even know how to play the game!!! THANK YOU!!!

[@NotHughesy]

Great tutorial! Ive watched quite a bit about KSP, and havent gotten into orbit yet...hopefully this video cleared things up enough for me to finally experience orbit!

[@djbarbe]

Add an A.S.A.S module connected to your command capsule. Before takeoff, hit T on your keyboard in order to turn it on. Then throttle up and go, and that will keep you pointed straight up as well as possible as it goes up. Once you reach high enough, hit T again to turn it off and make it so you can turn your rocket. Once you get pointed in the right direction, hit T again and it will keep it pointed in that direction.

[@havahava100]

Try adding a monopropellant tank to your ship (really dont weigh that much) and adding some RCS thrusters as far away from the center of mass as possible. Turn on RCS with R and navigate to the spot on the navball that you want to go. Once you are at that spot, time accelerate with period, then turn it off with comma to stabalize your rocket.

[@AwkwardFishGuy]

After about 20 tries I finally managed it! Thanks for an awesome tutorial!

[@AlbertaGeek]

If you bought the full version, you'll have access to the ASAS. Being a lousy pilot, I never build a rocket without one. Place it right below the decoupler for your pod. Toggle it on before you throttle up and launch and it'll keep you going straight up. Toggle it off to turn to 45 degrees and toggle it back on when you hit that. As for any other maneuver, toggle off to steer, toggle on once you hit your mark to stay on that track. I hope I explained it well enough to help.

[@IronicTager]

If you don't have SAS enabled then the rocket is probably moving on its own due to imbalances and other variables. Try enabling SAS (T key) on your rocket(also add an SAS module to help) or try correcting for the errors yourself using the WASD & QE keys to keep the navball steady.

[@10KenHall]

That was the best tutorial I've seen, I have subscribed and will be watching the lot. Cheers

[@StephenGoddard-MiisterSpiice]

Just starting out on KSP and this is a great starting point. Thanks Scott!

[@aazo5]

Thanks for clearing it up. I have one future tutorial request though that I wish you could do sometime. Could you maybe do a full tutorial on how to build a rocket to get to Duna, then actually go to Duna, and then get back? Kind of in the format that you did the "Kerbal Space Program 101 - Tutorial On Getting To & Landing On Moons"? It would be a long video but I think it'd help a lot of people. Especially me. I am yet to find a full tutorial of getting to Duna and back. Keep up the good work!

[@CubejamF1]

SAS controls rotation, ASAS controls the vessel as you would do yourself, control surfaces & gimbal included. I would recommend an ASAS for rockets with 3+ stages or very heavy rockets. Right click on the engine and press lock gimbal.

[@TheFoxfirelight]

I recently started streaming this on twitch amd just did a 2 1/2 hour stream wrought with non-stop failures. Finally got into orbit and got a mun encounter (ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE MUN!) awesome game. This tutorial will [hopefully] help me make actual substantial progress XD

[@JimRoberts86]

Thank you for the video - I was able to get into orbit much more smoothly than previous.

[@KarmikCykle]

Well, once I cleared up my "Everything glitches out at 10km" glitch, I finally managed to get into orbit thanks to this video.

[@justindinkelacker6361]

This really helped I was COMPLETELY LOST and didn't know anything THANK YOU!!!!!!

[@NotHughesy]

You made it look so easy! When i tried, my ship got into too shallow of an orbit before running out of fuel. Im not sure what Im doing wrong exactly...I was a little wobbly with the controls, but for the most part I stayed heading east at 45 degrees. I went to 45 degrees as you said at about 10000 m.

[@neilcaskey3305]

noice, i got the game the other day in the sale, the tutorials don't really help with getting into orbit, so i was at my wits end. This vid makes it so much easier.

[@Tunt]

Press the 't' key. it turns on the SAS which takes up a bit of electricity, but keeps your rocket on a constant trajectory on the NavBall.

[@Tier1Player]

You can also use the Kerbal's RCS Thruster pack, just hold the 'R' key and move around after it activates. Be careful, limited fuel, but it can help get him back to his ship.

[@oxfordgreenbus]

Fine tutorial Scott, patient and informative with a great fun factor, many thanks

[@krki74fgher]

you rock i was a complete noob now when i saw your video i know how to build and fly with rockets thanks man you are the best :)

[@BigRedCatFTW]

Change the order of which the thrusters and triggered, if you hover over the thruster icons in the bottom left or right, it will highlight the thruster that will be triggered. Drag them to different orders that you like.

[@AngryKittens]

LOL, thank you. The first time I reached space and the pilot (Bob) survived (nearly burned him up before i remembered to deploy parachutes), the feeling was awesome!!!

[@WRraider2009]

Try using struts to stabilize the parts. Make sure to add wings and RCS thrusters in addition to an SAS module.

[@OneTruePie]

Jesus christ that dotted line guide I had no Idea I could do that...I'VE GOTTEN TO THE MOON AND I HAVE ALWAYS STRUGGLED WITH THE ORBIT. Thank you good sir for making me realize I still have no clue how to play this game

[@Snugglequine]

This is amazing, I was ready to give up on this game because I could never achieve orbit, I was packing massive amounts of fuel on so I could maneuver in space. I also didn't know you could put fuel tanks under rockets boosters and it'd cover them up like that. I'm so going back to play this game, look out galaxy! ^_^

[@sykescalvin09]

You probably want to look at using the nuclear engines for interplanetary flights because they are much more efficient than the other engines. A couple of the longest normal-diameter tanks should be enough fuel to get a small ship to Duna/Eve; then just stick enough boosters on the bottom to get the interplanetary stage into orbit (actually probably the hardest part!).

[@mattj790]

The game has updated inbetween now and this video's upload. You need to add an 'Advanced SAS Module' if you are to do that 'Cap Locks T thing'. Also, you only need to press 'T' now. Hope that helps!

[@northeydesign]

Very well spoken tutorial , nicely presented. Keep going like this and good things will happen.

[@AaronAndino]

Thanks for this video. I was having trouble figuring out how the maneuvers worked.

[@royalcraft5272]

Was taking me a long time to learn; however, watching this really helped me. Thank you.

[@jsharp4684]

I think quite a few things have changed since this video was published. I have yet to accomplish a full orbit. They now have the visual as you reenter the atmosphere. Despite my complete failure most of the time, I still have fun with the game.

[@Mason11987]

You need to add a stack decoupler, on the utility tab I think, that gives you the break apart stage, you'll see it appear on the right side while building.

[@Kormeron]

Big fan of your videos. You got me out of orbit for the first time. Was wondering if you had a resource, a website maybe, that had ship schematics and whatnot. I'm getting to the point where I need to get father than mum and minmus. Keep up these great vids!

[@OvAppolyon]

Getting to your correct heading as in? Turn the SAS off, put the pointer to where you want to go, and when it is held there, put SAS on, it will stick your heading to that point and make it 1000x easier to manoeuvre.

[@Mandyoasis]

After 6 hours we have orbit achieved. Ty so much

[@scottmanley]

That's from a previous launch, I didn't clear the debris between launches.

[@gunjo141]

It's still in development. Right now its a "Do whatever you want" game, but the makers are working to make it have a purpose. Look up their website and hear it from them directly, I don't wanna put words in their mouth.

[@TheProAero]

After using this video and the advanced rocket building video, I no longer make a giant garbage can with rockets. Thanks!

[@ReachSaviour123]

i'm not sure what you mean by clearing the map, but pressing "M" will make it go down. Pressing "X" on your key board will cut your engine. I'm not sure what you mean, so don't get mad at me if I misintepret this. Just trying to help.

[@Izahdnb]

Thanks so much man! The game is a little overwhelming at first, but it seems like so much fun once you get the hang of it.

[@scottmanley]

We just don't know what exactly happened that youtube decided to start playing my (old) channel trailer as a pre-roll. I swapped out the ad for a new one but it doesn't look like youtube has changed yet. Very confusing.

[@caseygtr]

Yeah, you can transfer to the mun and land on it in the demo. Though I think there are no landing legs, you could use winglets.

[@leboromeo]

Very helpful Scott, thank you for your time to make this