Evolution of Kerbal Space Program (2011-2023)

After 12 years of development, Kerbal Space Program has finished development, and KSP 2 is right around the corner - So, it's time to look back and enjoy the incredible evolution of KSP development!
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Notes:
There were an insane amount of changes over the 12 years to fit into a 20 minute video - same goes for number of mods. I highlighted the changes I felt were most important, but many were left out. If you want to read, check out the full version history! wiki.kerbalspaceprogram.com/w...
When referring to version dates, I use the date of the last minor patch for the major version. Sometimes this can be months after its initial release, but this way any changes during the minor versions are accounted for. Two exceptions are made, the release date of KSP 1.0, and 1.12, due to being very important dates.
Mods featured at the end (in order of appearance)
Scatterer - forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/...)
Volumetric clouds - / posts )
(will be in EVE-Redux for free at some point)
Parallax - forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/...
Far Future tech - forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/...
SOCK - forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/...)
RSS/RO/RP1 - github.com/KSP-RO/RP-0/wiki/R...) (includes MANY other mods, like ROxxx mods, modular launchpads, proc parts, and more)
SSPXR - forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/...
Mark IV Spaceplane system - forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/...
Modular launchpads forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/...
BDB - forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/...
Contents:
0:00 Intro
1:32 The "Free" era - 2011-2012
5:20 Pre-Steam - 2012-2013
8:39 Steam Early Access - 2013-2014
12:11 Official Release - 2015
12:52 Post-Release - 2016 - 2018
14:11 Making History DLC
14:29 Additional Updates - 2018 - 2019
15:13 Breaking Ground DLC
15:55 Planetary Overhaul - 2019 - 2021
17:31 The End?
17:57 A tribute to the Modding Community!
Music:
[ES] = Provided by Epidemic Sound. share.epidemicsound.com/yx7sxz
[ES] Another Pineapple Please - The Fly Guy Five
[ES] One Hour Countdown - Bonnie Grace
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Feelin Good by Kevin MacLeod
Free download: filmmusic.io/song/3744-feelin...
License (CC BY 4.0): filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Voxel Revolution by Kevin MacLeod
Free download: filmmusic.io/song/7017-voxel-...
License (CC BY 4.0): filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Party Pirates by Alexander Nakarada
Free download: filmmusic.io/song/8064-party-...
License (CC BY 4.0): filmmusic.io/standard-license
Kerbal Space Program - Build Mode
[ES] Summon All Gods - Dream Cave
Music: Banger by Alexander Nakarada
Free download: filmmusic.io/song/10090-banger
License (CC BY 4.0): filmmusic.io/standard-license
[ES] Fugent - Lupus Nocte
Music: The Entertainer by Kevin MacLeod
Free download: filmmusic.io/song/5765-the-en...
License (CC BY 4.0): filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Shopping Mall by Claus Appel
Free download: filmmusic.io/song/4699-shoppi...
License (CC BY 4.0): filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Let Go by Phat Sounds
Free download: filmmusic.io/song/9921-let-go
License (CC BY 4.0): filmmusic.io/standard-license
Red and Blue by Vyssion
Check out the full OST!: open.spotify.com/album/5o35o1...

[@TDChannelKSP]

When did you start playing KSP?

[@bestcontentonlyhere]

January 2023

[@AstronAndry]

Never

[@thesharky]

2015

[@jesusramirezromo2037]

2018ish

[@AlphaSpaceKSP]

Year ago, but this was enough to make me professional.

[@nikokiwa]

God, that inertial confinement engine hitting every single beat had my heart 📈📈

[@Caspar_]

It's such a good effect, I love it too.

[@Toastedguyig]

Agreed

[@Turfut730]

same < 3

[@Toastedguyig]

Plot twist the inertial confinement engine makes the beats

[@AllThingsSpace3]

awesome

[@user-ld6is4ni3d]

Honestly, it's insane how much the game progressed. Let's also thank all the modders who have put in countless days into free mods that everyone can now use and enjoy

[@TDChannelKSP]

Absolutely. No matter how KSP2s early access launch goes, I'm just happy to witness another epic ride!

[@Nunya111]

@@TDChannelKSPthat aged well

[@enderfire3379]

@@Nunya111 why?

[@Nunya111]

@@enderfire3379 cause it was shitr

[@Marrrrrko47]

​@@Nunya111me when an early acces(unfinished) game is unfinished:

[@Unbaguettable]

At about 11:08 you can actually see a small part of the missile fly into the other building. Absolutely stunning video btw, I'm a relatively new player to KSP and it was really interesting to see the history behind it. Really well made :)

[@TDChannelKSP]

Yep haha. Took me a couple takes to see what happened there, thought it was some mysterious kraken... Thank you :)

[@jennykeele]

i noticed it too

[@jennykeele]

i was in live chat and noticed it first so i found it first and commented about it

[@Unbaguettable]

@@jennykeele ok? why do i care?

[@aidajosefinabolivarcordero7741]

I was like💥💥💥💥👀

[@skylerhanson101]

Made me tear up near the end, here’s to another decade and beyond!

[@ryotaokura5117]

you're not the only one!

[@twistedyogert]

Who would win a race to beyond infinity? Jeb Kerman or Buzz Lightyear?

[@Juniper_da_sylveon]

Jeb

[@adamvialpando]

@@twistedyogertJeb

[@2dogplc]

This aged well

[@N9GamingOfficial]

It's honestly kinda of interesting seeing that how the game looked in 2011 largely hasn't changed in 12 years - the UI is all the same, textures increased and changed but the base hasn't changed a bit! It's about time for a new take I'd say (:

[@TDChannelKSP]

Yeah, on the surface it's surprisingly similar! I guess if it ain't broke, don't fix it. (well, KSP1 is at least a little broke, but the UI *works*)

[@limitbassfishing2733]

This goes to show the importance of making a great base game to build upon.

[@anonymous-zo5ml]

A fine platform for modders to experiment with.

[@tvre0]

@@anonymous-zo5ml ...Or a new game...

[@vaos3712]

As long as they change it to ACTUALLY make it better and not change it for the sake of change. (ksp2partmanager)

[@qweasdy1666]

How do you manage to condense so much nostalgia into one video?

[@kidsempiregaming5699]

when it said "Are you stranded?" I instantly thought of matt Lowne's Blunderbirds

[@adamvialpando]

Same

[@thotfeline5864]

I remember when I first got ksp, think I was around 15 or so and even though I never accomplished more than orbit and a couple mum landings till I picked it up several years later I've always loved this game. Inspired so much creativity in so many people

[@jafanfauzi5309]

Wait you landed on your mum?

[@thespacepeacock]

I did *not* expect this to make me emotional. Incredibly well done on putting this together and showing how the ksp we all know and love today came to be!

[@ccib00]

We came a long way, thank you KSP. Onward to KSP2! Beautiful video as always.

[@mariuskatutis2687]

NO.

[@mariodamian103]

​@@mariuskatutis2687cringe

[@owengg11u]

​@@mariuskatutis2687 yeah

[@SawdEndymon]

I’ll stick with KSP1

[@totallynoteverything1.]

KSP1 is not going anywhere, and if it does, expect a community shitshow and division

[@enderguywastaked]

fun fact: Ksp is a Mexican game

[@Imnottherubhioh]

Good

[@raulcarlos]

Directed and created by a Brazilian, in other words, it is a 100% Latin production ❤

[@stupidgenius42]

@@raulcarlostechnically some of the assets and the Unity game engine itself are American created/owned though.

[@NikTehWafel]

@@stupidgenius42🦅🦅🦅

[@michagrill9432]

And kerbal speech is just reversed spanish

[@fifofafo3999]

The first 20 seconds of the video show how much work you did to make this great video 🔥

[@TDChannelKSP]

Heh, thank you! I wanted to start the video off strongly, and that silo build was good fun.

[@fifofafo3999]

@@TDChannelKSP im surely going to keep watching ur videos, new sub with the bell

[@tackyinbention6248]

I've had KSP since 2016 and it has quite literally changed my life, I'm now a great builder and ksp helped me choose my college course. Cheers to another bright decade of building, flying and crashing rockets

[@L3tharge]

That video was beautifilly edited - It really hit in the feelings :) thank you.

[@TDChannelKSP]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@salticus]

Great video! I "only" joined during 1.2.2, and I can't get over how long ago these updates were.

[@Meatloaf_TV]

same

[@caseyiel]

my guy i gone in at 0.21 and still have skills of a newbie

[@pietroz_9842]

Wow! What a ride you took us on. Thanks for making this incredible video, congrats on the editing and the rocket building! KSP has come a veeery long way, it's incredible!

[@Turfut730]

the tribute to modders, with the music (synced to the engine blasts) hit my soul ^^ Congrats, awesome work and editing : )

[@manicpanda8741]

Well done buddy, it's beautiful to see each milestone of this incredible journey again

[@TDChannelKSP]

Thank you.

[@vts0361]

Extremely well done! The editing is fantastic, and the jokes are all really well made and delivered. It’s clear this was made with effort! ❤

[@toetie2019]

Absolutely amazing tribute. Well done on the editing it's like a whole documentary. May KSP2 bring us more years of joy :)

[@CalvinMaclure]

Holy crap man! It's crazy how much of the game has remained the same, yet changed over the years. This was an epic trip down memory lane, mate! Thanks for that!

[@TDChannelKSP]

Thank you! You're welcome.

[@user-tv6zy3ic1k]

Djcjfmdd

[@user-tv6zy3ic1k]

Thank you

[@user-tv6zy3ic1k]

How you download the game

[@user-tv6zy3ic1k]

I like that game

[@ausgoogtube01]

Vidtime 2:36 - "The Water isn't real" LMAO 😂at Bob Kermin's face! The Twilight Zone! 🤣 Superb stuff.👍

[@macebobkasson1629]

this is the sweetest thing. Thank you so much for making this. Gave me all the good feelings :)

[@mortallychallenged]

Damn ones the mods started being shown it made me so nostalgic. Joined in 0.21 and defined my life from that point on.

[@Monkiiengineer]

The sequel we’ve all been waiting for

[@Mad_Elephant.]

18:57 hits so good

[@Bens_Channel47]

About since 2013. So i guess 0.18 or 0.19. KSP was my compagnion through some rough years. Every Update i can connect to an important step in my life. Thank you so much Squad-Team! Thank you also @tdchannelksp for making this video. It was quite emotional for me!

[@wilmersandstrom2826]

I had completely forgotten about Orbiter until you showed that part from the forum post at the start of the video. Time sure flies. Anyways, I loved the video, cheers m8!

[@TDChannelKSP]

It certainly does! Orbiter 2010 was *the* game that got me into spaceflight, but KSP taught me how to do it properly ;) Thank you.

[@francisdillinger5051]

Made me very emotional. Thank you to everyone who worked on this game.

[@ghosttoast8326]

Learned things like kerbnet map and such, and saw some nostalgia, great video, well made, hope it blows up

[@ghosttoast8326]

And that mod segment! Love the respect to mod makers and those cinematic shots look amazing!

[@TDChannelKSP]

Thank you :) heh, I hope so too.

[@nimmo9306]

What a good video, watching this game me the view of what game I just got into about a week ago... I'm amazed by the progress it had with time... Now looking at KSP 2, it's a huge jump!

[@pjludda4323]

17:57 Mmmmm... That's sum gud moddage right there...

[@DutchTDK]

ooh that was not a happy last sentence

[@TDChannelKSP]

yeah....

[@TheSamuraireal15]

thanks bro for this really nice edit and hopefully ksp2 will make ksp even better and attract even more players

[@TexanMiror2]

Wow, well done! A great overview to an amazing journey from a simplistic indie game to a fully-fledged space simulator! The value of KSP as an educational and science outreach program cannot be understated. It did what Orbiter couldn't do: make even casual people enjoy spaceflight on their computer. I still remember the early days of trying to fly through the soup that was Kerbins atmosphere back then lol For people who went a bit deeper into what KSP could provide, however, that tribute to the modding community seemed like the most important part. Especially the parts you didn't even show: all the engineering, control, aerodynamics, overhaul, backend, and tech improvement mods, some of which fundamentally change how KSP can be played, by massively expanding what the game is about, and what it can support (like all the visual and part mods). KSP is one of those games where the support of modders was just as substantial to its success as the game developers themselves, and it really shows. Like the game, the modding scene also had its rich history, with some very important mods coming and going.

[@TDChannelKSP]

Absolutely. KSP is an incredible tool and resource for getting people hyped about space, or just understanding orbital mechanics! Yeah, KSP has seen a tremendous amount of change under the hood. Honestly, the history of mods - from good old Sunday Punch and C7 aerospace parts pack to KWRocketry and Kethane, it could make up an entire video. Old mod versions are a bit trickier to hunt for with dead forum links and dead download sites :(

[@32bit_mo]

Is no one going to mention that this guy made an entire VAB with moving doors?

[@kyleclark1626]

That ending hits different now.😢

[@odiseezall]

Epic video, so cool to see the evolution!

[@timewaster504]

Dude, you nailed that old 2016 ksp KZbinr fee and I am loving it!

[@seantaggart7382]

and i get an ad for ksp 2

[@TDChannelKSP]

KZbin Algorithm clearly on point today

[@seantaggart7382]

@@TDChannelKSP yeah!

[@savvassidiropoulos6378]

and we are back to 2012

[@Groaznic]

Incredibly well made video, sir!

[@caseyiel]

bro called him sir

[@lkv0315]

Been here since 1.00 and I’ll be here until my grandkids are playing KSP, amazing work on the edit!

[@Zaca1349]

And the contract system still sucks :P Ksp2 exploration mode better fix the contract system

[@TDChannelKSP]

Heh, yeah. I think the contract system was one feature that was added and not changed all that much after that.

[@shey_clone]

foreshadowing

[@peacelro1658]

and ksp2 turned back to 2013😂

[@artemmentiy7107]

Editing is just next level. I've never seen KSP video like this

[@RamblinRick_]

I'm watching this morning of KSP 2 early access release (24 Feb 2023). Thanks for sharing this. I started playing with alpha 0.15. I've saved this video to be viewed many times more in the future.

[@WiseOwl_1408]

It's devolving into unplayability

[@WAELGOOD]

You mean KSP 2 right?

[@yarissathomas1816]

KSP 2 is the only one that’s bad here, currently. KSP 1 is good.

[@nithsk]

Thank you HarvestR, for steering the game in the perfect direction before stepping down.

[@susangoaway]

When I've returned to this game, I was surprised by a lot of the new features. Especially the kerbnet thing still feels like a mod to me.

[@bobbobson8947]

Shoulda added nkd and bdarmory in there for some good war crimes lol. But seriously great video, the music was great and the nostalgia was strong! I loved that segment at 18:55 went hard tho. Can’t wait for another 10 years of ksp!

[@bestcontentonlyhere]

Hi TD, im deffinetely gonna watch it. Im the guy that asked you 1000 questions on discord

[@somedude4805]

Excellent video, very well done!

[@Hunter020]

Very nice job! I love how you show us evolution of our love!

[@DrummerHM]

Nice video. I joined ksp in 2016, in 2017 i'll found some modes to be more realistic. Today installed mods are fighting with others to allocate memory. Excited for ksp2 trajectory.

[@OzzyInSpace]

Right in the feels... AMAZING video!

[@doggo1603]

hey man keep it up!! I'm a sfs gamer for years and I'm now moving into ksp! with new pc!, I've tried sr2 but it's too complex and no bob kerman:)). It's a great thing seeing a youtuber great in botg game!

[@neb1006]

I don't remember when I started playing kerbal, but I'll never forget this game, so hyped for ksp2 it doesn't feel like THAT long ago when the game didn't have things like crew management...nearly 10 years tho This video was genuinely incredible and so deeply felt!

[@Thomas-fe4sw]

Fantastic effort. Nice video.

[@sleepnestsleep]

This video is epic, talk about a time machine. Thank to the video I know what version I first played. 17.1 I purchased it in collage right from squads website before the whole steam release. Man I cant believe I've been playing this game for over a decade. Time Shure fly's. Well look forward to another decade, but now with my 6 year old son who is also as obsessed as I am. Bring on the MP.

[@Dragostream]

Really nice video!!!!!! i think this game is the first where the mods are much more important then the game itself! XD

[@bluey-next777]

5:48 Nice transition to a (not sponsored) ad

[@DavidEdwards9801]

13:15 Man, Right in the feels

[@drspacelefr3021]

Thanks to you for making this video, it reminds us how the game evolved and how it became a great game. Thank you

[@daphnemimosa6551]

Best video I've seen this year

[@sleepnestsleep]

2012 Man has it changed.

[@spetsnaz69]

This would be interesting to watch in a day

[@betelrock2256]

oh the nostalgia! Great vid!

[@cosmic_cupcake]

This makes me feel old, but I'm glad that I could experience such an amazing era. :') Let's hope that KSP 2 will remain a project of passion. The Intercept Games takeover still has me worried.

[@xddavs6051]

even though i dont play ksp, this was such a chill video to watch!

[@DarkMinion09]

It was such ride but now we get to relive the past but better in ksp2. This was such a well made video and the end was just thenominal every beat with the engine got me, so let's start a new and ride this coaster one more time.

[@digitaltree515]

Amazing tribute! Kudos.

[@alanrogers7090]

Great recap, Thanks.

[@davidthoma8602]

Started in April of 2012. My first version was 1.14...what a ride it was. It's so crazy to see how much the game has evolved...I was just short of 14 when I got into KSP and now I'm finishing a master's degree in physics. I'm about to turn 25 this year and I probably wouldn't be anywhere close to where I am now, if it wasn't for this game. Really looking forward to KSP 2 and I'm probably as hyped about the prospect of interstellar travel, as I was, when different planets where announced all these years back.

[@Raidmasterprod]

I remember a good portion of these updates. With everything that you can do on this wonderful game, it’s always good to look back upon earlier times when it was way, way more simpler than now.

[@Wurmfist]

OH man, what a great video! So many memories. I think I started playing in 2012ish. Although - no mention of Mechjeb... that's almost unforgivable.. lol. Many people got to enjoy the game because of that mod.

[@user-kl1yi6vo6s]

I've always played the console version; what does the mod actually do?

[@Wurmfist]

@@user-kl1yi6vo6s at its core it is a flight computer. helps you calculate things, assists with docking, landing, etc.

[@BuckandPapi]

I own KSP 1 and do not own the sequel yet, but considering you seem to know what you are doing, I had an idea to test out if you will. Try and build a centrifuge that rolls in circles on the ground to gain the boosted speed you need at the beginning, then unclamp and launch forward. It allows you to utilize even more of the limited space you have. Best of luck.

[@harbingerdawn]

Such a nostalgia trip, started playing KSP on 0.8.4 (0.8.5 came out later the same day)

[@flow6156]

that is a video with a lot of love put into it :))

[@georgrichter7199]

Wow, Thank you 1000 times for this Beautiful time travel!

[@baptisteheraly196]

amazing video !

[@BuranStrannik]

So well done. Modders tribute especially.

[@thesharky]

AWESOME!

[@THETRUEKHB]

oof. The ending hits a bit different now - the entire thing made me so happy and sad. Thanks for this!

[@Freak80MC]

No idea when I started playing, but I remember playing the free version, watching videos of Minmus being new, and definitely remember when the planets were new.

[@neonrobotnick6867]

that was absolutely beautiful, I feel nothing more than deep respect

[@bluey-next777]

10:57 Nice transition to ANOTHER (not sponsored) ad

[@bluey-next777]

11:10 B U G

[@vaos3712]

Way to go !!! This is art at its finest!! I hope you get a lot of Subscribers because of this video! Awesome! 😲👍

[@pablogarin]

Wow, didn't realize until now how long I've been playing this game. I can still remember playing by feel, aka, when the Mun rises on the horizon of a 80K circular orbit, then start burning prograde and you'll get an encounter with it.

[@Clark8]

Amazing video man

[@TDChannelKSP]

Thank you :)

[@liviekumori]

Amazing editing

[@mmIMAX]

damn, this is an very nice video!

[@Elimino_P]

Ah, the memories of old SAS. When I started (.22 maybe), it was only a direction lock. Had to disable SAS to steer. What a nostalgia bomb. Thanks.

[@passionatepancake]

Great video 👍👍

[@limitbassfishing2733]

I've played KSP for almost 8 years and I'm only just now learning from this video about the maneuver mode that was implemented in 1.7.3!!!!

[@yukon09]

that was quite the trip down memory lane

[@sheik_link]

The part with the mods... beautiful

[@mr_piet3101]

What a great job!

[@attilavs2]

I picked the gmae up in early 2018 ( still remeber the old parts !) and kinda stopped to play other games, only really managing brute force orbit/ sub orbital spaceflight and planes, playing it sporadically, not improving. Then when the game was free kon the ES store i installed it on my laptop, and now with time (during school breaks ) i put 2-300 hours in a month, and started a career, going to orbit, the mun, docking two vessels in orbit ( all of that without maneuver nodes) then minmus, and i managed to send a orbital probe to eve, then an atomspheric one (underwent rapid unplanned lithobraking, was suppposed to land), Duna orbital probe (+ike flyby) then Duna ground probe. Then i did a kerbalism science game, doing the same things (exept docking) up to minmus, where i only did a flyby because of engine reliability. I guess all of those years of tomfoolery finally paid off.