Refueling Made Easy: Changing Fuel Delivery Destinations In Ksp

The fuel delivery system in Kerbal Space Program can be confusing, especially when it comes to making changes or adjustments. In the game, you can set the side tanks to a higher priority so that they drain first, even if the overlay is broken. This can be tested through a quick flight to confirm the changes. Additionally, enabling crossfeed on the decouplers is another option to consider. It is worth noting that fuel lines are less commonly used nowadays, as the game has introduced the fuel flow overlay and priority settings.

Ensure crossfeed is enabled on decouplers

To ensure crossfeed is enabled on decouplers, you need to allow fuel to pass through the decouplers. By default, crossfeed is turned off, as this would allow your launch stage to drain the payload stage's fuel.

You can enable crossfeed on decouplers by editing the .cfg file. Make a copy of the decoupler you want to enable crossfeed on, then open the .cfg file and scroll down to the standard part parameters. Change the 'fuelCrossFeed = False' option to 'True', save the file, and exit. This will enable crossfeed on your chosen decoupler.

It's important to note that radial decouplers do not support crossfeed; only inline decouplers do. Additionally, some users have reported that crossfeed may be affected by staging.

Set side tanks to higher priority

Setting side tanks to a higher priority is a method of changing where fuel is delivered in Kerbal Space Program (KSP). This method involves adjusting the fuel flow priority settings for each tank, so that fuel is drained from the side tanks first, before moving on to the central tank.

In KSP, fuel tanks with a higher priority number will be drained first. This can be adjusted in the fuel flow overlay, which can be found in the advanced tweekables settings. It is important to note that fuel lines are not necessary for this process, as the priority settings will determine the fuel flow.

However, it is worth noting that fuel lines can be useful in certain situations. For example, if you want to drain multiple tanks at the same time, you can add fuel lines to encourage more even draining. Additionally, fuel lines can be used for asparagus staging, which involves chaining fuel tanks together to be drained sequentially, allowing for the jettisoning of empty tanks and more efficient launches.

When setting side tanks to a higher priority, it is also important to consider the effects of staging. Staging can cause changes in flow priority, so it is recommended to have priority numbers that are more spread out to avoid unintentional changes. Additionally, crossfeed settings on decouplers should be enabled to ensure that fuel flows between tanks as intended.

Use fuel lines for asparagus staging

Asparagus staging is a rocket design method that uses parallel engines and fuel crossfeeds to increase initial thrust and available fuel while reducing the dry mass of later stages. This technique is useful for building exceptionally large rockets when no larger engines are available.

The idea is to create a rocket with multiple parallel engines, each carrying fuel. Firing these engines in parallel allows for higher initial thrust than sequential staging. The trick is that each rocket engine depletes the outermost tanks first. When these are depleted, the outermost tanks and their engines are decoupled, and the next fuel tank takes over, which is still completely full. This means the rocket always flies with the minimum number of tanks required to transport the fuel it has left while also constantly using all engines on board.

Asparagus staging can be implemented in the VAB by attaching fuel lines in the order stages will be dropped, or by staging decouplers with crossfeed enabled. It is preferable to add the boosters first with full symmetry, and then place each fuel line manually.

The technique has limited real-world application, although it has been proposed multiple times. Asparagus staging, or a propellant crossfeed system, has been referred to as "packet rockets" and "asparagus-stalk booster" in various books on orbital mechanics. While the idea has not yet been implemented in real-world rockets, it was originally planned for the Falcon Heavy but was cancelled by 2016 due to engineering challenges.

Monitor fuel levels to prevent engines running dry

To monitor fuel levels in KSP and prevent engines from running dry, players can utilise several features and mods. Here are some methods to achieve this:

• Fuel Delivery Overlay: The fuel delivery overlay is a built-in feature in KSP that allows players to visualise fuel flow between tanks and engines. It helps identify if fuel is draining from the correct tanks and can be used to adjust priorities accordingly.
• Fuel Priorities: Setting fuel priorities is crucial to ensure that specific tanks drain first. By setting higher priorities, players can control the order in which fuel is utilised, preventing engines from running out of fuel prematurely.
• Crossfeed on Decouplers: Enabling crossfeed on decouplers is an alternative method to fuel lines. This allows fuel to flow between tanks without the need for additional fuel hoses, making it easier to manage fuel distribution.
• Fuel Level Monitoring: Players should regularly check fuel levels during their ascent. While the fuel overlay may be incorrect at times, monitoring fuel levels manually ensures that engines have sufficient fuel and can help identify any discrepancies in the overlay.
• Show All Fuels Continued Mod: This mod forces the game to display multiple fuel gauges for engines that utilise more than one type of fuel. This is especially useful for space planes that switch fuel systems, preventing unexpected fuel outages.
• Customising Engine Fuel Consumption: For advanced players, it is possible to edit the configuration files of engines to adjust their fuel consumption rates. This can be done by modifying the relevant .cfg files and changing the fuel usage figures, not just the ISP values.
• KOS Scripting: The kOS mod introduces scripting capabilities to KSP, allowing players to create custom scripts for various purposes, including fuel monitoring. While it has had issues with accurately reporting fuel levels during staging, workarounds have been suggested by the community.

Rebuild faulty rocket stages

Rebuilding faulty rocket stages can be a complex task, but it is doable and can save you a lot of time and resources. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to rebuild faulty rocket stages in KSP:

Identify the Issue:

Before you start rebuilding, it is crucial to identify the specific problem with your rocket stage. Is it a fuel delivery issue, as previously discussed, or something else? Understanding the problem will help you find the right solution.

Disassemble the Stage:

Once you have identified the issue, it's time to take the faulty stage apart. Carefully disassemble the components, making sure to note how they were originally put together. This will help you rebuild the stage correctly and avoid any further issues.

Inspect and Repair:

With the stage disassembled, inspect each component for any signs of damage or malfunction. Replace any faulty parts with new ones, ensuring they are compatible with your rocket design. If you're dealing with fuel delivery issues, check the fuel lines, tanks, and engines for any blockages or leaks, and repair or replace them as needed.

Reassemble the Stage:

Now, it's time to put the stage back together. Refer to your notes from the disassembly process to ensure you reassemble the stage correctly. Pay close attention to fuel lines, engine connections, and any other critical components. Test the connections and fuel flow to ensure everything is functioning as intended.

Test and Verify:

Before declaring your rebuilt rocket stage ready for flight, conduct thorough tests to verify its functionality. Run simulations and, if possible, test flights to ensure the stage performs as expected. Monitor fuel flow, engine performance, and the overall stability of the rocket during these tests. Make any necessary adjustments until you are satisfied with the stage's performance.

Implement and Monitor:

Finally, integrate the rebuilt rocket stage into your overall rocket design. During the initial flights, closely monitor the performance of the rebuilt stage to ensure it functions as intended. If any issues arise, be prepared to make further adjustments or repairs as needed.

Rebuilding faulty rocket stages can be a challenging task, but with careful attention to detail and thorough testing, it can be done successfully. Remember to document your work and learn from each rebuilding process to improve your rocket designs over time.

Frequently asked questions