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Kerbal Space Program is a spacecraft simulation game developed by Squad, in which players build and launch rockets in order to explore the solar system and complete various challenges. Success in Kerbal Space Program requires a decent understanding of the game's various systems, including aerodynamics and orbit patterns.
An essential tool for all players in Kerbal Space Program is the parachute, which is vital in ensuring that space flights and the subsequent re-entries have minimal Kerbal casualties. This article will explain how to activate and use parachutes effectively while conducting space flights.
Step 1: Make Sure To Pack A Parachute
This may seem obvious, but it's incredibly easy to put together a fantastic rocket and jet off into space, only to discover on the way back that there's no landing strategy. Parachutes can be found in the utility tab when constructing a vehicle in the Vehicle Assembly Building and the Spaceplane Hangar. They come in several varieties, including nosecones for command capsules and radial parachutes to attach to the hull of a ship.
If the purpose of the parachute is to ensure that the Kerbals make it back home safely, then it's important to attach them to the same section of the ship the Kerbals are in. It's also important to use sufficient parachutes for the section of the ship that they have to carry.
While this can vary based on parts, a good rule of thumb is that the nose cone parachutes of the correct size for a command module can usually carry it and an RCS module safely to the ground, but not much more, while a pair of radial parachutes are usually enough to carry a medium-sized inline fuel tank.
Step 2: Check The Staging Steps
Parachutes in Kerbal Space Program will deploy automatically when the player progresses the stages of their space flight to the correct stage. The list of stages in a space flight can be seen on the right-hand side of the screen in the build menus and on the left side of the screen during the actual flight.
Each section is marked by an orange bar with a number indicating the stage number, with all components of the ship that activate during that stage listed under it as icons based on the component type (engine, coupling, and parachute).
Stages execute in descending order during a flight and the first stage added is stage 0, with a new stage being triggered when the Space Bar is pressed (So if four stages are set up, they will resolve in the order: 3, 2, 1, 0).
Step 3: Engage The Parachutes
Once the ship has re-entered the atmosphere and is descending towards the space center at reckless speeds, it is time to engage the parachutes. This should happen automatically if the player presses the Space Bar until the stage containing the parachutes is activated.
In the event that parachutes do not open at this time, players should not panic, as parachutes can also be manually activated by right-clicking on them and selecting the blue button labeled "Deploy Chute."
Kerbal Space Program is available now for PC, Playstation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Playstation 4, and Xbox One.