KSP Checklists
Build Checklist
Aerodynamics | ||
Retrograde drag | Vessel points in the correct direction through drag. Ascent + Descent | |
High Dynamic Pressure | Vessel holds together under strong drag. Ascent + Descent | |
Streamlined | Vessel is aerodynamic. Optionally contains fairing. | |
Re-entry | Parachutes, ablator shields | |
Disable drag fins | If using drag fins which can be controlled, consider disabling. | |
Drag low-pressure | Drag fins are not hiding under objects | |
Safe water landing | Enough parachutes for <6 m/s landing | |
Fragile Components | Components covered and retracted during ascent + descent | |
Propellant | ||
Appropriate TWR | Ascent stages have > 1 TWR, optimally ~2.5. Consider land TWR >1.5 | |
Sufficient delta-v | Optionally +20% margin of error after calculations | |
Structure | ||
Safe Decoupling | Parts decouple without collisions. Check boosters, fairings etc. | |
Structural Integrity | Vessel not top-heavy, has appropriate struts, minimal wobble. | |
Staging Order | ||
Launch clamps | ||
Mission | ||
Correct crew | Right roles and number of crew. Consider spaces for rescue missions. | |
Contracts | Does the vessel fit the contract? Any other contracts along the way? | |
Life support | For life support mods. Consider resource recycling, waste storage. | |
Manoeuvrability | ||
Ascent manoeuvrability | Vessel can turn without tumbling during ascent. Consider RCS. | |
Space manoeuvrability | Vessel can turn quickly in space. Consider RCS / reactor wheels. | |
Docking | Correct ports, balanced RCS, lights, docking cameras | |
Fail-safe | ||
Abort stage | Consider parachute on separate action group, separatrons. | |
Salvageable | How much can be salvaged in the event of an ascent failure? | |
Parts/Resources | ||
Science Instrumentation | Also consider antenna | |
Sufficient RCS | ||
Cockpit Monopropellant | Consider emptying or disabling for weight management / backup | |
Cockpit electric charge | Consider disabling for backup electricity | |
Electric generation | Solar panels at all angles. Consider generator. | |
Electric storage | Enough electricity to last specific times in shady areas? | |
Engineer chips | Such as MechJeb, Kerbal Engineer | |
Miscellaneous parts | Scan sat, kethane stuff etc. | |
Miscellaneous | Engineer’s report | |
Accessibility | ||
Action groups | Consider solar panels, landing gear, radiators, fairing deploy | |
Action group labels | For ALCOR (e.g. AG0=GEAR) | |
Cameras | Cameras up/down. Outside/inside fairing, etc. | |
Ladder | Can be climbed from hatch to surface visa-versa. | |
Hatch unobstructed | Hatch(es) can be accessed, no objects blocking it. | |
Ascent Checklist
Full throttle | |
RCS engaged | |
SAS engaged | |
Panels retracted | |
Plan ready | When to start turn, desired apoapsis, etc. |
Screens displayed | If in ALCOR |
Gear up | *Upon completion |
Components retracted | Solar panels, antennas etc. are covered / retracted |
Sufficient delta-v |
Descent Checklist
Landing lights | |
Gear down | |
Components Retracted | Solar panels, antennas etc. are covered / retracted |
Sufficient delta-v | |
Plan ready | Desired slope angle, type of landing etc. |
Appropriate TWR | TWRs >1.0, optimally >1.5 |
Sufficient lighting | Landing position has sufficient sunlight / you have enough electricity storage |
Parachutes packed | *For atmospheric lands, after parachutes already used |
Facing retrograde | |
RCS engaged | |
Screens displayed | If in ALCOR |
Ablator | Covering vessel + enough left |