{"id":954,"date":"2013-08-24T12:50:45","date_gmt":"2013-08-24T10:50:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.learning-by-gaming.net\/?p=954"},"modified":"2013-08-24T12:52:03","modified_gmt":"2013-08-24T10:52:03","slug":"finding-of-the-week-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/blog.learning-by-gaming.net\/?p=954","title":{"rendered":"Finding of the week #23"},"content":{"rendered":"

You’re stuck in space now
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

During my ongoing literature review I often discover interesting facts about things I’ve never thought about. Sometimes I can connect these facts with my own observations: The result is mostly a completely new idea why things are as they are. Maybe these ideas are new to you, too. Therefore I’ll share my new science based knowledge with you!<\/em><\/p>\n

This week: This time, it’s a little add-on to my last weeks article about Kerbal Space Program (KSP)[1<\/a>]. Today I like to focus a little bit more on the realistic approach of the game and how the game brings its players closer to real world rocket science.<\/p>\n

The first interesting fact I found out this week is that members of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab<\/strong> are playing KSP[2<\/a>]. Workers in the field of science or engineering do have a lot of crazy ideas, they never would try in real life. However, KSP gives them an almost realistic framework to give these ideas a try. Thus it can be quite addicting trying out a new thought experiment or replay real world space missions.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, I like to highlight the usability of real world calculations<\/strong> of orbital maneuvers in KSP. One of the ways of reaching other planets is using a Hohmann transfer orbit[3<\/a>]. The calculations for this maneuver are working the same way in KSP as in real life[4<\/a>]. Based on these formulas, a calculator[5<\/a>] was created by Olexandr Savchuk of KSP to easily determine the values needed for an interplanetary flight.<\/p>\n

Additionally, KSP can be used to explain<\/strong> how rocket design and staging does affect the performance of the space craft. As an example, I like to highlight the „advanced rocket design tutorial“ from Scott Manley[6<\/a>]. During the video, Scott Manley is demonstrates different examples of rocket design and also links it to actual real world rockets.<\/p>\n