Parts

The following classes allow interaction with a vessels individual parts.

Parts

class SpaceCenter.Parts

Instances of this class are used to interact with the parts of a vessel. An instance can be obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Vessel.parts.

all: List

A list of all of the vessels parts.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

root: SpaceCenter.Part

The vessels root part.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

Note

See the discussion on Trees of Parts.

controlling: SpaceCenter.Part

The part from which the vessel is controlled.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

with_name(name)

A list of parts whose SpaceCenter.Part.name is name.

Parameters:

name (string) –

Return type:

List

with_title(title)

A list of all parts whose SpaceCenter.Part.title is title.

Parameters:

title (string) –

Return type:

List

with_tag(tag)

A list of all parts whose SpaceCenter.Part.tag is tag.

Parameters:

tag (string) –

Return type:

List

with_module(module_name)

A list of all parts that contain a SpaceCenter.Module whose SpaceCenter.Module.name is module_name.

Parameters:

module_name (string) –

Return type:

List

in_stage(stage)

A list of all parts that are activated in the given stage.

Parameters:

stage (number) –

Return type:

List

Note

See the discussion on Staging.

in_decouple_stage(stage)

A list of all parts that are decoupled in the given stage.

Parameters:

stage (number) –

Return type:

List

Note

See the discussion on Staging.

modules_with_name(module_name)

A list of modules (combined across all parts in the vessel) whose SpaceCenter.Module.name is module_name.

Parameters:

module_name (string) –

Return type:

List

antennas: List

A list of all antennas in the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

Note

If RemoteTech is installed, this will always return an empty list. To interact with RemoteTech antennas, use the RemoteTech service APIs.

cargo_bays: List

A list of all cargo bays in the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

control_surfaces: List

A list of all control surfaces in the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

decouplers: List

A list of all decouplers in the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

docking_ports: List

A list of all docking ports in the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

engines: List

A list of all engines in the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

Note

This includes any part that generates thrust. This covers many different types of engine, including liquid fuel rockets, solid rocket boosters, jet engines and RCS thrusters.

experiments: List

A list of all science experiments in the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

fairings: List

A list of all fairings in the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

intakes: List

A list of all intakes in the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

legs: List

A list of all landing legs attached to the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

launch_clamps: List

A list of all launch clamps attached to the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

lights: List

A list of all lights in the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

parachutes: List

A list of all parachutes in the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

radiators: List

A list of all radiators in the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

resource_drains: List

A list of all resource drains in the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

rcs: List

A list of all RCS blocks/thrusters in the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

reaction_wheels: List

A list of all reaction wheels in the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

resource_converters: List

A list of all resource converters in the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

resource_harvesters: List

A list of all resource harvesters in the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

robotic_hinges: List

A list of all robotic hinges in the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

robotic_pistons: List

A list of all robotic pistons in the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

robotic_rotations: List

A list of all robotic rotations in the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

robotic_rotors: List

A list of all robotic rotors in the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

sensors: List

A list of all sensors in the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

solar_panels: List

A list of all solar panels in the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

wheels: List

A list of all wheels in the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

Part

class SpaceCenter.Part

Represents an individual part. Vessels are made up of multiple parts. Instances of this class can be obtained by several methods in SpaceCenter.Parts.

name: string

Internal name of the part, as used in part cfg files. For example “Mark1-2Pod”.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

string

title: string

Title of the part, as shown when the part is right clicked in-game. For example “Mk1-2 Command Pod”.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

string

tag: string

The name tag for the part. Can be set to a custom string using the in-game user interface.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

string

Note

This string is shared with kOS if it is installed.

flag_url: string

The asset URL for the part’s flag.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

string

highlighted: boolean

Whether the part is highlighted.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

highlight_color: Tuple

The color used to highlight the part, as an RGB triple.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

Tuple

cost: number

The cost of the part, in units of funds.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

vessel: SpaceCenter.Vessel

The vessel that contains this part.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Vessel

parent: SpaceCenter.Part

The parts parent. Returns nil if the part does not have a parent. This, in combination with SpaceCenter.Part.children, can be used to traverse the vessels parts tree.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

Note

See the discussion on Trees of Parts.

children: List

The parts children. Returns an empty list if the part has no children. This, in combination with SpaceCenter.Part.parent, can be used to traverse the vessels parts tree.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

Note

See the discussion on Trees of Parts.

axially_attached: boolean

Whether the part is axially attached to its parent, i.e. on the top or bottom of its parent. If the part has no parent, returns False.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

Note

See the discussion on Attachment Modes.

radially_attached: boolean

Whether the part is radially attached to its parent, i.e. on the side of its parent. If the part has no parent, returns False.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

Note

See the discussion on Attachment Modes.

stage: number

The stage in which this part will be activated. Returns -1 if the part is not activated by staging.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

Note

See the discussion on Staging.

decouple_stage: number

The stage in which this part will be decoupled. Returns -1 if the part is never decoupled from the vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

Note

See the discussion on Staging.

massless: boolean

Whether the part is massless.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

mass: number

The current mass of the part, including resources it contains, in kilograms. Returns zero if the part is massless.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

dry_mass: number

The mass of the part, not including any resources it contains, in kilograms. Returns zero if the part is massless.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

shielded: boolean

Whether the part is shielded from the exterior of the vessel, for example by a fairing.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

dynamic_pressure: number

The dynamic pressure acting on the part, in Pascals.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

impact_tolerance: number

The impact tolerance of the part, in meters per second.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

temperature: number

Temperature of the part, in Kelvin.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

skin_temperature: number

Temperature of the skin of the part, in Kelvin.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

max_temperature: number

Maximum temperature that the part can survive, in Kelvin.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

max_skin_temperature: number

Maximum temperature that the skin of the part can survive, in Kelvin.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

thermal_mass: number

A measure of how much energy it takes to increase the internal temperature of the part, in Joules per Kelvin.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

thermal_skin_mass: number

A measure of how much energy it takes to increase the skin temperature of the part, in Joules per Kelvin.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

thermal_resource_mass: number

A measure of how much energy it takes to increase the temperature of the resources contained in the part, in Joules per Kelvin.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

thermal_conduction_flux: number

The rate at which heat energy is conducting into or out of the part via contact with other parts. Measured in energy per unit time, or power, in Watts. A positive value means the part is gaining heat energy, and negative means it is losing heat energy.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

thermal_convection_flux: number

The rate at which heat energy is convecting into or out of the part from the surrounding atmosphere. Measured in energy per unit time, or power, in Watts. A positive value means the part is gaining heat energy, and negative means it is losing heat energy.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

thermal_radiation_flux: number

The rate at which heat energy is radiating into or out of the part from the surrounding environment. Measured in energy per unit time, or power, in Watts. A positive value means the part is gaining heat energy, and negative means it is losing heat energy.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

thermal_internal_flux: number

The rate at which heat energy is begin generated by the part. For example, some engines generate heat by combusting fuel. Measured in energy per unit time, or power, in Watts. A positive value means the part is gaining heat energy, and negative means it is losing heat energy.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

thermal_skin_to_internal_flux: number

The rate at which heat energy is transferring between the part’s skin and its internals. Measured in energy per unit time, or power, in Watts. A positive value means the part’s internals are gaining heat energy, and negative means its skin is gaining heat energy.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

available_seats: number

How many open seats the part has.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

resources: SpaceCenter.Resources

A SpaceCenter.Resources object for the part.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Resources

crossfeed: boolean

Whether this part is crossfeed capable.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

is_fuel_line: boolean

Whether this part is a fuel line.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

fuel_lines_from: List

The parts that are connected to this part via fuel lines, where the direction of the fuel line is into this part.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

Note

See the discussion on Fuel Lines.

fuel_lines_to: List

The parts that are connected to this part via fuel lines, where the direction of the fuel line is out of this part.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

Note

See the discussion on Fuel Lines.

modules: List

The modules for this part.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

antenna: SpaceCenter.Antenna

An SpaceCenter.Antenna if the part is an antenna, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Antenna

Note

If RemoteTech is installed, this will always return nil. To interact with RemoteTech antennas, use the RemoteTech service APIs.

cargo_bay: SpaceCenter.CargoBay

A SpaceCenter.CargoBay if the part is a cargo bay, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.CargoBay

control_surface: SpaceCenter.ControlSurface

A SpaceCenter.ControlSurface if the part is an aerodynamic control surface, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.ControlSurface

decoupler: SpaceCenter.Decoupler

A SpaceCenter.Decoupler if the part is a decoupler, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Decoupler

docking_port: SpaceCenter.DockingPort

A SpaceCenter.DockingPort if the part is a docking port, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.DockingPort

engine: SpaceCenter.Engine

An SpaceCenter.Engine if the part is an engine, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Engine

experiment: SpaceCenter.Experiment

An SpaceCenter.Experiment if the part contains a single science experiment, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Experiment

Note

Throws an exception if the part contains more than one experiment. In that case, use SpaceCenter.Part.experiments to get the list of experiments in the part.

experiments: List

A list of SpaceCenter.Experiment objects that the part contains.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

fairing: SpaceCenter.Fairing

A SpaceCenter.Fairing if the part is a fairing, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Fairing

intake: SpaceCenter.Intake

An SpaceCenter.Intake if the part is an intake, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Intake

Note

This includes any part that generates thrust. This covers many different types of engine, including liquid fuel rockets, solid rocket boosters and jet engines. For RCS thrusters see SpaceCenter.RCS.

leg: SpaceCenter.Leg

A SpaceCenter.Leg if the part is a landing leg, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Leg

launch_clamp: SpaceCenter.LaunchClamp

A SpaceCenter.LaunchClamp if the part is a launch clamp, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.LaunchClamp

light: SpaceCenter.Light

A SpaceCenter.Light if the part is a light, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Light

parachute: SpaceCenter.Parachute

A SpaceCenter.Parachute if the part is a parachute, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Parachute

radiator: SpaceCenter.Radiator

A SpaceCenter.Radiator if the part is a radiator, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Radiator

resource_drain: SpaceCenter.ResourceDrain

A SpaceCenter.ResourceDrain if the part is a resource drain, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.ResourceDrain

rcs: SpaceCenter.RCS

A SpaceCenter.RCS if the part is an RCS block/thruster, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.RCS

reaction_wheel: SpaceCenter.ReactionWheel

A SpaceCenter.ReactionWheel if the part is a reaction wheel, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.ReactionWheel

resource_converter: SpaceCenter.ResourceConverter

A SpaceCenter.ResourceConverter if the part is a resource converter, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.ResourceConverter

resource_harvester: SpaceCenter.ResourceHarvester

A SpaceCenter.ResourceHarvester if the part is a resource harvester, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.ResourceHarvester

robotic_controller: SpaceCenter.RoboticController

A SpaceCenter.RoboticController if the part is a robotic controller, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.RoboticController

robotic_hinge: SpaceCenter.RoboticHinge

A SpaceCenter.RoboticHinge if the part is a robotic hinge, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.RoboticHinge

robotic_piston: SpaceCenter.RoboticPiston

A SpaceCenter.RoboticPiston if the part is a robotic piston, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.RoboticPiston

robotic_rotation: SpaceCenter.RoboticRotation

A SpaceCenter.RoboticRotation if the part is a robotic rotation servo, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.RoboticRotation

robotic_rotor: SpaceCenter.RoboticRotor

A SpaceCenter.RoboticRotor if the part is a robotic rotor, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.RoboticRotor

sensor: SpaceCenter.Sensor

A SpaceCenter.Sensor if the part is a sensor, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Sensor

solar_panel: SpaceCenter.SolarPanel

A SpaceCenter.SolarPanel if the part is a solar panel, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.SolarPanel

wheel: SpaceCenter.Wheel

A SpaceCenter.Wheel if the part is a wheel, otherwise nil.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Wheel

position(reference_frame)

The position of the part in the given reference frame.

Parameters:

reference_frame (SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame) – The reference frame that the returned position vector is in.

Returns:

The position as a vector.

Return type:

Tuple

Note

This is a fixed position in the part, defined by the parts model. It s not necessarily the same as the parts center of mass. Use SpaceCenter.Part.center_of_mass() to get the parts center of mass.

center_of_mass(reference_frame)

The position of the parts center of mass in the given reference frame. If the part is physicsless, this is equivalent to SpaceCenter.Part.position().

Parameters:

reference_frame (SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame) – The reference frame that the returned position vector is in.

Returns:

The position as a vector.

Return type:

Tuple

bounding_box(reference_frame)

The axis-aligned bounding box of the part in the given reference frame.

Parameters:

reference_frame (SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame) – The reference frame that the returned position vectors are in.

Returns:

The positions of the minimum and maximum vertices of the box, as position vectors.

Return type:

Tuple

Note

This is computed from the collision mesh of the part. If the part is not collidable, the box has zero volume and is centered on the SpaceCenter.Part.position() of the part.

direction(reference_frame)

The direction the part points in, in the given reference frame.

Parameters:

reference_frame (SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame) – The reference frame that the returned direction is in.

Returns:

The direction as a unit vector.

Return type:

Tuple

velocity(reference_frame)

The linear velocity of the part in the given reference frame.

Parameters:

reference_frame (SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame) – The reference frame that the returned velocity vector is in.

Returns:

The velocity as a vector. The vector points in the direction of travel, and its magnitude is the speed of the body in meters per second.

Return type:

Tuple

rotation(reference_frame)

The rotation of the part, in the given reference frame.

Parameters:

reference_frame (SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame) – The reference frame that the returned rotation is in.

Returns:

The rotation as a quaternion of the form \((x, y, z, w)\).

Return type:

Tuple

moment_of_inertia: Tuple

The moment of inertia of the part in \(kg.m^2\) around its center of mass in the parts reference frame (SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame).

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

Tuple

inertia_tensor: List

The inertia tensor of the part in the parts reference frame (SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame). Returns the 3x3 matrix as a list of elements, in row-major order.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

reference_frame: SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame

The reference frame that is fixed relative to this part, and centered on a fixed position within the part, defined by the parts model.

  • The origin is at the position of the part, as returned by SpaceCenter.Part.position().

  • The axes rotate with the part.

  • The x, y and z axis directions depend on the design of the part.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame

Note

For docking port parts, this reference frame is not necessarily equivalent to the reference frame for the docking port, returned by SpaceCenter.DockingPort.reference_frame.

../../../_images/part.png

Mk1 Command Pod reference frame origin and axes

center_of_mass_reference_frame: SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame

The reference frame that is fixed relative to this part, and centered on its center of mass.

  • The origin is at the center of mass of the part, as returned by SpaceCenter.Part.center_of_mass().

  • The axes rotate with the part.

  • The x, y and z axis directions depend on the design of the part.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame

Note

For docking port parts, this reference frame is not necessarily equivalent to the reference frame for the docking port, returned by SpaceCenter.DockingPort.reference_frame.

add_force(force, position, reference_frame)

Exert a constant force on the part, acting at the given position.

Parameters:
  • force (Tuple) – A vector pointing in the direction that the force acts, with its magnitude equal to the strength of the force in Newtons.

  • position (Tuple) – The position at which the force acts, as a vector.

  • reference_frame (SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame) – The reference frame that the force and position are in.

Returns:

An object that can be used to remove or modify the force.

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Force

instantaneous_force(force, position, reference_frame)

Exert an instantaneous force on the part, acting at the given position.

Parameters:
  • force (Tuple) – A vector pointing in the direction that the force acts, with its magnitude equal to the strength of the force in Newtons.

  • position (Tuple) – The position at which the force acts, as a vector.

  • reference_frame (SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame) – The reference frame that the force and position are in.

Note

The force is applied instantaneously in a single physics update.

glow: boolean

Whether the part is glowing.

Attribute:

Write-only, cannot be read

Return type:

boolean

auto_strut_mode: SpaceCenter.AutoStrutMode

Auto-strut mode.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.AutoStrutMode

class SpaceCenter.AutoStrutMode

The state of an auto-strut. SpaceCenter.Part.auto_strut_mode

off

Off

root

Root

heaviest

Heaviest

grandparent

Grandparent

force_root

ForceRoot

force_heaviest

ForceHeaviest

force_grandparent

ForceGrandparent

class SpaceCenter.Force

Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.add_force().

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part that this force is applied to.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

force_vector: Tuple

The force vector, in Newtons.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Returns:

A vector pointing in the direction that the force acts, with its magnitude equal to the strength of the force in Newtons.

Return type:

Tuple

position: Tuple

The position at which the force acts, in reference frame SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Returns:

The position as a vector.

Return type:

Tuple

reference_frame: SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame

The reference frame of the force vector and position.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame

remove()

Remove the force.

Module

class SpaceCenter.Module

This can be used to interact with a specific part module. This includes part modules in stock KSP, and those added by mods.

In KSP, each part has zero or more PartModules associated with it. Each one contains some of the functionality of the part. For example, an engine has a “ModuleEngines” part module that contains all the functionality of an engine.

name: string

Name of the PartModule. For example, “ModuleEngines”.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

string

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part that contains this module.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

fields: Map

The modules field names and their associated values, as a dictionary. These are the values visible in the right-click menu of the part.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

Map

Note

Throws an exception if there is more than one field with the same name. In that case, use SpaceCenter.Module.fields_by_id to get the fields by identifier.

fields_by_id: Map

The modules field identifiers and their associated values, as a dictionary. These are the values visible in the right-click menu of the part.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

Map

has_field(name)

Returns True if the module has a field with the given name.

Parameters:

name (string) – Name of the field.

Return type:

boolean

has_field_with_id(id)

Returns True if the module has a field with the given identifier.

Parameters:

id (string) – Identifier of the field.

Return type:

boolean

get_field(name)

Returns the value of a field with the given name.

Parameters:

name (string) – Name of the field.

Return type:

string

get_field_by_id(id)

Returns the value of a field with the given identifier.

Parameters:

id (string) – Identifier of the field.

Return type:

string

set_field_int(name, value)

Set the value of a field to the given integer number.

Parameters:
  • name (string) – Name of the field.

  • value (number) – Value to set.

set_field_int_by_id(id, value)

Set the value of a field to the given integer number.

Parameters:
  • id (string) – Identifier of the field.

  • value (number) – Value to set.

set_field_float(name, value)

Set the value of a field to the given floating point number.

Parameters:
  • name (string) – Name of the field.

  • value (number) – Value to set.

set_field_float_by_id(id, value)

Set the value of a field to the given floating point number.

Parameters:
  • id (string) – Identifier of the field.

  • value (number) – Value to set.

set_field_string(name, value)

Set the value of a field to the given string.

Parameters:
  • name (string) – Name of the field.

  • value (string) – Value to set.

set_field_string_by_id(id, value)

Set the value of a field to the given string.

Parameters:
  • id (string) – Identifier of the field.

  • value (string) – Value to set.

set_field_bool(name, value)

Set the value of a field to true or false.

Parameters:
  • name (string) – Name of the field.

  • value (boolean) – Value to set.

set_field_bool_by_id(id, value)

Set the value of a field to true or false.

Parameters:
  • id (string) – Identifier of the field.

  • value (boolean) – Value to set.

reset_field(name)

Set the value of a field to its original value.

Parameters:

name (string) – Name of the field.

reset_field_by_id(id)

Set the value of a field to its original value.

Parameters:

id (string) – Identifier of the field.

events: List

A list of the names of all of the modules events. Events are the clickable buttons visible in the right-click menu of the part.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

events_by_id: List

A list of the identifiers of all of the modules events. Events are the clickable buttons visible in the right-click menu of the part.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

has_event(name)

True if the module has an event with the given name.

Parameters:

name (string) –

Return type:

boolean

has_event_with_id(id)

True if the module has an event with the given identifier.

Parameters:

id (string) –

Return type:

boolean

trigger_event(name)

Trigger the named event. Equivalent to clicking the button in the right-click menu of the part.

Parameters:

name (string) –

trigger_event_by_id(id)

Trigger the event with the given identifier. Equivalent to clicking the button in the right-click menu of the part.

Parameters:

id (string) –

actions: List

A list of all the names of the modules actions. These are the parts actions that can be assigned to action groups in the in-game editor.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

actions_by_id: List

A list of all the identifiers of the modules actions. These are the parts actions that can be assigned to action groups in the in-game editor.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

has_action(name)

True if the part has an action with the given name.

Parameters:

name (string) –

Return type:

boolean

has_action_with_id(id)

True if the part has an action with the given identifier.

Parameters:

id (string) –

Return type:

boolean

set_action(name[, value = True])

Set the value of an action with the given name.

Parameters:
  • name (string) –

  • value (boolean) –

set_action_by_id(id[, value = True])

Set the value of an action with the given identifier.

Parameters:
  • id (string) –

  • value (boolean) –

Specific Types of Part

The following classes provide functionality for specific types of part.

Antenna

Note

If RemoteTech is installed, use the RemoteTech service APIs to interact with antennas. This class is only for stock KSP antennas.

class SpaceCenter.Antenna

An antenna. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.antenna.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this antenna.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

state: SpaceCenter.AntennaState

The current state of the antenna.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.AntennaState

deployable: boolean

Whether the antenna is deployable.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

deployed: boolean

Whether the antenna is deployed.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

Note

Fixed antennas are always deployed. Returns an error if you try to deploy a fixed antenna.

can_transmit: boolean

Whether data can be transmitted by this antenna.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

transmit()

Transmit data.

cancel()

Cancel current transmission of data.

allow_partial: boolean

Whether partial data transmission is permitted.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

power: number

The power of the antenna.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

combinable: boolean

Whether the antenna can be combined with other antennae on the vessel to boost the power.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

combinable_exponent: number

Exponent used to calculate the combined power of multiple antennae on a vessel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

packet_interval: number

Interval between sending packets in seconds.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

packet_size: number

Amount of data sent per packet in Mits.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

packet_resource_cost: number

Units of electric charge consumed per packet sent.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

class SpaceCenter.AntennaState

The state of an antenna. See SpaceCenter.Antenna.state.

deployed

Antenna is fully deployed.

retracted

Antenna is fully retracted.

deploying

Antenna is being deployed.

retracting

Antenna is being retracted.

broken

Antenna is broken.

Cargo Bay

class SpaceCenter.CargoBay

A cargo bay. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.cargo_bay.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this cargo bay.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

state: SpaceCenter.CargoBayState

The state of the cargo bay.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.CargoBayState

open: boolean

Whether the cargo bay is open.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

class SpaceCenter.CargoBayState

The state of a cargo bay. See SpaceCenter.CargoBay.state.

open

Cargo bay is fully open.

closed

Cargo bay closed and locked.

opening

Cargo bay is opening.

closing

Cargo bay is closing.

Control Surface

class SpaceCenter.ControlSurface

An aerodynamic control surface. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.control_surface.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this control surface.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

pitch_enabled: boolean

Whether the control surface has pitch control enabled.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

yaw_enabled: boolean

Whether the control surface has yaw control enabled.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

roll_enabled: boolean

Whether the control surface has roll control enabled.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

authority_limiter: number

The authority limiter for the control surface, which controls how far the control surface will move.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

inverted: boolean

Whether the control surface movement is inverted.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

deployed: boolean

Whether the control surface has been fully deployed.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

surface_area: number

Surface area of the control surface in \(m^2\).

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

available_torque: Tuple

The available torque, in Newton meters, that can be produced by this control surface, in the positive and negative pitch, roll and yaw axes of the vessel. These axes correspond to the coordinate axes of the SpaceCenter.Vessel.reference_frame.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

Tuple

Decoupler

class SpaceCenter.Decoupler

A decoupler. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.decoupler

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this decoupler.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

decouple()

Fires the decoupler. Returns the new vessel created when the decoupler fires. Throws an exception if the decoupler has already fired.

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Vessel

Note

When called, the active vessel may change. It is therefore possible that, after calling this function, the object(s) returned by previous call(s) to SpaceCenter.active_vessel no longer refer to the active vessel.

decoupled: boolean

Whether the decoupler has fired.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

staged: boolean

Whether the decoupler is enabled in the staging sequence.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

impulse: number

The impulse that the decoupler imparts when it is fired, in Newton seconds.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

Docking Port

class SpaceCenter.DockingPort

A docking port. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.docking_port

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this docking port.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

state: SpaceCenter.DockingPortState

The current state of the docking port.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.DockingPortState

docked_part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part that this docking port is docked to. Returns nil if this docking port is not docked to anything.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

undock()

Undocks the docking port and returns the new SpaceCenter.Vessel that is created. This method can be called for either docking port in a docked pair. Throws an exception if the docking port is not docked to anything.

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Vessel

Note

When called, the active vessel may change. It is therefore possible that, after calling this function, the object(s) returned by previous call(s) to SpaceCenter.active_vessel no longer refer to the active vessel.

reengage_distance: number

The distance a docking port must move away when it undocks before it becomes ready to dock with another port, in meters.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

has_shield: boolean

Whether the docking port has a shield.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

shielded: boolean

The state of the docking ports shield, if it has one.

Returns True if the docking port has a shield, and the shield is closed. Otherwise returns False. When set to True, the shield is closed, and when set to False the shield is opened. If the docking port does not have a shield, setting this attribute has no effect.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

can_rotate: boolean

Whether the docking port can be commanded to rotate while docked.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

maximum_rotation: number

Maximum rotation angle in degrees.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

minimum_rotation: number

Minimum rotation angle in degrees.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

rotation_target: number

Rotation target angle in degrees.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

rotation_locked: boolean

Lock rotation. When locked, allows auto-strut to work across the joint.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

position(reference_frame)

The position of the docking port, in the given reference frame.

Parameters:

reference_frame (SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame) – The reference frame that the returned position vector is in.

Returns:

The position as a vector.

Return type:

Tuple

direction(reference_frame)

The direction that docking port points in, in the given reference frame.

Parameters:

reference_frame (SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame) – The reference frame that the returned direction is in.

Returns:

The direction as a unit vector.

Return type:

Tuple

rotation(reference_frame)

The rotation of the docking port, in the given reference frame.

Parameters:

reference_frame (SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame) – The reference frame that the returned rotation is in.

Returns:

The rotation as a quaternion of the form \((x, y, z, w)\).

Return type:

Tuple

reference_frame: SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame

The reference frame that is fixed relative to this docking port, and oriented with the port.

  • The origin is at the position of the docking port.

  • The axes rotate with the docking port.

  • The x-axis points out to the right side of the docking port.

  • The y-axis points in the direction the docking port is facing.

  • The z-axis points out of the bottom off the docking port.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame

Note

This reference frame is not necessarily equivalent to the reference frame for the part, returned by SpaceCenter.Part.reference_frame.

../../../_images/docking-port.png

Docking port reference frame origin and axes

../../../_images/docking-port-inline.png

Inline docking port reference frame origin and axes

class SpaceCenter.DockingPortState

The state of a docking port. See SpaceCenter.DockingPort.state.

ready

The docking port is ready to dock to another docking port.

docked

The docking port is docked to another docking port, or docked to another part (from the VAB/SPH).

docking

The docking port is very close to another docking port, but has not docked. It is using magnetic force to acquire a solid dock.

undocking

The docking port has just been undocked from another docking port, and is disabled until it moves away by a sufficient distance (SpaceCenter.DockingPort.reengage_distance).

shielded

The docking port has a shield, and the shield is closed.

moving

The docking ports shield is currently opening/closing.

Engine

class SpaceCenter.Engine

An engine, including ones of various types. For example liquid fuelled gimballed engines, solid rocket boosters and jet engines. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.engine.

Note

For RCS thrusters SpaceCenter.Part.rcs.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this engine.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

active: boolean

Whether the engine is active. Setting this attribute may have no effect, depending on SpaceCenter.Engine.can_shutdown and SpaceCenter.Engine.can_restart.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

thrust: number

The current amount of thrust being produced by the engine, in Newtons.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

available_thrust: number

The amount of thrust, in Newtons, that would be produced by the engine when activated and with its throttle set to 100%. Returns zero if the engine does not have any fuel. Takes the engine’s current SpaceCenter.Engine.thrust_limit and atmospheric conditions into account.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

available_thrust_at(pressure)

The amount of thrust, in Newtons, that would be produced by the engine when activated and with its throttle set to 100%. Returns zero if the engine does not have any fuel. Takes the given pressure into account.

Parameters:

pressure (number) – Atmospheric pressure in atmospheres

Return type:

number

max_thrust: number

The amount of thrust, in Newtons, that would be produced by the engine when activated and fueled, with its throttle and throttle limiter set to 100%.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

max_thrust_at(pressure)

The amount of thrust, in Newtons, that would be produced by the engine when activated and fueled, with its throttle and throttle limiter set to 100%. Takes the given pressure into account.

Parameters:

pressure (number) – Atmospheric pressure in atmospheres

Return type:

number

max_vacuum_thrust: number

The maximum amount of thrust that can be produced by the engine in a vacuum, in Newtons. This is the amount of thrust produced by the engine when activated, SpaceCenter.Engine.thrust_limit is set to 100%, the main vessel’s throttle is set to 100% and the engine is in a vacuum.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

thrust_limit: number

The thrust limiter of the engine. A value between 0 and 1. Setting this attribute may have no effect, for example the thrust limit for a solid rocket booster cannot be changed in flight.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

thrusters: List

The components of the engine that generate thrust.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

Note

For example, this corresponds to the rocket nozzel on a solid rocket booster, or the individual nozzels on a RAPIER engine. The overall thrust produced by the engine, as reported by SpaceCenter.Engine.available_thrust, SpaceCenter.Engine.max_thrust and others, is the sum of the thrust generated by each thruster.

specific_impulse: number

The current specific impulse of the engine, in seconds. Returns zero if the engine is not active.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

specific_impulse_at(pressure)

The specific impulse of the engine under the given pressure, in seconds. Returns zero if the engine is not active.

Parameters:

pressure (number) – Atmospheric pressure in atmospheres

Return type:

number

vacuum_specific_impulse: number

The vacuum specific impulse of the engine, in seconds.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

kerbin_sea_level_specific_impulse: number

The specific impulse of the engine at sea level on Kerbin, in seconds.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

propellant_names: List

The names of the propellants that the engine consumes.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

propellant_ratios: Map

The ratio of resources that the engine consumes. A dictionary mapping resource names to the ratio at which they are consumed by the engine.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

Map

Note

For example, if the ratios are 0.6 for LiquidFuel and 0.4 for Oxidizer, then for every 0.6 units of LiquidFuel that the engine burns, it will burn 0.4 units of Oxidizer.

propellants: List

The propellants that the engine consumes.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

has_fuel: boolean

Whether the engine has any fuel available.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

throttle: number

The current throttle setting for the engine. A value between 0 and 1. This is not necessarily the same as the vessel’s main throttle setting, as some engines take time to adjust their throttle (such as jet engines), or independent throttle may be enabled.

When the engine’s independent throttle is enabled (see SpaceCenter.Engine.independent_throttle), can be used to set the throttle percentage.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

throttle_locked: boolean

Whether the SpaceCenter.Control.throttle affects the engine. For example, this is True for liquid fueled rockets, and False for solid rocket boosters.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

independent_throttle: boolean

Whether the independent throttle is enabled for the engine.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

can_restart: boolean

Whether the engine can be restarted once shutdown. If the engine cannot be shutdown, returns False. For example, this is True for liquid fueled rockets and False for solid rocket boosters.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

can_shutdown: boolean

Whether the engine can be shutdown once activated. For example, this is True for liquid fueled rockets and False for solid rocket boosters.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

has_modes: boolean

Whether the engine has multiple modes of operation.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

mode: string

The name of the current engine mode.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

string

modes: Map

The available modes for the engine. A dictionary mapping mode names to SpaceCenter.Engine objects.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

Map

toggle_mode()

Toggle the current engine mode.

auto_mode_switch: boolean

Whether the engine will automatically switch modes.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

gimballed: boolean

Whether the engine is gimballed.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

gimbal_range: number

The range over which the gimbal can move, in degrees. Returns 0 if the engine is not gimballed.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

gimbal_locked: boolean

Whether the engines gimbal is locked in place. Setting this attribute has no effect if the engine is not gimballed.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

gimbal_limit: number

The gimbal limiter of the engine. A value between 0 and 1. Returns 0 if the gimbal is locked.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

available_torque: Tuple

The available torque, in Newton meters, that can be produced by this engine, in the positive and negative pitch, roll and yaw axes of the vessel. These axes correspond to the coordinate axes of the SpaceCenter.Vessel.reference_frame. Returns zero if the engine is inactive, or not gimballed.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

Tuple

class SpaceCenter.Propellant

A propellant for an engine. Obtains by calling SpaceCenter.Engine.propellants.

name: string

The name of the propellant.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

string

current_amount: number

The current amount of propellant.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

current_requirement: number

The required amount of propellant.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

total_resource_available: number

The total amount of the underlying resource currently reachable given resource flow rules.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

total_resource_capacity: number

The total vehicle capacity for the underlying propellant resource, restricted by resource flow rules.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

ignore_for_isp: boolean

If this propellant should be ignored when calculating required mass flow given specific impulse.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

ignore_for_thrust_curve: boolean

If this propellant should be ignored for thrust curve calculations.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

draw_stack_gauge: boolean

If this propellant has a stack gauge or not.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

is_deprived: boolean

If this propellant is deprived.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

ratio: number

The propellant ratio.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

Experiment

class SpaceCenter.Experiment

Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.experiment.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this experiment.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

name: string

Internal name of the experiment, as used in part cfg files.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

string

title: string

Title of the experiment, as shown on the in-game UI.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

string

run()

Run the experiment.

transmit()

Transmit all experimental data contained by this part.

dump()

Dump the experimental data contained by the experiment.

reset()

Reset the experiment.

deployed: boolean

Whether the experiment has been deployed.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

rerunnable: boolean

Whether the experiment can be re-run.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

inoperable: boolean

Whether the experiment is inoperable.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

has_data: boolean

Whether the experiment contains data.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

data: List

The data contained in this experiment.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

biome: string

The name of the biome the experiment is currently in.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

string

available: boolean

Determines if the experiment is available given the current conditions.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

science_subject: SpaceCenter.ScienceSubject

Containing information on the corresponding specific science result for the current conditions. Returns nil if the experiment is unavailable.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.ScienceSubject

class SpaceCenter.ScienceData

Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Experiment.data.

data_amount: number

Data amount.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

science_value: number

Science value.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

transmit_value: number

Transmit value.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

class SpaceCenter.ScienceSubject

Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Experiment.science_subject.

title: string

Title of science subject, displayed in science archives

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

string

is_complete: boolean

Whether the experiment has been completed.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

science: number

Amount of science already earned from this subject, not updated until after transmission/recovery.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

science_cap: number

Total science allowable for this subject.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

data_scale: number

Multiply science value by this to determine data amount in mits.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

subject_value: number

Multiplier for specific Celestial Body/Experiment Situation combination.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

scientific_value: number

Diminishing value multiplier for decreasing the science value returned from repeated experiments.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

Fairing

class SpaceCenter.Fairing

A fairing. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.fairing. Supports both stock fairings, and those from the ProceduralFairings mod.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this fairing.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

jettison()

Jettison the fairing. Has no effect if it has already been jettisoned.

jettisoned: boolean

Whether the fairing has been jettisoned.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

Intake

class SpaceCenter.Intake

An air intake. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.intake.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this intake.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

open: boolean

Whether the intake is open.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

speed: number

Speed of the flow into the intake, in \(m/s\).

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

flow: number

The rate of flow into the intake, in units of resource per second.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

area: number

The area of the intake’s opening, in square meters.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

Leg

class SpaceCenter.Leg

A landing leg. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.leg.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this landing leg.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

state: SpaceCenter.LegState

The current state of the landing leg.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.LegState

deployable: boolean

Whether the leg is deployable.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

deployed: boolean

Whether the landing leg is deployed.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

Note

Fixed landing legs are always deployed. Returns an error if you try to deploy fixed landing gear.

is_grounded: boolean

Returns whether the leg is touching the ground.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

class SpaceCenter.LegState

The state of a landing leg. See SpaceCenter.Leg.state.

deployed

Landing leg is fully deployed.

retracted

Landing leg is fully retracted.

deploying

Landing leg is being deployed.

retracting

Landing leg is being retracted.

broken

Landing leg is broken.

Launch Clamp

class SpaceCenter.LaunchClamp

A launch clamp. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.launch_clamp.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this launch clamp.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

release()

Releases the docking clamp. Has no effect if the clamp has already been released.

Light

class SpaceCenter.Light

A light. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.light.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this light.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

active: boolean

Whether the light is switched on.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

color: Tuple

The color of the light, as an RGB triple.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

Tuple

Whether blinking is enabled.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

The blink rate of the light.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

power_usage: number

The current power usage, in units of charge per second.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

Parachute

class SpaceCenter.Parachute

A parachute. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.parachute.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this parachute.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

deploy()

Deploys the parachute. This has no effect if the parachute has already been deployed.

deployed: boolean

Whether the parachute has been deployed.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

arm()

Deploys the parachute. This has no effect if the parachute has already been armed or deployed.

armed: boolean

Whether the parachute has been armed or deployed.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

cut()

Cuts the parachute.

state: SpaceCenter.ParachuteState

The current state of the parachute.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.ParachuteState

deploy_altitude: number

The altitude at which the parachute will full deploy, in meters. Only applicable to stock parachutes.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

deploy_min_pressure: number

The minimum pressure at which the parachute will semi-deploy, in atmospheres. Only applicable to stock parachutes.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

class SpaceCenter.ParachuteState

The state of a parachute. See SpaceCenter.Parachute.state.

stowed

The parachute is safely tucked away inside its housing.

armed

The parachute is armed for deployment.

semi_deployed

The parachute has been deployed and is providing some drag, but is not fully deployed yet. (Stock parachutes only)

deployed

The parachute is fully deployed.

cut

The parachute has been cut.

Radiator

class SpaceCenter.Radiator

A radiator. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.radiator.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this radiator.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

deployable: boolean

Whether the radiator is deployable.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

deployed: boolean

For a deployable radiator, True if the radiator is extended. If the radiator is not deployable, this is always True.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

state: SpaceCenter.RadiatorState

The current state of the radiator.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.RadiatorState

Note

A fixed radiator is always SpaceCenter.RadiatorState.extended.

class SpaceCenter.RadiatorState

The state of a radiator. SpaceCenter.Radiator.state

extended

Radiator is fully extended.

retracted

Radiator is fully retracted.

extending

Radiator is being extended.

retracting

Radiator is being retracted.

broken

Radiator is broken.

Resource Converter

class SpaceCenter.ResourceConverter

A resource converter. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.resource_converter.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this converter.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

count: number

The number of converters in the part.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

name(index)

The name of the specified converter.

Parameters:

index (number) – Index of the converter.

Return type:

string

active(index)

True if the specified converter is active.

Parameters:

index (number) – Index of the converter.

Return type:

boolean

start(index)

Start the specified converter.

Parameters:

index (number) – Index of the converter.

stop(index)

Stop the specified converter.

Parameters:

index (number) – Index of the converter.

state(index)

The state of the specified converter.

Parameters:

index (number) – Index of the converter.

Return type:

SpaceCenter.ResourceConverterState

status_info(index)

Status information for the specified converter. This is the full status message shown in the in-game UI.

Parameters:

index (number) – Index of the converter.

Return type:

string

inputs(index)

List of the names of resources consumed by the specified converter.

Parameters:

index (number) – Index of the converter.

Return type:

List

outputs(index)

List of the names of resources produced by the specified converter.

Parameters:

index (number) – Index of the converter.

Return type:

List

optimum_core_temperature: number

The core temperature at which the converter will operate with peak efficiency, in Kelvin.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

core_temperature: number

The core temperature of the converter, in Kelvin.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

thermal_efficiency: number

The thermal efficiency of the converter, as a percentage of its maximum.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

class SpaceCenter.ResourceConverterState

The state of a resource converter. See SpaceCenter.ResourceConverter.state().

running

Converter is running.

idle

Converter is idle.

missing_resource

Converter is missing a required resource.

storage_full

No available storage for output resource.

capacity

At preset resource capacity.

unknown

Unknown state. Possible with modified resource converters. In this case, check SpaceCenter.ResourceConverter.status_info() for more information.

Resource Harvester

class SpaceCenter.ResourceHarvester

A resource harvester (drill). Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.resource_harvester.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this harvester.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

state: SpaceCenter.ResourceHarvesterState

The state of the harvester.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.ResourceHarvesterState

deployed: boolean

Whether the harvester is deployed.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

active: boolean

Whether the harvester is actively drilling.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

extraction_rate: number

The rate at which the drill is extracting ore, in units per second.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

thermal_efficiency: number

The thermal efficiency of the drill, as a percentage of its maximum.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

core_temperature: number

The core temperature of the drill, in Kelvin.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

optimum_core_temperature: number

The core temperature at which the drill will operate with peak efficiency, in Kelvin.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

class SpaceCenter.ResourceHarvesterState

The state of a resource harvester. See SpaceCenter.ResourceHarvester.state.

deploying

The drill is deploying.

deployed

The drill is deployed and ready.

retracting

The drill is retracting.

retracted

The drill is retracted.

active

The drill is running.

Reaction Wheel

class SpaceCenter.ReactionWheel

A reaction wheel. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.reaction_wheel.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this reaction wheel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

active: boolean

Whether the reaction wheel is active.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

broken: boolean

Whether the reaction wheel is broken.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

available_torque: Tuple

The available torque, in Newton meters, that can be produced by this reaction wheel, in the positive and negative pitch, roll and yaw axes of the vessel. These axes correspond to the coordinate axes of the SpaceCenter.Vessel.reference_frame. Returns zero if the reaction wheel is inactive or broken.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

Tuple

max_torque: Tuple

The maximum torque, in Newton meters, that can be produced by this reaction wheel, when it is active, in the positive and negative pitch, roll and yaw axes of the vessel. These axes correspond to the coordinate axes of the SpaceCenter.Vessel.reference_frame.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

Tuple

Resource Drain

class SpaceCenter.ResourceDrain

A resource drain. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.resource_drain.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this resource drain.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

available_resources: List

List of available resources.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

set_resource(resource, enabled)

Whether the given resource should be drained.

Parameters:
check_resource(resource)

Whether the provided resource is enabled for draining.

Parameters:

resource (SpaceCenter.Resource) –

Return type:

boolean

drain_mode: SpaceCenter.DrainMode

The drain mode.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

SpaceCenter.DrainMode

min_rate: number

Minimum possible drain rate

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

max_rate: number

Maximum possible drain rate.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

rate: number

Current drain rate.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

start()

Activates resource draining for all enabled parts.

stop()

Turns off resource draining.

class SpaceCenter.DrainMode

Resource drain mode. See SpaceCenter.ResourceDrain.drain_mode.

part

Drains from the parent part.

vessel

Drains from all available parts.

Robotic Controller

class SpaceCenter.RoboticController

A robotic controller. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.robotic_controller.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this controller.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

has_part(part)

Whether the controller has a part.

Parameters:

part (SpaceCenter.Part) –

Return type:

boolean

axes()

The axes for the controller.

Return type:

List

add_axis(module, field_name)

Add an axis to the controller.

Parameters:
Returns:

Returns True if the axis is added successfully.

Return type:

boolean

add_key_frame(module, field_name, time, value)

Add key frame value for controller axis.

Parameters:
  • module (SpaceCenter.Module) –

  • field_name (string) –

  • time (number) –

  • value (number) –

Returns:

Returns True if the key frame is added successfully.

Return type:

boolean

clear_axis(module, field_name)

Clear axis.

Parameters:
Returns:

Returns True if the axis is cleared successfully.

Return type:

boolean

Robotic Hinge

class SpaceCenter.RoboticHinge

A robotic hinge. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.robotic_hinge.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this robotic hinge.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

target_angle: number

Target angle.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

current_angle: number

Current angle.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

rate: number

Target movement rate in degrees per second.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

damping: number

Damping percentage.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

locked: boolean

Lock movement.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

motor_engaged: boolean

Whether the motor is engaged.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

move_home()

Move hinge to it’s built position.

Robotic Piston

class SpaceCenter.RoboticPiston

A robotic piston part. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.robotic_piston.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this robotic piston.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

target_extension: number

Target extension of the piston.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

current_extension: number

Current extension of the piston.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

rate: number

Target movement rate in degrees per second.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

damping: number

Damping percentage.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

locked: boolean

Lock movement.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

motor_engaged: boolean

Whether the motor is engaged.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

move_home()

Move piston to it’s built position.

Robotic Rotation

class SpaceCenter.RoboticRotation

A robotic rotation servo. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.robotic_rotation.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this robotic rotation servo.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

target_angle: number

Target angle.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

current_angle: number

Current angle.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

rate: number

Target movement rate in degrees per second.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

damping: number

Damping percentage.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

locked: boolean

Lock Movement

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

motor_engaged: boolean

Whether the motor is engaged.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

move_home()

Move rotation servo to it’s built position.

Robotic Rotor

class SpaceCenter.RoboticRotor

A robotic rotor. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.robotic_rotor.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this robotic rotor.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

target_rpm: number

Target RPM.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

current_rpm: number

Current RPM.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

inverted: boolean

Whether the rotor direction is inverted.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

torque_limit: number

Torque limit percentage.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

locked: boolean

Lock movement.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

motor_engaged: boolean

Whether the motor is engaged.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

RCS

class SpaceCenter.RCS

An RCS block or thruster. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.rcs.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this RCS.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

active: boolean

Whether the RCS thrusters are active. An RCS thruster is inactive if the RCS action group is disabled (SpaceCenter.Control.rcs), the RCS thruster itself is not enabled (SpaceCenter.RCS.enabled) or it is covered by a fairing (SpaceCenter.Part.shielded).

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

enabled: boolean

Whether the RCS thrusters are enabled.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

pitch_enabled: boolean

Whether the RCS thruster will fire when pitch control input is given.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

yaw_enabled: boolean

Whether the RCS thruster will fire when yaw control input is given.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

roll_enabled: boolean

Whether the RCS thruster will fire when roll control input is given.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

forward_enabled: boolean

Whether the RCS thruster will fire when pitch control input is given.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

up_enabled: boolean

Whether the RCS thruster will fire when yaw control input is given.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

right_enabled: boolean

Whether the RCS thruster will fire when roll control input is given.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

available_torque: Tuple

The available torque, in Newton meters, that can be produced by this RCS, in the positive and negative pitch, roll and yaw axes of the vessel. These axes correspond to the coordinate axes of the SpaceCenter.Vessel.reference_frame. Returns zero if RCS is disable.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

Tuple

available_force: Tuple

The available force, in Newtons, that can be produced by this RCS, in the positive and negative x, y and z axes of the vessel. These axes correspond to the coordinate axes of the SpaceCenter.Vessel.reference_frame. Returns zero if RCS is disabled.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

Tuple

available_thrust: number

The amount of thrust, in Newtons, that would be produced by the thruster when activated. Returns zero if the thruster does not have any fuel. Takes the thrusters current SpaceCenter.RCS.thrust_limit and atmospheric conditions into account.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

max_thrust: number

The maximum amount of thrust that can be produced by the RCS thrusters when active, in Newtons. Takes the thrusters current SpaceCenter.RCS.thrust_limit and atmospheric conditions into account.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

max_vacuum_thrust: number

The maximum amount of thrust that can be produced by the RCS thrusters when active in a vacuum, in Newtons.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

thrust_limit: number

The thrust limiter of the thruster. A value between 0 and 1.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

thrusters: List

A list of thrusters, one of each nozzel in the RCS part.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

specific_impulse: number

The current specific impulse of the RCS, in seconds. Returns zero if the RCS is not active.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

vacuum_specific_impulse: number

The vacuum specific impulse of the RCS, in seconds.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

kerbin_sea_level_specific_impulse: number

The specific impulse of the RCS at sea level on Kerbin, in seconds.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

propellants: List

The names of resources that the RCS consumes.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

List

propellant_ratios: Map

The ratios of resources that the RCS consumes. A dictionary mapping resource names to the ratios at which they are consumed by the RCS.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

Map

has_fuel: boolean

Whether the RCS has fuel available.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

Sensor

class SpaceCenter.Sensor

A sensor, such as a thermometer. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.sensor.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this sensor.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

active: boolean

Whether the sensor is active.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

value: string

The current value of the sensor.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

string

Solar Panel

class SpaceCenter.SolarPanel

A solar panel. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.solar_panel.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this solar panel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

deployable: boolean

Whether the solar panel is deployable.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

deployed: boolean

Whether the solar panel is extended.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

state: SpaceCenter.SolarPanelState

The current state of the solar panel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.SolarPanelState

energy_flow: number

The current amount of energy being generated by the solar panel, in units of charge per second.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

sun_exposure: number

The current amount of sunlight that is incident on the solar panel, as a percentage. A value between 0 and 1.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

class SpaceCenter.SolarPanelState

The state of a solar panel. See SpaceCenter.SolarPanel.state.

extended

Solar panel is fully extended.

retracted

Solar panel is fully retracted.

extending

Solar panel is being extended.

retracting

Solar panel is being retracted.

broken

Solar panel is broken.

Thruster

class SpaceCenter.Thruster

The component of an SpaceCenter.Engine or SpaceCenter.RCS part that generates thrust. Can obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Engine.thrusters or SpaceCenter.RCS.thrusters.

Note

Engines can consist of multiple thrusters. For example, the S3 KS-25x4 “Mammoth” has four rocket nozzels, and so consists of four thrusters.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The SpaceCenter.Part that contains this thruster.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

thrust_position(reference_frame)

The position at which the thruster generates thrust, in the given reference frame. For gimballed engines, this takes into account the current rotation of the gimbal.

Parameters:

reference_frame (SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame) – The reference frame that the returned position vector is in.

Returns:

The position as a vector.

Return type:

Tuple

thrust_direction(reference_frame)

The direction of the force generated by the thruster, in the given reference frame. This is opposite to the direction in which the thruster expels propellant. For gimballed engines, this takes into account the current rotation of the gimbal.

Parameters:

reference_frame (SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame) – The reference frame that the returned direction is in.

Returns:

The direction as a unit vector.

Return type:

Tuple

thrust_reference_frame: SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame

A reference frame that is fixed relative to the thruster and orientated with its thrust direction (SpaceCenter.Thruster.thrust_direction()). For gimballed engines, this takes into account the current rotation of the gimbal.

  • The origin is at the position of thrust for this thruster (SpaceCenter.Thruster.thrust_position()).

  • The axes rotate with the thrust direction. This is the direction in which the thruster expels propellant, including any gimballing.

  • The y-axis points along the thrust direction.

  • The x-axis and z-axis are perpendicular to the thrust direction.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame

gimballed: boolean

Whether the thruster is gimballed.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

gimbal_position(reference_frame)

Position around which the gimbal pivots.

Parameters:

reference_frame (SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame) – The reference frame that the returned position vector is in.

Returns:

The position as a vector.

Return type:

Tuple

gimbal_angle: Tuple

The current gimbal angle in the pitch, roll and yaw axes, in degrees.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

Tuple

initial_thrust_position(reference_frame)

The position at which the thruster generates thrust, when the engine is in its initial position (no gimballing), in the given reference frame.

Parameters:

reference_frame (SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame) – The reference frame that the returned position vector is in.

Returns:

The position as a vector.

Return type:

Tuple

Note

This position can move when the gimbal rotates. This is because the thrust position and gimbal position are not necessarily the same.

initial_thrust_direction(reference_frame)

The direction of the force generated by the thruster, when the engine is in its initial position (no gimballing), in the given reference frame. This is opposite to the direction in which the thruster expels propellant.

Parameters:

reference_frame (SpaceCenter.ReferenceFrame) – The reference frame that the returned direction is in.

Returns:

The direction as a unit vector.

Return type:

Tuple

Wheel

class SpaceCenter.Wheel

A wheel. Includes landing gear and rover wheels. Obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.wheel. Can be used to control the motors, steering and deployment of wheels, among other things.

part: SpaceCenter.Part

The part object for this wheel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.Part

state: SpaceCenter.WheelState

The current state of the wheel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.WheelState

radius: number

Radius of the wheel, in meters.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

grounded: boolean

Whether the wheel is touching the ground.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

has_brakes: boolean

Whether the wheel has brakes.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

brakes: number

The braking force, as a percentage of maximum, when the brakes are applied.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

auto_friction_control: boolean

Whether automatic friction control is enabled.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

manual_friction_control: number

Manual friction control value. Only has an effect if automatic friction control is disabled. A value between 0 and 5 inclusive.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

deployable: boolean

Whether the wheel is deployable.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

deployed: boolean

Whether the wheel is deployed.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

powered: boolean

Whether the wheel is powered by a motor.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

motor_enabled: boolean

Whether the motor is enabled.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

motor_inverted: boolean

Whether the direction of the motor is inverted.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

motor_state: SpaceCenter.MotorState

Whether the direction of the motor is inverted.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

SpaceCenter.MotorState

motor_output: number

The output of the motor. This is the torque currently being generated, in Newton meters.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

traction_control_enabled: boolean

Whether automatic traction control is enabled. A wheel only has traction control if it is powered.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

traction_control: number

Setting for the traction control. Only takes effect if the wheel has automatic traction control enabled. A value between 0 and 5 inclusive.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

drive_limiter: number

Manual setting for the motor limiter. Only takes effect if the wheel has automatic traction control disabled. A value between 0 and 100 inclusive.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

steerable: boolean

Whether the wheel has steering.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

steering_enabled: boolean

Whether the wheel steering is enabled.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

steering_inverted: boolean

Whether the wheel steering is inverted.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

boolean

steering_angle_limit: number

The steering angle limit.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

steering_response_time: number

Steering response time.

Attribute:

Can be read or written

Return type:

number

has_suspension: boolean

Whether the wheel has suspension.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

suspension_spring_strength: number

Suspension spring strength, as set in the editor.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

suspension_damper_strength: number

Suspension damper strength, as set in the editor.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

broken: boolean

Whether the wheel is broken.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

repairable: boolean

Whether the wheel is repairable.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

boolean

stress: number

Current stress on the wheel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

stress_tolerance: number

Stress tolerance of the wheel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

stress_percentage: number

Current stress on the wheel as a percentage of its stress tolerance.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

deflection: number

Current deflection of the wheel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

slip: number

Current slip of the wheel.

Attribute:

Read-only, cannot be set

Return type:

number

class SpaceCenter.WheelState

The state of a wheel. See SpaceCenter.Wheel.state.

deployed

Wheel is fully deployed.

retracted

Wheel is fully retracted.

deploying

Wheel is being deployed.

retracting

Wheel is being retracted.

broken

Wheel is broken.

class SpaceCenter.MotorState

The state of the motor on a powered wheel. See SpaceCenter.Wheel.motor_state.

idle

The motor is idle.

running

The motor is running.

disabled

The motor is disabled.

inoperable

The motor is inoperable.

not_enough_resources

The motor does not have enough resources to run.

Trees of Parts

Vessels in KSP are comprised of a number of parts, connected to one another in a tree structure. An example vessel is shown in Figure 1, and the corresponding tree of parts in Figure 2. The craft file for this example can also be downloaded here.

../../../_images/parts.png

Figure 1 – Example parts making up a vessel.

../../../_images/parts-tree.png

Figure 2 – Tree of parts for the vessel in Figure 1. Arrows point from the parent part to the child part.

Traversing the Tree

The tree of parts can be traversed using the attributes SpaceCenter.Parts.root, SpaceCenter.Part.parent and SpaceCenter.Part.children.

The root of the tree is the same as the vessels root part (part number 1 in the example above) and can be obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Parts.root. A parts children can be obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.children. If the part does not have any children, SpaceCenter.Part.children returns an empty list. A parts parent can be obtained by calling SpaceCenter.Part.parent. If the part does not have a parent (as is the case for the root part), SpaceCenter.Part.parent returns nil.

The following Lua example uses these attributes to perform a depth-first traversal over all of the parts in a vessel:

local krpc = require 'krpc'
local conn = krpc.connect()
local vessel = conn.space_center.active_vessel

local root = vessel.parts.root
local stack = {{root,0}}
while #stack > 0 do
  local part,depth = unpack(table.remove(stack))
  print(string.rep(' ', depth) .. part.title)
  for _,child in ipairs(part.children) do
    table.insert(stack, {child, depth+1})
  end
end

When this code is execute using the craft file for the example vessel pictured above, the following is printed out:

Command Pod Mk1
 TR-18A Stack Decoupler
  FL-T400 Fuel Tank
   LV-909 Liquid Fuel Engine
    TR-18A Stack Decoupler
     FL-T800 Fuel Tank
      LV-909 Liquid Fuel Engine
      TT-70 Radial Decoupler
       FL-T400 Fuel Tank
        TT18-A Launch Stability Enhancer
        FTX-2 External Fuel Duct
        LV-909 Liquid Fuel Engine
        Aerodynamic Nose Cone
      TT-70 Radial Decoupler
       FL-T400 Fuel Tank
        TT18-A Launch Stability Enhancer
        FTX-2 External Fuel Duct
        LV-909 Liquid Fuel Engine
        Aerodynamic Nose Cone
   LT-1 Landing Struts
   LT-1 Landing Struts
 Mk16 Parachute

Attachment Modes

Parts can be attached to other parts either radially (on the side of the parent part) or axially (on the end of the parent part, to form a stack).

For example, in the vessel pictured above, the parachute (part 2) is axially connected to its parent (the command pod – part 1), and the landing leg (part 5) is radially connected to its parent (the fuel tank – part 4).

The root part of a vessel (for example the command pod – part 1) does not have a parent part, so does not have an attachment mode. However, the part is consider to be axially attached to nothing.

The following Lua example does a depth-first traversal as before, but also prints out the attachment mode used by the part:

local krpc = require 'krpc'
local conn = krpc.connect()
local vessel = conn.space_center.active_vessel

local root = vessel.parts.root
local stack = {{root, 0}}
while #stack > 0 do
  local part,depth = unpack(table.remove(stack))
  local attach_mode
  if part.axially_attached then
    attach_mode = 'axial'
  else -- radially_attached
    attach_mode = 'radial'
  end
  print(string.rep(' ', depth) .. part.title .. ' - ' .. attach_mode)
  for _,child in ipairs(part.children) do
    table.insert(stack, {child, depth+1})
  end
end

When this code is execute using the craft file for the example vessel pictured above, the following is printed out:

Command Pod Mk1 - axial
 TR-18A Stack Decoupler - axial
  FL-T400 Fuel Tank - axial
   LV-909 Liquid Fuel Engine - axial
    TR-18A Stack Decoupler - axial
     FL-T800 Fuel Tank - axial
      LV-909 Liquid Fuel Engine - axial
      TT-70 Radial Decoupler - radial
       FL-T400 Fuel Tank - radial
        TT18-A Launch Stability Enhancer - radial
        FTX-2 External Fuel Duct - radial
        LV-909 Liquid Fuel Engine - axial
        Aerodynamic Nose Cone - axial
      TT-70 Radial Decoupler - radial
       FL-T400 Fuel Tank - radial
        TT18-A Launch Stability Enhancer - radial
        FTX-2 External Fuel Duct - radial
        LV-909 Liquid Fuel Engine - axial
        Aerodynamic Nose Cone - axial
   LT-1 Landing Struts - radial
   LT-1 Landing Struts - radial
 Mk16 Parachute - axial

Fuel Lines

../../../_images/parts-fuel-lines.png

Figure 5 – Fuel lines from the example in Figure 1. Fuel flows from the parts highlighted in green, into the part highlighted in blue.

../../../_images/parts-fuel-lines-tree.png

Figure 4 – A subset of the parts tree from Figure 2 above.

Fuel lines are considered parts, and are included in the parts tree (for example, as pictured in Figure 4). However, the parts tree does not contain information about which parts fuel lines connect to. The parent part of a fuel line is the part from which it will take fuel (as shown in Figure 4) however the part that it will send fuel to is not represented in the parts tree.

Figure 5 shows the fuel lines from the example vessel pictured earlier. Fuel line part 15 (in red) takes fuel from a fuel tank (part 11 – in green) and feeds it into another fuel tank (part 9 – in blue). The fuel line is therefore a child of part 11, but its connection to part 9 is not represented in the tree.

The attributes SpaceCenter.Part.fuel_lines_from and SpaceCenter.Part.fuel_lines_to can be used to discover these connections. In the example in Figure 5, when SpaceCenter.Part.fuel_lines_to is called on fuel tank part 11, it will return a list of parts containing just fuel tank part 9 (the blue part). When SpaceCenter.Part.fuel_lines_from is called on fuel tank part 9, it will return a list containing fuel tank parts 11 and 17 (the parts colored green).

Staging

../../../_images/parts-staging.png

Figure 6 – Example vessel from Figure 1 with a staging sequence.

Each part has two staging numbers associated with it: the stage in which the part is activated and the stage in which the part is decoupled. These values can be obtained using SpaceCenter.Part.stage and SpaceCenter.Part.decouple_stage respectively. For parts that are not activated by staging, SpaceCenter.Part.stage returns -1. For parts that are never decoupled, SpaceCenter.Part.decouple_stage returns a value of -1.

Figure 6 shows an example staging sequence for a vessel. Figure 7 shows the stages in which each part of the vessel will be activated. Figure 8 shows the stages in which each part of the vessel will be decoupled.

../../../_images/parts-staging-activate.png

Figure 7 – The stage in which each part is activated.

../../../_images/parts-staging-decouple.png

Figure 8 – The stage in which each part is decoupled.