Squad
Pushing the boundaries of Kerbin's reach with courage and curiosity.
The Kerbal Space Program (KSP) is the player-led space agency operating out of the Kerbal Space Center on the planet Kerbin. It serves as the central organization managing all aerospace activities, from suborbital hops to interplanetary exploration. Driven by a Director and staffed by enthusiastic Kerbals, this entity balances scientific discovery with financial constraints to achieve ambitious milestones across the solar system.
- Headquarters
- Kerbal Space Center
- Location
- Kerbin
- Personnel Species
- Kerbal
- Status
- Active
- Primary Focus
- Exploration & Science
- Funding Source
- Contracts & Research
- Key Figures
- Jebediah Kerman, Bill Kerman, Bob Kerman
Lore & Background
Origins trace back to the establishment of KSC, where humanity—or rather, Kerbality—first looked upward. Early days involved risky suborbital flights and basic orbital insertions using primitive rockets. As technology advanced, the Squad expanded its reach to the Mun and Minmus, establishing footholds beyond the home world. The organization relies heavily on the unique biology of Kerbals, who are resilient enough to withstand high G-forces but require careful life support during long voyages.
In Their Own Story
The launchpad hummed with vibration as Jebediah Kerman strapped into his capsule. Outside, the green hills of Kerbin blurred past in the peripheral view of the camera feed. The countdown reached zero, and engines roared to life against the morning sky. Smoke billowed beneath the massive rocket, lifting the dreamer toward the stars one more time.
Reader's Guide
The primary objective of the Squad is to expand Kerbin's presence throughout the solar system while maintaining financial solvency. Operations begin at the Kerbal Space Center, utilizing the Vehicle Assembly Building for heavy lifters and the Space Plane Hangar for atmospheric craft. Success depends on balancing three resources: funds, science, and reputation. Early missions focus on orbital insertion and landing capabilities, gradually unlocking interplanetary transfers. Key personnel include veteran astronauts like Jebediah Kerman, who serves as a morale boost, alongside specialized scientists and engineers recruited from the pool of available Kerbals. Each mission generates data that fuels future research. Contracts provide steady income but require specific performance metrics. The organization grows organically; as technology is unlocked through science, more complex vessels become possible. Ultimately, the Squad thrives on risk management and creativity. Failures are common but offer valuable lessons. The hierarchy remains flat, with the Director making final calls on mission parameters. This structure allows for rapid adaptation to new challenges, whether docking at a space station or landing on Duna's surface.
Did You Know?
- Jebediah Kerman is often considered the mascot of the program.
- The Vehicle Assembly Building is essential for constructing large rockets.
- Kerbal spacewalks are strictly limited by onboard oxygen reserves.
- Science data is required to unlock new technology tiers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Squad?
Squad refers to the dedicated team of Kerbals operating out of the Kerbal Space Center on Kerbin, led by a Director and supported by enthusiastic staff. This player-led agency manages all aerospace operations, ranging from simple suborbital flights to complex interplanetary missions.
What are Squad's powers or role?
The organization holds full authority over planning, building, and launching spacecraft while balancing scientific discovery with strict financial constraints. Its primary function is to execute ambitious exploration milestones across the solar system through contracts and research funding.
How does Squad's story end?
As an active agency driven by curiosity, Squad has no defined narrative conclusion; instead, its story continues indefinitely as players push the boundaries of Kerbin's reach. The saga evolves with every new mission undertaken to explore distant worlds and gather data.
Why is Squad important?
Squad serves as the central engine for all scientific progress in the KSP universe, transforming raw resources into knowledge and technological advancement. Without their courage and ingenuity, Kerbin would remain isolated from the rest of the solar system.
Where is Squad based?
The agency operates exclusively from its headquarters at the Kerbal Space Center, located on the surface of the planet Kerbin. This facility serves as the launchpad for every mission and the hub where all personnel coordinate their efforts.
More in Agencies & Organizations
Elsewhere in the Kerbal Space Program universe
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