Kerbal Space Program Mods (1.1 edition)

Updated 2016-04-22 13:34 (GMT -4)

Version 1.1 of KSP has just been released, so I will be updating this page with mod descriptions and compatibility notes as I work my way through the list.

Please note, version 1.1 is a full engine upgrade, (from Unity 4 to Unity 5). Squad overhauled a lot of the code, so expect many mods to require significant updates, or changes in functionality. Some mods may be discontinued.

64-bit is now fully supported, which means that texture-heavy mods will no longer cause the game to crash on load (as long as you have enough RAM), so memory management mods should no longer be required… unless you have very little RAM and a lot of mods. 😉

Boilerplate from previous versions of the mod list:

If you’re new to KSP, or completely unfamiliar, it is a simulation game, where you take the role of director for the little green man version of NASA/ESA/Roscosmos/etc. (I wrote a preview/review of it a while back)

One of the reasons for its success is its massive mod community, which has taken the stock game and added a tremendous amount of depth in the way of new ship components, graphical overhauls, sounds, functionality (life support, flight model re-write, mining/resource gathering, etc), and other content.

 

KSP 1.1 has an API which allows save games to be brought in from version 1.0.5, as well as documentation to allow mods to bring their data forward as well. Until a mod has been updated and confirmed to keep data intact, be sure to keep backups of your saves in case of space kraken.

Below is my list of what I feel are the best and most useful mods, but also those that I feel add fun touches to the game.

 

Table of Contents

  1. General Notes
  2. Memory Fixes
  3. Bug Fixes
  4. Core Modules
  5. Editor Tools
  6. Resource Systems
  7. Science Systems
  8. Spacecraft Parts & Systems
  9. Graphical Overhauls
  10. Dev Tools

Mods which have AVC version checking support are marked with a +
Mods which I am not currently using are marked with a *

General notes

None at this time

Bug Fixes

Some enterprising souls take it upon themselves to fix bugs until Squad’s next official release. Here are some particularly handy ones I’m trying out currently.

Phoenix Industries Stock Bug Fix Modules: 1.0.5a.4: Fixes for a variety of major and minor issues for 1.05.  [Not yet updated] 

Core Modules

Alternate Resource Panel: 2.7.1.0: Excellent replacement for the built-in resource panel, highly configurable. Can be set to activate when using the stock resource button. [Not yet updated+]

AVC: 1.1.6.1: Automatic Version Checking for KSP. For the mods that support it, this is a great plugin for keeping up to date on the latest versions of your favorite mods. [WORKING+]

Blizzy’s Toolbar: 1.7.11: Toolbar required for additional functionality with some mods. [WORKING, pre-release]

Chatterer: 0.9.8: Actual functionality added to the game: zero. Amount of ambiance? Significant. This mod inserts Kerbalized dialogue and communication sound effects to the game. It even ties in with RemoteTech. [WORKING+]

Community Tech Tree: 2.4: Community-edited tech tree re-work to incorporate modders’ work in a unified system. [WORKING]

Contracts Window+: 6.2: The existing mod window is a bit of a nightmare. CW+ allows you to get a much better view of what you’re working on and filter out the unnecessary data. [WORKING+]

Deadly Reentry: 7.4.0: Just what it sounds like. Reentry becomes far more perilous. Ablative heat shields included. [Pre-release]

Ferram Aerospace Research: 0.14.6: Enhanced flight model and aerodynamics tools. Makes atmospheric flight much more realistic and enjoyable.  [Not yet updated+]

Kerbal Alarm Clock: 3.3.1.1: Alarm clock GUI with lots of trigger options. Essential for running parallel missions. [Provisional version available+]

Kerbal Engineer Redux: 1.1.0.2: Really handy mod for surfacing all the hidden details that you need for planning and executing your launches. Especially useful in the VAB/Hangar. (Be sure to middle-click on things) [WORKING+]

Kerbal Joint Reinforcement: 3.1.4: Performs a number of adjustments to make joints stronger, as well as stabilize physics on load or when leaving warp.  [Not yet updated+]

MechJeb: 2.5.7: Enhanced flight information, plus maneuver planning and autopilot functionality. [WORKING]
MechJeb FAR extension: Modifications to MJ to work with FAR’s flight model. [Not yet updated]

Module Manager: 2.6.22: This is a single DLL that goes in the GameData folder root that is required for many other mods to function. It allows modders to non-destructively add attributes to stock or other developers’ spacecraft part files. [WORKING]

MonkeyWrench: 0.1.5: Disclaimer: This is the mod I’m working on. 🙂 Contains a number of tweaks using KAS and TweakScale, and modifies the utility of a number of other systems. Hit the releases link on the project home page to see the OmniRCS. [On hold+] (The 1.1 update, and a lot of of other mod improvements have changed the focus of this mod, so I’m waiting to see before I continue work)

Raster Prop Monitor: 0.25.0:  [WORKING+]: In-cockpit glass displays.
Docking Port Alignment Indicator: 6.3: A handy add-on for precise docking. [WORKING]

RemoteTech: 1.6.10: A nice difficulty/realism addition. Communication with the ground requires a well-planned satellite network.  *Note* I am currently not testing RemoteTech, and am waiting for the official Squad implementation created by RoverDude. [WORKING+]

Ship Manifest: 5.0.9.0: Allows you to transfer resources around your ships. Can be set to respect adjacent living spaces and other realism options. [WORKING+]
Connected Living Space API: 1.2.0.2: Add a bit of realism, by limiting which parts Kerbals can move between without EVA. [WORKING+]

StageRecovery: 1.6.3: Get back funds and resources from dropped stages. [Pre-release available+]

TAC Fuel Balancer: 2.5.1: Super-handy mod for shifting fuel around your craft, allowing you to purge sections or rebalance intelligently. [Not yet updated+]

Toolbar: 0.1.7.10: Core plugin needed for many mods. [Not yet updated]

Editor Tools

EditorExtensions Redux: 3.02: A simple plugin that allows increased control over symmetry options in the editor, vertical snap, and more. This is a mod that I’ve realized I can’t do without for any sort of complicated build. The latest version adds a few new tools for alignment that are wonderful. [Pre-release available+]

Filter Extensions: 2.4.2: Allows better filtering of mod parts in the editor. [WORKING+]

FS Hangar Extender: 3.3: Stretches the aircraft hangar and VAB to allow building larger craft. [Not yet updated]

FuseBox: 1.3.1: Preview your power utilization, thus preventing unfortunate incidents. [Not yet updated]

Part Angle Display: 0.3.1.1: Highly useful. This should be stock. Control the angles of rotation. [WORKING+]

QuickScroll: 2.0: Mouse wheel scrolling in the editor. [Pre-release available]

RCS Build Aid: 0.7.7: Very handy utility for balancing RCS, and assessing how your craft’s behavior will change as fuel load changes as well. [Not yet updated]

TweakScale: 2.2.6 Adjust the sizes of many parts. Resources and weights are scaled accordingly. [Pre-release available+]

Resource systems

Squad implemented a resource system for version 1.0, so it remains to be seen how that will affect some mods.

Karbonite: 0.7.1.0: Updated to use the new stock resource system. Contains custom parts for resource gathering and utilization. [WORKING+]

Karbonite+: 0.6.1: Further enhancements to the Karbonite system. [WORKING+]

USI Life Support: 0.4.0: Umbra Space Industries life support modules. [WORKING+]

Science systems:

[x] Science!: 4.15: Invaluable tool for monitoring which research you’ve completed in which biomes, as well as checking in realtime what science you can collect in your current location. [WORKING]

DMagic Orbital Science: 1.2.3: More science experiments and other science improvements.  [WORKING+]

SCANsat: 16.0: Map the planets you orbit, plus gathering resource data. [WORKING]

Station Science: 1.5: More science experiments centered around space stations. [Not yet updated]

 

Spacecraft parts and systems

B9 Aerospace: 6.0.0: A large collection of parts ranging from aircraft to space opera-style giant ship components. [Not yet updated+]* Currently maintained by Blowfish, updates when able. 

Extraplanetary Launch Pads (EPL): 5.3: Build rockets in space and on other celestial bodies. This mod is used by the Umbra Space Industries mods’ resource management to create a complete system. I do not use the Kethane integration. [WORKING]

Infernal Robotics: 2.0: A collection of mechanical parts (pistons, servos, hinges, etc) that can be used to build out highly customized moving elements of your craft. [Beta available+]

KW Rocketry: 2.7: Part pack including a large number of fuel systems, engines, and structural parts. [WORKING, see note] This mod is currently kept running by linuxgurugamer.

Kerbal Inventory System: 1.2.7: From the creator of KAS, a new inventory system overhaul of KAS features. [WORKING+]
Kerbal Attachment System: 0.5.6: Pick up things. Attach things to other things. Towing. Lots of goodness. Update: Now an extension on top of the KIS functionality. [WORKING+]

Kerbal Foundries wheels: 1.9G: Tracks, repulsors and other fun wheel-like objects. [Not yet updated]

Modular Fuel Tanks: 5.7.0: Change the payload of your LFO tanks to other resources. [WORKING]

Near Future Construction: 0.5.3: Utilitarian construction components for stations. [Not yet updated]

Near Future Electrical: 0.5.0: Utilitarian construction components for stations. [WORKING]

Near Future Propulsion: 0.5.0: Utilitarian construction components for stations. [WORKING]

Near Future Solar: 0.5.21: Advanced solar systems based on real-world designs. [WORKING]

Near Future Spacecraft: 0.4.2: Higher-tech pod and service module designs. 3.75 pod includes RPM IVA view. [Not yet updated]

Procedural Fairings: 3.16: Procedurally-built fairings to shield your fragile craft, available in nose and mid-body varieties, as well as stationary and detachable configurations. [WORKING]

B9 Procedural Parts (wings): 1.2.1: Fork of B9’s procedural wings project, after B9 declared that updates weren’t coming soon. [Not yet updated]

Radial Engine Mounts: 0.40: A basic part mod for attaching any engine radially. [Not yet updated]

RealChute: 1.4: Adjustable, more-realistic parachutes for your craft in a variety of configurations. [WORKING+]

Universal Storage: (US-CORE) 1.1.0.11: A variety of useful modular storage systems. [WORKING+]

Umbra Space Industries mods

USI is a system of mods by BobPalmer/RoverDude which tie together nicely. He worked on the 1.0 release resource system using his previous work on ORS and Regolith as a basis for design and implementation.

Modular Kolonization System/Orbital Kolonization System: 0.40.0: A colony building system with TAC/LS support. [WORKING+]

Asteroid Recycling Technologies: 0.8.0: Turn those pesky asteroids into TO BE DETERMINED centers of production. [WORKING+]

Exploration Pack: 0.5.0: Fun-sized parts. [WORKING+]

Freight Transport Technologies: 0.5.0: Need to move really large cargo around the star system? FTT will get you going with room to spare.  [WORKING+]

Sounding Rockets!: 0.3.1: Add low-tech sounding rockets to the beginning of the tech tree. [WORKING+]

Survivability Pack: 0.4.0: Escape pods, air bags, and other fun toys. [WORKING+]

USI Tools: 0.7.1.0: Framework library for the Umbra mods.  [WORKING+]

Graphical improvements

Distant Object Enhancement: 1.7.0: This is a wonderful mod for immersion. When in orbit, you now actually see the shine from other objects and planets in other orbits at a distance, and it is particularly visible when in time warp mode. Also applies other visual tweaks. Be sure to check it out. [WORKING]

Engine Lighting: 1.4.1: Something that has bothered me since the beginning of playing KSP was that night launches were dark. I stumbled upon this great mod, and it has made me happy. [Not yet updated]

Environmental Visual Enhancements: Overhaul-WIP: A framework for improving the game’s appearance. [WORKING]

PlanetShine: 0.2.5: New plugin that adds bounced lighting from planetary surfaces to your craft for a more realistic appearance. Be sure to check out the screenshots of this one. [WORKING+]

Scatterer: 0.0244 Experimental: Adds atmospheric scattering effects, and makes for some gorgeous views. Be sure to check it out. [WORKING]

Texture Replacer: 2.1.1: Replace stock textures and customize Kerbals. [Not yet updated]

 

 

Dev tools

GCMonitor: 1.4.1: Monitor KSP resource utilization [WORKING]

** SmokeScreen: 2.6.15: Enhanced particle effects system [WORKING]