Can high-speed re-entry tear your spacecraft apart in Kerbal Space Program?
In short: While the game lacks a dedicated re-entry model, physics-based drag parameters mean your ship's structural integrity is at risk when returning from orbit.
In Kerbal Space Program, re-entry is governed by the physics engine's drag parameters rather than a specific re-entry simulation. This means that different parts of a vessel react differently to atmospheric forces, potentially leading to the ship being torn apart during high-speed descent.
The game's atmospheric model has evolved over time. Early versions utilized a hard atmosphere interface at 35km, whereas later releases implemented a more gradual transition starting around 70km.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: High Speed Re-Entry in Kerbal Space Program
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