Create a working first vehicle

PROCEDURE

1. 01

   Start with a mobile grid

   Press J to create a free grid. Keep the chassis compact and leave room for control, propulsion and connections.

2. 02

   Choose the environment

   Atmospheric thrusters work in atmosphere, ion thrusters target space, and hydrogen works in both but requires hydrogen.

3. 03

   Size for loaded mass

   Use estimated final mass including cargo. In gravity, vertical thrust must exceed grid weight; keep control margin.

4. 04

   Add control and supply

   Install a cockpit and gyroscope. More gyroscopes let the grid reach the requested angular speed sooner. Connect every thruster to its resource and check peak network capacity.

5. 05

   Cover useful movement

   Provide enough thrust to move, brake and correct course. A planetary craft must sustain its weight continuously.

6. 06

   Test before decorating

   Try the prototype lightly loaded, then at planned mass. Fix thrust and balance before armor and decoration.