Each week, students will log in to watch a demonstration and explanation of various features of Kerbal Space Program, a game designed to teach the fundamentals of rocketry and orbits to kids (and adults) of all ages. We will move from a very basic introduction of the concept of rocketry, and move to the ability to not only design rockets, but plan to launch the rocket, fly it to another planet, and then return it safely.

Topics that will be discussed include the introduction to how a rocket flies, types of fuels, and methods of controlling rockets, moving towards understanding the concepts of orbital velocity, Delta V, transfer windows, the different types of orbital maneuvers and their effects, Spheres of Influence, Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL), orbital rendezvous and docking, and station building in orbit, and more. Other features of the game that will be discussed include budgeting funds and contracts, planning resources for specific mission types, the concept of "Science Units" and how to use them, as well as avoiding the dreaded "Kraken" of KSP. 

No prior knowledge is necessary for this class, as we will be going over the very basics of the layout of the Kerbal Space Center, the Vehicle Assembly Building and its interface, the layout and usability of the in-flight screen, and other places and controls of the game. Veteran users are welcome if they wish to fine-tune their skills, but any level of user is welcome.

We will meet over ten sessions, each of which will have a Q&A session to go over knowledge presented prior to class, followed by a demonstration and explanation of the various features of the week. Homework for each week will be for students to attempt to complete an assigned "mission" and submitting an image of their vessel with a brief summary of their ideas and methods of design, as well as how their mission went overall. Don't worry if the mission didn't work out perfectly, it is rocket science after all!