update · April 7, 2024
Space Station Designer Update 0.5.25 Overhauls Station Propulsion
Space Station Designer update 0.5.25 introduces orbit and attitude control mechanics, module relocation, and revamped debris avoidance maneuvers.
Polar Motion has released version 0.5.25 for Space Station Designer, delivering propulsion system overhauls and interface improvements.
New Orbit and Attitude Control Mechanics
The propulsion model is replaced by a system governed by orbit control and attitude control percentages. Orbit control dictates whether the station maintains its altitude based on propulsion module count, thrust, location, torque, and orbit alignment. Failing to maintain 100 percent orbit control causes the station's orbit to decay, leading to atmospheric incineration. Attitude control governs station orientation to handle orbital debris. Both concepts are detailed in a new tutorial titled Orbit Control And Attitude Control (Phase I).
Module Relocation and Thruster Management
A module relocation mechanic allows players to move propulsion modules and thruster pods as stations expand, though each relocation consumes fuel and shortens the module's service life. Individual thrusters can be throttled between 50 percent and 120 percent. Setting thrust past 100 percent increases fuel consumption, decreases service life, and introduces a risk of structural failure.
Debris Avoidance and Interface Upgrades
The Debris Avoidance Maneuver system is updated to interact with the propulsion rules. Average thruster output determines modules vulnerable to debris, while the attitude control score dictates whether those modules actually suffer damage during an event. Interface improvements include a draggable panel with key information in the Spacecraft Filters screen, an option to hide modules and view propulsion data exclusively, and a redesigned module installation panel previewing stats impact before confirmation.
Why this patch matters
Update 0.5.25 replaces basic mass checks with orbital physics, requiring careful thruster placement and risk management.