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How high is Kerbal Eve atmosphere?

Published in Kerbal Eve Atmosphere 2 mins read

The atmosphere of Kerbal Eve extends to an exact height of 96,708.574 meters above its sea level.

Understanding Eve's Atmosphere

Eve, the second planet from Kerbol in the Kerbal Space Program, is renowned for its dense, purple atmosphere. The given atmospheric height represents the altitude at which atmospheric effects, such as drag, effectively cease to impact a spacecraft. This is a critical parameter for mission planning, influencing everything from orbital insertion to re-entry trajectories.

Key Atmospheric Data for Eve

To provide a clear understanding of Eve's atmospheric characteristics, here's a summary of its crucial data point:

Characteristic Value
Atmospheric Height 96,708.574 meters

This specific value signifies the upper limit where a craft would experience any interaction with Eve's atmospheric gases. Beyond this altitude, a vessel is considered to be in a vacuum, free from atmospheric drag.

Implications for Space Missions

The exact atmospheric height of Eve has several significant implications for Kerbal space missions:

  • Orbital Mechanics: To establish a stable, long-term orbit around Eve without experiencing atmospheric drag, a spacecraft must maintain a periapsis (lowest orbital point) above 96,708.574 meters. Any lower, and the craft will slowly lose altitude due to drag, eventually deorbiting.
  • Aerobraking: Eve's thick atmosphere makes it an ideal candidate for aerobraking maneuvers. Knowing the precise atmospheric height allows Kerbalnauts to plan their periapsis for effective atmospheric braking, using the drag to slow down and achieve a desired orbit without expending excessive fuel. This requires precise targeting to enter the atmosphere low enough to shed velocity but high enough to avoid a destructive re-entry.
  • Re-entry and Landing: For successful landings on Eve, craft must be designed to withstand the intense heat and drag generated during atmospheric re-entry from this substantial altitude. Parachutes and heat shields are essential, and their deployment altitudes are directly related to the atmospheric height and density profile.

Understanding the precise atmospheric height of Eve is fundamental for designing efficient and successful missions to this challenging, yet rewarding, planet in the Kerbal solar system.