Aethera System - StarCrusher96/Kerbal-Star-Systems-2 GitHub Wiki
The Aethera System orbits a cool red dwarf star and is one of the closest and most compelling interstellar destinations in Kerbal Star Systems 2. Despite the star’s low luminosity, the system is packed with geologically and chemically active worlds, many of which hint at past or even present habitability.
Short transfer windows, compact orbits, and complex surface environments make Aethera a prime candidate for both early and advanced interstellar missions.
☀️ Star: Aethera
- Type: M5.5V (red dwarf)
- Luminosity: ~0.0017× Kerbol
- Temperature: ~3050 K
- Mass: ~0.115× Kerbol
- Radius: ~0.105× Kerbol
- Notes: Low radiation output, extremely compact planetary system
A dim M5-type red dwarf. Low radiation and tight orbital spacing allow for efficient transfers, though prolonged exposure in-system can be hazardous to unshielded missions due to stellar flares.
🪐 Planets & Moons
1. Surther
A tidally locked, heavily cratered world. Some of its largest impact basins contain active lava lakes, making it a target for volcanology and thermal energy harvesting.
2. Vespin
A dense super-Venusian world with an extremely thick atmosphere, global storms, and toxic conditions. Landing here is difficult, surviving is harder. It’s a natural testbed for atmospheric probes and long-duration high-pressure landers.
3. Kretel
Possibly the exposed core of a former gas giant, this high-density, metal-rich world features a striking crystal-filled impact crater. Valuable for mining operations, but its gravity and rugged terrain pose a serious challenge.
4. Teshyr
A tidally locked, marginally habitable world with a dry, dusty surface and stable temperatures near the terminator line. Several craters along this twilight zone contain salty liquid water, maintained by consistent solar grazing. Though the planet is mostly barren, these transition zones may support microbial life or future terraforming efforts.
5. Glacian
A massive ice-covered planet with a frigid surface and unusual red ice deposits near the subsolar point, possibly indicating microbial life.
Moons:
- Byrr – Small, irregular asteroid moon.
- Juno – Another asteroid-like moon, heavily cratered and tumbling.
6. Iores
A ringed super-Titan, rich in methane and ethane lakes. The atmosphere is thick and hazy, perfect for aerial exploration.
Moons:
- Pythan – A disk shaped ring shepherd moon.
- Oreith – An icy moon with methane geysers.
- Cryos – A frozen, icy moon orbiting beyond the rings.
☄️ Minor Bodies
Aten
A small, fast-moving comet that orbits deep within the inner system.
Phoibe
A larger, more active comet with a dynamic coma and trailing debris stream. Also located in the inner regions, offering early science returns for brave probes.
Mork–Thus
A fascinating binary asteroid pair, locked in mutual orbit. Their unusual shapes and close gravitational dance make them a perfect target for flybys, landers, or binary gravity studies.
🛰️ Exploration Notes
- Aethera is a showcase for tidal locking, extremophile environments, and volatile-rich worlds.
- Ideal for testing new propulsion systems, long-term bases, or biological experiments in harsh conditions.
- Diverse terrain and dynamic small bodies encourage advanced mission planning and orbital mechanics practice.