Sfs Space Shuttle Mod
With the mods installed, you can now build a shuttle that looks and flies like the real thing. Follow this blueprint.
Installing mods in SFS requires a file manager. Note: The Steam (PC) version has a mods folder; mobile requires patching the APK or using a mod loader like "SFS Mod Loader."
For Mobile (Android):
For PC (Steam):
Warning: Back up your save files. Shuttle mods often add parts that, if removed, will crash your save.
Launching an SFS shuttle mod is nothing like launching a normal rocket. Follow this sequence:
Step 1: The Roll Program (MechJeb or Manual) At T-0, throttle to 100%. Unlike a normal rocket, a shuttle must roll so the orbiter faces downward (toward Earth) while the ET faces up. In SFS’s 2D view, this means your shuttle should look like it’s flying sideways. sfs space shuttle mod
Step 2: The Gravity Turn At 1 km altitude, begin tilting east (right side of screen). Because of the angled engines, the shuttle will naturally try to nose down. Let it happen. Your trajectory should look like a shallow parabola, not a vertical spike.
Step 3: SRB Separation At ~45 km altitude (2:12 into flight), the SRBs cut off. Hit the stage key. The separation motors (mod) should fire, pushing the boosters outward. Watch them tumble away. Do not panic if your shuttle shakes.
Step 4: Main Engine Cutoff (MECO) Accelerate until your Apogee is at 250 km. Hit stage to jettison the now-empty external tank. The tank will fall back to Earth. Your orbiter is now alone. With the mods installed, you can now build
Step 5: OMS Burn Switch to the OMS pods. Burn pro-grade to circularize your orbit at 250 km.
Step 6: Deploy Payload Open the cargo bay doors (via action group or part toggle). Use a robotic arm mod (if installed) to grab your satellite. Release it. You are now a real astronaut.
| Mod Name | Key Features | Compatibility | |----------|--------------|----------------| | Shuttle System Mod (by SFS Modder) | Angled RS-25 engines, detailed cargo bay, functional doors, Canadarm | SFS 1.5+ | | Space Shuttle Expansion | External tank, SRB segments, OMS pods, thermal tiles | SFS 1.4+ (PC) | | Realistic Shuttle Pack | High-res textures, animated landing gear, accurate thrust vectoring | SFS 1.5.6+ | | Shuttle Payloads Mod | Hubble telescope replica, ISS modules, deployable satellites | Any shuttle mod | For PC (Steam):
Shuttles are nose-heavy. To balance, move the fuel slider on the external tank so that 60% of the fuel is in the lower half of the tank. This keeps the COM static.
The SFS modding community, primarily active on Discord and Reddit (r/SpaceflightSimulator), has created several brilliant overhauls. Here are the top three mods you need.