Aerodynamics are the way objects flow through the air.
Proof that some parts are more aerodynamic than others
Aerodynamic system itself[]
Aerodynamics in Spaceflight Simulator isn't based on shape but rather on the shape of parts hitting the air in an atmosphere when you are moving your rocket on a planet with an atmosphere like Earth. The optimal rocket design is that the pointier the tips of the first few parts that are being hit the more aerodynamic the rocket.
The drag strength is dependent on the part it's currently hitting how much of it is exposed and the angle that's currently hitting.
Uses of aerodynamic drag[]
Drag is usually bad because it can slow down an object. This is why most rockets have aerodynamic parts. But in some situations, it’s possible to be used to your advantage as it can slow down rockets without using any fuel.
Aerobraking[]
Main article: Aerobraking
Aerobraking is a maneuver used to slow down a rocket using drag with minimal amounts of fuel or decreasing the apoapsis of an orbiting artificial satellite. It is achieved by burning retrograde until the rocket's path intersects the upper layers of an atmosphere but not to the point that the rocket burns up.
Aerocapture[]
Main article: Aerocapture
Aerocapture is a maneuver used to slow down a flyby rocket to an orbit, but not to the point that it becomes a landing. It is used by many rockets to save fuel in their mission. It is achieved by burning retrograde until the rocket's path intersects the upper layers of an atmosphere but not to the point that it becomes a collision course.
Pre-1.5 aerodynamics system[]
Pre-1.5 aerodynamics is much worse since it treats every part of a rocket with drag even if it's inside the rocket itself. Many parts before 1.5 cause a lot of drag even with coverings. The list is too long to be included here so here is a page that lists all parts with significant amounts of drag.
Sources: https://jmnet.one/sfs/forum/index.php?threads/how-is-this-not-aerodynamic.3772/ (look at the comments)
Learn more about the pre-1.5 aerodynamics system: https://jmnet.one/sfs/forum/index.php?threads/aerodynamics-in-sfs.2115/page-3#post-37952
Trivia[]
- Aerodynamics is disabled in normal timewarp.
- Europa does not have a proper atmosphere since it does not affect drag and it's impossible to use parachutes there.
- A very low orbit is possible on Mars as it has a very thin atmosphere.