Kerbol

Kerbol is the central star of the Kerbol System, the fictional solar system used in the Kerbal Space Program. It is the primary source of light, heat, and gravitational influence for the system’s planets and moons. In the game’s lore, Kerbol is a yellow-orange main-sequence star, designed to resemble the Sun for players planning interplanetary missions and celestial navigation.

The Kerbol System features several major bodies of varying types. From the star outward, the planets are generally listed as Moho, Eve, Kerbin, Duna, Dres, Jool, and Eeloo. Kerbin is the home world of the Kerbal species and hosts two natural satellites, Mun and Minmus. Duna has Ike as its moon. Dres is a dwarf planet situated between Duna and Jool. Jool is a gas giant with multiple moons, including Laythe, Vall, Tylo, Bop, and Pol. Eeloo is a distant dwarf planet beyond Jool. The system is a core setting for exploration, science, and mission planning within the game.

Etymology and role within the game world: Kerbol reflects the Kerbal naming convention for their sun, distinct from Sol used in the real world. The star serves as the Sun-equivalent in the Kerbal universe, around which all planetary bodies orbit and from which solar energy is harvested by spacecraft.

In gameplay, Kerbol’s light and gravity determine climate, trajectory planning, and the feasibility of solar-powered propulsion, making it a foundational element of interplanetary travel in Kerbal Space Program.