Tylo

Tylo is a fictional celestial body in the Kerbal Space Program (KSP) universe. It is a large, airless rocky moon that orbits the gas giant Jool. In KSP, Tylo is notable for its high surface gravity and rugged terrain, which present a significant challenge to landings and returns.

Physical characteristics of Tylo include the absence of an atmosphere, resulting in ballistic entry and steep descent paths. The terrain features heavy cratering, tall mountains, and varied highlands, offering dramatic scenery and demanding flight planning for missions. The moon’s substantial gravity means that lifting off from its surface requires careful mass management and a capable propulsion system.

Exploration and missions on Tylo emphasize spacecraft robustness and long-range planning. It is a common milestone for players progressing toward interplanetary capability, as successful landings demand substantial delta-v and a powerful ascent stage to reach orbit. In the absence of atmospheric braking, retrograde burns are essential, and missions often require meticulous rendezvous and ascent trajectories.

In the Kerbal Space Program community, Tylo serves as a benchmark for testing landing and ascent designs and for practicing mission architecture in high-gravity, airless environments. While Tylo has no real-world counterpart, it remains a widely referenced destination in spaceflight simulation discussions and tutorials.