Kerbal Space Program: Tips

Taking two samples from any one science module seems to get a majority of the science out of a region.

The lab processing unit can store multiple reports of the same type, unlike the command module.  This makes the lab processing unit a highly important piece of ship equipment once docking ports are being used.

Ion engines are more of a novelty thruster than anything.  The thrust to weight factor is terrible.  Thrust to weight factor is 2, whereas the nuclear engine has a thrust to weight factor of ~27 in vacuum.  Ion engines can be fitted for orbital maneuvers to save on rocket fuel, but will not be possible for interstellar or suborbital maneuvers.

Ships can be designed with the engines pushing them, or pulling them along.  When a ship is launched from the Launchpad and sent into orbit, it seems to be easier to design ships that have the engines push the ship into orbit.  When building ships in space using docking ports, that design factor need not apply.  Modularly designed ships should highly consider the tug design as a ship is less likely to have catastrophic ship wobble if the parts are being pulled along instead of pushed.

RCS isn't really needed too much.  The only users of RCS are docking drones, and large ship docking where precision is necessary.  This means that more SAS torque should be used for maneuvering instead of RCS.

When designing sub assemblies, make sure that the primary command module isn't included.  The first part that is included into the sub assembly is the part that will be the attachment point when the sub assembly is used.  This makes docking ports the number one choice for the first part used in these designs.

RCS ports should be placed around the center of mass, and as close to center as possible.  In most ship designs, the fuel will change the center of mass as it is being consumed, so placing RCS ports need to be close to the center of mass when you have full fuel, and when you have empty fuel.  if that is not possible, then strive for "good enough".  Having RCS ports placed away from the center of mass will make it more difficult to perform concise RCS maneuvers using minimal amounts of fuel.  If the center of mass changes too much, consider having two sets of RCS ports with the center of mass and how it will change over time in between the two sets of RSC ports.  This should help with the accuracy of RCS maneuvers.

Torque should be placed around the center of mass, but as far from it as possible.  Torque has more effect the further away from the center of mass it is.

The more parts that are used on a ship design, the greater the risk of ship wobble.

Ships designed for orbit should be long and skinny so there is less ship wobble when engines are on.  Also, torque works better the further away from the center of mass it is, so longer ships will be able to reorient themselves faster than shorter ships.

Landers should be short and wide to take advantage of a lower center of mass and a wider landing area.

RCS is only really necessary for docking.  SAS torque is good enough for all other maneuvers.

Apply the KISS principle to everything when possible.  Keep It Simple Stupid.

Always create an abort sequence.  As part of the abort sequence, make sure to deactivate main engines.

Always try to save parts whenever you can.  They are worth cash in career mode now, and you get a full refund for parts that are successfully returned to Kerbin.