Optimize your ship design in Space Engineers. This calculator helps you determine the required total thrust, mass, or number of thrusters needed to achieve a specific acceleration target based on in-game physics.
Space Engineers Thrust Calculator
Detailed Calculation Steps
Enter your values and press Calculate to see the steps.
Space Engineers Thrust Calculator Formula
Required Thrust: $$T_{req} = M \cdot A$$
Available Thrust: $$T_{avail} = N \cdot F_{thruster}$$
Goal: $$T_{avail} \ge T_{req}$$
Variables Explained
- Ship Mass ($M$): The total mass of your ship, including components, cargo, and character, measured in kilograms (kg).
- Desired Acceleration ($A$): The rate at which you want your ship to speed up, often aiming for 9.81 m/s² (1G) to counteract planetary gravity.
- Max Force per Thruster ($F_{thruster}$): The maximum thrust output of a single thruster block, which varies by type (e.g., Hydrogen, Ion, Atmospheric) and size.
- Number of Thrusters ($N$): The count of thruster blocks facing a single direction (forward, up, etc.) that you plan to use.
Related Calculators for Space Engineers
- Ship Inertia Dampener Calculator
- Jump Drive Range Calculator
- Power Production Optimizer
- Maximum Cargo Capacity Planner
What is the Space Engineers Thrust Calculator?
In the complex, physics-based environment of Space Engineers, designing a vessel that can operate effectively in gravity or accelerate quickly in space requires precise thrust calculations. This tool simplifies Newton’s Second Law ($F=ma$) specifically for in-game mechanics. It ensures that the total available thrust from your engines is sufficient to move your ship’s mass at your desired rate of acceleration.
Knowing your required thrust is vital for surviving planetary landings and ascents. On planets like Earth, your total upward thrust must not only overcome your ship’s weight (Mass $\times$ Gravity) but also provide a margin for control and braking. By allowing you to solve for Mass, Acceleration, or the required Number of Thrusters, this calculator becomes an indispensable tool for engineers aiming for efficiency and performance.
How to Calculate Required Thrusters (Example)
Let’s find out how many Large Atmospheric Thrusters are needed to lift a 2,500,000 kg ship off a 1.0G planet (9.81 m/s²).
- Determine Required Thrust ($T_{req}$): Multiply the Ship Mass ($M$) by the Desired Acceleration ($A$). $$T_{req} = 2,500,000 \text{ kg} \times 9.81 \text{ m/s}^2 = 24,525,000 \text{ N}$$
- Identify Single Thruster Force ($F_{thruster}$): A Large Atmospheric Thruster produces approximately 3,600,000 N of max force.
- Calculate Required Thrusters ($N$): Divide the Required Thrust by the Single Thruster Force. $$N = T_{req} / F_{thruster} = 24,525,000 \text{ N} / 3,600,000 \text{ N/thruster} \approx 6.81 \text{ Thrusters}$$
- Conclusion: You would need at least 7 Large Atmospheric Thrusters (rounded up) facing upward to achieve stable hover in 1G gravity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the thrust output of Atmospheric and Ion thrusters affected by altitude?
Yes, Atmospheric Thrusters lose effectiveness as altitude increases, and Ion Thrusters only achieve maximum thrust in a vacuum. Hydrogen Thrusters are the only ones unaffected by atmosphere.
What is the best margin for required thrust?
A good rule of thumb is to aim for 1.25G (12.26 m/s²) of thrust capability when designing planetary vessels. This provides a 25% safety margin for vertical takeoff, maneuvering, and handling potential cargo additions.
Does the Mass variable include the character and cargo?
The ship’s Mass (M) should always reflect the total current mass, which includes the base block mass, all installed components, full fuel tanks, the pilot, and any cargo currently in storage containers.
How accurate are the Newtons (N) values in the game?
The thrust values are generally consistent with $F=ma$ physics. However, remember to account for ‘max force’ values, as efficiency modules (like those from mods or scripts) can alter the effective output.