Bop

Lore & Background

The scientific community has long debated Bop's origin, with some suggesting it may be a captured asteroid or a remnant core from a catastrophic collision. Its lack of atmosphere means that any impact leaves an unblemished record of solar system history etched into its rocky crust. For the Kerbals, Bop serves as a testbed for high-gravity landing algorithms and a reminder that in space, size does not always equate to strength.

Reader's Guide

Bop is a small, spherical body with no atmosphere to speak of, meaning there is no aerobraking possible for incoming vessels. Pilots must rely entirely on rocket propulsion to slow down and land. The surface gravity is surprisingly high for such a small moon, creating a challenging environment for landing and takeoff. Fuel margins must be calculated carefully to ensure enough propellant remains for the return journey. Exploration of Bop reveals a heavily cratered terrain dotted with large boulders. The lack of weathering means these features remain sharp and distinct. While scientifically interesting due to its density, it offers no resources or shelter, making it primarily a waypoint for transit or a destination for hardy surface rovers.

Did You Know?

• It is the smallest moon of Jool that can be landed on with standard vessel designs.
• The lack of atmosphere makes landing precision critical, as there are no parachutes available.
• Its surface gravity is strong enough to make movement feel heavier than expected for its size.