If an approach fails, landing is still possible on the flat surrounding area.

The first is at KSC, where most spaceplanes are also launched. Kerbin has two runways whereupon spaceplanes can land. During emergencies or beyond good landing spots, separating the command module and landing it with parachutes can save the crew in dense atmospheres. Parachutes, rocket engines, and the gear's built-in brakes can slow the craft. Landing is most often done with only landing gear, which was also used during takeoff. Since the center of mass usually moves during flight due to fuel consumption, the craft can be trimmed using Mod+ W A S D, essentially setting the 'default' position of the steering systems. SAS is commonly maintains attitude while in atmosphere lest the spaceplane tilt if its center of mass is not at its center of lift. Winglets, control surfaces, or reaction wheels enable atmospheric maneuvering, with RCS sometimes used in extreme situations. Raising the periapsis out of the atmosphere requires non-airbreathing engines. Although atmospheric acceleration can achieve a high apoapsis, the periapsis stays within the atmosphere. A plane with only jet engines cannot reach a stable orbit because its engines will shutdown before leaving the atmosphere. Reaction engines sometimes replace jet engines to simplify construction without restricting the craft to oxygenated atmosphere, but reducing the efficiency even more. In space or oxygen-free atmospheres, less efficient reaction engines must be used. Jet engines can efficiently propel craft in Kerbin and Laythe's atmospheres. Various pre-built stock planes are available, but only the Aeris 4A and the Stearwing D45 have the means to reach space and would qualify as a spaceplane. Spaceplanes are usually built in the Spaceplane Hangar and launched from the Runway, and some are launched from the Launch pad - often with a rocket reaching space.

Kerbal space program space plane design