Kerbal Space Program

Expected behavior: orbiting ships keep their heading during time warp and in SAS Stability assist mode if no force is applied on them

Observed behavior: Heading of orbiting ships is either constant or drifts, depending on ship's altitude. Speed of the drift depends on planet's rotational speed (meaning it is most pronounced below 100 km altitude on Kerbin as the fastest spinning body)

Reproduction steps:

• load attached above100.sfs
• load attached above100.sfs again to restore ship's heading (see #6901)

Notice the ship is lined up with maneuver

• enter map mode
• Click on planned trajectory and select Warp to Next Maneuver

Notice the ship keeps its alignment with the maneuver

• load attached below100.sfs

Notice the ship is lined up with maneuver

• enter map mode
• click on planned trajectory and select Warp to Next Maneuver

Notice the ship heading drifts away from the maneuver through the time warp

• load attached below100.sfs again
• make sure SAS stability assist is engaged
• enter x4 physics warp

Observe the ship's heading is drifting too (needs longer observation)

This behavior is especially bothersome when getting ready for a transfer burn with a large ship for which it takes time to line it up correctly and it needs to be done in advance. Time warping over remaining time to the burn then throws the ship out of alignment and may lead to necessity to start the burn before the ship is fully aligned.

Classified as Bug: behaviour that appears to be unexpected or not intended by design

Priority Low: Gameplay issue that can be avoided.