- Ostranauts airlock systems are critical for preserving your ship's atmosphere during EVA operations and docking.
- Turbo Pump Airlocks are the most efficient setup, capturing and releasing gas using mixed gas canisters.
- Overpressurizing canisters can cause catastrophic breaches, so always monitor pressure levels closely.
- Gas transfer between canisters and ship systems requires careful pump management to avoid wasting resources.
- Buffer Airlocks offer a simpler alternative, sacrificing a small amount of atmosphere instead of using pumps.
Ostranauts Airlock Types and Ship Compatibility
An airlock in Ostranauts is a specialized room that allows crew members to move between areas with differing atmospheric values—typically between the pressurized interior of your ship and the vacuum of space. Without a proper airlock setup, every EVA operation or docking event results in significant atmospheric loss.
The game features three distinct airlock configurations, each affecting how efficiently your ship retains breathable gas. Your starting ship largely determines which type you begin with, but understanding all three is essential for upgrading and retrofitting vessels.
Video Highlights:
- How to safely transfer gas between canisters and oxygen bottles
- The cost breakdown of oxygen per kilopascal versus buying new canisters
- Why overpressurizing vessels causes explosive breaches
- Standard pump versus turbo pump speed differences
- A practical method for earning credits by selling filled gas canisters
No Airlock
- Zero atmo retention
- All gas lost to vacuum on door open
- Found on Gas Sled and SCI Retrofit
- Cheapest starting configuration
Buffer Airlock
- Partial atmo retention
- Small antechamber isolates docking port
- Found on Dream and TU-77a
- No pump equipment required
Turbo Pump Airlock
- Full atmo capture and release
- Uses turbo pump with mixed gas canister
- Found on TU-76a (needs repair)
- Most resource-efficient long-term
Ships with no airlock lose their entire atmospheric gas supply every time the docking port opens to vacuum. Prioritize upgrading to at least a Buffer Airlock setup as soon as possible to reduce resource waste.
Turbo Pump Airlock Cycling Procedures
The Turbo Pump Airlock represents the gold standard for atmospheric management in Ostranauts. By connecting one or more Turbo Pumps to a Mixed Gas Canister, this setup captures gas before you open the airlock to vacuum and releases it back when you return. This closed-loop system ensures virtually no atmospheric loss during EVA operations.
Exiting the Ship to Vacuum
| Step | Action | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enter airlock | Close inner door behind you |
| 2 | Access turbo pump panel | Interact with the pump control |
| 3 | Toggle reverse on, switch to On | Pump begins extracting airlock gas |
| 4 | Wait for desired pressure level | Monitor until gas is fully captured |
| 5 | Switch pump to Off | Prevents unintended gas flow |
| 6 | Open docking port to vacuum | Safe to exit with minimal gas loss |
Re-entering the Ship
| Step | Action | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enter airlock from vacuum | Close docking port behind you |
| 2 | Access turbo pump panel | Interact with the pump control |
| 3 | Toggle reverse off, switch to On | Pump begins releasing gas back |
| 4 | Wait for canister to empty | Monitor pressure normalization |
| 5 | Switch pump to Off | System returns to standby |
| 6 | Open inner door | Safe to enter ship interior |
Turbo pumps move gas significantly faster than standard pumps, but this speed makes precise pressure control more difficult. When filling small vessels like oxygen bottles, consider using a standard pump or the "slow" setting to avoid overpressurization.
Gas Canister and Bottle Management
Managing gas canisters is a core survival skill in Ostranauts. Whether you're refilling EVA suit oxygen bottles or transferring gas between ship systems, understanding pump mechanics prevents costly mistakes and resource waste.
Canister Economics
| Item Type | Approximate Cost (Full) | Resell Value (Full) | Resell Value (Empty) |
|---|---|---|---|
| O2 Canister | ~13,000 credits | ~3,300 credits | ~223 credits |
| O2 Bottle (EVA) | Varies by fill level | ~3,000 credits (90%+) | ~253 credits (1%) |
| O2 Bottle (Half) | N/A | ~1,700 credits (48%) | N/A |
Oxygen costs approximately 7.5 cents per kilopascal when purchased through filled canisters. Buying gas directly at a license desk can be marginally cheaper per unit, though the difference is minimal—less than half a cent per kilopascal.
You can fill an empty canister from your ship's atmosphere, refill the ship, then sell the filled canister for a small profit. The margin is thin, but it's a viable early-game income source.
Gas Transfer Procedure
Position the Vessel
Place the empty canister or oxygen bottle directly beneath the pump outlet. The pump interface will switch from showing "compartment" to the specific vessel name.
Configure Pump Settings
Access the pump control panel. For small vessels like EVA bottles, use the "slow" setting to prevent overpressurization. For large canisters, standard speed is acceptable.
Activate and Monitor
Turn the pump on and watch the fill percentage closely. Gas transfers quickly at first when pressure differential is high, then slows dramatically as the vessel fills.
Stop at Target Level
Switch the pump off before reaching maximum capacity. For EVA bottles, stopping around 90% provides a safe margin against accidental breaches.
Remove the Vessel
Pick up the filled canister or bottle. The pump interface will revert to showing "compartment," confirming the vessel has been disconnected.
Common Airlock Hazards and Prevention
Operating airlocks and gas systems in Ostranauts carries real danger. Poorly managed pumps can lead to suffocation, equipment destruction, and rapid atmospheric loss. Understanding these hazards is essential for crew survival.
| Hazard | Cause | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Suffocation | Object blocking pump vent | Check area beneath pumps before cycling |
| Canister Breach | Overpressurizing vessel | Use slow setting; stop at 90% capacity |
| Ship Deoxygenation | Pump set to reverse accidentally | Verify pump direction before activating |
| Wasted Resources | Pump left running unnecessarily | Always switch to Off after transfer |
| Lost Atmosphere | No airlock or buffer system | Upgrade to Turbo Pump Airlock ASAP |
If an object is placed beneath a pump outlet, the pump will fill that object instead of your ship's compartment. This can silently prevent oxygen from reaching your crew, leading to suffocation if unnoticed. Always inspect the area around pumps before relying on auto-settings.
Overpressurization Damage
When filling small vessels like EVA oxygen bottles, overpressurization is a constant threat. Even on the "slow" setting, pressure can jump by 20% per tick. If a vessel exceeds its maximum pressure rating, it will begin to crackle and take structural damage. Without immediate intervention, the vessel will breach and explode, venting its contents into the surrounding atmosphere.
Key warning signs of imminent breach:
- Audible crackling sounds from the vessel
- Rapidly declining condition percentage
- Rising damage indicators on the item inspection panel
If you detect these signs, immediately switch the pump to "Off" and allow the pressure to stabilize. Repair the damaged vessel before attempting to use it again.
Emptying a canister completely takes significantly longer than filling it. One player reported spending approximately one hour of game time draining a container to zero. Unless you need the empty container for a specific purpose, partially empty vessels are perfectly acceptable for most operations.
Airlock Setup Checklist
Airlock Optimization Checklist:
- Verify airlock type on current ship (No Airlock, Buffer, or Turbo Pump)
- Ensure Turbo Pump is repaired and connected to a Mixed Gas Canister
- Confirm no objects are blocking pump vents before cycling
- Test both exit and re-entry procedures in a safe environment
- Keep spare oxygen bottles filled above 48% for EVA emergencies
- Monitor canister fill levels during transfers to prevent breaches
- Switch all pumps to Off when not actively in use
Once every item on this checklist is complete, your airlock system will operate at peak efficiency with minimal atmospheric loss and maximum crew safety during EVA operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best airlock type in Ostranauts?
The Turbo Pump Airlock is the most efficient setup. It uses a turbo pump connected to a Mixed Gas Canister to capture atmosphere before opening to vacuum and release it back upon re-entry, resulting in virtually zero gas loss during EVA operations.
Q: Can I refill EVA suit oxygen bottles?
Yes. Place the bottle beneath a pump outlet, set the pump to slow, and activate it. Monitor the fill percentage closely and stop around 90% to avoid overpressurization. Overfilled bottles will take damage and eventually breach.
Q: Why is my ship losing oxygen even though my pump is running?
Check whether an object like a canister or bottle is sitting beneath the pump outlet. When an item is placed there, the pump fills that vessel instead of the ship compartment, silently preventing oxygen from reaching your crew.
Q: Is it worth completely emptying gas canisters before selling them?
Not typically. Emptying a canister to zero takes a very long time—potentially an hour of game time. The difference in resale value between a 1% full canister and a completely empty one is negligible. Sell partially filled containers unless you specifically need an empty vessel.
Q: How much does oxygen cost in Ostranauts?
Oxygen costs approximately 7.5 cents per kilopascal when purchased through filled canisters. A full O2 canister costs around 13,000 credits and resells for about 3,300 credits. Buying gas directly at a license desk can be marginally cheaper per unit.