[3][4] Kerbal Space Program 2 was set to build on the sandbox features of its predecessor Kerbal Space Program by adding new propulsion methods (e.g. the Orion drive), habitation modules for building on-surface, orbital and planetary colonies, a multiplayer mode, as well as interstellar travel[5][6] throughout the course of its early access.

[7] To ensure that the experience felt "grounded", the team consulted a panel of scientists and experts including Dr. Uri Shumlak, the associate chair of the University of Washington's Aeronautics and Astronautics department, Scott Manley, an astrophysicist and YouTuber who has made videos on Kerbal Space Program, and Dr. Joel Green, also an astrophysicist.

[10] Later reporting by Bloomberg revealed that Take-Two Interactive was in talks to acquire Star Theory but abruptly changed course, set up a new studio to develop the game (Intercept Games), and then poached a third of Star Theory's developers including the creative director and the lead producer.

Promised future developments include science, colonies, interstellar travel, multiplayer, improved exploration and resource gathering.

In May 2024, a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice, combined with Bloomberg reporting, indicated Take-Two would shut down Intercept Games.

[25] Former developers in the studio, such as design manager Quinn Duffy, claimed otherwise, indicating that the team would be laid off on June 28, 2024.

[26][27] A new update in December 2023 received positive reviews for introducing bug fixes and a new progression-based game mode.