I have tried using the EVA Science Experiment Kit with a pilot on the launch pad, in space, and landed. I have tried with a scientist in space and landed. Each time I get a message that EVA Science can't be done right now.
Is there a facility that needs to be upgraded? Is there something else I'm missing? Does the kerbal have to let go of the ship first?
I know I'm not the only one that has run into this as I saw a message in Discord with the same issue but no solution. I have also seen that the experiments can be done in zero-g.