/ Money \ / Reputation -> <- Science \ I imagine it like a Triangle , like the above. I know not very good visually but you get the idea. They are all interconnected rather than extensions of one, so you have Money effecting both reputation and Science whereas Reputation effects Money and Science. And so forth. Some idle musing here, Reputation can also affect the Kerbalnauts you get in the academy, more influx with a higher reputation and lower influx with lesser reputation. It could also affect the level/frequency/payout of "Missions/tasks/objectives" Science can also affect the actual instruments you get to play with along with the technology as it currently does. It can also have a knock on affecting the level of ground personal at your disposal, Scientists and Engineers which allow the construction of various crafts or reduce build costs, or something on those lines. Money is what talks, it can be affected by poor results, poor budgeting and be boosted by excellent missions reports and progress. State sponsors and University bodies pumping in funding to achieve a set goal which is given or taken depending on results. Idle speculation as it is, I am looking forward to how they implement it.