Why isn't this contract complete?

[ProfessorT]

Can anyone explain to me why this contract isn't complete? The only parameter not checked off is, "Be in command of Small Probe." But I can control it, so I'm not sure what I'm missing.

Edit: Sorry, I tried to paste a screenshot, but it won't work for some reason. The only parameters listed for the contract are: Be in command of Small Probe, Ensure that the probe has an antenna and can generate power, Reach the designated orbit around Minmus with minimal deviation, and Maintain stability for 10 seconds. All items but the first are checked off. I've done contracts like this a dozen times already, I don't why this one isn't working.

 

Edited January 23, 2016 by ProfessorT
screenshot doesn't display

[Malich]

Hard to tell without the screenshot. It could just be a bug that isn't recognising the item in play. I'm assuming you actually moved satellite and it's in the right place. I've seen it a few times where ticks for other contracts remain visible even though i've not done anything for that specific contract.

Try switching to another craft, or the space centre, then going back to it to see if it de-bugs.

If it's bugged then Mod F12 will let you complete the contract through the debug menu.

[Tex_NL]

This is a relatively common issue. That's why it's also on my FAQ: http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/index.php?/topic/127403-frequent-asked-questions/

Q: My contract won't complete.
A₁: Are you sure you're orbiting in the right direction? Watch how the tiny highlights on the target orbit are moving. You should be going in the same direction.
A₂: The contract system still contains a few bugs. If you are confident you've met all the contract requirements don't despair, Quicksafe [F5] and exit the game. Restart the game and return to the craft that failed to complete. Almost guaranteed now the contract will complete without a problem.

[Superfluous J]

Is it a probe? More specifically, does it have a command pod where a Kerbal can sit and is there a Kerbal in it? If so, it's not a probe.

[Snark]

@ProfessorT, here's some advice on how to do screenshots.

@Tex_NL, suggest adding "how do I post a screenshot" to the FAQ?  This question comes up all the time.

[Tex_NL]

@Snark We're getting pretty far off topic since this topic has little to do with screenshots.
I did see your initial suggestion but posting screenshots is a forum issue. Until now I have tried to keep the FAQ game oriented as much as possible. But you could be right it would make a good addition as taking screenshots is a game issue.

[FancyMouse]

From description it sounds contextual contract, and the "Small Probe" is really the name of one of your ships, and you have to control that one. From the map view you should be able to see the ship highlighted for this contract. Any other ship is not going to work.

Again, need a picture to tell what's going on, especially the map view of your current ship as well as its name.

[ProfessorT]

48 minutes ago, FancyMouse said:

From description it sounds contextual contract, and the "Small Probe" is really the name of one of your ships, and you have to control that one. From the map view you should be able to see the ship highlighted for this contract. Any other ship is not going to work.

Again, need a picture to tell what's going on, especially the map view of your current ship as well as its name.

Aha. That was it. That's a cool type of contract. I used to just put my satellites on collision courses with whatever they're orbiting. It's good to know I can do more with them. I guess I need to start giving my ships more descriptive names.

[Climberfx]

I have a similar problem here too. i had to adjust an orbit for an existing sat, that have antenna, solar panels, and communication (Remote tech), i already adjust the orbit, so it already get green on this option inside the contract. All parts are green on there, except the "ensure that the probe has an antenna and can generate power".

It have power, battery is full, generates more power that consumes. Have an omni antenna and two dishes too.

So, i believe this is a bug. I already saved F5 and get back and the same happens.

Didn't find any solution yet.

[Superfluous J]

1 hour ago, Climberfx said:

I have a similar problem here too. i had to adjust an orbit for an existing sat, that have antenna, solar panels, and communication (Remote tech), i already adjust the orbit, so it already get green on this option inside the contract. All parts are green on there, except the "ensure that the probe has an antenna and can generate power".

It have power, battery is full, generates more power that consumes. Have an omni antenna and two dishes too.

So, i believe this is a bug. I already saved F5 and get back and the same happens.

Didn't find any solution yet.

As a workaround, you can complete the contract in the alt-f12 menu. You'll even get paid for it.

[RocketBlam]

I'm having the same problem. Everything is checked except the first, which asks for a new, unmanned probe that has an antenna and can generate power.

It has an antenna, a probe core, a battery and solar panels, and... dang it, I just figured out what the problem is.

I had tried this before, and forgot the antenna. So I reloaded an old save, and launched again with an antenna. But then I realized that I hadn't gone back and accepted the contract again. So I did that. Well... since the probe was in orbit before I accepted it (again), it wasn't a "new launch". 

To heck with it. I'm doing the cheat.

Edited December 1, 2016 by RocketBlam

[Superfluous J]

3 hours ago, RocketBlam said:

I'm having the same problem. Everything is checked except the first, which asks for a new, unmanned probe that has an antenna and can generate power.

It has an antenna, a probe core, a battery and solar panels, and... dang it, I just figured out what the problem is.

I had tried this before, and forgot the antenna. So I reloaded an old save, and launched again with an antenna. But then I realized that I hadn't gone back and accepted the contract again. So I did that. Well... since the probe was in orbit before I accepted it (again), it wasn't a "new launch". 

To heck with it. I'm doing the cheat.

Don't sweat it. You fulfilled the spirit of the contract. The "no new ships" rule is to keep you from just bouncing the same satellite around the system forever.