Surface Samples w/o Upgrade

[SilverWolf]

1.0.5.  I'm allowed to collect surface samples without the Astronaut Complex.  I do have the Lv. 2 RnD.  Derp?

[sal_vager]

Nope, this is correct Verran, upgrading the astronaut complex allows EVA off of Kerbins surface but otherwise has no effect on your ability to take surface samples.

[SilverWolf]

Correct, however if you examine the context menu for the Lv. 2 Research and Development facility, you'll notice in amber it will state "Astronaut Complex Upgrade Required for EVA Surface Sample."  At present, I have a Lv. 1 Astronaut Complex, and a Lv. 2 Research and Development Facility, and I am able to collect surface samples (on Kerbin.)  I have not yet attempted to do so on another body -- albeit I wouldn't be permitted to get out, anyway.  XD  So, is this correct?  Are we actually allowed to collect surface samples on Kerbin with only the Lv. 2 RnD?  That's my game's current behavior.  I'm sorry I wasn't more detailed, earlier.

[sal_vager]

It's old text, this used to be a thing but was dropped with 1.0.+ as it was felt to be too restrictive to deny players the ability to EVA at Kerbin, Kerbals must be able to walk from building to building obviously, so the restriction was removed.

You will need the Astronaut complex at level 2 to EVA off of Kerbin, in order to be able to even attempt to get a surface sample.