How do I make my vehicles unmanned?

[Flytch]

I'm new to the game, and reluctant to send Kerbals to their untimely deaths as I learn the basics of the game. How do I make a vehicle unmanned? Also, when a manned capsule safely lands on terra firma, do I simply end the mission?

[sal_vager]

Hi Flytch, you can use MechJeb for this

[Capt'n Skunky]

Get a mod that has unmanned capsules (NovaPunch is a good choice) and use the MechJeb plugin to do your testing. MechJeb can give you a lot of information feedback as well as allow you to repeat test flights with accuracy allowing you to see how design changes affect your craft without interference from bad piloting.

Cheers!

Capt'n Skunky

KSP Community Manager

[100cottage]

Also, when a manned capsule safely lands on terra firma, do I simply end the mission?

That is what I, along with what I think many others consider a mission success/mission completion, as long as the capsule doesn't explode

[maro]

you need a addon or plugin with a unmanned pod

Like in the MMI sattelite pack

http://kerbalspaceprogram.com/forum/showthread.php/13692-Mechanical-Mouse-Industries-Kethane-Payload-Packs-Released%21%21%21

or in the nova punch parts mix (lot of parts)

http://kerbalspaceprogram.com/forum/showthread.php/3870-0-16-NovaPunch-Remix-Pack-1-3-Beta-%28Sept-7th%29-Requires-0-16

[Flytch]

Where can I find NovaPunch?

[softweir]

Maro linked to it in the post just above yours.