Control with non-pilot and probe core

[AlpacaMall]

I have a spacecraft with a lander can and a probe core, and I want to send it to orbit the Mun to fulfill a docking contract there. Since it's early-game for me, I want to leave an engineer in there for the experience gain.

I'm not sure if I'll still be able to control this ship once it gets to the far side of the Mun though; I'd imagine that the on-board kerbal would be able to use the probe core somehow, but I've never actually tried doing this without a pilot on-board. Should I still have control in this situation?

(note: with 1.11.1 there's a bug giving me full control no matter what, so I can't actually test how it's supposed to work)

[Daedalus3000]

You will definitely have control, but with an engineer you will not be able to create maneuver nodes without connection or have SAS. However, I do not know if the engineer could use the probe core to allow for SAS (never tested this). Even without SAS you should be able to do what you want you just will have to make tiny adjustments with WASD to keep your rocket pointing where you want it. 

 

Summary: yes you will have control just not SAS or maneuver nodes without connection.

[InfernoSD]

Yes. Any kerbal in the vessel will give you full control, although engineers and scientists cannot do SAS. This means you have to keep the rocket pointed the right direction on your own. However, the combined force of a non-pilot kerbal and a probe core does give you access to the probe core's SAS capabilities, even outside of antenna range.

[Superfluous J]

Without comms, an Engineer plus a probe core can do everything a pilot can do, except make and delete maneuver nodes. The probe gives you the ability to turn on/off SAS, while the Kerbals give you the ability to aim any direction you want.

I do this all the time sending and engineer + scientist down to the surface to lay out the Breaking Ground science doodads.