Why use Kerbals?

[Nobody]

Why send Kerbals into space instead of probes? I would have to go with the classic "For Science!!!" What other reason could a mad rocket scientist need?

WARNING!!!: Don't click that link unless you want to lose a good portion of your day.

[blspblackdeath]

Marius Kerman CEO of my Kerbal Space Program:

"I just said Jeb that I will only using automated guidance (probes) for command modules from now on.

He smiled and punched me in the face. Soooo...

And now I am proud to present to you the next space flight with Jeb, Bill and Bob." *looking scared to Jebediah Kerman*

[magnemoe]

As they are more fun and versatile than probes. Mind you I use more probes than Kerbals.

with the new KAS mod manned present become far more important as they can connect cables to anything even debris, this let you haul stuff away, or dock with things without docking ports.

[Richy teh space man]

We choose to launch kerbals into space in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard...because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills...because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.

This

While it's not a bad thing starting off with probes, eventually you may find you get to the point where you just want to send Kerbals up there because you've done everything else

[Tristavius]

Guess it's the same argument as why go to a [sport] match when you can watch it from the comfort of home? Because it's just not the same!

Actually.

I'd much RATHER do something from the comfort of my own home when i stop to think about it.

OK. I'm sold: probes from here on out.

[andysim212]

I well if you treat kerbal deaths as a part of the game to be avoided and minimised as much as possible, then it adds to the game. In my current save game I design my rockets and every new design goes through many launches, lifting cargo and fuel before I'm happy it's safe for use by Kerbals. I save the launch stage with "Sub Assembly" mod and after 5 or so launches they are saved as "KSL" or "Kerbal safe launcher" any deaths are considered serious.

Maybe it's a bit anal but I do have another saved test save game that's all carnage and death lol.