Using comsats to "boost" science value of transmitted instruments

[MissStabby]

First of all i understand the current science system is OP, though the idea i am suggesting is this:

Currently satellites that just orbit are not of much use for the gathering of science-points, after 1 orbit they have seen all there is to see and they wont have any new things to do.

So what if satellites can be set to act as comsats.

Say a rover has landed on duna and has taken a sample of the environment. Normally you would either have to return the rover to kerbin for 100% science points or you would have to cope with a reduced percentage of science. Lets say 15% of the initial science value.

Though if you took the time to bring a comsat in orbit around duna that can relay the signal, it's value would be 40% if it was to bounce straight from the rover to the duna comsat back to KSC.

If however you have a comsat or spacestation orbiting Kerbin, it could be used to further boost the signal and science value of the transmission to 60%.

For a comsat to "work" it has to have atleast 2 transmitters and either solarpanels or a RTG, guaranteeing it would always have power even when its not "loaded" in memory.

The percentages calculation could also be calculated by having the longest distance between 2 points of the chain being the determining factor. Atmospheres also add a modifier to this distance to balance it out.

This can mean its better for a rover to wait until a comsat is flying over closely or to wait until the position of the planets is the closest when trying to get the maximum science from a transmission.

Also this encourages the player to bring satellites into orbit in the same plane as the surface operations so that the distance between rover and comsat is the smallest.

To reduce waiting times and having to make sure multiple satellites align it is also possible to add multiple comsats into the same orbit, this will increase coverage and make sure there is always the "shortest" distance used for transmissions.

This system could also reduce the amount of power required per transmission. (or increase the amount required when there are no comsats around)

Atmospheres would also have an impact on energy costs, so a transmission from ike would be "cheaper" then a transmission from Duna.

Comsats could also enable the requirement for line of sight when transmitting, so if you are exploring the rear of the mun you would need a comsat in order to allow transmissions in the first place.

To provide full coverage you would then need at least 3 satellites in the same orbit to ensure there is always a line of sight.

All these ideas are currently relying on a instant transmission, though i could also imagine satellites being able to store a transmission and wait with sending until their position is more optimal, either automatically or by the management of the player. Though this would make things a lot more complicated for the beginning player.

Edited October 18, 2013 by MissStabby

[Captain Sierra]

I think adding transmission delay (which I believe is already planned) as well as as scaling the initial science value with distance (I believe it is random ATM) would be fantastic additions to this.

Seconded.

[MissStabby]

Another option that i can see is the transmission from surface to an orbiting "data probe" and then have the orbiting probe fly all the way home to KSC for nearly full science points.

For full points i could even imagine a small probe with a storage compartment that can detach from the rover/lander to fly into orbit and be picked up by a bigger craft that can bring a sample home.

These small probe storage compartments can only store 1 sample and cant actually gather science points themselves.