Return Experiment vs. Retrun Data

[Taki117]

So, I'm planning my first interplanetary mission to Duna in .23 and want to carry/return as little mass as possible. With the introduction of the ability to transfer science from an experiment to the command pod, I was considering just dumping my experiments when I prepared for my return, transferring the last bits of data to the command pod. I was curious if this had any effect on the amount of science returned? Is transferring science the same as returning the experiment, or is it just like transmitting?

Mods used: FAR, FASA, TAC life support, TAC Fuel Balancer, Crew Manifest, KAC, DRE, RealChute

Edited December 27, 2013 by Taki117

[Dave Kerbin]

I don't know if the mods you are using would make a difference, but in stock there will be no change in the amount of science you receive.

[BlackBicycle]

Transferring is just transferring. When you return and recover the capsule with the data that has been transferred to it, you will get full value.

[Eric S]

As another person playing with FAR/DRE, I can confirm that this works and you get full value, much easier than trying to reenter with a bunch of science parts.

[Rickenbacker]

That's what I do. I go as far as mounting all the science bits on decouplers, sometimes, so I can leave them on, say, the surface of the Mun. Saves some fuel taking off.