sponsor the lab and some science changes

[KerbMav]

The science lab lacks another perk, as only Kerbin and its moons have biomes for now, the ability to make science equipment reusable is not worth much on the other planets, and even then you could just bring the sample home, as the lab needs to be manned anyway, so it will most likely be a return mission.

- Give the lab the ability to evaluate data (anything that transmits at 100%) and add a small bonus before transmitting.

An "experienced science officer" goes over the sensor readings filtering out any factor of disturbance and debriefs the kerbonauts right after their excursion so nothing is left out of their (EVA-,crew-)reports.

- Add Goo and Material Junior experiments to the lab and have those transmit at a higher value (maybe even 100%).

As the experiment is being made in the controlled environment/next to the lab, the results and especially the events during the experiment can be observed more directly and while using the multitude of available lab equipment, therefore the science gain is higher than the mere observation when e.g. on the surface.

They draw from the same science points pool as the normal parts, only the transmission value is higher. Mostly useful for low and high orbits, but landings may also profit from this.

- Have surface samples from Kerbin only have science value when processed in the lab.

Adds a reason to have planes (to collect samples and return them to KSC) and space planes (presumably the easiest way to get the samples from the survey plane into capsule capable of reaching orbit, apart from a smaller rocket with a lot of ladders at least) while simulating our own habit of shooting up stuff from earth to examin it in microgravity.

- Let the lab actually return all data when below 90km at Kerbin/above the Booster Bay biome.

This would make full use of the labs ability to hold the same report multiple times - I do not know if/think that these multiples can than be all moved to a pod to be dropped back to Kerbin.

(If this is not a design glitch, I am yet unsure if I think it should be seen as one.)

- Switch EVA and crew report: EVA being the "we got here", and the crew report being "this is what we saw" - especially in regards to orbiting above different biomes it makes more sense to have different reports for each biome from the pod using its instruments (e.g. cameras) then "I am in space in a suit next to my spaceship and I see trees ... now water ... mountains ... trees again ..."

- Make pure data experiments (sensors and reports) movable by the right click menu like fuels. (?)

Questions to the forums as well as myself:

Should sensors transmit at 100% and collect all available science in the first go?

Or should multiple readings be retained to simulate different readings under different conditions (e.g. temperature curves)?

Should this only be possible by processing the data in the lab?

As soon as every body has biomes, should all science in one place be collectable in the first go?

Or should a return to the same crater/hill/valley still reveal something new, as KSC scientists want the kerbonauts to take a closer look at previous findings?

Has science yield to be lowered as more bodies receive biomes?

Or is the "obsolescence" of science points after finishing the tech tree countered by the planned interchangeability of science, reputation and money in later updates?

Edited April 22, 2014 by KerbMav

[KerbMav]

Based on this thread I added a few things to my OP in hopes of some input from other users.

[Kruleworld]

well thought out and useful thread. hopefully squad can implement some of it.