Sun Probe Transmits Zero Science

[reidtrevar]

Hi all, new to the forums and KSP (been playing obsessively for the last week). I have question about transmitting data from a Sun Probe. I did a few experiments at about 2M km from the Sun, got some great science values, but the transmittable science was 0. I tried to transmit anyway, and after a successful transmission the dialogue said that I had transmitted 0 science. I had plenty of electricity, two of the unfolding dish-style antennae, and even tried transmitting closer to Kerbin. I was naturally bummed, and confused. Any ideas on why this happened?

Thanks,

Reid

[Claw]

I'm guessing you have probably already done "high orbit" solar science. For "low orbit" science, you need to get down to 1M km.

And welcome to the forums/KSP!

[Kryxal]

There's only so much science you can transmit, to get the rest you'd need to bring experiments back. If you really want that science, make a mission that goes just out of Kerbin's SoI and does science, then burns back in. You could do this on about as much fuel as it takes to orbit Minimus (though another 100 m/s or so might be nice for a faster and safer trip back).

[reidtrevar]

Thanks everyone. It was a high solar science mission. I used the science jr capsule and it got 220 Science, but 0 transmittable. I'm using the Commutron 88-88. I understand there's considerable loss associated with transmitting, but 0? Do all my probes have to return to Kerbin's SoI in order to get any science?

[Alistone]

Thanks everyone. It was a high solar science mission. I used the science jr capsule and it got 220 Science, but 0 transmittable. I'm using the Commutron 88-88. I understand there's considerable loss associated with transmitting, but 0? Do all my probes have to return to Kerbin's SoI in order to get any science?

The issue isn't SOI. You have to land the vessel (intact) on Kerbin. Either landed on land or splashed down in the ocean. Then you have the option to "recover vessel". This is what will recover the science experiments and provide you the science.

Alternately you could send up a group with a mobile laboratory and then you could get a little bit more science by simply processing in the lab and transmitting...

But it's really easier to put on the correct number of parachutes and land back on Kerbin to recover the vessel and the science.

EDIT: The vessel doesn't technically have to be intact. As long as the module carrying the science survives; even if it breaks off it can be recovered with its science. You can find it in the tracking station under debris if that happens.

[reidtrevar]

I was envisioning it kindof a Voyager mission where I just send it out into the distance and transmit data back, but what you're saying is that KSP does not support that kind of probe. All probes must return to Kerbin to gain science, is that correct? Thanks for the reply.

[Fr3Runn3r]

Are you using any mods, also would you be able to take a screenshot of the science popup for us to look at. I know there are some mods that adjust science gain from different experiments (interstellar for instance I believe) but it may just be a simple issue that becomes obvious in the screenshot.

[cantab]

I think Claw has it right. For almost all experiments, there's a limit to how much science you can get by transmitting, which is some percentage or other of the total the experiment can give. To get the rest you'll need to return the data to Kerbin.

So if you've ever transmitted data from experiments run in the Sun's SOI before, for example during an interplanetary mission, then chances are you already got all you can from transmissions.

[Alistone]

I was envisioning it kindof a Voyager mission where I just send it out into the distance and transmit data back, but what you're saying is that KSP does not support that kind of probe. All probes must return to Kerbin to gain science, is that correct? Thanks for the reply.

Each experiment has a different transmission efficiency. But each experiment has a limit as to how much science is transmittable. Once you reach that amount of science you have to return and recover the experiment in order to gain more science from it.

The transmission efficiencies can be found in this chart on the wiki http://wiki.kerbalspaceprogram.com/wiki/Science#Modules

It is possible to unlock lots of science without actually returning experiments/reports/samples/ships to kerbin, but it is likely more difficult. If you really wanted to try then you should really consider the mobile processing lab http://wiki.kerbalspaceprogram.com/wiki/Mobile_Processing_Lab_MPL-LG-2 so you can reset and reuse some experiments and so you get a slightly higher value for transmitting them. It is a heavy module the most people don't bother with for near Kerbin missions because it is easier to carry more fuel and fly home than to haul all that dead weight and enough people to crew it.

I'd also like to confirm that you are in the "career mode" because if you are in the "sandbox mode" then (if I recall correctly) nothing gives any science because it is irrelevant to the sandbox mode.

[Claw]

I was envisioning it kindof a Voyager mission where I just send it out into the distance and transmit data back, but what you're saying is that KSP does not support that kind of probe. All probes must return to Kerbin to gain science, is that correct? Thanks for the reply.

Yes, this is completely achievable. Experiments do NOT have to return to Kerbin in order to give science. However, as others have said, there is a limit to how much you can gain by transmitting, and it varies by experiment.

I'd also like to confirm that you are in the "career mode" because if you are in the "sandbox mode" then (if I recall correctly) nothing gives any science because it is irrelevant to the sandbox mode.

I am also growing suspicious of this after a few of your posts. Were you able to gather science on Kerbin before you did anything else? I sort of assumed you had been doing science and unlocking parts up to this point. In the science popup window, there are two science bars. They will both show zero for any and all experiments if you are in sandbox mode. Also, you won't be able to go to the R&D center.

Also, every once in a while someone's save will glitch and change from career to sandbox, so check the R&D center anyway.