Science from boulders. (Sorry if suggested already)

[mcbmaestro]

While I try to avoid suggesting things that are possibly already listed, I felt I had to mention this one.

Maybe this could be just a mod, or maybe it could be a in game thing.

I think it would be cool if you could place a "Rock science" module on a ship or rover. This module would basically allow you to collect a tiny bit of science from each boulder(a rock sample) you encounter (boulders already in the game) with a sliding scale based on which planet (ie Kerbin 1-2 science per boulder Mun 1-4 etc) The science would be cumulative- in other words: you would be able to keep adding science per boulder you visit. Maybe some places have too many boulders, or maybe the terrain clutter is too variable, in that case you could have some rare "science boulders" here and there. It might be just better overall to have some rare science boulders a player could look for as they drive around.

There's one good reason I'm thinking of this idea: it would create a very nice use for rovers. It would give players something to objectively look out for and investigate when driving across a surface of a planetary body. The science could then be transmitted or taken back as usual.

Looking beyond, it would be cool also if you could collect rock samples to sell for cash, but that might be hard to code for. I suppose the rocks could be essentially a non usuable fuel source, just adding extra weight, but worth money and science if you go through the effort to bring them home. Adding weight from moon rocks reminds me of Apollo 13, were they had to adjust their reentry for the moon rocks they were supposed to have brought back comes to mind. Could add some cool gameplay as in extra fuel requirements due to the accumulation of rock samples brought back in your ship. It totally complies with current space exploration which is also nice, ie Curiosity, essentially visiting rocks of interest and transmitting data(or in KSP Science as we call it) home.

Edited October 15, 2014 by mcbmaestro