Satellites / Probes

[tieme.enkhuizen]

Hi,

I have a question, if you have a sattelite or a probe flying in a orbit arround the sun, with some science stuff (mystery goo etc.)

How can you collect the data? It won't return to kerbin. And, if I transmit the data, will I get the science points? Otherwise satellites and probes are

kindda useless..

[Luis]

You get a lower amount of science when you transmit. The dialog box shows you what percentage you'll receive on the transmit button. I think it's 25% for goo pods, for example. Goo and the Science Junior can't be reused for new measurements after you transmit, unless you 'clean' them using the mobile science lab.

As to the 'point' of probes, they are generally lighter than a manned mission, and therefore cheaper to launch. You can also use them for fly-by or impactor missions, which also saves you the delta v that would otherwise be needed to perform an orbital insertion or landing. You can do this with manned pods too, of course, but it requires rather a hard heart to intentionally send Kerbals to their doom.

[Heimdall5008]

Yes, you can transmit the science data back to Kerbin if you have an antenna installed.

But keep in mind that transmission is way less profitable than return of the samples. Only a Crew Report and an EVA report can be transmitted without loss of science points. All other science experiments will only give you between 20% (Material Study) and 50% (Temperature Scan) of the science points.

[SRV Ron]

It is rather useless to send along the rather heavy Goo and Material Bay on one way missions. Best to send along the Too Hot thermometer for the Explore contracts that don't require a return to Kerbal. You will at least get the contract award even though you won't get anything for transmitting the data. And, the rocket needed to launch such probes will cost a lot less.

[LordFerret]

You could just leave the satellite in orbit around Kerbol for now, and wait until you get tech for the Advanced Grabbing Unit (the claw)... then launch a ship and go capture it (as you would an asteroid) and return it. That's a long wait for what little Science you'd get from it however; But, a good challenge!