How do I launch with an empty (un-crewed) Mk1-2 Command Pod?

[Thorazine]

I'd like to launch an un-crewed Mk1-2 Command Pod on a mission to rescue three stranded astronauts.

My rocket will have an RC-001S Remote Guidance Unit, so (hopefully) I'll be able to control the ship even without a crew.

When I select the Mk1-2 it has three astronauts in it already.

The only way I know how to remove them is to have them jump out of the Command Pod while on the launch pad!

I'm hoping there's a better way to get an empty Mk1-2 Command Pod.

Thank you in advance for any advice!

[tater]

In the VAB click the little icon at the top, near the left that looks like a kerbal (another looks like a hook), then remove the crew.

[The Yellow Dart]

Also, in case this is useful to you, if you make the probe core the root part the game stops auto-manning your ships, which I find really annoying when you are doing a rescue mission and only realize there is a man in your one man rescue pod after you have already rendezvous-ed.

[Vladthemad]

Also, in case this is useful to you, if you make the probe core the root part the game stops auto-manning your ships, which I find really annoying when you are doing a rescue mission and only realize there is a man in your one man rescue pod after you have already rendezvous-ed.

[lextacy]

And as Thorazine is obviously new to rocket science I'll add that by "root part" Dart means the first part you pick while building your rocket, because the next question will be "What's a root part?"

I will pre-emptively answer this as I like to help out when needed..........

a root part is what the game thinks is your first part on a vessel. The game also treats this root part as a "control from here point" for initial craft orientation. Also the root is the part where you can click that part and drag the entire ship around in VAB. If a part is not a root part you wont be able to move entire ship, but be able to pick off 1 part at a time. ALso root can be helpful for sub-assemblies, but rather your new in the game and we will let that story unfold at a later time.

[Thorazine]

tater, Yellow Dart, Vladthemad, and lextacy: Thank you for your clearly written and detailed answers. Everything you explained worked for me, and my stranded astronauts have renewed hope that rescue is on it's way.