Only Scientists take surface samples

[Crusher48]

One thing that bugs me is that scientists have no real use. Though pilots can utilize SAS and engineers can repair broken stuff, scientists have no special abilities other than slightly increasing science gain. To make scientists more useful, they should be the only type of kerbal able to take surface samples.

[tater]

Wow, then Apollo doesn't collect anything until Jack Schmitt arrives on the moon.

All science gains need to be massively reduced. Say by a factor of 10. So a munar sample is 12 instead of 120. THEN, the science skill level is a straight multiple (Science skill +1 times base value) for the value of that collection. So pilot gets 12 ((0+1)*12), as science 1 guy gets 24, S5 gets 72.

Edited January 28, 2015 by tater
Autocorrect error

[Crusher48]

Note that this only applies to surface samples. EVA reports and gathering other data will still be doable without a scientist on board.

[tater]

Every Apollo mission collected rocks. Only one included a geologist.

[Pthigrivi]

Yeah the skills system needs a big pass. There are a few threads on this, my favorite of which is here: http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/107243-Skill-Tree-for-Kerbals

[Louella]

Scientist collected rocks should be multiplied by their scientist skill level.

An exogeologist would be able to spot interesting rocks, whereas a pilot would not necessarily be able to.

Difference between getting 5 moon rocks that show that the moon is made of rock, and getting 5 moon rocks that show evidence of 5 different geological processes occurring.

[Panzerbeard]

Maybe change it so surface sample scientific data is only transmittable by a scientist, and if you don't have one you'll need to return it to kerbin? That would simulate the scientist analysing the sample on-site, something a pilot or engineer wouldn't be able to do. To them, after all, a rock is just a rock.

[tater]

Scientist collected rocks should be multiplied by their scientist skill level.

An exogeologist would be able to spot interesting rocks, whereas a pilot would not necessarily be able to.

Difference between getting 5 moon rocks that show that the moon is made of rock, and getting 5 moon rocks that show evidence of 5 different geological processes occurring.

Yep. Gotta love when your guest prof in planetary geology says "Here is a microscopic cross section of lunar regolith collected in such and such crater." "Next slide, please." "Here's me next to a big rock on the moon."

[SaturnV]

No,not this. Why only scientist can take surfacesample? It is available to anyone with functional Handâ„¢.

Only scientist can operate some science instruments (or reach its full potential) I would suggest instead

[razark]

An exogeologist would be able to spot interesting rocks, whereas a pilot would not necessarily be able to.

Pilots Irwin and Scott were able to collect the Genesis Rock, considered to be one of the most important samples collected.

(Granted, they had training in geology as part of their mission preparation.)

Yep. Gotta love when your guest prof in planetary geology says... "Here's me next to a big rock on the moon."

Awesome.

[tater]

It was actually a class on lunar bases, not planetary geology. He taught a few about lunar geology, then the resource utilization people (largely Los Alamos guys) took it from there (fused regolith, lunar concrete, etc).

[Orionkermin]

Why not give scientists a unique experiment? Something like, "field studies" where he reports his professional observations. Maybe there is a way to make it limited use and higher levels get more times they can perform a "field study."

I do agree that scientists need an active ability, but also that engineers and pilots could use passives. Likely in the form of additional recovery funds and reputation respectively.

[tater]

It;s been stated in a few threads on skills. Make science skill a multiplier, and massively slash base science awards. Get 10 science if Jeb grabs it, get 60 if Bob (Bill?) does.

[Pthigrivi]

As a basic precept I think the big science multiplier should be on transmission value. Its not magic, it's just that they can do what you can do with a big lab on kerbin in-flight.

[tater]

Well, surface collection should do basically zero transmitted, IMO. Least without a lab.

[Pthigrivi]

*if you had a skill tree, any kerbal could elect to include this as a perk.

[tater]

Yeah, I proposed a slightly different system.

Not capable of activity = -

Capable at the most minimal level = 0

Actual skill levels = 1 to 5

Each astronaut would have all 3. Their primary skill would start at at least 1, and would go to 5. They could raise the other two skills to 0. (gameplay goal is to encourage multiple astronauts on some missions).

So Jeb is P1, E-, S0