Science

Science is a gameplay feature in Exploration Mode that is used to unlock new parts and technology from the Tech Tree. Science points are gained from performing experiments using science collection modules in various orbital situations and on surface regions. They are also rewarded for completing primary or secondary missions assigned by Mission Control.

Science Collection

Science points can be awarded by performing experiments using science collection modules, and then either transmitting or returning them back to the KSC. Science experiment results come in two types: Data and Samples. Data can be transmitted back to the KSC to collect science points from them, assuming the KSC is within communication range of the spacecraft. Samples, however, need to be returned back to Kerbin and recovered to collect science points awarded by them. Recovering a spacecraft will award all of the science points in its research inventory, regardless of whether it is data or samples.

Usage

Science points can be used in the R&D Center to research nodes on the Tech Tree. These nodes reward the player with new parts to use in the VAB. Some players use Science as a challenge metric, gathering as much as possible under certain constraints such as vessel size.

Science experiments

There are seven types of science experiments that can be performed to gain science points. Each experiment will have specific situations/locations, experiment duration, and crew requirements to account for.

Science Experiment	Type	Requirements
Atmosphere Survey	Data and Sample	Must be flying on a body with an atmosphere.
Crew Observation	Data	All situations and locations.
Environment Survey	Data and Sample	All situations and locations.
Marine Survey	Data and Sample	Must be submerged in liquid or on the sea floor.
Orbital Survey	Data and Sample	Must be flying in Low or High Orbit.
Radiation Observation	Data	All situations and locations.
Sample Survey	Data and Sample	Must be landed or floating on a liquid.

Atmospheric Survey

An atmospheric survey can only be performed on celestial bodies with atmospheres. This experiment can only be performed if it is flying within the atmosphere; it cannot run if the craft is stationary. It can analyze the composition of an atmosphere. The only celestial bodies on which atmospheric surveys can be performed are on Eve, Kerbin, Duna, Jool, and Laythe.

Base Data Value	Base Sample Value	Transmission Size	Crew Required	Experiment Duration
12 Science	28 Science	75 KiB	0	2:00

Crew Observation

A crew observation can be performed only if there are crew members aboard a spacecraft. This experiment can be performed in any and all situations, but yield very little science relative to other experiments.

Base Data Value	Base Sample Value	Transmission Size	Crew Required	Experiment Duration
4 Science	N/A	5 KiB	1	0:00

Environment Survey

An environment survey can be performed in any and all situations. They provide a general evaluation of the environment the module is currently in.

Base Data Value	Base Sample Value	Transmission Size	Crew Required	Experiment Duration
5 Science	5 Science	10 KiB	0	0:00

Marine Survey

A marine survey can only be performed if it is submerged within a body of liquid. The only celestial bodies in which a marine survey can be performed is on Eve, Kerbin, Laythe, and Vall.

Base Data Value	Base Sample Value	Transmission Size	Crew Required	Experiment Duration
12 Science	28 Science	150 KiB	1	0:30

Orbital Survey

An orbital survey can only be performed if a spacecraft is in space. Orbital surveys take the longest to run out of any experiments, and they are region-specific, meaning the spacecraft has to orbit above the specified region it is studying.

Base Data Value	Base Sample Value	Transmission Size	Crew Required	Experiment Duration
6 Science	14 Science	150 KiB	0 2 (Starlab)	6:00

Radiation Observation

Radiation observations can be performed in any and all situations. Radiation observations detect the amount of incoming radiation, whether directly from starlight, background cosmic radiation, or local sources.

Base Data Value	Base Sample Value	Transmission Size	Crew Required	Experiment Duration
16 Science	N/A	25 KiB	0	1:00

Surface Survey

Surface surveys can only be done if the spacecraft is currently landed on a solid surface or submerged in a liquid. This experiment can give readouts on what the local surface or liquid is composed of. Surface samples can also be collected by Kerbals on EVA.

Base Data Value	Base Sample Value	Transmission Size	Crew Required	Experiment Duration
6 Science	18 Science	20 KiB	0 1 (EVA)	0:10