In Kerbal Space Program (KSP), engaging with science experiments is a cornerstone for advancing technological progress in Career or Science modes. By accumulating science points through various experiments, players can unlock new parts on the technology tree, enhancing the ability to design more advanced spacecraft and conduct further research. Here’s a structured overview of common science experiments, methods to conduct them, and efficient strategies for maximizing science points.

Common Science Experiments

| Experiment Type | Part/Tool Required | How to Conduct | Where |
|———————————–|————————————————|—————————————————————-|————————————————|
| EVA Report | Kerbal on EVA | Have a Kerbal exit the craft and perform an EVA report through the right-click menu | On the surface, in space, various biomes |
| Surface Sample | Kerbal on EVA | Kerbal collects a sample from the surface | Planet/moon surface |
| Mystery Goo™ Observation | Mystery Goo Containment Unit | Right-click the part to run the experiment | Surface, Flying Low, Flying High, Space |
| Temperature Scan | 2HOT Thermometer | Activate the thermometer instrument | Various locations, biomes |
| Atmospheric Pressure Scan | PresMat Barometer | Use the barometer to take readings | Bodies with an atmosphere |
| Materials Study | Science Jr. (SC-9001) | Conduct the experiment via the part | Surface, Space Low/High |
| Seismic Scan | Double-C Seismic Accelerometer | Use the accelerometer for seismic data | Usually on surface |
| Infrared Telescope | SENTINEL Infrared Telescope | Conduct scans to gather infrared data | High Space |
| Magnetometer Boom | Magnetometer Boom | Perform magnetic field scans | Space and Surface |
| Gravity Scan | GRAVMAX Negative Gravioli Detector | Scan for variations in gravity | Space environments |

The Breaking Ground Expansion introduces deployable science experiments, which enable continuous data gathering that can be directly transmitted, enhancing the scientific exploration capabilities of your missions.

General Procedure to Perform Science Experiments

1. Craft Preparation:
– Design a vehicle equipped with various unlocked science instruments such as Mystery Goo, Science Jr., and a Thermometer.

2. Exploration:
– Travel to diverse locations and varying environmental conditions to maximize science accrual, including:
– Surfaces of various celestial bodies (target different biomes).
– Different altitudes: flying low and high in atmospheres.
– Orbital trajectories in low and high space.
– Engagement with asteroids or comets.

3. Conducting Experiments:
– Right-click on science parts or EVA Kerbals during missions to initiate experiments (e.g., “Run Mystery Goo”, “Take Surface Sample”, “EVA Report”).

4. Data Collection:
– Collect data from experiments. Certain data types need recovery to Kerbin or facilitate transmission.

5. Resetting Experiments:
– Kerbal Scientists can reset repeatable experiments like Mystery Goo and Science Jr., allowing players to gather more data from a single instrument without crafting duplicates.

6. Using Mobile Processing Lab:
– If available, utilize a Mobile Processing Lab to turn raw science data into additional science points.

7. Optimize Science Collection:
– Vary conditions and locations (e.g., biomes and states like landed, flying low/high, or in space) for more substantial science returns.

Efficient Science Farming Tips

– Equip your spacecraft with multiple experiments, and employ a Kerbal Scientist to reset certain experiments during missions.
– Conduct experiments in orbit, focusing on different altitudes over bodies like Minmus and Mun (e.g., lower than 30 km and above 60 km), and over various biomes to maximize science yield.
– Utilize ground experiments from the Breaking Ground expansion modules for continuous, automated data collection.

These approaches to performing science experiments allow players to progressively accumulate the necessary science points to climb the technology tree, facilitating significant advancements in spacecraft design and mission capabilities throughout the expansive universe of KSP.