#Early science parts should not be made obsolete.

7 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

slender tundra
#

Even with the tech tree fully upgraded, every part should have a use. This is the case with most parts because more powerful engines, solar panels, generators, etc are also heavier so the early parts continue to have uses on lighter vessels. Alternatively, xenon engines are extremely light and efficient but very low thrust and only work in vacuum. There's always a cost when choosing one part over another so everything continues to have a use somewhere.

There's currently no reason to use the low tier science parts once we unlock the more advanced parts that are lighter but do the same thing. These lighter parts need a cost for choosing them over the early parts. They could cost multiple rare resources when those are introduced, or even require a kerbal onboard to be used more than once. (Incentive to bring Kerbals is always a good thing)

cinder mountain
#

Yeah I agree with only 4 experiments missions feel repetitive

wise briar
#

yeah the lower tier parts should be faster or something

sudden yarrow
thorn ginkgo
#

I could not disagree more. While it's true that some lower tech parts retain use later on (the example of smaller engines is a good one), that is not universally, and should not universally, be true for all parts, and in particular not for science parts. Advanced technology can result in smaller, lighter, faster versions of some things - and that is good as it motivates exploration and unlock of the later nodes. Advanced technology can also result in bigger, heavier, more capable versions of some things (space telescopes for example) - and that is also a good thing for the same reason. There should not be a one-size-fits-all approach to this where just because some earlier parts are still useful later on we then conclude that all or even most parts must also retain use.

lethal umbra
#

What would fix this is low tier parts cost less "precious" resources. So the first rockets you build on a base before you get all the rare resources flowing to it be low tech rockets.

thorn ginkgo