Science

Rational Resources now includes its own science experiment. Still very WIP but release-ready, it is named the Planetary Classification experiment, given to the stock M4435 Narrow-Band Scanner. This experiment only operates while in the In Space Low (and High) situations. Its workings is akin to an advanced experiment able to read spectral lines and its intention is to partially reveal the resource configuration of a target planet, moon or star before the real resource scanners are sent there.

This experiment adds value to probes designed for low orbits of stars, as in high orbit, the readings will be vague, but the various resource bands applied by Rational Resources are (ideally) only applied in the low space region where space can still be somewhat turbulent and populated by heavy resources produced or otherwise held by the star. Also, the science multiplier for low space of a star is very great, making it very rewarding in-game to send probes there.

Depending on the "age" of a given solar system (added by a planet pack) the star can currently be configured with any of 3 star templates Population 1, Population 2 or Population 3 associated with Metallicity. Outside of the use of the KSP mod Interstellar Consortium which enables a standardized galaxy-alike environment, there is generally no point in assigning a population number other than 1.