Difference between revisions of "Mobile Processing Lab MPL-LG-2"

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{{:Mobile Processing Lab MPL-LG-2/Box}}
 
{{:Mobile Processing Lab MPL-LG-2/Box}}
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The '''Mobile Processing Lab MPL-LG-2''' allows [[Science|scientific data]] to be generated and transmitted based on experimental data, to store experiments and to reuse the [[Mystery Goo™ Containment Unit]] and [[SC-9001 Science Jr.]] after transmitting or removing their result. The lab also has the capability to slowly process data obtained from experiments and convert it into additional science.  
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The '''Mobile Processing Lab MPL-LG-2''' generates a far greater amount of [[Science]] from experimental results by first converting them into a cache of "data" which is then slowly "researched" into stored science by [[Scientist]]s, over the course of many days. It can also be used to "Level Up Crew" who have gained sufficient [[experience]], throughout the craft, without returning to Kerbin. It provides access to [[KerbNet]] and a "Clean Experiments" action that can restore [[Mystery Goo™ Containment Unit]] and [[SC-9001 Science Jr.]] modules for use, after their results are removed.
  
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The lab has a maximum occupancy of two Kerbals, and the lab must be crewed by at least one [[scientist]] in order to perform research. Additional scientists on board will contribute to processing data, including ones that are located elsewhere on the vessel. Note that it is not a command module; any craft it's a part of will need a probe body or [[command pod]] to be piloted. It starts unmanned by default, but crew members can be added in the [[Crew]] tab before launch. The Lab does provide portraits and [[IVA]] as of the 1.0 update. While processing, the module also consumes a lot of [[electricity]].  
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The lab has a maximum occupancy of two Kerbals. It must contain at least one [[kerbonaut]] in order to process the results of [[Science#Activities|science activities]] stored aboard the craft into "data" and a scientist, specifically, for Kerbnet access and experiment cleaning.  
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 +
Once the lab contains some stored data and one or two scientists, the "Start Research" option is enabled, where a small percentage of the data is then converted into stored science, measured in "sci/day". As data is continuously being consumed the conversion rate can be seen to drop. Researching also consumes a lot of [[electricity]] (5{{mark|echu}}/s), but can be started and stopped at any time without penalty and will continue in the background while viewing other craft and using [[time warp]]. The "Transmit Science" function must then be used to send the stored science home for use, via the [[CommNet]], or the lab itself recovered on kerbin. 
 +
 
 +
The lab has two exit hatches. For EVAs, the northward one is default from [[VAB]] builds, or the under side from [[SPH]]. But if that is blocked, for example by placing the module inside a [[Mk3 Cargo Bay CRG-50]], then the unobstructed hatch will be used instead.
 +
 
 +
By entering the lab via one of its hatches, from EVA, all experiments carried by a kerbonaut are automatically stored in the part. Uniquely, unlike other modules, an unlimited number of duplicate experiments can be stored in the lab this way, having collected them externally.
 +
 
 +
The lab is not a command module; any craft it is a part of will need a probe body or [[command pod]] to be piloted. It starts unmanned by default, but crew members can be added in the [[Crew]] tab before launch. The inside of the lab can be viewed via interior overlay, [[IVA]] and the kerbal's portraits. Finally, the Lab is fairly delicate, with an impact tolerance of only 6 m/s.
  
 
== Usage ==
 
== Usage ==
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===Storing===
+
=== Experiment Storage ===
 +
 
 +
It is not possible to transfer 'raw' results to the lab directly from the experiment modules, while controlling the craft, as you could to an [[Experiment Storage Unit]] (or some of the top tier probe core [[command module]]s).
 +
 
 +
However, a [[kerbonaut]] on EVA nearby can manually "Store Experiments" they have collected into the lab module from outside, or have them automatically stored by simply boarding through one of the lab's hatches. In these ways, an unlimited number of the exact, same experiment result can be stockpiled in the lab, where any other module would force discarding of duplicates. This feature may be of limited use, since each lab will only accept data from each unique experiment once.
  
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The lab module can store experiment results like any other manned part. It does not need any Kerbals on board to do this. It is unique in that it can store multiple copies of the same experiment, which is not possible on command pods.
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Removing stored experiments from the lab requires using a kerbal on EVA, to "Take Data" (by bringing up the part's action menu).
  
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The Lab is quite fragile, withstanding only impacts up to 6 m/s. It takes ridiculous amounts of [[parachute]]s to land it safely. Other approaches to the problem trade in a few chutes for lander legs, or tiny engines and a minuscule fuel supply to pull dampen the impact. If the lab doesn't store any experiments and crew, it is of course possible to simply ditch it and let it crash.
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===Generating Science from Data===
  
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===Generating Science over time===
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Normally "data" means "results from scientific instruments or crew activities". Those must be called "experiments" here, because it is important to understand that the word "data" when used in the lab means something different. Experiments are "processed" in the lab module into a special thing that this module calls "data" (doing this uses up the experiment). Any experiment stored anywhere on a vessel with a lab can be used to produce data.
  
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Any science result stored anywhere on a vessel with a lab can be used to produce data. Up to 500 units of data can be stored in a lab module. If the buffer of data is full, the lab will fail to process the experiments but the results are not lost. If one or more scientists are on board the vessel, the lab may be used to perform research, which will consume a small percentage of the processed data every day to produce 5 times its value in science. This process drains a significant amount of electric charge while active. The rate at which the data is converted into science is determined by the amount of stored data, the number of scientists on the craft, and their respective [[Experience|levels]]. The process continues in the background even when the vessel with the lab is not in focus. Up to 500 units of science can be stored before the results must be manually transmitted back to Kerbin. If the buffer storage of science fills up, work stops until transmission. Stored science cannot be claimed if the lab is recovered, it must be transmitted, and as such a lab is useless without an antenna. An experimental result that has been used to produce data can still be transmitted or recovered on Kerbin in the conventional way, and it can be processed again in a different lab to produce more data.
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Each unique experiment can produce data for a given lab module only once, but a duplicate experiment can be taken to another lab and processed there. Note that when an experiment has been used to generate data it is consumed, but if the experiment is re-run the duplicate result can still be transmitted or recovered for its usual science yield. The reverse is also true; any experiment that has already been recovered at KSC for full value can still be run again, stored in the lab, and converted to the full amount of lab data in each new lab.
  
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To generate data, right-click the lab or pod where the experiments are stored and select Review Data, then select the Process Data option until the lab's data capacity is full. At this point the experiment results can be removed for later recovery, they are no longer needed to process the data and generate science in the lab.
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If one or more scientists are in a lab that contains data, then the lab may be used to perform research - which will consume a small percentage of the processed data every day to produce 5 times that amount of data in science. This process drains a significant amount of electric charge while active. The rate at which the data is converted into science is determined by the amount of stored data, the number of scientists in the lab, and their respective [[Experience|levels]]. The process continues in the background even when the vessel with the lab is not in focus.
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Up to 500 units of science can be stored before the results must be manually transmitted back to KSC,  so it is necessary to regularly switch focus to the craft with the lab and transmit the saved science. If the storage buffer fills entirely up with science, research work stops until transmission makes space. Antenna selection is automatic, for the lowest power use, fastest transmission. Only integer quantities of science can be transmitted, so the minimum transmittable is 1 science.
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 +
Alternatively, a lab can be recovered on Kerbin to claim the science, but this would be an unusual effort, since there is no additional science value gained from physically returning this type of science payload.
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 +
To generate data, right-click the lab, storage module or experiment where the results are stored, and select "Review Data" from the action menu, then select the "Process Data" option (yellow button) on successive experiment results until the lab's data capacity is full. To store more data in a lab there must be space to fit ''all'' of an experiment's processed data. Hence it can be tricky to fill it up exactly to its 750 capacity.
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 +
[[File:Lab goo.png|thumb|left|The lab being used to squeeze out science out of a Mystery goo containment unit]]
  
 
===Data Value===
 
===Data Value===
  
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An experimental result produces an amount of data based on its own relative value and the location of the lab at the time the data is generated. A lab on the surface of a body produces more data per experiment than one in orbit, and if the experiment is from the same body as the one the lab is orbiting or landed on the data value is greater. The exception to this is Kerbin, a lab landed on Kerbin produces less data than one in orbit of Kerbin.
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An experimental result is processed into an amount of data based on its ''original'' science value and the physical location of the lab at the time the data is generated. There is a 10% bonus when the lab is on a surface, 25% bonus for processing experiments in the same [[SOI]] that they were taken, and a 90% penalty when on Kerbin's surface. These combine in a multiplicative fashion, such that:
  
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Each unique experiment result can produce data for a given lab module only once, but the same result can be taken to another lab and processed again. Multiple labs on a single vessel don't function as expected as of 1.0.2, it is recommended that each lab should be on a unique vessel. Even after the experiment has been used to generate data, it can be transmitted or returned for its usual science yield.
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Data = ScienceValue · (1 + SurfaceBonus) · (1 + ContextBonus) ·  homeworldMultiplier
  
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The lab can store an arbitrary number of experiment results, but only 500 data and 500 generated science. Thus if there are a lot of high-value results stored on the vessel with the lab, not all of them can be processed into data. If the attempt fails due to lack of space, the opportunity is not lost, the result stays in the pod/experiment and it can be processed for data when there is space available.  
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Where:
 +
 +
* ScienceValue = full original science value of that specific experiment (i.e. when recovering the first result, back on Kerbin).
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* SurfaceBonus = '''0.1''' when landed (or splashed down) on the surface of a body, otherwise = '''0'''.
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* ContextBonus = '''0.25''' when lab is currently within the same SOI the experiment originates from, otherwise = '''0'''.
 +
* homeworldMultiplier = '''0.1''' when landed (or splashed down) on Kerbin, otherwise = '''1'''.
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 +
'''Example 1''': a [[SC-9001 Science Jr.]] [[Materials Study]] on the surface of the [[Mun]], worth 100 science, processed on site. Data = 100·(1+0.1)·(1+0.25)·1  =  100·1.1·1.25  =  138 (rounded up). Or, for the same experiment processed in orbit of Mun, Data = 100·1·1.25·1 = 125.
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'''Example 2''': a [[Gravity Scan]] on the KSC launch pad, processed on the spot. Data = 6·(1+0.1)·(1+0.25)·0.1 = 6·1.1·1.25·0.1 = 0.825 = 1 (rounded up). Or, processed a moment after lift off, Data = 6·1·1.25·1 = 7.5 = 8 (rounded up).
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 +
Before processing science, a flask icon will show the resulting processed science points, the formula is:
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 +
Science = Round(DataValue) · 5
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 +
Here are some data/science values for experiments in different contexts (a Science Jr. ground measure):
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
!Base science value
 +
!Body context
 +
!Landed on Kerbin
 +
!Kerbin's orbit
 +
!Mun's orbit
 +
!Landed on Mun
 +
|-
 +
|7.5
 +
|Kerbin
 +
|1.03/'''+5'''
 +
|9.375/'''+45'''
 +
|7.5/'''+40'''
 +
|8.25/'''+40'''
 +
|-
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|100
 +
|Mun
 +
|11/'''+55'''
 +
|100/'''+500'''
 +
|125/'''+625'''
 +
|137.5/'''+690'''
 +
|}
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 +
So labs on the surface of Kerbin are near worthless for processing experiments into data, even for data from Kerbin, with low value results (e.g. [[Temperature Scan]]s from Kerbin) literally worth zero data, but orbiting Kerbin to experiment Kerbin experiments has an interesting boost. As for other bodies, it is way better to land on them and process experiments there.
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The lab can store 750 units of data. If the data that would be generated by processing an experiment is too big for the remaining space in the lab's buffer, it will refuse to process it. A less valuable experiment may still be able to fit and enough space will eventually be made as data is depleted by scientists researching. On a craft with multiple labs, data will automatically be added to a different lab, with space, once the first is too full.
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===Electric Charge Use===
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Experiments are processed into data instantly, with no use of electric charge.  
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Researching data into science costs a flat 5 units of electricity per second, regardless of the number of scientists or their level. However, no charge will be consumed if the craft is not loaded, while focused elsewhere.
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Transmitting the produced science requires use of an [[antenna]] for an amount of time, with each unit of science equating to one [[Mit]] of data, and the associated charge that takes to transmit via the antenna used (e.g. 6{{mark|echu}}/Mit for the [[Communotron 16]], up to 24{{mark|echu}}/Mit with the [[RA-2 Relay Antenna]]).
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Cleaning of experiments appears to consume a significant amount of charge when it takes time to execute, but much of the time cleaning is instant [this mechanism needs identifying/clarifying].
  
 
===Data Processing Rate===
 
===Data Processing Rate===
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While the lab is active, the data stored in it is slowly converted into usable science. The amount of science converted per day is proportional to the amount of data stored in the lab. Each scientist on board the vessel contributes to research, including those outside of the lab. The higher a scientist's level, the more research it contributes. The data conversion rate supplied by each level of a given scientist are as follows:
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While the lab is active, the data stored in it is slowly converted into usable science, which is also then stored in the lab. A fixed ratio of 5 science will be produced for every 1 unit of data consumed. However, the speed of conversion varies: the amount of science produced per day is proportional to the remaining amount of data stored in the lab. So science output will decline towards zero as data is exhausted.
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Only scientists in the lab contribute to research. The higher a scientist's level, the more research that scientist contributes. The conversion rates supplied by each scientist of a given level are as follows:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
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! Level !! Multiplier !! Rate (Percentage/Day)
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! Level !! Data Used/Day !! Science/Day
 +
(Percent of Current Data)
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! Sci/Day at 750 Data
 +
(Max Rate, When Full)
 
|-
 
|-
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| 0 || 1x || 0.0135%
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| {{mark|0star}} || 0.108% || 0.540% || 4.050
 
|-
 
|-
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| 1 || 5x || 0.0675%
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| {{mark|1star}} || 0.135% || 0.675% || 5.063
 
|-
 
|-
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| 2 || 9x || 0.1215%
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| {{mark|2star}} || 0.162% || 0.810% || 6.075
 
|-
 
|-
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| 3 || 13x || 0.1755%
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| {{mark|3star}} || 0.189% || 0.945% || 7.088
 
|-
 
|-
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| 4 || 17x || 0.2295%
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| {{mark|4star}} || 0.216% || 1.080% || 8.100
 
|-
 
|-
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| 5 || 21x || 0.2835%
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| {{mark|5star}} || 0.243% || 1.215% || 9.113
 
|}
 
|}
  
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===Cleaning===
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The total research rate with two scientists is the sum of their individual rates. E.g. a level 2 and a level 3, together, would start out producing: 6.075 + 7.088 = 13.163 sci/day, in a lab that is totally filled with data.
  
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Once their science has been either taken or transmitted, the [[Mystery Goo™ Containment Unit]] and [[SC-9001 Science Jr.]] modules can be reset for reuse by ''cleaning out'' these experiments. This can be done in bulk for any such experiments docked to the lab, and saves the trouble of sending a scientist on EVA to manually reset the experiments.
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Since the amount of data processed per day depends on the amount of data in the laboratory, if you upload data to it once, amount of raw data will decrease exponentially:
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<math>d(t)=e^{-\lambda t} =  (\frac{1}{2})^{\frac{t}{T_{1/2}}}</math>, where <math>\lambda</math> is the decay (Percent of Data Used per Day - see above) and <math>T_{1/2}</math> the "half-life" time of data: after <math>T_{1/2}</math> half data will processed and half data will remain, after <math>2 T_{1/2}</math> 3/4 data will be processed and 1/4 will remain, after <math>3 T_{1/2}</math> 7/8 data will be processed and 1/8 will remain etc.
  
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== Usage scenarios ==
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We can derive the half-life time as being <math>T_{1/2} = - \frac{ln(0.5)}{\lambda}</math>
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{{Stub|section|These look like [[tutorials]].}}
 
  
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===Docking Space-Lab===
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Half-life of laboratory with one scientist:
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{|class="wikitable"
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|-
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| Scientist level      || 0 || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5
 +
|-  
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| <math>T_{1/2}</math>  || 641 day || 513 day || 428 day || 366 day || 321 day || 285 day
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|}
  
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A lander performs all experiments as usual, but rather than returning home, it docks with a Laboratory in orbit; EVA over all experiments, take/collect data, board Laboratory. The data is now safely stored in the Lab. You may clean out the experiments and re-use the same lander.
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Half-life of laboratory with two scientists:
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{|class="wikitable"
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|-
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| Summary scientists level || 0 || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10
 +
|-
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| <math>T_{1/2}</math>  || 321 day || 285 day || 256 day || 233 day || 214 day || 197 day || 189 day || 171 day || 160 day || 151 day || 142 day
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|}
  
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It's recommended to have ladders (at least) on the Materials Containers: the margin of error between "close enough to take the data" and "bouncing off" is rather small. It'd be nice if you could touch off all instruments while climbing a single ladder, though this would make for a tall assembly.
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===Cleaning===
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===Lab Lander===
 
  
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Integrate the Lab in the Lander, do the data gathering and instrument cleaning on-site. No risk of poor kerbals drifting off into space. You may bring enough fuel in order to make several small hops and visit different biomes before you need to re-orbit and dock with a filling station. While convenient, such landers tend to be rather bulky and heavy, though.
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The [[Mystery Goo™ Containment Unit]] and [[SC-9001 Science Jr.]] modules can be reset for reuse by selecting the ''Clean Experiment'' option from a Lab's action menu. This is only possible after the result has been removed from an experiment (transferred, transmitted or converted into Lab data) and while there is a kerbal in the Lab. The feature allows bulk resetting of all experimental modules on (or docked to) a craft with a lab, avoiding the need to EVA a scientist to manually reset each one.
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However, cleaning experiments this way can sometimes take a while to complete, consuming a substantial amount of electric charge, much like transmitting results does (with a series of percentage complete messages).
  
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===Lab Base===
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=== Level Up Crew ===
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A landed lab can create data from experimental results from all over the same body. Using rovers, landers or EVAs results can be gathered into a stationary lab from multiple nearby biomes. A lab on the surface yields the most data from experiments conducted on that body. The lab needs to sit in place for a long time to generate science, and keep in mind (for the Mun especially given its slow rotation) that it's going to be in the shade half the time without solar power, so it may be advisable to land near the pole of the body and/or give it a large power storage.
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A Lab with [[KerbNet]] access can "level up" any crew on the vessel. This causes the Kerbal's [[experience]] to be recognized in the same manner as recovery at Kerbin. This function is extremely useful for expeditions to other planets, a Kerbal with 0 experience upon departure from Kerbin can be leveled to 3 stars on achieving orbit at Duna or Eve, provided they have also done at least a flyby of a moon.
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KerbNet requires a comms connection through to Kerbin and a scientist in the lab module.
  
 
== Product description ==
 
== Product description ==
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{{Quote|No longer are you limited to research facilities only on Kerbin!  With the Mobile Processing Lab, you can conduct long-term experiments and ongoing research with the data you collect in the field.  Be sure to check back on your scientists from time to time, and transmit the results of their research home! This model is guaranteed to spontaneously combust less than previous models, and also has the equipment necessary to clean out and restore functionality to inoperable experiments.}}
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{{Quote|No longer are you limited to research facilities only on Kerbin!  With the Mobile Processing Lab, you can conduct long-term experiments and ongoing research with the data you collect in the field.  Be sure to check back on your scientists from time to time, and transmit the results of their research home! This model is guaranteed to spontaneously combust less than previous models, and also has the equipment necessary to clean out and restore functionality to inoperable experiments.
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|Integrated Integrals}}
  
 
== Trivia ==
 
== Trivia ==
 
* The [[w:COSPAR designation|COSPAR designation]]s and names of both the [[w:International Space Station|International Space Station]] and [[w:Mir|Mir]] (in [[w:Cyrillic script|Cyrillic script]]) are printed on the laboratory's hull.
 
* The [[w:COSPAR designation|COSPAR designation]]s and names of both the [[w:International Space Station|International Space Station]] and [[w:Mir|Mir]] (in [[w:Cyrillic script|Cyrillic script]]) are printed on the laboratory's hull.
 +
* Transmitting science with a Communotron requires 6 points of charge per point of science. There is a setting to allow multiple partial science tranmissions.
 +
 +
== Gallery ==
 +
<gallery>
 +
File: MPLIVA.png|thumb|left|The inside view of the lab
 +
</gallery>
 +
  
 
== Changes ==
 
== Changes ==
 +
;[[1.2]]
 +
* Added [[KerbNet]] access and lights
 +
* Added Level Up Crew functionality
 +
;[[1.1]]
 +
* Processing experiments into data no longer takes time or uses electricity
 +
* Data storage buffer increased to 750
 +
* A recovered lab is credited for any science contained within
 
;[[1.0]]
 
;[[1.0]]
 
* Added possibility to generate Science over time
 
* Added possibility to generate Science over time

Latest revision as of 23:26, 5 October 2023

Mobile Processing Lab MPL-LG-2
Part image
Laboratory by
Integrated Integrals
Radial size Large
Cost (total) 4 070.00 Funds
(dry) 4 000.00 Funds
Mass (total) 3.598 t
(dry) 3.410 t
Drag 0.3-0.2
Max. Temp. 2200 K
Impact Tolerance 6 m/s
Research Advanced exploration.png Advanced Exploration
Unlock cost 10 400 Funds
Since version 0.23
Part configuration largeCrewedLab.cfg
Crew capacity (max) 2 Crew
Crew capacity (maximum) 2 Crew
(required) 1 Crew
Researching energy 5 ⚡/s
Processing energy 10 ⚡/s
Field of View (min) 17 °
(max) 63 °
Anomaly detection 0 %
Enhanceable No
Modes Terrain
Biome
Inventory Slots 2 slots
Volume limit 200 l

The Mobile Processing Lab MPL-LG-2 generates a far greater amount of Science from experimental results by first converting them into a cache of "data" which is then slowly "researched" into stored science by Scientists, over the course of many days. It can also be used to "Level Up Crew" who have gained sufficient experience, throughout the craft, without returning to Kerbin. It provides access to KerbNet and a "Clean Experiments" action that can restore Mystery Goo™ Containment Unit and SC-9001 Science Jr. modules for use, after their results are removed.

The lab has a maximum occupancy of two Kerbals. It must contain at least one kerbonaut in order to process the results of science activities stored aboard the craft into "data" and a scientist, specifically, for Kerbnet access and experiment cleaning.

Once the lab contains some stored data and one or two scientists, the "Start Research" option is enabled, where a small percentage of the data is then converted into stored science, measured in "sci/day". As data is continuously being consumed the conversion rate can be seen to drop. Researching also consumes a lot of electricity (5⚡/s), but can be started and stopped at any time without penalty and will continue in the background while viewing other craft and using time warp. The "Transmit Science" function must then be used to send the stored science home for use, via the CommNet, or the lab itself recovered on kerbin.

The lab has two exit hatches. For EVAs, the northward one is default from VAB builds, or the under side from SPH. But if that is blocked, for example by placing the module inside a Mk3 Cargo Bay CRG-50, then the unobstructed hatch will be used instead.

By entering the lab via one of its hatches, from EVA, all experiments carried by a kerbonaut are automatically stored in the part. Uniquely, unlike other modules, an unlimited number of duplicate experiments can be stored in the lab this way, having collected them externally.

The lab is not a command module; any craft it is a part of will need a probe body or command pod to be piloted. It starts unmanned by default, but crew members can be added in the Crew tab before launch. The inside of the lab can be viewed via interior overlay, IVA and the kerbal's portraits. Finally, the Lab is fairly delicate, with an impact tolerance of only 6 m/s.

Usage

Experiment Storage

It is not possible to transfer 'raw' results to the lab directly from the experiment modules, while controlling the craft, as you could to an Experiment Storage Unit (or some of the top tier probe core command modules).

However, a kerbonaut on EVA nearby can manually "Store Experiments" they have collected into the lab module from outside, or have them automatically stored by simply boarding through one of the lab's hatches. In these ways, an unlimited number of the exact, same experiment result can be stockpiled in the lab, where any other module would force discarding of duplicates. This feature may be of limited use, since each lab will only accept data from each unique experiment once.

Removing stored experiments from the lab requires using a kerbal on EVA, to "Take Data" (by bringing up the part's action menu).

Generating Science from Data

Normally "data" means "results from scientific instruments or crew activities". Those must be called "experiments" here, because it is important to understand that the word "data" when used in the lab means something different. Experiments are "processed" in the lab module into a special thing that this module calls "data" (doing this uses up the experiment). Any experiment stored anywhere on a vessel with a lab can be used to produce data.

Each unique experiment can produce data for a given lab module only once, but a duplicate experiment can be taken to another lab and processed there. Note that when an experiment has been used to generate data it is consumed, but if the experiment is re-run the duplicate result can still be transmitted or recovered for its usual science yield. The reverse is also true; any experiment that has already been recovered at KSC for full value can still be run again, stored in the lab, and converted to the full amount of lab data in each new lab.

If one or more scientists are in a lab that contains data, then the lab may be used to perform research - which will consume a small percentage of the processed data every day to produce 5 times that amount of data in science. This process drains a significant amount of electric charge while active. The rate at which the data is converted into science is determined by the amount of stored data, the number of scientists in the lab, and their respective levels. The process continues in the background even when the vessel with the lab is not in focus.

Up to 500 units of science can be stored before the results must be manually transmitted back to KSC, so it is necessary to regularly switch focus to the craft with the lab and transmit the saved science. If the storage buffer fills entirely up with science, research work stops until transmission makes space. Antenna selection is automatic, for the lowest power use, fastest transmission. Only integer quantities of science can be transmitted, so the minimum transmittable is 1 science.

Alternatively, a lab can be recovered on Kerbin to claim the science, but this would be an unusual effort, since there is no additional science value gained from physically returning this type of science payload.

To generate data, right-click the lab, storage module or experiment where the results are stored, and select "Review Data" from the action menu, then select the "Process Data" option (yellow button) on successive experiment results until the lab's data capacity is full. To store more data in a lab there must be space to fit all of an experiment's processed data. Hence it can be tricky to fill it up exactly to its 750 capacity.

The lab being used to squeeze out science out of a Mystery goo containment unit

Data Value

An experimental result is processed into an amount of data based on its original science value and the physical location of the lab at the time the data is generated. There is a 10% bonus when the lab is on a surface, 25% bonus for processing experiments in the same SOI that they were taken, and a 90% penalty when on Kerbin's surface. These combine in a multiplicative fashion, such that:

Data = ScienceValue · (1 + SurfaceBonus) · (1 + ContextBonus) · homeworldMultiplier

Where:

  • ScienceValue = full original science value of that specific experiment (i.e. when recovering the first result, back on Kerbin).
  • SurfaceBonus = 0.1 when landed (or splashed down) on the surface of a body, otherwise = 0.
  • ContextBonus = 0.25 when lab is currently within the same SOI the experiment originates from, otherwise = 0.
  • homeworldMultiplier = 0.1 when landed (or splashed down) on Kerbin, otherwise = 1.

Example 1: a SC-9001 Science Jr. Materials Study on the surface of the Mun, worth 100 science, processed on site. Data = 100·(1+0.1)·(1+0.25)·1 = 100·1.1·1.25 = 138 (rounded up). Or, for the same experiment processed in orbit of Mun, Data = 100·1·1.25·1 = 125.

Example 2: a Gravity Scan on the KSC launch pad, processed on the spot. Data = 6·(1+0.1)·(1+0.25)·0.1 = 6·1.1·1.25·0.1 = 0.825 = 1 (rounded up). Or, processed a moment after lift off, Data = 6·1·1.25·1 = 7.5 = 8 (rounded up).

Before processing science, a flask icon will show the resulting processed science points, the formula is:

Science = Round(DataValue) · 5

Here are some data/science values for experiments in different contexts (a Science Jr. ground measure):

Base science value Body context Landed on Kerbin Kerbin's orbit Mun's orbit Landed on Mun
7.5 Kerbin 1.03/+5 9.375/+45 7.5/+40 8.25/+40
100 Mun 11/+55 100/+500 125/+625 137.5/+690

So labs on the surface of Kerbin are near worthless for processing experiments into data, even for data from Kerbin, with low value results (e.g. Temperature Scans from Kerbin) literally worth zero data, but orbiting Kerbin to experiment Kerbin experiments has an interesting boost. As for other bodies, it is way better to land on them and process experiments there.

The lab can store 750 units of data. If the data that would be generated by processing an experiment is too big for the remaining space in the lab's buffer, it will refuse to process it. A less valuable experiment may still be able to fit and enough space will eventually be made as data is depleted by scientists researching. On a craft with multiple labs, data will automatically be added to a different lab, with space, once the first is too full.

Electric Charge Use

Experiments are processed into data instantly, with no use of electric charge.

Researching data into science costs a flat 5 units of electricity per second, regardless of the number of scientists or their level. However, no charge will be consumed if the craft is not loaded, while focused elsewhere.

Transmitting the produced science requires use of an antenna for an amount of time, with each unit of science equating to one Mit of data, and the associated charge that takes to transmit via the antenna used (e.g. 6⚡/Mit for the Communotron 16, up to 24⚡/Mit with the RA-2 Relay Antenna).

Cleaning of experiments appears to consume a significant amount of charge when it takes time to execute, but much of the time cleaning is instant [this mechanism needs identifying/clarifying].

Data Processing Rate

While the lab is active, the data stored in it is slowly converted into usable science, which is also then stored in the lab. A fixed ratio of 5 science will be produced for every 1 unit of data consumed. However, the speed of conversion varies: the amount of science produced per day is proportional to the remaining amount of data stored in the lab. So science output will decline towards zero as data is exhausted.

Only scientists in the lab contribute to research. The higher a scientist's level, the more research that scientist contributes. The conversion rates supplied by each scientist of a given level are as follows:

Level Data Used/Day Science/Day

(Percent of Current Data)

Sci/Day at 750 Data

(Max Rate, When Full)

☆☆☆☆☆ 0.108% 0.540% 4.050
★☆☆☆☆ 0.135% 0.675% 5.063
★★☆☆☆ 0.162% 0.810% 6.075
★★★☆☆ 0.189% 0.945% 7.088
★★★★☆ 0.216% 1.080% 8.100
★★★★★ 0.243% 1.215% 9.113

The total research rate with two scientists is the sum of their individual rates. E.g. a level 2 and a level 3, together, would start out producing: 6.075 + 7.088 = 13.163 sci/day, in a lab that is totally filled with data.

Since the amount of data processed per day depends on the amount of data in the laboratory, if you upload data to it once, amount of raw data will decrease exponentially: , where is the decay (Percent of Data Used per Day - see above) and the "half-life" time of data: after half data will processed and half data will remain, after 3/4 data will be processed and 1/4 will remain, after 7/8 data will be processed and 1/8 will remain etc.

We can derive the half-life time as being

Half-life of laboratory with one scientist:

Scientist level 0 1 2 3 4 5
641 day 513 day 428 day 366 day 321 day 285 day

Half-life of laboratory with two scientists:

Summary scientists level 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
321 day 285 day 256 day 233 day 214 day 197 day 189 day 171 day 160 day 151 day 142 day

Cleaning

The Mystery Goo™ Containment Unit and SC-9001 Science Jr. modules can be reset for reuse by selecting the Clean Experiment option from a Lab's action menu. This is only possible after the result has been removed from an experiment (transferred, transmitted or converted into Lab data) and while there is a kerbal in the Lab. The feature allows bulk resetting of all experimental modules on (or docked to) a craft with a lab, avoiding the need to EVA a scientist to manually reset each one. However, cleaning experiments this way can sometimes take a while to complete, consuming a substantial amount of electric charge, much like transmitting results does (with a series of percentage complete messages).

Level Up Crew

A Lab with KerbNet access can "level up" any crew on the vessel. This causes the Kerbal's experience to be recognized in the same manner as recovery at Kerbin. This function is extremely useful for expeditions to other planets, a Kerbal with 0 experience upon departure from Kerbin can be leveled to 3 stars on achieving orbit at Duna or Eve, provided they have also done at least a flyby of a moon.

KerbNet requires a comms connection through to Kerbin and a scientist in the lab module.

Product description

“ No longer are you limited to research facilities only on Kerbin! With the Mobile Processing Lab, you can conduct long-term experiments and ongoing research with the data you collect in the field. Be sure to check back on your scientists from time to time, and transmit the results of their research home! This model is guaranteed to spontaneously combust less than previous models, and also has the equipment necessary to clean out and restore functionality to inoperable experiments.

— Integrated Integrals

 ”

Trivia

Gallery

  • The inside view of the lab


Changes

1.2
  • Added KerbNet access and lights
  • Added Level Up Crew functionality
1.1
  • Processing experiments into data no longer takes time or uses electricity
  • Data storage buffer increased to 750
  • A recovered lab is credited for any science contained within
1.0
  • Added possibility to generate Science over time
  • Removed old transmission boost function. Clean experiments function retained.
  • Added IVA models
0.90
  • Transmission boost reduced from +50% to +15%
0.23
  • Initial release
 
Manned pods
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Liquid fuel tanks
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Jet fuselages
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Jet engines
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Beams, panels and radial elements
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Direct Antennae
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