Radio transmission of science data - Is anything lost forever?

[Havan_IronOak]

Just getting back into KSP and I recall that putting science data into the capsule and then bringing it safely back to Kerbal was the best way to get full credit for any science done. But it's never been clear to me.

If I transmit the data instead can I redo the experiment, gain more data and then transmit that?

[Bwixie]

Transmitting returns some data for some science, if you successfully recover a capsule containing the data, you can receive the full science value. Re-transmitting doesn't do anything but waste power and time.

[Havan_IronOak]

Part of what I'm thinking is to put a permanent satellite into orbit around the Mun. I was just hoping that it could garner me all the science there so that I'd not have to manned mission.

[Elementus]

It is still useful to have a satellite with science experiments on it because you will get contracts to transmit science from the space around certain bodies, even if you don't get science points you will still get money from the contract

[Yuki]

Depending on the experiment there are certain amounts of Science points to be gained. This includes transmissions, even several for larger experiments, and recoveries, again even several for larger stuff. Some experiments can grand you max results with just a transmission (e.g. EVA reports), some will require several transmissions and recoveries for full points (e.g. surface samples).

A satelite wont get you all from Mun, you will want to have experiments from all biomes, and the "leg work" is especially tasty (as in yields massive amounts of points). True though such satelites are very useful for the "transmit science from X" contracts. However some contracts also require "from the surface of X", so you may want to at least add a probe somewhere down there.

And then there are MPL's, Mobile Processing Labs. EVERY MPL can work on ALL data. Again. And generate additional science points that way, over time. (Time also depents on location and scientist rating)
So you got 2 MPL? Make sure to gather four surface samples on your manned mission. Two for recovery, one for each MPL. That "Mun midlands" sample alone will keep them busy for weeks, enough time to go and catch a polar sample. Add a third MPL in LKO? Great, now you can gather all data again! Those new missions can easily be financed by tourists, your actual target on Mun will then be chosen by which biome you still need to "harvest".

Personally i have a whole station in low Mun orbit full of MPL's and science containers dedicated to gather, store and send science experiments into all regions. But thats just the Hub, the data is gathered boots on (breaking) grounds! With rovers that stay there and are occasionally visited by tiny probes, essentially flying science containers for "harvesting". But the way i proceed in career now thats also my main source of income (Full leadership campaign with research rights sell out).