Wow, that post was longer than I expected. Anyway, I just checked and the mod was finally updated today! I guess it's back to KSP for me. The mod I was waiting for is called Remote Tech 2. It makes satellites not only useful, but required for operating unmanned remote craft as you need them to relay the signal. You also need them for career mode if you intend to transmit science data back. The signal needs to be able to reach the Kerbal Space port. I was hoping something like this was going to be implemented with the 0.22 patch that introduced career mode and transmission of science data. It also has a simple flight computer so if you need a remote craft to make a maneuver when it's going to be out of comm., like on the back side of a planet or moon that will block the signal, you can program it to make the maneuver. It's not fancy and automated, you have to tell it what pitch and heading to turn to and how long to fire the engine(s). You can give it a specific time to make the maneuver or a countdown time.
"You can either want something to be true, or you can want the truth. Pick one." - Mr. Diety