I don't think I've seen something like that in the forum, and I don't recall the devs talking about this : It would be interesting to have some technologies that allows you to send probes (not too much at a time) throughout the galaxy to discover new stars / planets / space stations / asteroids / pretty much whatever's in it. Depending of your awareness in that techno and the stuff you're using, the probes could be send either randomly throughout the whole universe or to a limited area (sector / galaxy / star system). These probes will then come back at your ship after a while (or not, they may have communication devices included) and send you the results of their scan with info like : Coordinates Type of object detected (planet / moon / asteroid, etc..) main biome on that planet difficulty level maybe some more info about fauna and flora, expected treasures, things like that (depending of how much you master the probing tech and what kind of probe you sent This make me think about EVE online probing tech where you are able to find secrets area you wouldn't be able to find without probing. That could also be a use of probes. Like for example, your probes may find a space wreck with some good loots in it that you just couldn't find without probing. What do you think about it ?
I would be interesting indeed be able to have some Info about the Planets / Etc in the X area before Travel, it would save us Fuel!
There would have to be a downside. Maybe pirates would be able to track them back to you if the probes were to be intercepted, and they'd port inside your ship. Or they would simply be cheaper than to waste the fuel but subject to hazardous space environments, like maybe there's a chance it doesn't make it.
Would not need a downside if Probes would be "expensive enough" for we won't probe the galaxy only for find the best things. Far I'm wondering we can explore all the sector we are into without Probes, but now about other Universe Sectors that's surely would need first to reach the sector to be able to Random Pick planets on it. We must know more info on those things before ^^
I seriously hope the ship has a security for avoiding anyone entering it without your allowance, else it would be like if I let my car open when I'm away
I think it was confirmed that you don't need probes for this, but you just have to look on the starmap to see what planets/moons/asteroids there are. But it would be a nice addition!
I had a similar idea, and I'm happy to read that others thought of the same thing. Probes could add a new dimension to space exploration. Right now, it's just random selection of planets. But allowing players to probe planets could add a entirely new level to exploration and galaxy-mapping: Planet Scan: Probing planets would give players infos on what to expect on them, with higher quality probes giving more precise info. For example, a tiers 1 probe could reveal is a planet has low or heavy gravity, and if that planet has a warm or cold climate. Higher tiers would reveal is said planet is at a risk of meteor showers, if the planet is inhabited (villages) and if dungeons are present. It could also reveals other things, such as the presence of specific treasures, and would show on the (yet to be implented) mini-map where to dig for fossils. Sending probes into space to recon for some specific planets. Overall, a purpose very similar to the one you mentionned in your opening post. I think it's an idea which deserve to be developped.
