Scan a solar system
In this guide · Exploration
A scan sends mapping probes to a system to gather information and search for connections. You need an active Espionage Center, available probes, hydrogen and an open exploration slot.
Step by step
- Find the destination in Cartography, open its system and select Scan System.
- Select the origin Center.
- Choose a probe model and quantity.
- Check that you have a known route and the destination is within the model’s range.
- Review travel time, scan time and hydrogen, then launch the scan.
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The mission has an outbound journey, a scan and a return journey. You receive the result when the scan finishes. Probes become available again when they return, provided you still control the origin planet.
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Sending more probes shortens the scan time, with diminishing returns, and increases fuel use. It does not increase the chance of finding new hyperlanes. If you order a return before scanning is complete, you will not receive that scan’s map.