Sector Scan

A Sector Scan is a gameplay mechanic introduced in Alpha 17 of The Last Starship. It allows the player to survey unexplored areas of a Sector and reveal nearby Star Systems.

Overview

Sector Scans are the first step in discovering new locations. They require hyperspace sensors and some time to complete. When finished, additional points of interest (POIs) become visible around the player's current location on the Sector Map.

Detailed information about discovered POIs is obtained through a Local Survey. This process is triggered by clicking the POI on the sector map and is performed automatically as long as the player has a powered Super Computer onboard and remains in the same sector. No scientists or crew assignments are needed. After the local survey, the POI becomes a fully accessible star system that can be jumped to via FTL.

Some of these newly discovered systems may contain Derelict Ships. These often include Research Credit, which can be recovered and fed into a Science Station as a resource for certain research projects.

Required Equipment

• Hyperspace Sensor or Hyperspace Sensor LR (must be powered)
• At least one powered Super Computer for performing a Local Survey

Performing a Sector Scan

1. Install and power the required hyperspace sensors.
2. While in a star system, click the Sector Scan button.
3. Wait for the scan to complete; multiple sensors likely accelerate the process. Scan progress is displayed on the sector map.
4. New systems or POIs appear on the sector map when the scan finishes.
5. To perform a local survey, remain in the sector with a powered Super Computer and click the POI. The survey completes automatically.

Tutorial

Sector Scanning is first introduced at the beginning of Stargate Project, Phase 7 when Commander Harken hails the player. A short tutorial explains how to operate hyperspace sensors to reveal nearby systems.

Notes

• Scans consume ship power and require time to complete.
• Multiple sensors likely reduce scanning time.
• Only one POI can be analyzed via Local Survey at a time.
• Introduced in Alpha 17.