Research Module

The Research Module is a rocket module used to survey destinations and generate data banks. It is not left behind on a trip; instead, it returns with the rocket and can be used again on later launches. A research vessel is ideally composed of a Command Capsule, five Research Modules, and whatever propulsion is currently available.

Each mission destination has five areas of research that can be surveyed once, with each area awarding 50 data banks. A single Research Module can survey one area per trip, so multiple modules let a rocket reveal more of a destination’s research in one launch. In addition to the research-area rewards, each Research Module also returns 10 data banks when the rocket comes back, so the module produces value even after all available research on a world has already been completed.

Research Modules are especially useful for uncovering destination resources. Some materials that can be carried back by a Cargo Module are hidden at first and are only revealed after researching areas marked with (!!). Because rocket modules are calculated from top to bottom, Research Modules should be built above cargo bays if you want newly discovered materials to be returned on the same launch in which they are revealed.

A completed survey still pays out data banks. Once a planet has been completely researched, a rocket carrying Research Modules will return with 10 data banks per module rather than research-area rewards. For example, launching a rocket with seven Research Modules to a completely unresearched planet can yield 320 data banks total: 50 × 5 from the planet’s research areas plus 10 × 7 from the modules themselves. The same rocket sent to a fully surveyed planet would return only 70 data banks from the modules.

Data banks collected through Research Modules are then used at Virtual Planetariums to produce additional research. This makes Research Modules an important part of the rocket exploration loop, since they both expand planetary knowledge and feed the later-stage research economy.

• Each destination has 5 one-time research areas.
• Each Research Module can survey 1 area per trip.
• Each surveyed area grants 50 data banks.
• Each Research Module also grants 10 data banks on return.
• Newly revealed resources from (!!) research can be brought back on the same launch if the Research Modules are placed above cargo bays.
• A practical research rocket often uses a Command Capsule, 5 Research Modules, and the best available propulsion for the target distance.

Different engines determine how far a research rocket can travel with this kind of payload. Steam Engine can reach 10,000 km; Solid Fuel Thruster plus Steam Engine can reach 20,000 km; Petroleum Engine can reach 80,000 km using Oxylite and 130,000 km using Liquid Oxygen; Hydrogen Engine can reach any distance when paired with Liquid Oxygen.