Ahoy there,
probes seems to be a hot topic,
so here is an alternative that tries
to place itself in between too harshly
restricted ammo amounts and infinity:
And here starts an idea for a compromise between both sides, those who argument validly with
having a finite amount of probes can lead to explorers left in the open without any means to DSS anymore,
and the immersive ones who want ammo consistency:
Probes act like a ship and are propelled via FSD, while gravity influences their flightpath.
Since the influence is dictated by the planet gravity, FD have the option to annul this influence,
this is important for the suggestion.
Make the DSS scanner a hybrid module.
Allow to launch probes, but also retain the ability to scan the body, when in probing range.
If you have no more probes you can scan the planetary surface, while staying put and focussing the
reticule on a single spot.
This will work as if a probe had been started, but way slower and with a reduced sensor spread upon "impact".
The "shadow probe" just isn't animated, doesn't require ammo, is immune to gravitation influence, flies straight
and is the backup option for when the real probes are empty.
Alternatively it just functions as the DSS does now, but it reveals only a small area around the targetting reticule,
aimed at the body. Useful for searching interesting planetary features for sites and POI.
So you can basically shoot probes the normal way, but with ammo cap and auto return refuelling
for a fraction of your ship's fuel, after circumnavigation.
In return a probe will scan a ring area along their low orbit with the size of the current scan range from the livestream,
while the backup option just scans a certain reduced radius around the focal point of backup DSS scan.
I'd make the return automatically after a single circumnavigation, requiring the explorer to stay put.
But you would be able to use the gravity of the body and the ui-elements to fire off the probe in a set orbit.
Time wise double the time a probe required in the livestream to hit the backside of a planet and take that time
for a focussed scan via the backup function, when out of probes from the DSS base scan.
Additionally allow for players to provide service and transfer probes freely.
Last but not least make the probe a pilotable object in multi-crew,
so MC explorers can enjoy their time and we will see some probing
shenanigans in MC.
Interface wise the new FSS scanner could be used while being close
(in probing range) to a body, allowing to focus the scan with a flashy new UI.
All could be happy with that i think.
Thoughts?
probes seems to be a hot topic,
so here is an alternative that tries
to place itself in between too harshly
restricted ammo amounts and infinity:
And here starts an idea for a compromise between both sides, those who argument validly with
having a finite amount of probes can lead to explorers left in the open without any means to DSS anymore,
and the immersive ones who want ammo consistency:
Probes act like a ship and are propelled via FSD, while gravity influences their flightpath.
Since the influence is dictated by the planet gravity, FD have the option to annul this influence,
this is important for the suggestion.
Make the DSS scanner a hybrid module.
Allow to launch probes, but also retain the ability to scan the body, when in probing range.
If you have no more probes you can scan the planetary surface, while staying put and focussing the
reticule on a single spot.
This will work as if a probe had been started, but way slower and with a reduced sensor spread upon "impact".
The "shadow probe" just isn't animated, doesn't require ammo, is immune to gravitation influence, flies straight
and is the backup option for when the real probes are empty.
Alternatively it just functions as the DSS does now, but it reveals only a small area around the targetting reticule,
aimed at the body. Useful for searching interesting planetary features for sites and POI.
So you can basically shoot probes the normal way, but with ammo cap and auto return refuelling
for a fraction of your ship's fuel, after circumnavigation.
In return a probe will scan a ring area along their low orbit with the size of the current scan range from the livestream,
while the backup option just scans a certain reduced radius around the focal point of backup DSS scan.
I'd make the return automatically after a single circumnavigation, requiring the explorer to stay put.
But you would be able to use the gravity of the body and the ui-elements to fire off the probe in a set orbit.
Time wise double the time a probe required in the livestream to hit the backside of a planet and take that time
for a focussed scan via the backup function, when out of probes from the DSS base scan.
Additionally allow for players to provide service and transfer probes freely.
Last but not least make the probe a pilotable object in multi-crew,
so MC explorers can enjoy their time and we will see some probing
shenanigans in MC.
Interface wise the new FSS scanner could be used while being close
(in probing range) to a body, allowing to focus the scan with a flashy new UI.
All could be happy with that i think.
Thoughts?
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