Awhile back I figured a 'better way' to fire my mining lasers at a rock. Once I'm not flying a ship to Jaques station 22 kylies out and I'm back in the bubble I'll update the guide, but since that could be a while I'll explain now:
To help your drones work effectively, you need to be relatively close to the rock when you fire mining lasers at it.
Furthermore, it's smart to fire at the 'axis' if it's a big spinning rock.
But a further trick: Fire at a slight downward angle, and adjust said firing angle so the rocks fly off underneath your ship. It's a lot easier on your drone not having to fly left or right then dive back under your ship.
To help your drones work effectively, you need to be relatively close to the rock when you fire mining lasers at it.
Furthermore, it's smart to fire at the 'axis' if it's a big spinning rock.
But a further trick: Fire at a slight downward angle, and adjust said firing angle so the rocks fly off underneath your ship. It's a lot easier on your drone not having to fly left or right then dive back under your ship.